THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 24, 1996 TAG: 9603230106
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 26 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 97 lines
THE TIDEWATER CONFERENCE of Independent Schools hasn't always been known as a baseball league, but that is starting to change.
Greenbrier Christian and Nansemond-Suffolk won state championships last season and Catholic was runnerup to the Saints. Three members of the 1995 All-TCIS team - Jeremy Elms, Eddie Gosman and Walt Bondurant - are playing college baseball this spring and two more should be next season.
Once again Greenbrier, N-SA and Catholic look like the class of the conference. The Gators have won four consecutive state titles and have a pitcher, Nick James, who is receiving Division I attention.
N-SA has a legitimate ace in Mike Johnston and an all-conference infielder in slugging catcher David Putnam. Catholic returns six starters and could challenge for the title if 6-4 Eric Washburn develops into a dependable No. 1 starter.
A team-by-team look at the conference:
GREENBRIER CHRISTIAN
Coach: Gary Lavelle
1995 record:27-5
Key performers: Nick James (Sr., P, 10-1, 1.50 ERA); Chad Dunlow (Sr., OF, 410 BA, 4 HR); Nick Huneycutt (Jr., P-INF, 4-4, .356 BA); Tom Keiper (Jr., P-INF-OF, 3-0, .285 BA).
Outlook: James heads a pitching staff that accounted for 17 of the team's 27 wins last year. Dunlow and Lantrip supply power. Robertson is a slick fielder with plenty of hits in is bat. A fifth straight state Division I private school title is not out of the question.
CAPE HENRY COLLEGIATE
Coach: Joe Harvich
1995 record: 8-9
Key performers: Andy Tihou (So., P-1B-OF, .425 BA, 1.95 ERA); Kyle Fellenbaum (Jr., SS-P, .348 BA); Brian Kelley (Sr., P-3B-OF, .310 BA); Nick Schliske (Jr., 2B); West Neubeck (So. C); Ski Babinski (Jr., P).
Outlook: Tihou is an emerging star, but Dolphins lack depth and experience to finish in first division.
CATHOLIC
Coach: Jerry Carmody
1995 record: 20-6
Key performers: Travis Evans (Sr., OF-C-P, .400 BA); Brian Conley (Sr., 2B-SS-P, .300 BA); Roy Barry (Sr., 3B-P); Eric Washburn (Jr., P-1B-DH, .400 BA); Jeff Graves (Jr., OF-SS); Jeff Alberts (So., C-INF, .400 BA).
Outlook: Six starters return from state runnerup. Offense should be productive with three .400 hitters, but pitching is a question mark. Washburn, who lost state final, moves to up to staff ace.
NANSEMOND-SUFFOLK
Coach: Bill Harris
1995 record: 19-3
Key performers: Mike Johnston (Sr., P-SS, 4-1, 1.89 ERA); Mike Vizcaino (Jr., P-OF-1B); Dave Putnam (So., C, .300 BA); Joe Riddick (Sr., 2B); Paul Fleming (Sr., 1B); Joby Webb (Sr., 3B).
Outlook: Infield defense is a strength and Johnston is a solid No. 1 starter. Outfield and pitching depth are questions marks. How effectively Vizcaino bounces back from shoulder surgery could tell tale. He batted .395 as a freshman.
NORFOLK ACADEMY
Coach: Jon Waite
1995 record: 18-11
Key performers: Teddy Rice (Sr., C); Chip Cutchins (Sr., OF); Tommy Van Hoose (Jr., P-1B); Herman Hall (Sr., OF); Jason Kypros (Sr., P-3B); Joey Trout (Jr., 2B, .323 BA).
Outlook: Rice, Trout and Cutchins, who led team in home runs and RBIs, form core of decent offense. Van Hoose has experience on the mound, but there is no proven No. 2 starter.
NORFOLK CHRISTIAN
Coach: Dave Walker
1995 record: 8-9
Key performers: Brian McNabb (Sr., OF); Kevin Ryan (Sr., INF); Brian Kish (Jr., INF); Andy McNabb (So. C); Matt James (Sr., INF); Kyle McNiff (Sr., OF); J.B. Stovall (Fr., P-INF).
Outlook: The Ambassadors have a solid returning core, but lack pitching and power. Stovall, a transfer from Fork Union, could help fill pitching void.
NORFOLK COLLEGIATE
Coach: Larry Schwab
1995 record: 7-13
Key performers: Nick Jacovides (Jr., 3B-P, .391 BA); Ryan Walsh (Jr., CF-SS, .468 BA); Jason Cutrell (Jr., SS, .417 BA); Bryan Williams (Jr., OF-P, BA).
Outlook: With eight returning starters, Schwab predicts a breakthrough season. The offense should produce up and down the lineup. Schwab has five pitchers, but one must emerge as the ace if Oaks are to contend. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Nansemond-Suffolk shortstop Mike Johnston dives for the ball in a
game with Medina.
by CNB