It’s a banner year for high school baseball in Lake and Sumter counties, as eight local programs have earned spots in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) State Regional Playoffs—believed to be the highest number of qualifiers from the area in recent memory.

From dominant #1 seeds to first-time playoff appearances, local squads are gearing up for a thrilling postseason.

CLASS 3A: SOUTH SUMTER SECURES TOP SEED, UMATILLA & THE VILLAGES JOIN THE PARTY

#8 Astronaut at #1 South Sumter (20-4)

After capturing the Class 3A District 7 Championship, South Sumter rides a wave of momentum into the regional playoffs. The Raiders, led by standout arms Malakhi Boone, Grant Polk, Tyson Lake, and Cody Deason, have been nearly untouchable. Ismael Rodriguez continues to shine, making South Sumter a formidable force. They’ll host Astronaut High in a best-of-three series. With home-field advantage and dominant pitching, the Raiders are favorites to advance—and could face a rematch with district rival Nature Coast Tech in the semifinals.

#5 Umatilla at #4 Nature Coast Tech

Umatilla is peaking at the right time, with senior ace Wyatt Strawbridge leading the charge both on the mound and at the plate. Junior Aiden Ross (.359 AVG), Tate Bagwell, and Keegan St. Amant provide offensive firepower. But Nature Coast Tech, fresh off a tight battle with South Sumter, will be no easy opponent. This one is a toss-up with major implications.

#3 The Villages at #6 Palatka (18-8)}

Despite a narrow 2-1 loss to Umatilla in the district semifinal, The Villages (20-6) remains one of the region’s most dangerous teams. Marcello Cortale (.487 AVG) and base-stealing machine Torin Foley headline a deep roster. Palatka, however, enters as a district champion with momentum and home-field advantage in Games 1 and 2. This matchup could go the distance but The Villages remain my favorite to win this matchup. Best case scenario for The Villages is to win this one in two games providing rest for their pitchers going into a huge likely matchup in the regional semifinals with North Marion who are the #2 seed in the region.

CLASS 6A: LAKE MINNEOLA AIMS TO PROVE ITSELF

#4 Melbourne at #5 Lake Minneola (20-7)

Fresh off a district title, Lake Minneola looks to extend its postseason run. Starters Brady Montrowl (77 K, 13 ER) and Jacob Cali (47 K, 8 ER) give the Hawks a strong one-two punch. Junior Colson May adds depth with a 0.88 ERA. They’ll face Melbourne, a well-tested squad with a balanced attack. The Hawks will need top-tier performances across the board to pull off what would be an upset in the first round. But for Lake Minneola the way this team is playing perhaps they can show everyone that they should have been the #4 seed. What a fun series this will be! If you are in Clermont get out the next two nights and root on the Hawks!

CLASS 1A: HISTORIC MOMENTS FOR MDCA AND FIRST ACADEMY-LEESBURG

#8 Countryside Christian at #1 Mount Dora Christian Academy (13-13)

MDCA’s record may not turn heads, but their strength of schedule certainly does. With ace Ethan Priest approaching 70 strikeouts, the Bulldogs are primed for a deep run. They’re heavy favorites in the opener against Countryside Christian. Believe it or not this is one of the best complete teams MDCA has had recently and they will be among the favorites to make a run at the State Final Four this year.

#7 First Academy-Leesburg at #2 Orangewood Christian

For the first time in school history, First Academy-Leesburg has earned a regional playoff berth. The moment was made possible by a clutch home run from Collin Herrell in the district semifinal. Though they fell to MDCA in the final, the Eagles made history and look to continue their Cinderella story. This is just an awesome thing to see. This school is small but mighty and while this first round matchup is going to prove difficult, FA-Leesburg deserves to be in this position.

CLASS 4A: MOUNT DORA & EUSTIS ROUND OUT LOCAL REPRESENTATION

#5 Lake Wales at #4 Mount Dora

Mount Dora High will host Lake Wales in a battle of evenly matched teams. The Hurricanes are enjoying one of their best seasons in years, thanks in part to the stellar pitching of Jacob James. A win could set up a showdown with regional powerhouse Bishop Moore, a team Mount Dora knows all too well and most of our local teams do. Bishop Moore has had Lake & Sumter County’s number for many years. This is going to be an amazing series.

#7 Eustis at #2 Mulberry (20-7)

Eustis enters as an underdog, but they’re no strangers to gritty baseball. Senior Dallas Rasmussen (.321 AVG) and Andrew Walker will be key if the Panthers hope to knock off a strong Mulberry squad. Head Coach Tony Thomas has his team believing, and in the playoffs, belief can go a long way. If Eustis can control the game on the mound and let their bats get to work, they will have a chance for a massive upset in the first round. Don’t look past this Eustis High School team.

Now it’s your turn. Get out tonight and please go support your local high school baseball teams. They have all worked so hard to earn this opportunity. Now they need our support! Come on out, root root root for the local team of your choice! Bring a chair, get a hot dog, some sunflower seeds and a beverage and enjoy a beautiful evening. Fingers crossed for all of them!