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FHSAA State Championships: 5A Recap

May 18, 2025
Rocco Iervasi & Cayden Hatcher
Prep Baseball Florida Directors

 
FORT MYERS, FL – The 2025 FHSAA Class 5A Baseball State Championships at Hammond Stadium delivered a thrilling three-game saga, with the Mater Academy Charter Lions emerging as champions through a blend of resilience, timely hitting, and dominant pitching. Facing off against Wesley Chapel, Lincoln, and Fort Myers, the Lions showcased their depth and determination, culminating in a commanding title win that left an indelible mark on Florida high school baseball.

Semifinal: Wesley Chapel vs. Lincoln

The journey began on Thursday, May 15, as the Wesley Chapel Wildcats took on the Lincoln Trojans in a semifinal clash that highlighted their offensive firepower. The Wildcats wasted no time, striking in the first inning when Cole Ranchel’s single drove in a run for a 1-0 lead. JoJo Guevara’s single in the third extended the advantage to 2-0, setting the stage for a breakout performance.
Wesley Chapel’s bats erupted, amassing 14 hits in the game. Guevara and Ranchel each drove in two runs, while Zorre Wright, Dylan Pabon, and Jacob Christensen contributed multiple hits. Aiden Nguyen anchored the mound, tossing a complete seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits with three strikeouts.
Lincoln fought back, with Lucas Cannady and Nate Dietz each driving in a run, and Neal Porter and Chase Fuller collecting two hits apiece. Dietz took the loss, surrendering two runs on six hits over four innings. The Trojans couldn’t keep pace, falling 7-2. Wesley Chapel marched to the final, their offensive onslaught sending a message.


Semifinal: Mater Academy vs. Fort Myers

In the other semifinal, the Mater Academy Lions faced a daunting challenge against the Fort Myers Green Wave, who jumped out to a commanding lead. Fort Myers struck early, with Ashton Mora’s two-RBI double and Cory Banasiak’s single in the first, followed by Mora’s double in the second and William Davey’s single in the third, building a 5-0 advantage. Mora led the Green Wave with three RBIs, going 2-for-4, while Luke Fleming, Mora, and Michael Magas each had two hits.
But Mater Academy refused to fold. In the bottom of the fifth, the Lions mounted a stunning rally, sparked by Brandon Lorenzo’s single, Dylan Fernandez’s walk, Bryan Fernandez’s sacrifice fly, and Jacob Amador’s single down the right-field line, each driving in a run. The outburst gave Mater Academy a 7-5 lead, and they never looked back, adding an insurance run later. Vladil Baldepina was a hero in relief, pitching 4.1 innings, allowing one run, and striking out seven.

Mater Academy’s nine hits were led by Eiker Norega’s perfect 3-for-3 day and Amador’s 2-for-2 performance, while Fernandez drove in two runs from the eighth spot. Fort Myers’ 11 hits weren’t enough to withstand Mater Academy’s comeback, securing an 8-5 victory and a spot in the championship.

Final: Mater Academy vs. Wesley Chapel

On Saturday, May 17, Mater Academy and Wesley Chapel met for the Class 5A crown, and the Lions’ early aggression set the tone. In the bottom of the first, Bryan Arrieta’s two-RBI single and Alfrin Rosario’s double plated three runs, giving Mater Academy a 3-0 lead. Eiker Norega’s single in the second pushed the advantage to 4-0, and the Lions kept the pressure on, finishing with a 6-1 rout.

Rosario was the star on the mound, tossing 6.1 innings, allowing one run on nine hits, and striking out seven. Adrian Pena closed out the game in relief, ensuring the victory. Arrieta led the offense with two RBIs, going 1-for-3, while Norega went 2-for-3 from the leadoff spot.

Wesley Chapel’s nine hits were paced by Nolan Hartley and Dylan Pabon, who each had two, while Cole Ranchel drove in their lone run. Starter Chase Flemming took the loss, allowing three runs in one inning. Mater Academy’s early offensive surge and stellar pitching sealed the championship.

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