ATHLETICS BASEBALL TEAM WINS DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP
Devon Prep’s Varsity Baseball team, under coach Mark Aquilante, won the PIAA Class AA District 1 Championship against New Hope-Solebury in early June. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer: Senior Ian Smith, backed by solid defense, pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning and guided the Tide to the championship with the 11-5 win. He entered the game in relief with the bases loaded, no outs and a 2-0 count. He got two infield pop-ups and a fly ball to center field to end the threat. Devon's victory ended New Hope's three-year reign as District 1 champion and avenged an 11-7 regular-season loss suffered on May 11. This is the first baseball championship for us since 1996," coach Aquilante said. "We lost to New Hope the past couple of years, so this is a great win for our kids. They deserve a ton of credit." Sophomore John LaPrise had two doubles, two RBIs and scored two runs, while senior Joe Donatoni drove in three runs and scored three times and Smith went 2 for 4 with two RBIs. After winning the district title, the TIDE moved on to the PIAA Class AA state playoffs. Unfortunately, their season ended with a 10-2 loss to District 11 champions, Catasauqua, in the opening round. Congratulations to the team on a great season (18-5). To see more photos: http://www.devonprep.com/baseballchamps2010.html
VARSITY PLAYERS HONORED Congratulations to the following varsity baseball players who made the All Bicentennial League list. FIRST TEAM: Seniors Andrew Carroll, Ian Smith and Sophomore John LaPrise. SECOND TEAM: Juniors Alex Pachella and Nick Pancerella and Senior Kevin Maloney. HONORABLE MENTION: Seniors Kevin Raftery and Joe Donatoni. Also several of our varsity players were named among the top HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYERS IN SOUTHEASTERN PA by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Congratulations to: Junior Nick Pancerella, named one of the Top 12 catchers. Nick was ranked as # 9. Senior Kevin Maloney, named one of the best 15 first basemen. Kevin was ranked #15. Listed as “Others to Watch” were: Senior Ian Smith, shortstop; Sophomore John LaPrise, second basemen; and Senior Andrew Carroll, outfielder .