Story
Softball preview: Lake Worth Christian to depend on experience of a senior few
Monday, February 08, 2010
by
Joseph Kairalla
Lake Worth Christian reached the Class 1A state semifinals a season ago, but much of that team is gone, including its head coach and star player Sarah Shifflett, who transferred to Park Vista during the offseason.
But with a new coach — Michael Dudeck, who came over from Spanish River — and a trio of senior experience, the Defenders believe they can make another run deep into the state tourney.
The team's only three seniors — center fielder Kelsey Kryzwada, third baseman Alezandra Geesey and pitcher Niska Kuebler will share the role of captain.
"I couldn't be any more impressed with those three than I have been so far," Dudeck said. "It's very difficult to come in and take over a winning program but those three have been my teachers to date — and now it's time for me to become their leader."
While all three players will be valuable to the team's success, the most pressure will clearly be on Kuebler, the reigning three-time small schools Palm Beach Post All-Area Player of the Year. Because of the many important games she's pitched over the years, Kuebler said pressure doesn't bother her, it only motivates her.
"I know this team expects a lot out of me, but I've grown used to that. I always stay positive and focus on good results — that relieves any pressure," said Kuebler, who recently signed to pitch for Palm Beach State College.
She said in the off-season she added three mph to her fastball (now topping out at 57) and two additional pitches — a rise ball and a change up — to her repertoire. Dudeck expects those additions to make her even more dominant.
"Pitching will be the strength of our team and Niska is the reason for that," he said.
One thing that separates the Defenders from other small schools in the area is their willingness to schedule tougher competition on top of their 1A district schedule. This season Lake Worth Christian plays Park Vista, Spanish River and Wellington.
Dudeck said it isn't easy getting the top big schools to schedule the Defenders.
"It's tough because the big schools really have nothing to gain by playing us," he said, adding it makes his team better.
Along with having a very young team, the Defenders' district will be tougher with the re-emergence of a loaded Grandview Prep team.
Last season the majority of Grandview Prep's players were ruled ineligible because of possible recruiting violations. This year all of those players are eligible.
"They're going to be a very good team — if not great; they're loaded at just about every position," Dudeck said of Grandview. "I expect the road to state to go through (Grandview) this year, but we're capable of beating them with Niska and if we mature like I expect."
The Post Top 10
1. Palm Beach Gardens — One of the best staffs in area have the Gators ready for a state title run.
2. Park Vista — Lost a lot of players, but reloading is not a problem.
3. Lake Worth Christian — Pitcher Niska Kuebler guarantees the Defenders a shot at a state title.
4. Cardinal Newman — Won 21 games last year, capable of doing it again.
5. Dwyer — Catcher Clare Hosack leads a strong Panther team.
6. Suncoast — Pitching and defense will be solid, but can they score enough?
7. Grandview Prep — Should be the surprise team in the area, loaded at every position.
8. Jupiter — Solid across the board, primed for another good season.
9. American Heritage — Three returning pitchers have the Stallions looking good.
10. Spanish River — New coach leads a Sharks team with a very strong offense.
Players to watch
Niska Kuebler, Lake Worth Christian, Sr., pitcher: Three-time Palm Beach Post player of the year.
Haley Fleming, Palm Beach Gardens, Sr., 2B: Hit .425 as a junior, can play anywhere.
Alex Geesey, Lake Worth Christian, Sr., 3B: One of the best athletes and 3B in the area. Great defensive player.
Amber Lindahl, Park Vista, Sr., catcher: Standout catcher just signed with Memphis, hit .531 last year.
Francesca Singletary, Spanish River, Sr., catcher: Fourth in the area last season with a .526 average.
Taylor Bayne, Atlantic, Sr., SS: Led the county in hitting last year with a .565 average.
Clare Hosack, Dwyer, Sr., catcher: Leader of the Panthers, solid all-around player.
Marissa Thomas, Park Vista, Sr., 3B: Good power to all fields, hit three HRs last year.
Jordanne Kessel, Palm Beach Central, Sr., SS: Steady on defense, third in the area in RBI last season.
Veronica Alred, Suncoast, Sr., catcher: Top-10 in HR, RBI and runs last year.
User Comments:
Rich Tracy commented on February 9, 2010 at 6:29 a.m.: flag
You guys obviously have not seen or heard about Park Vista so far in the pre-season. Re-loading was a problem.
Rich Tracy commented on February 9, 2010 at 6:29 a.m.: flag
You guys obviously have not seen or heard about Park Vista so far in the pre-season. Re-loading was a problem.
The OBC commented on February 9, 2010 at 10:09 a.m.: flag
Let's talk about #7Grandview Prep.
They move a Travel Softball Team into the school along with at least one other player illegally recruited from another school, according to the FHSAA ruling. Spend what, one or two years on probation? And now they want to contend for a Championship?
The FSHAA should make it illegal for either the kids or the Coach to ever compete for the school. That would end these shenanigans. But then, most of us that have been watching softball for years are not surprised by this act or by this team. Were you afraid of the competition at your home school Coach? It looks like the AD from GP simply took the blueprint to build a basketball team and applied it to softball. It is a good thing the generous Benefactor at GP has deep pockets. I miss the good ole days of the All Star Academy.
Delray Mike commented on February 9, 2010 at 11:50 a.m.: flag
I could not agree more with OBC. But ever since they let Park Vista bring in teams under the veil of Magnet Programs this has been going on everywhere. The reason they went to Grandview is they knew they could not make the Park Vista program where they probably belong, or because their coach wants to fulfill some dream of a state championship. The world of travel continues to infiltrate high school sports and the only people to suffer - as always - are the children, in and out of the guilty programs.
Yet you wind up with kids that blindly go to their assigned school only to find out academics or personal safety are at risk and when they leave or plan to leave they are told by the school AD that the FHSAA will not let them play sports at their new school. If they move schools even after one day in the weak or unsafe school they forfeit their ability to play any sports for the year. The old rule allowed the AD to do his own investigation and grant an athletic release based on his/her findings. Now it is ZERO tolerance - NOT FAIR but so far is being enforced properly so everyone SEEMS to be playing by the rules. But then again the true recruiters start their process 6 months to a year before everyone else and make sure their players know what to do and how.
Let's HOPE the FHSAA truly enforces their new rule next year about ZERO tolerance on Travel Coaches coaching at the same school their players go to during the school year. This rule should upset places like Park Vista, American Heritage Delray, Grandview Prep, West Boca, and most of the big boys ranked year after year. BUT time will tell if the FHSAA is willing to take as hard a line with AD's & Coaches as they do with the student/athlete that just wants to play. I have spoken to a few coaches that either plan to do what they do until they get reported or caught OR just don't believe the FHSAA and/or AD's are truly going to enforce it.
Good luck to all the girls on the teams that do it the right way - Atlantic, John I. Leonard, Boca High, etc., and especially to Lake Worth Christian as they have to face this recruited Goliath in their new District.
The OBC commented on February 9, 2010 at 12:20 p.m.: flag
Delray Mike,
100% correct, although I would not make Park Vista the poster child for softball magnets. I would be willing to bet that PV had more girls on their team live in their district last year and this year than Gardens.
Unfortunately for Grandview, when they get to state, they will play two programs that recruit better than they do.
RELOADED commented on February 9, 2010 at 12:28 p.m.: flag
Rich Tracey - Remeber, you're talking about the 'preseason'. The Post did their homework.The Cobras don't rebuild...they reload
So very true OBC commented on February 9, 2010 at 12:37 p.m.: flag
As stacked as Palm Beach Gardens is with good players, there are those who go to Gardens high for the "sports magnet" program in order to be on that team. Anyone who has a daughter that has played travel ball will definately have seen Randy Jackson at tournaments/showcases.
Case in point--go to college rosters to view a certain player and see what their academic major is.
Softball commented on February 9, 2010 at 2:48 p.m.: flag
Lets talk about "The OBC"
You obviously have no prior knowledge to what is going on at Grandview Preparatory School. If you knew anything at all, you would know that the athletic director does not recruit any high school athletes to go play there. In regards to softball, Yes, SOME of the girls are on a travel team together, but no one was illegally recruited and the girls had to wait out a year so that they can qualify for championship this year. They're just a new team that could possibly dominate, obviously people are going to complain.
stephanie 512 commented on February 9, 2010 at 7:43 p.m.: flag
Well first of all, you guys are talking bad about grandview and thats okay i understand you guys are scared. Like really get a life and get over your self, there are some girls from the same travel team, its called friends. They waited out the year like they were supposed to, so let them play. Sorry that your scared and intimidated by this young team, lets just play the game. Get over it! Plus im sure they love the hating so keep it coming.
Joe Doe commented on February 9, 2010 at 8:05 p.m.: flag
Hey guys...why the focus on Grandview Prep when all the other schools have been doing it for years. Nothing was said then. Grandview followed the designated rules, did their time, and sat out a year. So whats the problem?? Perhaps Grandview has other schools running scared because they are so talented and a true threat to compete for the district title.
contender commented on February 9, 2010 at 8:41 p.m.: flag
obc what are you so afraid of half the team is not even in high school yet! Or is that what your scared of . WHO CARES JUST WORRY ABOUT YOUR OWN TEAM!!
Re: Joe Doe commented on February 9, 2010 at 8:45 p.m.: flag
I agree with Joe doe, why is the main focus and hate on grandview? And it's funny that you try and say Boca High and Lake Worth Christian don't recruit. Have you seen the bobcats soccer team? Or how about Lake Worth's girls basketball team? Oh it's okay if they have an extremely "loaded" team but god forbid a group of girls go to a school together to play ball. They sat out a year and payed their dues so quit you're whining and complaining. Clearly the only reason you do is because they have a vary talented team and are more than likely headed for that state title. A little competition for the defenders and people go crazy. Well listen here, they are eligible, and are going to kick some serious ass. But keep hating, it only makes them more motivated. Good luck ;)
GP ! commented on February 9, 2010 at 11:27 p.m.: flag
OBC - we don't "want to contend for a championship" ... we're winning that championship. Thank you very much :)
The OBC commented on February 10, 2010 at 12:08 a.m.: flag
For the record, I don't have a daughter playing softball at LWC or anywhere else and could care less who wins.
What I do care about is right and wrong. I believe in doing things the right way and rules and laws are made to obey. Finding a loophole in a state rule so you can try to win a state championship is wrong, plain and simple. You are still guilty even after a sentence is served. The way the Grandview team was built is wrong and the FHSAA agreed. Just because they sat out a year does not remove the fact that it was done illegally to begin with. You can't change that fact. There is no hating going on here, nobody is scared of anything or anyone. This is not life or death, it is just high school sports but people tend to get upset when others get ahead by illegal means. They had to sit out a year because it was done illegally so don't act like you are the victims.
I do have a question for GP, did you self report to the FHSAA or did someone turn you in? I might gain an ounce of respect if you self reported.
And in reference to the comments made by "softball". Actually, I am sure that I do know exactly what is going on at Grandview Preparatory School. Not that they are any different from a bunch of other schools in the state.
Softball fan commented on February 10, 2010 at 2:37 a.m.: flag
FYI,,, Folks, Park Vista's team has only 1 player on Varsity from outside the Park Vista area. and she is not attending Park Vista on a sports magnet.
Dont think you can say the same for Palm Beach Gardens. Thats were the recruiting is really heavy. Just ask Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, and even John I. Leonard where some of their potential players are playing??? Really wonder how many girls on Palm Beach Gardens team actually live in the Palm Beach Gardens area.
Softball commented on February 10, 2010 at 7:34 a.m.: flag
LWC is overrated and will only get far this year because they are only in 1a. Also Cardinal Newman has many of their good players gone so they probably won't do as well. Why are only big school players included in players to watch and not the small schools, they have many girls that are good that are players to watch. This is why after these next two years softball will go under because of all the softball politics,
Softball commented on February 10, 2010 at 7:40 a.m.: flag
Also for the past two years Niska doesn't deserve player of the year. If palm beach post took the time and actually looked at her work ethic compared to the other girls, Niska's is crap. She doesn't work hard compared to some girls like Amber Martin one year and many other girls who work hard and play tough competition. So maybe if palm beach post stopped and looked into players instead of taking bribes from father's then maybe they will be give player of the year to someone who deserves it.
The OBC commented on February 10, 2010 at 8:14 a.m.: flag
"Softball"
Now you resort to trashing other schools and their players by name, real class move. You have proven who and what you are. How do you know if someone works hard or not? We now know you are just another bad, envious, softball parent because you don't have a clue. People like you are what is ruining softball and creating the politics.
Mariah123xoxox commented on February 10, 2010 at 9:47 a.m.: flag
Grandview is a terrible team.. I woudlnt worry about them. They cheated, they deserve to lose.
23223 commented on February 10, 2010 at 9:52 a.m.: flag
Grandview has an exceptional education program; no wonder why great athletes want to get this type of education.
11softball11 commented on February 10, 2010 at 9:52 a.m.: flag
So when Grandview beats you ... your going to use this as an excuse right?
If you werent so insecure about your own team, you wouldnt have to hate on grandviews.
Stop talking and just see them ON THE FIELD.....
Haters only give them better motivation.
Been There commented on February 10, 2010 at 10:18 a.m.: flag
" To The OBC" comment this morning at 8:14am:
As a parent of a child who started playing softball at 8, who played through middle school, was a 4 year varsity starter in high school, 4 years of year-round travel ball and showcases, who started and played in college, (now a college graduate) softball was ruined LONG ago by "politics" and "daddy ball." It 's nothing new and just continues.
Ha Ha commented on February 10, 2010 at 11:32 a.m.: flag
"Mariah"
Grandview is a terrible team? interesting considering you've never seen them play
PRIDE commented on February 10, 2010 at 11:47 a.m.: flag
Everyone wait till the season, we will see who wins. Who ever wins is better. LWC dont act like you dont recruit !!
"Mariah" Grandview will beat whatever team your talking about, umm so i think you should worry!!
Baseball MOM commented on February 10, 2010 at 3:33 p.m.: flag
Now, now, everyone - can't we all just get along!!!???!!!!
My son plays high school baseball and has played travel for years, so I understand the, say, passion the competition ignites. However, as a softball and baseball fan,spectator, parent the insane back and forth on this sort of forum accomplishes nothing. Parents, let the kids play and stay out of it. Girls, boast with your ability, not your words here. This is all very silly.
Boca Bob commented on February 11, 2010 at 11:58 a.m.: flag
I heard through the grapevine that this conversation was going on and was getting out of hand. I have now read all the comments and would like to point out a few things. As a parent of two children that went through the system from travel to high school and then on to their individual colleges; I have seen and I have been approached with these types of recruitment offers. Instead, I have made what I felt was the best decision for my children. They often wished I had taken some of the offers and put them in programs that were more successful BUT what lesson would they take from that? The lessons parents and coaches are teaching these young men and women is that recruiting just inside or outside the rules is okay as long as you don't get caught, are willing to do the minimal time for the crime and/or can still look yourself in the mirror.
1) almost every program recruits or points out to the parents how they might get their girls or boys into a particular program (St. Andrews for soccer; Grandview for Basketball, their first baseball team and now softball; West Boca had more Atlantic High kids taking culinary arts program on their football team then Atlantic had but also for their Softball, Baseball and Soccer; Boca High pushes that STEM program down everyone's throat and brings in their Soccer kids; Pope John Paul has had the Team Boca Head guy there and brought in a group of girls to make and keep them strong in soccer; American Heritage - why didn't anyone throw any stones at that glass house?; I did enjoy the gall last year of Park Vista turning in Boca High for recruiting one of their players.) of course there are others not mentioned and plenty to our South but I hope you all get my point.
2) No where in the Post article or in the comments by OBC or Delray Mike did I see anything calling out a player by name or more importantly claiming a school was afraid of another school. I am sure the programs in the different teams districts will play their games as other have in the past and hope their program is able to compete. So calling people afraid to play seems even more petty and childish than anything else I read here. Why did anyone need to go there about individual players. That was very wrong. BUT the girls mentioned in here by name did nothing wrong to anyone, the Lake Worth girl is a very solid player, as I have had the opportunity to watch her over the years, it is never the players fault when nominated by the coaches she plays against for an award that she has earned. I have seen Coaches with recruited teams win Coach of the Year and I scratched my head and said WOW - why? To me that award could go to the winning programs coach but many times a coach that may have a 13 - 13 season could have or should have been coach of the year.
3) Finally - the one thing I hope we can all agree on is that the FHSAA has a new rule coming out next year regarding Coaches of Travel Programs being unable to Coach their own Travel players at their schools. Let's all hope and pray that rule comes to pass and is enforced then recruiting won't matter because it won't be allowed to happen.
As a fan of the games I go by parks now to replace the times I used to get to watch my own play softball, football & soccer. I look for good games and even begin to become a fan of certain players. In theory and a perfect world the girls that sat out last year should have been sent back to their home schools but they weren't. The FHSAA rule has the loop-hole from back when Michael Irvin illegally transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas (talk about a recruiting factory). So this year the girls get to play BUT next year they'll need to find a new coaching staff if it is true that the coaches there are also their travel coaches.
So good luck to everyone and every team and I hope that the teams that deserve to win do win and the teams that have recruited are met with disappointment.
PLAY BALL !!! By the way didn't gardens loose last night to Palm Beach Central ??? So much for recruiting.
Soccer Fan commented on February 11, 2010 at 5:21 p.m.: flag
Boca Bob, thank you for an intelligent, well though comment. However, there is a major loophole for your #3
"...FHSAA has a new rule coming out next year regarding Coaches of Travel Programs being unable to Coach their own Travel players at their schools. Let's all hope and pray that rule comes to pass and is enforced then recruiting won't matter because it won't be allowed to happen."
Many of the coaches do not technically coach the athletes on their teams. They are often "directors of coaching" or "division directors" or other positions within the clubs the kids are with. This also would do nothing for football since there is not "club" football teams. You would have to make a rule that the high school coaches cannot be associated in any official capacity with the clubs the kids are with; and that would be very difficult.
Hopefully there will be a way to stop all of the dishonesty. Unfortunately, for many athletic departments and parents, they will sacrafice their ethics for trips to state tournaments.
Boca Bob commented on February 11, 2010 at 6:36 p.m.: flag
Well said and unfortunately I am sure that loophole has already been exploited in the coming summer travel worlds plans.
Again, I feel for the kids learning the wrong lessons.
I hope there is success for thoe paying attention t the rules and thatthese super teams are somehow derailed in the name of honesty & integrity - two dirt words in this society.
bebo commented on February 14, 2010 at 7:39 p.m.: flag
What about PBC 4-1 Beat Grandview 7-2 Don't worry about GV
Softball Mom commented on February 15, 2010 at 10:36 p.m.: flag
Adult egos and politics need to be put aside....not one team out there is completely innocent...so those in glass houses should not cast stones...let's remember what we are all out here for...THE GIRLS. I am sure there are plenty of more important things out there in everybody's life and the world than to worry about who recruited whom to where...may the BEST TEAM win!
r&n commented on February 18, 2010 at 10:10 a.m.: flag
for one thing lwcs does not recruit. for the second thing father's have nothing to do interrferring with the post to decide whether or not their daughter should be play of the year or not. im just ready jealousy the whole way down this page. we will see who comes out strong this year!
Dman commented on February 18, 2010 at 2:12 p.m.: flag
To all you out there that think the PBG Gators are comprised
of all recruiting efforts, you may want to check the roster and see
how many of these girls are not in magnet programs, you'll be
suprised to know most came out of the excellent rec programs
that were available to them since they were 5. Get over yourselves.
pbc softball! commented on February 22, 2010 at 1:41 p.m.: flag
I personally played grandview, and they are not a bad team to be trashing. EVERY highschool team has girls who play on the same travel team, u cant help that. So what the ended up playing for their coach, theres only a few girls. I play for pbc and we lost to grandview for our first game. they have a good young team. we ended up beating them in the championship though :). and park vista does have a problem reloading, the majority of park vistas "studs" have graduated or is going to graduate. Palm Beach Central has an acceptional young program and has come very far.
crazy commented on March 21, 2010 at 10:32 a.m.: flag
everyone ia all crazy let the kids play parents watch and enjoy the sports when your kids gets to next level and play sports which scouts recruits the players they select to play in college i always tell my daughter to better herself everyone relax and enjoy the sport and your kids
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