2009 all-county Baseball team
Player of the Year
Tony Cerverizzo, Bowie, Sr.
Whenever Bowie High played a big game this season, the senior right-hander was on the mound. He was the winning pitcher in nine of Bowie's 16 victories, including three wins against Eleanor Roosevelt and the 4A South Region championship against High Point. He compiled a 1.89 ERA, 76 strikeouts and allowed just 36 hits in 55 2/3 innings. He also was a key contributor on offense with a .440 batting average, including 22 hits and 17 runs scored.
Coach of the Year
Terry Terrill, Riverdale Baptist, 33rd year
The 32-7 Crusaders closed the season with a 19-game winning streak. "Our record was 6-6 at one time and I thought we'd be fortunate to win 15 games," said Terrill, who has 863 career wins over a 33-year career. "This became one of my most rewarding seasons." Terrill pointed to wins against Cardinal Gibbons and C.M. Wright in early April as defining moments. The Crusaders were 8-6 prior to beating Gibbons, then won 24 of their final 25 games.
First Team
Dylan Thompson, Bowie, Jr.
The junior second baseman and leadoff hitter led the team in batting average (.552), hits (32), doubles (10), RBIs (20) walks (17) and stolen bases (10).
Jeff Polanco, High Point, Sr.
The senior catcher threw out nearly half of the runners that attempted to steal on him this season, while hitting .500 with five home runs, including a grand slam.
Miguel Frias, High Point, Sr.
The senior pitcher went 6-0 with a 1.60 ERA. He also was dangerous at the plate with a .475 batting average.
Aaron Alston, Roosevelt, Jr.
The junior outfielder was the Raiders' leadoff hitter and led the team in batting average (.455), hits (20), runs (17), stolen bases (nine) and was second in RBIs (14).
Matt Chernesky, Roosevelt, So.
The sophomore pitcher was nearly unhittable for the Raiders this season. He finished with a 5-1 record and a 0.90 ERA. He struck out 38, while walking just eight in 31 innings.
Sean Woods, Oxon Hill, Jr.
The junior pitcher/shortstop was the team's top hitter with a .567 average and five home runs. He also led the team with a 2.61 ERA with two victories and a save.
Sam Stefanelli, St. Vincent Pallotti, Sr.
The senior pitcher/first baseman was hitting .559 with 28 RBIs before missing the last few games of the season with a broken hand. He was 5-2 with a 3.02 ERA and was named all-league in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference .
Brandon Proctor, Gwynn Park, Sr.
The Concord (W.Va.) University-bound left-hander helped the Yellow Jackets regain the County 3A/2A/1A League title, winning seven games and posting a 0.67 ERA with two saves and 90-plus strikeouts. He also hit .612 with seven doubles and five triples.
Andrew Byrd, Henry A. Wise, So.
The sophomore was the pitcher of record in all of the Pumas' wins this season, including a 3-2 victory against County 4A League champ Bowie. He struck out 85, including a 10-strikeout performance against Eleanor Roosevelt.
Malik Clark, Flowers, Jr.
The Jaguars' captain led the team defensively and at the plate. The junior catcher posted team highs in batting average and home runs and also scored 17 runs.
C.J. Poad, Riverdale Baptist, Sr.
The Roanoke (Va.) College-bound senior hit .417 with 34 runs scored, 35 RBIs, 14 stolen bases and 10 doubles. He played catcher, shortstop and third base this season.
Matt Selmer Jr., Riverdale Baptist, Jr.
The junior led the Crusaders in hits (46), doubles (15), shared the RB lead with Poad with 35 and batted .418. As a pitcher he won nine of 12 starts, posting 63 strikeouts and a 2.10 ERA.
Chris Cook, DeMatha, Sr.
The three-year starting shortstop hit .373 with four home runs, 25 hits and 24 RBIs, and was selected to the All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference First Team. He will attend George Mason University in the fall.
Kyle Riffe, DeMatha, Jr.
The junior third baseman had seven home runs and 25 RBIs, with seven extra base hits and three stolen bases. He was selected to the All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference First Team.
Second Team
Abe Batal and Malik Bob, Riverdale Baptist
Josh Bushee, Gwynn Park
Denzel Blanks, Frederick Douglass
Jayson Harmon, Dajahn Frant and Mohamed Conteh, Largo
Orze Killgo, Larry Green and Derrick Johnson, Friendly
Jason Buckley and P.J. Martindale, St. Vincent Pallotti
Leandro Guzman, High Point
Jebari Weeks, Charles H. Flowers
Nick Willousgby, DeMatha
Alex Hanavin and David Carmen, Laurel
Chris Roy, Eleanor Roosevelt
Mike Grzeskiewicz and David Webster, Bowie.
The All-County Baseball Team was selected by The Gazette's sports staff based on our observations during the season, statistics and nominations from coaches. The writeups were compiled by Joshua Hudson and Adam Rubenstein.