News Summary

The Atlantic Coast Stingrays have once again claimed the Gateway Conference baseball title, achieving victory as a 5 seed. After an impressive tournament, culminating in an 11-1 win against the First Coast Buccaneers, the Stingrays showcased determination and skill. With a final record of 15-8, they celebrated their fifth county trophy, highlighting their remarkable journey from underdogs to champions. Notable performances included standout batting averages and strategic pitching, positioning them for the upcoming District 1-7A tournament.

Atlantic Coast Stingrays Crowned Gateway Conference Champions Again!

Jacksonville is buzzing with excitement as the Atlantic Coast Stingrays celebrate their second consecutive Gateway Conference baseball title. This time, they did it with gusto, overcoming the odds as a 5 seed in the tournament. Their journey to the championship was nothing short of thrilling and showcased the grit and determination of this local high school team.

Against All Odds

Entering the tournament, the Stingrays were determined to prove their worth after being underestimated. They took the field with a fire ignited by their lower ranking, showing what they were truly capable of in each of their games. Their road to victory saw them squaring off against various rivals, with each match adding to their growing confidence and team spirit.

In the final showdown against the First Coast Buccaneers, the Stingrays displayed sheer dominance, securing an impressive 11-1 victory. It was a culmination of hard work, strategy, and a desire to outshine their competition. Now, with a final tournament record of 15-8, they can bask in the glory of what they’ve achieved together.

A Journey of Growth

It’s remarkable to think how far Atlantic Coast has come. Just two years ago, they weren’t even in the conversation for a top twelve ranking within the county schools for Gateway baseball. Now, they’ve claimed the Duval County public high school trophy for the fifth time in the school’s 15-year history, previously clinching titles in 2012, 2015, 2016, and the last spring.

This year, the Stingrays accomplished a major feat by winning four games in just five days during the tournament. Their path looked like this:

  • 14-4 over Ribault
  • 12-2 over Baldwin
  • 6-3 over Mandarin
  • 11-1 in the finals against First Coast

Each victory added another win to their ever-growing tally and built the momentum they needed to go forth and claim their title.

Power Players Shine

Star performances were abundant in the final game, most notably from the team’s top three batters: Noah Prudencio, Anthony Selejan, and Wade Surber. These players combined to reach base a staggering nine times, a true testament to the power of their batting skills. The team’s overall batting average even saw a marked improvement, jumping from .263 last year to an impressive .315 in 2023.

Leading the charge was Dalton Tibbetts, who brought his A-game with a tournament-leading batting average of .429. Not to be outdone, senior second baseman Kamari Tamaseu displayed a remarkable performance, boosting his batting average by 75 points from the previous year to a dazzling .750 during the tournament.

A Focus on Improvement

Throughout the tournament, the team emphasized strategic approaches, focusing deeply on limiting strikeouts and maintaining pressure on their competitors. Their pitching, an essential element in their success, transformed dramatically during the season. After starting March with a sub-.500 record, they rallied to become playoff contenders by April. For the championship game, Tibbetts took the mound, pitching the entire game and successfully allowing only five hits and one run while striking out an impressive seven batters.

Despite trailing in every match, the Stingrays showcased resilience, ultimately extending their winning streak to an impressive seven games.

Looking Ahead

With the Florida High School Athletic Association District 1-7A tournament just around the corner, the excitement doesn’t end here. Currently ranked 10th in Region 1-7A, the team faces another challenge ahead: they must either win the district tournament or improve their ranking to secure a spot in the postseason.

Coaches are optimistic that their challenging schedule will give them an edge moving forward, and as the Gateway Conference tournament season kicks off, excitement for spring sports is in the air. From baseball to flag football and tennis, it’s a thrilling time to be a part of Jacksonville’s athletic community. Go Stingrays!

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