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Springstead High was well-represented in the Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 8 baseball selections released this week.

Brandon Brosher, a sophomore first baseman and right-handed pitcher for the Eagles, earned Class 5A Player of the Year honors, while Head Coach Frank Vitale was named 5A Coach of the Year.

Brosher hit .355 with eight home runs and 25 runs batted in for Springstead, and went 4-0 with a 2.38 earned run average, striking out 37 in 32.1 innings.

The Eagles went 17-11 in their eighth year under Vitale, earning the District 7 championship and advancing to regionals for a second year in a row.

“It’s a nice honor for Brandon and myself,” Vitale said. “It’s always nice to be recognized by your peers.”

As for Hernando High, having just completed its season Monday in a state semifinal loss to Tampa-Jesuit, the Leopards will be represented on the FACA All-State squad by seniors Brett Maggard and J.T. Simpson.

Simpson, a right-handed pitcher/second baseman, had a 7-2 record and 1.21 ERA, and walked 11 against 94 strikeouts over 63.2 frames prior to the FHSAA Finals. He was also hitting 293, notching two homers and 25 RBI.

The left-handed Maggard, a pitcher and first baseman, was 8-1 with a 2.42 earned run average and 81 strikeouts across 60.2 innings. He had a .337 average, having posted five home runs and 29 RBI through 31 games.

FACA District 8 Players of the Year
5A – Brandon Brosher, Springstead
4A – John Michael Gant, Wiregrass Ranch
2A – T.J. Wharton, Bishop McLaughlin

FACA District 8 Coaches of the Year
5A – Frank Vitale, Springstead
4A – Chuck Yingling, Wesley Chapel
2A – Nick Rodriguez, Bishop McLaughlin

FACA District 8 All-State selections
John Michael Gant, Wiregrass Ranch
Brett Maggard, Hernando
Brandon Mumaw, Wesley Chapel
J.T. Simpson, Hernando