STAT LEADERS
On a team that struggled to score runs, Dougherty was Mr. Reliable. Opposing pitchers knew they could neutralize Bonner’s bats if they could retire Dougherty, which was easier said than done. In his senior campaign, the All-Catholic League first baseman batted .429 with power. He collected six doubles and five triples on the way to helping the Friars make the PIAA Class 4A playoffs. Dougherty, who will play collegiate ball at NCAA Division II champion West Chester University, finished with 22 RBIs. Displaying good plate discipline, Dougherty also coaxed 11 walks.
Jim Liam White, Scott Hahn, Cardinal Bendo, Garnet Marple O’Hara:
The sophomore third baseman was second in Delco with a .448 batting average. Hitting in the No. 3 spot all season for firstyear coach Tom Grandieri, White excelled against Catholic League competition (.513 average) and was tied for first on the team in RBIs (18) and runs scored (19). In one of O’Hara’s most impressive wins of the season, an 8-2 decision over Episcopal Academy, White went 3-for-5 with a double, triple and five RBIs. White’s exploits resulted in All-Catholic League honors.
Valley:
The senior shortstop was one of the most dynamic players in the county. Bendo hit .405 with a .462 on-base percentage and a team-leading .691 slugging. The All-Central League selection produced at the plate and in the field and helped the Jags to an 8-0 start. While the team hit the inevitable rough patch in their schedule, Bendo stayed consistent. In helping the team qualify for the District 1 Class 6A postseason, Bendo paced the club in extra-base hits (15) and tied for first with 18 runs scored. A member of the Philadelphia Bandits travel organization, Bendo will play collegiately at St. Joseph’s University.
Newtown:
The senior pitcher/third baseman was the Tigers’ top twoway threat in 2017. Hahn was a workhorse on the mound and a threat to do damage every time he stepped to the plate. In 45 innings (eight starts), Hahn posted a 1.71 ERA for the District 1 Class 5A champion Tigers (18-8). Hahn belted a three-run homer in Marple’s 13-1 rout of Unionville in the district quarterfinal, finishing 4-for-4 with five RBIs. Hahn led the Tigers in most offensive categories as he hit .359/.419/.474 with two homers and 22 RBIs. He will continue his career at Cabrini.
Mason Bryan School: Will Miller, Carey, Garnet Hyland, Strath Valley:
The junior outfielder was a key cog in the middle of a dangerous lineup at Garnet Valley. Miller displayed five-tool ability and caused plenty of havoc for the Jaguars. Miller, who garnered All-Central League honors, led the team in batting average (.439) and RBIs (27) while ranking second in hits with 25. The left-handed hitting Miller posted a .475 on-base percentage to go with a .684 slugging.
Haverford
In terms of offensive production, no one in Delco had a better 2017 season than Hyland (and it wasn’t close). The senior catcher started hot in March and never cooled off. In 33 games — the Inter-Ac plays significantly more games than PIAA schools — Hyland paced the Fords in batting average (.447), hits (46) and RBIs (46). He was the thirdleading hitter in terms of batting average in Delaware County and belted eight home runs. During his four-year varsity career, Hyland accumulated 115 hits while knocking in 104 runs. Said Haverford School coach Bob Castella: “Bryan was our team MVP this season. He was one of the best hitters in the Inter-Ac League, as well as Delaware County.” Hyland will continue his career at Cornell.
Haven:
Perhaps no player meant more to his team’s success than Carey. The senior pitcher/first baseman was the staff ace and top power presence for the Panthers. In 58 innings, Carey recorded a 2.53 ERA with 58 strikeouts and only 11 walks. He was the recipient of poor run support in a handful of his eight starts. In one of the biggest upsets of the year, Carey blanked fourth-seeded Harriton on three hits with six strikeouts in the quarterfinal round of the District 1 Class 5A playoffs. With the bat, Carey slugged .450 and ranked first on the team in extra-base hits (six doubles, two triples, one homer). He finished with 18 RBIs and 18 runs scored. Two coaches from rival Central League schools nominated Carey for Player of the Year honors.