McCarthy finishes season ranked No. 1

Honors keep rolling in for Archbishop McCarthy’s baseball team.

After capturing their seventh state title in the past eight years, the Mavericks finished the 2017 season as the nation’s top-ranked team in the MaxPreps.com’s composite media rankings, which were released Wednesday.

While the Mavericks did not finish No.1 in any of the seven polls that make up the rankings, the Southwest Ranches juggernaut had the best average, ranking No. 2 in five polls and No. 4 in two others. McCarthy beat out Oklahoma’s Shawnee for the top spot.

“It feels amazing,” said McCarthy coach Rich Bielski. “It’s truly a testament to the consistency of our program. I know our brutal strength of schedule played a vital part leading to this No. 1 ranking.

“There’s no greater feeling than finishing the season No. 1 in the nation. It’s an accomplishment that we will celebrate for the rest of our lives.”

Continuing its decade of dominance, Archbishop McCarthy (29-2) mowed down opponents in 2017. In addition to facing a tough in-state schedule, the Mavericks traveled to the prestigious USA Baseball National High School Invitational, finishing 3-1.

On June 3, the Mavericks topped Tampa Jesuit 5-1 in the Florida Class 6A championship to capture its third straight state title.