First Academy pitcher Isaac Sewell selected as Orlando Sentinel baseball player of year

Junior pitcher Isaac Sewell of The First Academy bookended an unbeaten season on the mound last month by going the distance in what proved to be his biggest start of the spring.

After pitching a no-hitter in February, Sewell struck out seven batters May 24 during a 2-1 state semifinal win vs. Jacksonville Bolles. The Royals won their first state championship the following day as Ben Barrett struck out seven batters in a 3-0 win against Miami Westminster Christian in the Class 3A final.

Sewell’s efforts make him the top choice for Orlando Sentinel Varsity baseball player of the year for the 2021 season. Sewell is among 12 area players recognized for turning in impressive performances this spring.

The Sentinel Varsity player of the year and group of additional standouts was compiled based on nominations from baseball coaches in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake and southwest Volusia counties. Consideration was given to individual stats, impact on team success and strength of schedule.

Player of the Year

Isaac Sewell, The First Academy, Jr.

Buzz: Lefthander led the TFA pitching staff during the first Florida High School Athletic Association state championship season for the Royals. Sewell went 11-0 in 15 appearances (13 starts) and finished with a 1.32 earned run average with 93 strikeouts in 74 innings. He held opposing batters to nine walks while allowing an earned run in just six outings.

Sentinel Standouts

Ben Barrett, The First Academy, Jr.

Buzz: Finished 10-1 with a 1.63 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 60? innings pitched while also batting .358 with 29 RBIs, 27 runs scored and eight extra-base hits for the Class 3A state champions.

Garrett Baumann, Hagerty, Soph.

Buzz: Held opposing hitters to a .154 batting average and finished 8-1 with a 0.79 earned run average while striking out 78 batters in 71 innings for the district champs.

Shane Cross, Winter Park, Sr.

Buzz: Go-to pitcher in the biggest games for a team nationally ranked during the regular season threw a no-hitter on senior night en route to tallying a 6-0 record and 0.57 ERA with 58 strikeouts in 49 innings.

Matthew Delay, Lake Brantley, Sr.

Buzz: Seminole Athletic Conference player of year and the Thomas University (Ga.) signee batted .462 on 42 hits with 40 runs scored, 23 RBI and 13 doubles for the Class 7A regional runner-up.

Kade Faircloth, Oviedo, Sr.

Buzz: Recorded a hit in 24 of 26 games played and was perfect in the outfield on 63 chances while batting .451 on 37 hits with 25 runs scored, 17 RBIs and 11 stolen bases.

Evan Koehler, Orange City University, Jr.

Buzz: Led Titans at the plate and on the mound as he batted .395 with 23 runs scored, 19 RBIs and 11 extra-base hits and went 4-0 with one no-hitter, 4 saves, a 1.19 ERA and 76 Ks in 47 innings.

Matthew Prevesk, Apopka, Sr.

Buzz: University of Florida signee batted .435 on 37 hits for the Blue Darters and finished with 26 runs scored, 22 RBIs, 10 extra-base hits and 17 stolen bases.

Sonny Rao, Bishop Moore, Sr.

Buzz: South Florida signee was an asset at first base for the Class 4A regional runner-up while batting .431 with 20 RBIs, 20 runs scored, six doubles and five home runs.

Will Ross, West Orange, Jr.

Buzz: Described as “most dominant arm” in the area by an opposing coach, Ross went 6-2 in 12 appearances with a 0.57 ERA, nine walks allowed and 89 strikeouts in 61 innings.

Noah Sullivan, Dr. Phillips, Sr.

Buzz: Played the infield corners and pitched this spring for DP, where he batted .357 with 23 RBIs, 17 walks and 11 doubles while going 5-2 with 80 strikeouts in 56? innings.

Nathan Tinder, Winter Springs, Sr.

Buzz: Utility player batted .412 on 33 hits with 25 runs scored, 12 stolen bases and 6 doubles for Bears and also went 3-0 with 2 saves, 27 strikeouts and no earned runs allowed in 16? innings.

This article originally appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email J.C. Carnahan at jcarnahan@orlandosentinel.com.