Monroe County’s baseball season featured strong district performances across multiple classifications, with Marathon and Key West both advancing to the regional semifinals after capturing district titles. Marathon finished 19-10-1 in Class 1A Rural District 8, including a win over Coral Shores in their lone meeting of the season, and carried that momentum into the playoffs. Key West posted an impressive 24-7 record in Class 4A District 16, claiming a district championship. Coral Shores completed the year at 8-10 in Class 2A District 16, competing in a tough field and falling short of a postseason run.
Player of the Year
Gabriele Cirina
Senior, Marathon
Pitcher
Cirina wasted no time making his mark after arriving from Italy during the winter, instantly becoming the heartbeat of Marathon’s district championship squad and one of the most dominant two-way players in South Florida. A commanding presence on the mound and a force in the middle of the Dolphins’ lineup, Cirina combined elite pitching with timely hitting to change the complexion of every game he played. He finished the season with a stellar 1.42 ERA and 91 strikeouts while batting .397 with 29 hits, including five doubles, two triples and two home runs. His patience at the plate helped produce a .531 on-base percentage, and he drove in 28 runs while providing veteran leadership and confidence to a young Dolphins team. Cirina will continue his baseball career at Eastern Florida State College. His ability to dominate every facet of the game made him a valuable asset to the Fins’ program this season.
Donovan Thiery
Senior, Key West
Pitcher/Infield
Thiery was the ace of the Conchs’ staff and a consistent leader throughout the season. The Florida State University signee compiled a 7-3 record with a 1.98 ERA and 90 strikeouts while also contributing offensively with 26 hits, including six extra-base hits and three home runs for a .603 slugging percentage. Defensively, he turned nine double plays and finished with a .969 fielding percentage. His all-around excellence earned him collegiate offers and Thiery turned heads with professional scouts as well.
Dylan Williams
Junior, Marathon
Pitcher/Infield
Williams continued to establish himself as one of the Keys’ premier pitchers, striking out 101 batters while posting a stellar 1.70 ERA. At the plate, he reached base consistently thanks to 27 hits and 24 walks, producing a .470 on-base percentage while adding 23 runs, 12 stolen bases and a .310 batting average. He showed versatility and impact across multiple facets of the game.
Roco Piscetello
Junior, Marathon
Second Base/Pitcher
Piscetello’s versatility made him one of Marathon’s most valuable players. He collected 28 hits, including seven extra-base hits, drove in 14 runs and scored 25 while providing steady defense in the infield. On the mound, he added a save as a dependable relief option. He demonstrated athleticism, hustle and ability to contribute wherever needed.
Bradley Buigas
Eighth Grade, Marathon
Outfield
Despite not yet entering high school, Buigas quickly proved he belonged at the varsity level. The eighth grader hit .321 with 27 hits and 17 RBIs while posting a .913 fielding percentage in the outfield. His maturity, confidence and ability to compete against older players make him one of the area’s brightest young talents.
Jack Chapman
Sophomore, Marathon
Infield
Chapman delivered in every phase of the game, producing 24 hits, 21 RBIs and 17 runs while drawing 15 walks and batting .273. He also contributed on the mound, recording two saves as a reliable relief pitcher. Chapman demonstrated versatility and steady play throughout the season.
Riley O’Berry
Senior, Coral Shores
Pitcher
O’Berry anchored the Hurricanes both on the mound and as a leader. The Northern Oklahoma College signee posted a 2.92 ERA with 34 strikeouts while batting .364 and reaching base at a .481 clip. He also finished with a stellar .973 fielding percentage, showcasing consistency on both sides of the ball.
Roman Garcia, Junior
Key West Third Base
Garcia was the offensive catalyst for the Conchs, leading the team in both hits and on-base percentage. He collected 35 hits, including 16 extra-base hits, drove in 26 runs and slugged .589 while batting .328, showing the ability to produce in key situations and consistently spark the offense.
Nelson Ong
Junior, Key West
Outfield
Ong was a steady force at the top of the Conchs’ lineup, leading the team with 35 hits while batting .350. He scored 26 runs, stole seven bases and played dependable defense in the outfield, finishing with a .956 fielding percentage. Ong showed consistency, speed and all-around play.
Xavier Perez
Junior, Key West
Infield/Outfield
Perez’s versatility and reliability made him an invaluable piece of Key West’s lineup. He appeared in all 31 games, batting .338 with 26 hits, seven doubles, 16 RBIs and 16 runs while posting an outstanding .973 fielding percentage. He showed a dependable glove and ability to contribute wherever needed.
Kade Maltz
Sophomore, Key West
Pitcher/Outfield
Maltz emerged as one of the area’s top young two-way players. On the mound, he went 7-1 with a sparkling 1.47 ERA, struck out 34 batters and threw a no-hitter. At the plate, he totaled 31 hits, including 15 extra-base hits, while scoring 30 runs, driving in 22 and leading the Conchs with eight stolen bases in a breakout sophomore season.
Auggy Davila
Junior, Key West
Relief Pitcher
Davila excelled in late-game situations, recording eight saves while posting a 1.88 ERA and a 3-1 pitching record. He also supplied timely offense with 17 hits, including eight extra-base hits, while scoring 22 runs and driving in 18, showing poise under pressure and ability to impact games on both sides of the ball.
Keller Blackburn
Junior, Coral Shores
Outfield
Blackburn combined speed, discipline and flawless defense to become one of the Hurricanes’ most dependable players. He batted .306 with 15 hits, led Coral Shores with 11 stolen bases and worked 10 walks to finish with a .404 on-base percentage. Blackburn was also perfect defensively throughout the season, making him a reliable presence every time he took the field.
Mason Clark
Senior, Coral Shores
Catcher
Clark provided veteran leadership behind the plate while serving as one of Coral Shores’ defensive anchors. The Rollins College signee posted an exceptional .988 fielding percentage while reaching base at a .460 clip thanks to nine walks. His steady presence, game management and leadership made him invaluable to the Hurricanes throughout the season.
Maykol Bonito
Senior, Coral Shores
Shortstop
Bonito’s leadership and steady play made him a cornerstone of the Hurricanes’ infield. He led the team with 11 walks to post an impressive .436 on-base percentage while adding nine hits, eight RBIs and dependable defense at shortstop. His baseball IQ, leadership and consistent presence helped set the tone for Coral Shores throughout the season.