Norwin baseball team gains national ranking
It’s extremely rare for a WPIAL baseball team to be regarded as one of the best in the country.
The Norwin Knights know now what it’s like.
When USA Today released its newest Super 25 baseball rankings on Wednesday, Norwin checked in at No. 14. The Knights are 16-0 overall and 11-0 in Class AAAA Section 2.
Only one other school from the Northeast is included in the poll (No. 25 Seton Hall Prep, N.J.). The rankings are always dominated by teams from warm-weather states. Florida, Texas, California and Georgia account for 14 of the schools in the rankings. A few of the teams have played more than 30 games.
Polls like this are extremely subjective. It’s hard to believe Norwin could actually be one of the top teams in the nation, but that does not mean the Knights aren’t extremely talented. Five players have committed to Division I schools.
It’s a safe bet that Norwin coach Mike Liebdzinski could care less about the ranking. He and his squad have their sights set on finishing section play undefeated (they host Laurel Highlands today), as well as winning the WPIAL championship.
The Knights are led offensively by J.J. Matijevic, who is hitting .510 with six home runs and 34 RBIs. All are team highs. Nick Kolat continues to be the ace of the pitching staff. Kolat is 7-0 with a 1.67 ERA and is allowing batters to hit just .202 off of him.
The Norwin Knights know now what it’s like.
When USA Today released its newest Super 25 baseball rankings on Wednesday, Norwin checked in at No. 14. The Knights are 16-0 overall and 11-0 in Class AAAA Section 2.
Only one other school from the Northeast is included in the poll (No. 25 Seton Hall Prep, N.J.). The rankings are always dominated by teams from warm-weather states. Florida, Texas, California and Georgia account for 14 of the schools in the rankings. A few of the teams have played more than 30 games.
Polls like this are extremely subjective. It’s hard to believe Norwin could actually be one of the top teams in the nation, but that does not mean the Knights aren’t extremely talented. Five players have committed to Division I schools.
It’s a safe bet that Norwin coach Mike Liebdzinski could care less about the ranking. He and his squad have their sights set on finishing section play undefeated (they host Laurel Highlands today), as well as winning the WPIAL championship.
The Knights are led offensively by J.J. Matijevic, who is hitting .510 with six home runs and 34 RBIs. All are team highs. Nick Kolat continues to be the ace of the pitching staff. Kolat is 7-0 with a 1.67 ERA and is allowing batters to hit just .202 off of him.
baseball