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Baseball: Players to watch

Kory Britton

Atholton, pitcher-infielder, senior

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Already signed with Maryland, Britton plays infield and anchors the pitching staff. He was second-team All-Metro last season and has worked hard to develop his skills further.

Shane Campbell

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Kenwood, pitcher, senior

As a first-team All-Metro choice last season, the left-hander had an 0.58 ERA and a 5-1 record. Campbell held opposing hitters to a .129 batting average, while he hit .509 with five home runs, six triples and had a 1.038 slugging percentage. He has signed with Maryland.

Joseph Dorsey

Franklin, shortstopinfielder, senior

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Dorsey batted .538, drove in 36 runs and had 20stolen bases last season. The All-County shortstop is given high marks on and off the field as a humble team leader. The captain of his team, Dorsey has signed with La Salle.

K.J. Hockaday

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John Carroll, shortstopinfielder, senior

A four-year varsity starter, Hockaday is going to Maryland if he isn't picked in June's first-year player draft. As a junior, he batted .475, with 19 of his 39hits for extra bases, including seven home runs. Hockaday is a preseason pick for the coaches' All-State team.

Brent Jones

Severna Park, third basemaninfielder, senior

An infielder and team leader, he drove in a team-leading 35 runs while batting .459 last season. His on-base percentage was .628, and he was 8-for-8 in stolen bases. Jones was a first-team All-Metro selection.

Nick McElfish

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Eastern Tech, outfielder, senior

Coach Spike McElfish is a little shy about mentioning his son for fear of seeming partial. But when the kid is a four-year starter and has been named to the coaches' preseason All-State team, the coach doesn't have to worry. "He's our center fielder, and he leads the team in [hitting] average and RBIs," McElfish said.

Austin Neary

Archbishop Spalding, infielder, senior

He's going to be the team's primary third baseman but can also get behind the plate or fill a need at first base. Neary hits for power and can steal bases if he needs to.

TJ Pipik

Reservoir, pitcher, senior

A four-year starter, Pipik has been his team's ace since the 10th grade. "He's the best pitcher in the county," Reservoir coach Adam Leader said. As a junior, Pipik had a 2.20 ERA with 85 strikeouts — the most in Howard County. He also batted .500.

Ryan Ripken

Gilman, pitcher-infielder, junior

The son of Orioles Hall of Famer

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