North Broward Prep follows reliable formula to reach fourth state final in a row
North Broward Prep’s core seniors don’t like changing their routines after four consecutive years of making it to the state baseball tournament.
Except maybe pitcher Mateo Gray eating a full rack of ribs from a local Duffy’s restaurant the night before his start.
“I don’t usually do that,” Gray said with a laugh.
The large meal didn’t seem to affect the UCF commit one bit as he fired a complete game to lead the Eagles to a 4-1 win over Fort Myers Bishop Verot in a Class 3A state semifinal at Hammond Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
“Mateo was tremendous,” North Broward Prep coach Brian Campbell said. “He put us in the best possible position we could be in. Now, it’s up to us to go out and perform.”
Gray propelled North Broward Prep (27-3) to its fourth consecutive state championship game where it will take on Miami Westminster Christian at 2 p.m. in the 3A final on Wednesday. It will be the seventh time in state history that a championship will be decided between two teams from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties and fifth time it will be a Dade vs. Broward matchup.
The Eagles are seeking their third state title in four seasons after coming up short in the final a year ago against Clearwater Calvary Christian.
“We didn’t come here to win the semifinal so we’re going to get some rest now and come back and try to win the final,” Campbell said.
Gray struck out six while allowing one run - on a solo home run to pitcher/first baseman Joey Lawson in the fourth. The run proved inconsequential as Gray silenced Bishop Verot’s bats the rest of the way. He gave up five hits and two walks and contributed at the plate, going 1 for 3.
Junior shortstop Kiernan O’Neill set the tone for the victory from the leadoff spot and with his defense.
O’Neill went 3 for 4 and scored two runs.
His leadoff single kickstarted a three-run first inning as Eagles’ left fielder Riley Luft and right fielder Max Burkholz each drove in runs with singles.
“The leadoff spot is pretty important so a lot of pressure is on you,” O’Neill said. “I didn’t try to do too much. As a junior I look up to these seniors and I always ask for advice and what can I do better. Everyone contributed to the win.”
Catcher TJ Gramesty scored in the first when Bishop Verot pitcher Joey Lawson couldn’t field the throw back from the catcher to the mound and the ball trickled toward third base. In the fourth, he drove in North Broward Prep’s fourth run after O’Neill doubled and scored.
“We’re a senior-laden team and our four-year seniors have been coming up here since they were freshmen,” Campbell said. “The routine of getting here early and doing work on the side fields. That’s all something you get used to.”
Luft is one of the seniors that has been a key figure for North Broward Prep during its four-year run. He started and won as a freshman when the Eagles won their first state championship. And on Wednesday, he’s likely to play another key role in potentially leading NBP to another championship.
“It’s full circle,” Campbell said. “He collected the last out that first year. It’s pretty special.”
This story was originally published May 21, 2024, 1:48 PM.
