Sports
2025 Mariners Minor League Recap, May 5
Welcome back to our weekly prospect roundup! The top of this Mariner system has been absolutely humming as of late, starting at the top with Tacoma and working it’s way down all the way to the California League. It was undeniably a great week down on the farm that bodes exceptionally well for what’s to come as the weather continues to heat up.
Tacoma Rainiers
15-24
Back in the win column! The Rainiers took their first series in what feels like months by a score of four games to two, punctuating their excellent week of baseball with a 12-7 win on Sunday afternoon. This was a massive week for several of the Seattle top prospects after a rather slow start to the season and ultimately inspires a lot of hope for what’s yet to come for this team. If the big names catch fire, the outlook of this team dramatically changes into a squad that can compete for a playoff spot.
As you may have already surmised, the prospects I had previously been alluding to is the tandem of Cole Young and Harry Ford, two of the Mariners’ better prospects that have been climbing the ranks together the past several years. Each collecting at least one hit in every game they played in, both dramatically improved their season totals to much more palatable levels. Young (10-22, HR, 3B, 3 2B, 3 BB, 2 K) and Ford (7-13, 2B, 3 BB, 2 K) have each been hot since the calendar flipped over to May, each having an OPS north of 1.000 this month. Despite their early season struggles, they’ve each shown signs to think they’ll turn things around; They’re both young for the level, commanding the zone well, and are playing to their strengths at the plate. Should this duo continue their hot hitting, I’d expect a whole lot more W’s for this Tacoma squad.
It was another monster week for Dominic Canzone down in Tacoma, turning in an 8-24 week with two homers and four doubles. Canzone carries an OPS of 1.049 on the season and is looking like an objectively better baseball player than the pitchers he’s facing regularly. Canzone has been somewhat of AAAA player in his career thus far and with the club committing to pay Leody Taveras I’m not exactly sure there’s room on the big league team for him, however I’d still like to see him get a shot. He should be the next bat up should they need one.
Arkansas Travelers
18-15
It was a series split this week for the Travs, keeping the fourth place Cardinals at arms length in the standings. The Travs haven’t been quite as good as they were the first few weeks of the season, but they still hold the second place spot in their division and are just one game back of first place Wichita. Now closer to full strength with more reinforcements coming soon, I’d imagine we’ll see the Travs pick it up and push for the first half title.
Brock Rodden had missed some time over the past couple weeks, however he returned over the weekend and immediately made his presence felt in a big way. With five hits in his first nine plate appearances, Rodden managed a two homer game on Sunday to raise his season OPS to .849, a more than respectable figure. Rodden has been a steady performer at nearly every stage of his time as a professional and provides positional utility across the infield. He’s aggressive on the basepaths, a switch-hitter, and overall a player I really enjoy rooting for. Hopeful Brock is able to keep this up and show that he can be a big leaguer at some point down the road.
Michael Morales has made a pair of starts since starting the season off on the IL and has shown well after his breakout 2024 season. Morales has been working shorter stints so far (topping out at just three innings), however he’s done well at limiting runs and looks much like the pitcher he was last season. It’ll be a slow build up for Morales to start, but I’d imagine he’ll continue to pitch well regardless of his inning limits. He’s still a little ways off from a big league debut, but certainly a prospect to monitor closely.
Everett AquaSox
14-18
The Frogs had their Sunday game cut short due to inclement weather, however they’ve already locked down at worst a split by taking three of the first five. The stats this week are going to be kind of wonky as the happenings of Sunday’s game aren’t technically official until they finish the game next month, but I’ll try to encapsulate as much of what has actually happened on the field as I can.
Hello, Farmelo! Since returning from the IL last week, Jonny Farmelo has been absolutely unconscious at the plate. If we’re counting the ghost game of Sunday afternoon, Farmelo would now have five homers in his first eight games and has been slugging balls for extra bases with relative ease. His swing and miss has been elevated thus far, however it’s not all that much of a shock to see him struggle a bit with the whiff after missing so much time with his ACL injury. Assuming he’s able to sustain most of this power while getting his K rate to where it was prior to injury last season, it’s not unreasonable in the slightest to say he’d be the Mariners’ top prospect by mid season. As soon as he feels comfortable enough on the basepaths to get back to stealing bags, watch out. Farmelo could be a tremendously dangerous player.
Jonny Farmelo tore his ACL June 11, 2024. He returned to the field much faster than expected and hasn’t missed a beat. Just blasted his 5th HR in 8 games this year. Was a 70 grade runner before the injury with strong contact and approach skills. Star ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/XP9V0kxMOQ
— Chris Clegg (@ChrisCleggMiLB) May 12, 2025
Both Colt Emerson and Michael Arroyo have been trending up the past few weeks, with May treating the pair very well at the plate. On the month, Emerson is slashing .333/.435/.500 while Arroyo is taking home an even better line of .364/.500/.636. Not that it was all that bold of a take, but I had very little doubt both would get back to their former selves at the plate after their slow starts. Neither one has had all that much of an issue commanding the strike zone and the power is slowly but surely trending in the right direction. Emerson even has a homer in Sunday’s first few innings that haven’t hit the books yet.
Jurrangelo Cijntje made yet another excellent start this week, showing his excellence with his right hand has been no fluke so far. With a five inning stint that saw him surrender just one run on two hits, Jurrangelo tallied six K’s on the night compared to two walks in a rather dominant start. As a starter this season, Jurrangelo holds a 2.49 ERA to his name with 27 K’s across 25.1 IP. He’s been utterly shelled as a lefty reliever so far, leading me to question how much utility he’s actually getting out of this arrangement, however we’ll have to see how long they want to continue this strategy. He’s yet to appear as a reliever this month, so perhaps they’ve decided to move on.
Modesto Nuts
20-13
A disappointing series loss was salvaged with an extra innings win in Sunday’s series capper, although dropping a series to a team that’s struggled all season can’t feel great for a first place team like the Nuts. Stuff like this happens, but it’s certainly a bummer.
Ryan Sloan technically raised his ERA in his start this week, but I came away from his start incredibly encouraged with him overall. He got tagged for some soft contact that chipped away at his pitch count, however he looked very good for the vast majority of his start. Tallying six K’s over four innings, Sloan allowed two earned runs on five hits with zero walks. Sloan’s secondaries are both lights out with excellent bite and honestly might be better than his fastball, an offering that’s routinely sitting north of 95 MPH. At just 19 years old, the teenager is looking like a tantalizing prospect that should be competing with Jurrangelo Cijntje for the top pitching prospect in this system for years to come.
Ryan Sloan threw it better than his line. 1 hard hit ball on a double & 4 singles.
Final line: 4IP, 5H, 2R, 0BB, 6K, 54 pitches, 38 strikes. pic.twitter.com/RFp6iwFsdi
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) May 8, 2025
While the starting pitching hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, the Modesto bullpen has been stout to start the season and is one of the biggest reasons they’ve found so much success. They aren’t names you’re probably familiar with, but Calvin Schapira, Jose Geraldo, Adrian Quintana, Gage Boehm, and Steven Sanchez have all been excellent options out of the ‘pen this season. None of these guys got major money to sign professionally and have had to work their tails off to get this far, so it’s an awesome sight to see them finding success early in their careers. Hopefully they’re able to continue their hot starts and make it to Everett by the end of the year.
ACL Mariners
3-3
The first full week of play for the ACL squad ends with the team sitting at an even 3-3 on the season. With plenty of players needing to rehab from injury and a handful of young players getting to show off their stuff, the ACL always provides an exciting mix of present and future for us to track.
Taylor Dollard sighting! With a two inning outing under his belt in the ACL, Dollard is looking to get back to his former self after missing what amounts to all but 8.1 innings of the past two years. Dollard had a stellar 2022 season for Arkansas, but various arm and shoulder injuries have kept him sidelined. Now healthy and back on a mound, Dollard could provide much needed depth to the upper minors and perhaps even contend for a big league spot at sometime in the next year or so.
It’s obviously still incredibly early, but early signs of George Feliz look positive. Having struggled mightily the past few years, Feliz has been dominant thus far in the early going. I’m not convinced this is anything but small sample size as this is now his fourth go of the complex league, but the results are worth mentioning. We’ll see if he’s able to earn a promotion to affiliate ball down the line.
That wraps it up for this week! As always, GOMS!!
Sports
Broward 4A-1A girls volleyball first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year
FIRST TEAM
Yasmin Dias Tonon, OH, North Broward Prep senior: Recorded 320 kills, 194 digs, 60 aces, 40 blocks and .389 hitting percentage; registered 21 kills in a match; had 18 kills in state championship match; helped lift Eagles to district, regional and state title; Bentley University signee.
Kaylee Foreman, libero, Pine Crest junior: Team captain; recorded 625 service receptions, 393 digs, 115 assists and 43 aces; Palm League All-Tournament Team; NHSCA Academic All-American First Team; Under Armour Next Camp Series Invitee; AVCA Phenom selection; Team Florida 15U member; Yale University commit.
Mia Gold, OH, Pine Crest senior: Led the Panthers to a district and regional title; team captain; recorded 440 kills, 249 digs, 45 aces; recorded 28 kills and 13 digs in state semifinal; school record holder for kills; England National Team selection; Boston College signee.
Melia Howze, MB, Chaminade-Madonna freshman: Led Lions to district championship and 2A regional quarterfinal appearance; recorded 308 kills, 80 blocks and .443 hitting percentage; recorded 25 kills to lift team to district title win.
Samantha McMillan, OH, Coral Springs Charter senior: Led Panthers to 3A regional quarterfinal appearance; recorded 251 kills, 282 receptions and .335 hitting percentage in just 60 sets played; registered 28 kills in a match; American University signee.
Destiny Wiggins, libero, North Broward Prep senior: Recorded 436 digs, 438 service receptions, 91 assists and 36 aces; registered 31 digs in a match; had 22 digs in state championship match; helped lift Eagles to district, regional and state title.
SECOND TEAM
Isabella Collado, setter, Pine Crest eighth-grader
Gabriella Florian, OH, Pine Crest junior
Camryn Kanell, MB, Calvary Christian Academy senior
Emma Luehrs, setter, North Broward Prep eighth-grader
Jayda Palumbo, OH, North Broward Prep junior
Adriana Powers-Hadley, OH, Sagemont junior
HONORABLE MENTION
American Heritage: Lyla Pack
Calvary Christian: Sophia Azevedo, Reese Mittauer, Jada Stephenson
Cardinal Gibbons: Jordan Andrews, Ava Flores, Beatriz Matos
Chaminade-Madonna: Paloma Castellanos, Keylanis Cruz, Amy Wood
Coral Springs Charter: Olivia Greco, Mia Luersen
Franklin Academy: Sofia Hernandez
Highlands Christian: Ali Diaz, Emily Eades
North Broward Prep: Layni Tobias
Pine Crest: Jasmine Florian, Elizabeth Sauby, Elle Schneider
Sagemont: Daniella Seijo
Sheridan Hills: Sophia Broch, Jasmine Cummings, Deborah Point Du Jour
University School: Daniella Lugo
Westminster Academy: Zoe Burton, Amelia Benkendorf
COACH OF THE YEAR
Brian Coughenour, North Broward Prep: The Eagles finished 26-2, earned a district championship and regional title and won the 4A state championship. “I am very proud of this team. They came into the season ready to work hard and with one goal in mind in bringing North Broward Prep their first volleyball state championship. They earned that championship along with a number of individual awards. I held them to a very high standard and they not only met it but exceeded my expectations. I am very excited for the future of this program and blessed to be part of it.”
Sports
Broward 7A-5A girls volleyball first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year
FIRST TEAM
Fabiana Castro, setter, Archbishop McCarthy senior: Led Mavericks to district and regional title; team captain; registered 490 assists, 187 digs and 64 aces; recorded 39 assists in state semifinal win; will play volleyball and beach volleyball for Miami-Dade College.
Sydney Guerrier, setter/OPP, St. Thomas Aquinas senior: Team co-captain; registered 383 assists, 146 kills, 144 digs and 31 blocks; BCAA All-Star Team MVP; FACA All-Star; AVCA All-Region, All-American Second Team, Best and Brightest Third Team and Honorable Mention selection during career; American University signee.
Sophia Guzman, OH/OPP, Cypress Bay senior: Led the Lightning to district title and Class 7A regional final; recorded 274 kills, 4.0 kills/set and 250 receptions; registered 20 kills in regional semifinal win; selected team captain and team MVP; Southern Connecticut State University signee.
Paige Hill, OH, Western senior: Recorded 235 kills, 360 digs, 69 aces and 36 blocks; registered 20 kills in a match; two-year team captain and four-year starter; will play volleyball for Emmanuel University.
Emmi Merhi, OH, St. Thomas Aquinas senior: Helped lift Raiders to district and regional championship; recorded 248 kills, 250 digs, 437 receptions and 36 aces; registered 14 kills in regional semifinal win; Troy University signee.
SECOND TEAM
Isabella Cabrera, OH, St. Thomas Aquinas sophomore
Erin Huang, setter, Cypress Bay senior
Brianna Masaracchio, OH, Archbishop McCarthy senior
Adriana Medrano, libero, St. Thomas Aquinas senior
Sanai Mitchell, MB, Western senior
Hailey Trebbien, setter, St. Thomas Aquinas senior
HONORABLE MENTION
Archbishop McCarthy: Raquel Hurtado, Valentina Santamaria, Em’Pris Seetal
Cypress Bay: Julia Diaz, Margot Lantrade, Victoria Urizar
Deerfield Beach: Giovanna Campos
Everglades: Jonnele Mends, Zoehe Sharpe
Flanagan: Krystine Escalante
Fort Lauderdale: Lorena Rondon
Pembroke Pines Charter: Julie Lobato, Sophia Peterseil, Abigail Reynolds
Piper: Melody Delamotte, Isabella Delgado
St. Thomas Aquinas: Leah Novatne, Violette Zayas
Stoneman Douglas: Isabella Cox, Alyssa James
Western: Valeria Luque, Alyssa Noble, Sarah Perez
CO-COACHES OF THE YEAR
Lisa Zielinski, St. Thomas Aquinas: The Raiders had a 27-5 record, won a district title, regional championship and finished as the Class 6A state runner-up. “Reaching the championship is never easy, and this team earned every bit of it. After losing six starters
last year, I don’t think anyone thought we’d be back. We didn’t walk away with the trophy, but we proved we’re a team that battles. We competed with heart, toughness and the kind of fire that’s hard to teach.”
Robert Perez, Archbishop McCarthy: The Mavericks had a 28-4 record and captured the district and regional title. They finished as the Class 5A state runner-up. “We had a goal and we all locked into it. It was one team and one dream. We knew this was the team that can finally take that step. The program was due for a final four for the first time in school history. From day one, the entire roster knew this team was special. Practices were special and we competed versus each other like there was another team on the other side of the net. This roster made each other better because how deep and talented we are. The ladies in teal are for real.”
Local Weather Alerts
There are currently no active weather alerts.
WBIW
error: Content is protected !!
Sports
Palm Beach 4A-1A girls volleyball first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year
FIRST TEAM
Ava Castro, OH, Cardinal Newman senior: Led the Crusaders to a 3A regional quarterfinal appearance; recorded 328 kills, 207 digs, 38 blocks, 26 aces and .374 hitting percentage; registered 26 kills in a match; holds the school record for kills; Boston College signee.
Emmie Hill, MB, Benjamin sophomore: Led the Bucs to a 2A regional quarterfinal win; recorded 210 kills, 63 blocks and .351 hitting percentage; registered 20 kills in a match; USA Volleyball National Team Development Program selection.
Mikayla Matuszko, OH, King’s Academy freshman: Led the Lions to a district title and 3A regional semifinal appearance; recorded 314 kills, 173 digs and 61 aces; registered 22 kills in a match; USA Volleyball U17 National Team selection.
Riley McCaughey, setter, Benjamin senior: Led the Bucs to a district championship and 2A regional quarterfinal win; recorded 600 assists, 187 digs, 97 kills and 63 aces; registered 55 assists in a match; 3,064 career assists; University of South Florida signee.
Luiza Queiroz, OH, St. Andrew’s seventh grader: Led the Scots to a 3A regional semifinal appearance; recorded 420 kills, 187 digs and 69 aces; registered 41 kills in a match.
SECOND TEAM
Dayana Acevedo, setter, Cardinal Newman senior
Lyla Buser, OPP, Cardinal Newman senior
Caitlin Crino, setter, Boca Raton Christian junior
Miranda Knoll, OH, King’s Academy junior
Taylor Walsh, setter, St. Andrew’s sophomore
Caroline Wright, OH, Boca Raton Christian sophomore
HONORABLE MENTION
American Heritage-Delray: Dagan Rothbaun, Daniela Staton
Atlantic Christian: Anayah Enamorado
Benjamin: Mackenzie Bryan, Londyn Clark, Emma Markin
Boca Raton Christian: Brianna Nahmod, Mackenzi VanZwieten
Cardinal Newman: Olivia Peterson
Dreyfoos: Amelia Gallogly, Erin Larsen
Jupiter Christian: Addison Dorsey
King’s Academy: Bella Pons, Alanis Molina, Hunter Saltalamacchia
Lake Worth Christian: Cassidy Childers, Savannah Monier, Ella Vandenberg
Oxbridge Academy: Jessica Jerabek, Olivija Kozul
St. Andrew’s: Ashlyn Cobb
St. John Paul II: Meallen Gunther, Emily Rodriguez, Lyla Tomko
Suncoast: Bella Zingaro
COACH OF THE YEAR
Len Visser, Boca Raton Christian: The Blazers won a district title, regional championship and captured their first girls volleyball state championship in school history. They won seven straight matches to close the season. “I am proud that every girl was part of winning states. It’s special because the girls persevered through some very close losses. “We played like a team and I had total confidence in them. They all trusted each other. It’s truly one of my closest teams and they lifted each other up.”
Jupiter Christian senior outside hitter Ella Brodner reached 400 kills in a single season for the first time while Boca Raton Christian sophomore Hannah VanZwieten delivered a remarkable performance throughout the playoffs to lift the Blazers to their first girls
volleyball state championship in school history.
The two top performers were recognized as the Sun Sentinel’s Palm Beach 4A-1A girls volleyball co-players of the year.
Brodner, a University of Virginia signee, had 400 kills, 5.7 kills per set and a .336 hitting percentage in just 70 sets played. She also added 244 service receptions, 218 digs, 39 aces and 25 blocks. She had 35 kills in four sets in a district semifinal victory.
Brodner holds the school record with 1,488 kills and 944 digs during her five seasons with the Eagles. She recalled a victory against Jupiter during her junior season as one of her most memorable matches in high school.
“I met the expectations I had set for myself since I came in the eighth grade,” Brodner said. “To end with 400 kills in a season was pretty cool. It’s exciting to hold school records. I could not have done it without any of my teammates. Coach Sarah [Mize] helped me with my mental toughness. I wanted to be an all-around player on the court. I made amazing memories and volleyball is so much fun. It was heartwarming to see little girls look up to me and how they were inspired because of how I play volleyball.”
Brodner took on a leadership role with several newcomers joining the Eagles. “When I was in the eighth grade, I was intimidated by most of the girls,” Brodner said.
“Allison Moore was a great leader and a big influence on me. She spent time helping me with volleyball. I wanted to be a big influence on our younger players. It was a rebuilding year and I knew it was going to be difficult, but I decided to stay. It’s a great
feeling to help the girls.”
Brodner enjoyed watching her two older sisters at volleyball practices and tournaments. She joined the Jupiter Elite Volleyball Club at 7. She helped her team qualify for nationals in multiple seasons.
“The growth of our club has been amazing,” Brodner said. “All the coaches helped in my development and to where I am now.” Brodner is excited about the opportunity to play with her older sister, Sarah, at the University of Virginia.
“My sister and I have been really getting close and it’s an amazing opportunity,” Brodner said. “I’m extremely blessed to get to play with her. The ACC is very competitive and I’m excited for college volleyball.”
VanZwieten delivered for the Blazers during their playoff run to capture the state title. She had 13 kills and 12 digs in the regional championship, 19 kills, 23 digs and six aces in the state semifinal and 12 kills and 15 digs in the state championship match.
VanZwieten displayed her versatility with 254 kills, 270 digs, 221 service receptions, 157 assists, 53 aces and 30 blocks during her sophomore season.
“We lost players from last year who had played a big role,” VanZwieten said. “The difference was that we played together as a team. Our coaches did a great job and we handled the pressure. We were so happy to push through and win the semifinal against Seacrest. We practiced hard and stayed focused during the final match. We were so excited to win it.”
VanZwieten’s older sister, Grace, plays collegiate volleyball at Tusculum. Her mom serves as an assistant coach at Boca Raton Christian.
She also competes in beach volleyball tournaments with her sister, Mackenzi, who was a key contributor for the Blazers during their championship run. The sisters won a thrilling beach volleyball tournament in Tavares during a college showcase event.
“I have a lot of fun playing with Mackenzi and we connect really well,” VanZwieten said. “We have that experience together in beach volleyball and it’s helped us when playing indoor. It’s been very special.”
VanZwieten, a setter with Tribe Volleyball Club, displayed her versatility at outside hitter for the Blazers during her sophomore season.
“I was able to get out of my comfort zone and work on my game to get better,” VanZwieten said. “I played with a lot of energy and cheered on my teammates.
No easy fix for what ails college football, but it’s still fun
Broward 4A-1A girls volleyball first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year
Alexandria Area Youth for Christ moves into new building and will be adding a new program in January – Alexandria Echo Press
Broward 7A-5A girls volleyball first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year
Oregon Ducks Could Steal Another Transfer Portal Player From USC Trojans
Volley Tots launches at BNL, introducing young athletes to volleyball fundamentals
Nebraska volleyball fans saw 62% of All-Americans during 2025 season
Report: Terry Smith’s lack of FBS head coaching prevented him from landing Penn State job
Palm Beach 4A-1A girls volleyball first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year
Ella Brodner, Jupiter Christian senior; Hannah VanZwieten, Boca Raton Christian sophomore
Kaleb Glenn gives perfect example of how NIL can be used the right way
Texas’ Michael Taaffe Delivers Critical NIL Advice to Young Athletes
Maryland Youth Ballet takes center stage performing holiday classic
End of year means time to deliver some gifts | Andy Baskin
Washington Huskies Star WR Denzel Boston Declares for 2026 NFL Draft
Fargo girl, 13, dies after collapsing during school basketball game – Grand Forks Herald
SoundGear Named Entitlement Sponsor of Spears CARS Tour Southwest Opener
Redemption Means First Pro Stock World Championship for Dallas Glenn
Jo Shimoda Undergoes Back Surgery
Black Bear Revises Recording Policies After Rulebook Language Surfaces via Lever
Bowl Projections: ESPN predicts 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, full bowl slate after Week 14
Robert “Bobby” Lewis Hardin, 56
Donny Schatz finds new home for 2026, inks full-time deal with CJB Motorsports – InForum
How this startup (and a KC sports icon) turned young players into card-carrying legends overnight
How Donald Trump became FIFA’s ‘soccer president’ long before World Cup draw
Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Release 2026 Indoor Schedule with Opener Slated for December 6 at Home
David Blitzer, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
Indiana’s rapid ascent and its impact across college football
Wisconsin volleyball sweeps Minnesota with ease in ranked rivalry win
Michael Jordan’s fight against NASCAR heads to court, could shake up motorsports
-
Motorsports2 weeks agoSoundGear Named Entitlement Sponsor of Spears CARS Tour Southwest Opener
-
Motorsports2 weeks agoDonny Schatz finds new home for 2026, inks full-time deal with CJB Motorsports – InForum
-
Rec Sports2 weeks agoDavid Blitzer, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
-
Motorsports3 weeks agoJR Motorsports Confirms Death Of NASCAR Veteran Michael Annett At Age 39
-
Sports3 weeks ago
Elliot and Thuotte Highlight Men’s Indoor Track and Field Season Opener
-
Sports3 weeks ago
West Fargo volleyball coach Kelsey Titus resigns after four seasons – InForum
-
Motorsports2 weeks agoRick Ware Racing switching to Chevrolet for 2026
-
NIL2 weeks agoDeSantis Talks College Football, Calls for Reforms to NIL and Transfer Portal · The Floridian
-
Sports2 weeks ago#11 Volleyball Practices, Then Meets Media Prior to #2 Kentucky Match
-
Sports3 weeks agoTemple Begins Indoor Track & Field Season at UPenn This Weekend