All-News4JAX baseball: Goals are raised for St. Johns Country Day star Brayden Harris

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Brayden Harris came up short in what he set out to do and it was still the best around.

Harris, the Varsity 4 All-News4JAX baseball player of the year, was elite in his junior season with St. Johns Country Day. Harris was exceptional at the plate and unbeatable on the mound, quite the twist since he came up short in what he set out to do.

“One goal I had at the beginning of the year was 150 strikeouts and I end up getting 149. Barely missing it,” Harris said. “I also wanted to hit .400; that’s the goal I set, and I hit .391, so I barely missed my goals.”

Talk about high expectations for the Florida State commit.

All-News4JAX baseball players of the year

Harris could be forgiven for the shortcomings of his lofty goals. While his 149 Ks fell short of what he wanted, Harris went 11-0 and led the state in strikeouts. And yes, his batting average fell nine points shy of his expectations, but Harris hit a robust .524 in the postseason and was the player the Spartans leaned on when they needed a clutch hit.

How’s that for his first season with a new program.

Harris was a well-known player before this year.

He’d made the All-News4JAX team in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. But those came with Trinity Christian, a team he helped lead to the state semifinals last year. Harris transferred the St. Johns for his junior year and immediately clicked with the reigning state champs.

“I mean, first, first practice, it was like a 6 a.m. workout. I could just tell those guys were ready to go and work from the start. They accepted me well. I mean, I was friends with them [before]. You could tell that they had the culture built from in the past years and it was built really good, and I knew we were going to do something special this year.”

Harris was special. Opponents hit just .129 against him. He had 10 outings of 10 strikeouts or more and was charged with just six earned runs.

In the state semifinal game against Brito Miami Private, Harris scattered four hits across 5.2 innings and didn’t allow a run. The Spartans didn’t pull off the rare back-to-back championship, falling to Canterbury in the title game.

Trinity Christian pitcher Aaron Watson, a former teammate of Harris and potential first day selection in this month’s MLB draft, said his stratospheric rise from his junior to senior season was a result of losing in the state semifinals in 2024. Harris was part of that Conquerors squad and his jump from 2024 to ’25 was significant, too.

“I would say probably the same thing as Aaron. Losing that game last year, just that feeling of not being able to play in the state championship game and losing in the final four, you felt so close,” Harris said. “I think that just made me work really hard and I didn’t want to have that feeling again. I wanted to win.”

Harris was better in every metric out there, from average to on-base percentage (.414 to .478) and OBP (.824 to .978) to hits (37 to 43) and RBI (16 to 27). He sliced his ERA from 1.50 to 0.55 and whiffed 51 more batters.

“I just want to improve everything by next year. I don’t want to take any step backs or even stay the same,” he said. “I think there’s always something you can get better at, no matter how good your season is. And I’m going to keep trying to step.”

Varsity 4 All-News4JAX baseball first team

Position, player, school, class notable

P Aaron Watson, Trinity Christian, Sr.

Elite national hurler who will likely be a Day 1 draft pick. Florida commit. Went 10-0 with 126 Ks, 0.53 ERA in 78.2 IP. Won state semifinal with a complete game shutout. Class 2A player of the year. First team All-American selection by both Baseball America and MaxPreps.

P Dominic DeLoreto, Episcopal, Sr.

Northwestern signee was elite on the mound. Went 7-1 and had a save for Eagles. Whiffed 81 in 54.1 IP. At the plate, he hit .317 with 16 RBI and five doubles.

P Hayden Carns, First Coast, Jr.

Went 5-2 with 1.09 ERA and had a save. Whiffed 90 in 51.1 IP. Is 8-4 in two seasons with 122 Ks, 1.41 ERA in 84.1 IP. Brother Hunter was four-time All-News4JAX selection and also an area player of the year.

P Brayden Harris, St. Johns Country Day, Jr.

Area’s top player is a two-time first-team selection. Second-team pick in 2023. Went 11-0 and led the state in Ks (149). Had a 0.55 ERA in 76.1 IP. Scattered nine hits in four playoff games and struck out 51. Hit .391 with a .978 OPS, 43 hits, 27 RBI, nine doubles and a homer. Class 1A player of the year. Florida State commit. Finished third in Mr. Baseball voting.

C Connor Balazic, Creekside, So.

On the future player of the year radar. Led Knights in the Triple Crown categories. Hit .461 with 17 extra-base hits (5 HR). Added 24 RBI and team-best 41 hits. Drew 21 walks, scored 20 runs and 9 for 9 on stolen base attempts.

IF Preston Cole, St. Johns Country Day, So.

Boosted average nearly 150 percentage points. Hit .386 with 29 RBI, 6 HR, 34 runs scored and 39 hits. Had 25 stolen bases for Class 1A state runner-up.

IF Tripp Hannah, Bishop Snyder, Jr.

Oklahoma State commit led Cardinals at the plate (.376) and scored 26 runs. Had 34 stolen bases. On the mound, he was 2-0 with 12 Ks, 3.41 ERA in 12.1 IP.

IF Bryson Harnage, University Christian, Sr.

Led Christians across the board in offensive numbers. Hit .433 with 42 hits (8 doubles, 8 homers, 3 triples), 36 RBI and 26 runs scored. Had 18 stolen bases.

IF Ayden Phillips, Columbia, Sr.

Hit .372 with 20 RBI, six doubles and three homers for Tigers. Had 14 stolen bases. On the mound, he whiffed 70 in 51 IP and had a 2.01 ERA. Jacksonville University signee. Two-time All-News4JAX selection and a second-teamer in 2023.

OF Aiden Arnett, Trinity Christian, Sr.

Second team All-News4JAX selection in 2024. Hit .370 for an elite Conquerors squad that played for 2A state championship. Had 20 RBI, a couple homers and eight doubles. Stole 11 bases. Headed to Virginia Tech.

OF Brady Harris, Trinity Christian, Jr.

Three-time All-News4JAX selection. Florida commit. Hit .405 with 13 extra-base hits (9 doubles, 2 homers, 2 triples). Scored 16 runs and drove in 21. Elite, major national player and likely high draft pick in 2026.

OF TJ Sunderhaus, St. Johns Country Day, Sr.

Massive jump in production from junior season. Hit .394 with school-record 50 hits, including 16 for extra bases (9 doubles, 5 homers, 2 triples). Had 22 stolen bases. Didn’t commit an error all season. Headed to Georgia Highlands College.

UT Cody Boshell, Bishop Snyder, Jr.

Second-team All-News4JAX selection last year. Hit .321 with 22 RBI, 28 runs scored and career-best nine homers. On the mound, went 6-3 with 65 Ks in 53 IP, 2.51 ERA as Cardinals went 23-8. Committed to Tennessee.

UT Gabe Gonzalez, Bolles, Sr.

Catcher/infielder is a Mercer signee. Hit .368 with 35 hits and 32 RBI. Belted five homers and added six doubles. Just three errors in 264 chances (.989 fielding percentage).

UT Dom Patruno, Englewood, Sr.

Hit .353 with nine extra-base hits (6 doubles, 2 homers, triple), 21 runs scored and 20 RBI. Went 4-6 with 88 Ks and 1.91 ERA in 58.2 IP. Signed with Flagler College. Two-time All-News4JAX selection.

Second team

Position, player, school, class notable

P/UT Cole Dennis, Bishop Snyder, Jr.

Went 7-2 in the circle with 61 Ks in 44 IP. At the plate, he hit .269 with 37 RBI, 15 runs scored and six homers. Can play corner infield and behind the plate, too. Jacksonville commit.

P Gavin Duprey, Creekside, So.

Went 7-2 with a save for 18-13 Knights. Whiffed 64 in 56.2 IP and finished with 1.48 ERA. Hit .250 with five RBI in limited ABs.

P Tyler Ellis, Trinity Christian, Jr.

Lefty Gators commit went 7-2 with 68 Ks, 1.46 ERA in 42.1 IP as Conquerors finished as 2A state runner-up.

P Rylan McMahon, Clay, So.

Had throwing lefty went 6-2 in 14 appearances with 92 Ks in 58 IP, 2.17 ERA. At the plate, hit two homers in 21 at bats. Committed to Florida.

C Hunter Rodgers, St. Johns Country Day, Jr.

Jacksonville University commit hit .324 with 26 RBI and belted five homers for Class 1A state runner-up. Picked up a win on the mound, too.

IF JP Espinosa, Oakleaf, Sr.

Superb 30/30/30 season for the Knights with 37 runs, 32 hits and 31 stolen bases. Leadoff hitter hit .400 and had .520 OBP. Had eight doubles and a couple homers. Headed to Santa Fe State College.

IF Jordan Martinez, Trinity Christian, Jr.

Hit .333 with 25 RBI, 29 runs and eight stolen bases. Belted five homers and added five doubles for state runner-up Conquerors. Committed to LSU.

IF Merrick Rapoza, Clay, Sr.

Hit .368 with 25 RBI, 28 hits and 21 runs scored. Belted six homers for 21-11 Blue Devils. Headed to Florida Gulf Coast.

IF Dayton Taylor, St. Joseph, Sr.

Four-year star for the Flashes who had career highs in average (.421), hits (40), RBI (37) doubles (13). Hit a couple homers, too. Excellent in the field this season (just six errors in 92 chances at shortstop). Headed to Middle Georgia for college.

OF Luke Manderson, Providence, Jr.

Hit .325 with 13 extra-base hits (6 homers, 4 doubles, 3 triples). Drove in 22 runs and scored 18 times. Committed to Iowa.

OF Jack Ottesen, Episcopal, Sr.

Best season of his career. Hit .388 with 33 hits, 33 runs, nine doubles, 17 RBI, three homers and 1.163 OPS, all career highs. Nearly doubled his best output in stolen bases (14 to 27). Headed to College of Central Florida.

OF/P Ethan Wheeler, Trinity Christian, Jr.

Strong season on the mound (8-2, 1.91 ERA, 90 Ks, 65.2 IP) and at the plate. Hit .316 with 24 RBI and .826 OPS. Stationed in the outfield when he wasn’t pitching. Committed to Florida.

UT Trace Farmer, Fernandina Beach, So.

Hit .346 with 22 RBI, 18 runs scored for 19-8 Pirates. On the mound, he was 4-1 with 65 Ks in 46.2 IP, 1.20 ERA.

UT Dalton Tibbetts, Atlantic Coast, Sr.

Polk State commit had a strong all-around season for Gateway Conference champs. Hit .425 with 37 hits, 28 RBI and 15 runs scored. Strong on the mound, too (5-2, 2.17 ERA, 62 Ks, 48.1 IP).

UT Caden Worbington, University Christian, Sr.

Second team pick for the second consecutive season. Hit .406 with three homers, 27 runs scored, 22 RBI and 41 hits. On the mound, he was 3-2 with 35 Ks in 34 IP.

IF/OF Daylon Adams, Yulee, Jr.

P Ethan Anderson, Englewood, Sr.

P Bane Barker, Sandalwood, Jr.

P/UT Trent Baskins, Sandalwood, Jr.

OF Mikey Bergamo, Tocoi Creek, Sr.

P Jack Bernard, Mandarin, Sr.

P/IF Gauge Barry, Keystone Heights, Sr.

C/IF Jonathan Bay, Bartram Trail, Sr.

IF Conner Bayless, Hilliard, Sr.

OF/P Nick Bowden, St. Johns Country Day, Sr.

OF John Brooks, Mandarin, Jr.

P Lukas Brougham, University Christian, Jr.

OF Jeffrey Brugh, Union County, Jr.

P Nate Burnsed, West Nassau, Sr.

OF/P Robert Bryson, Paxon, Jr.

P Matthew Bysheim, Creekside, So.

C Evan Cannon, Baker County, Sr.

IF Dominic Cantona, Bartram Trail, Jr.

OF Cole Carnell, Clay, Sr.

P/UT Blane Chauncey, Baker County, Jr.

IF Marion Clayton, Flagler Palm Coast, Jr.

C Bubba Crouch, University Christian, Sr.

P/IF Gio Cruz, Stanton, Jr.

P Khalin Daniels, First Coast, Sr.

UT Johnny De Antonis, Middleburg, Jr.

IF Denzel Del Valle Delgado, Bolles, Jr.

OF Wade DiGiorgi, West Nassau, Sr.

P/OF Bynton Edge, Columbia, Sr.

P Carson Evanger, Episcopal, Sr.

IF Turner Farah, Baldwin, Jr.

IF/P Jeter Farina, Oakleaf, So.

UT Ryne Fennell, Covenant School, 8th

IF Paxton Frederick, Wolfson, Jr.

UT Jackson Garnecki, Nease, Sr.

IF Jackson Geist, Bolles, Sr.

IF Jason Gillespie, Beachside, Fr.

IF Ethan Gomez, Paxon, Jr.

P Grayson Greene, Suwannee, So.

P Brayden Harris, Tocoi Creek, Sr.

IF/OF Grady Hartman, Ponte Vedra, Sr.

IF/OF Derek Heideman, Bishop Kenny, Sr.

P Riley Hofrichter, Beachside, Sr.

IF Tanner Jones, Fernandina Beach, Sr.

IF/P Skyler Kokoszka, St. Augustine, Sr.

IF Luke Labbe, Bartram Trail, Jr.

IF Nathan La Rosa, Eagle’s View, So.

IF/P Erick Lasseter, Union County, Jr.

P/IF Storm Lickliter, Ponte Vedra, Jr.

OF Parker Loew, Trinity Christian, Jr.

P/OF Noah Lopez, Suwannee, Jr.

P Preston Matricardi, Providence, So.

P/IF Easton McMahon, Clay, Sr.

P/IF Sean Miskowiec, St. Joseph, Sr.

UT/P Mason Malloy, Palatka, So.

IF Jakeb McDougall, Fletcher, Sr.

UT Trayce McKenzie, Columbia, Sr.

UT Jace Moran, Suwannee, So.

OF CJ Murphy, Mandarin, Sr.

OF Josh Murray, Bishop Snyder, Sr.

P Clem Nelson, Episcopal, Jr.

IF/P Nick Oliviera, Fletcher, Sr.

OF/P Patrick Pendarvis, Bradford, So.

IF/P Jordan Petty, St. Augustine, Fr.

C Gage Petrutz, Trinity Christian,

UT Kharee Phillips, First Coast, Sr.

UT Landis Pickett, Providence, So.

P Levi Pietschker, Bolles, Sr.

IF Noah Prudencio, Atlantic Coast, Sr.

IF Preston Ricchini, Providence, So.

UT Logan Riege, Yulee, So.

OF/P Shawn Robinson, Christ’s Church, Sr.

P/OF Colton Rogers, Suwannee, So.

C JC Rosette, Clay, So.

IF/P Gehrig Severidt, Episcopal, Jr.

P Hunter Simpson, Mandarin, So.

OF Jackson Sizemore, Tocoi Creek, Jr.

IF Austin Smith, Keystone Heights, Sr.

P Wade Surber, Atlantic Coast, Sr.

C/IF Caleb Stanton, Ponte Vedra, So.

P Grady Stevens, Fernandina Beach, So.

OF/P Caden Swartz, Fleming Island, Jr.

IF/P Paxton Sweat, Palatka, Jr.

IF Kamari Tamaseu, Atlantic Coast, Sr.

P David Treadwell, West Nassau, Sr.

P/OF Garrison Wade, St. Joseph, Jr.

OF/P Robert Ward, Paxon, Jr.

IF/C Brady Watson, Christ’s Church, So.