Latest news with #NickBorthwick
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Seahawks speak on state tournament expectations
FORT MYERS, Fla. (WMBB) – In preparation for their Class 3A state semifinal matchup, the South Walton Seahawks held a light practice Sunday, on a replica field of Hammond Stadium — the site of the state tournament. The practice field was selected for its close resemblance to the dimensions and playing surface of Hammond Stadium. South Walton's home field features turf, while the tournament will be played on a traditional grass and dirt infield. During practice, players spoke about the team's expectations in Fort Myers and the variables they anticipate facing in the semifinal. 'The field is very similar to what we'll play on tomorrow morning,' head coach Nick Borthwick said. 'We wanted to get out and take ground balls on a surface that matches what we'll face.' While the infield is manageable, the outfield — and weather conditions — are expected to be more challenging. 'It's definitely hot,' senior outfielder Cameron Tipton-Thomas said. 'You have to hydrate if you even want to survive it. Everything's bigger out here. Our home field is 295 feet to center; this one's 330. But I've played on big fields my whole life, so I'm prepared.' Despite the changes in scale and conditions, players remain focused on execution and composure heading into the matchup. 'The preparation stays the same,' senior pitcher Braxton Varnes said. 'But it's that extra 10 percent of concentration — that little edge — that can finish the job.' South Walton is no stranger to this stage. The Seahawks finished second in the state last year, completing a historic postseason run. But this time around, the senior class says nothing short of a championship will be satisfying. 'Senior night was emotional,' senior shortstop Frank Wells said. 'Our coaches told us to leave a legacy. Most of us have been here three or four years. We've been through the ups and downs, and we've flipped the script. South Walton used to be seen as just a baseball school — now we're a powerhouse.' Junior Denton Lord will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the semifinal. He said he's excited and ready for the biggest game of the season. 'I feel really good,' Lord said. 'This is a great group, and we've had a great year. I'm ready to keep it rolling. This is the biggest game of the year, and I'm proud to be the one taking the mound.' Lord also credited the community's support for boosting the team's confidence. 'Seeing our whole town send us off like that — it meant a lot,' he said. 'Win or lose, we know we have people behind us.' South Walton will take the field Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, aiming for a return to the state championship game. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Seahawks receive special send off ahead of Final Four
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – As the South Walton baseball team heads to back the Final Four, the South Walton community gives their support. After last year's state tournament run ended in disappointment, the Seahawks believe valuable experience has been gained. Head coach Nick Borthwick has credited that experience as a major advantage for his team heading into this year's state semifinals. 'It's a huge advantage,' Borthwick said. 'Being down in Fort Myers last year and understanding the environment of the stadium, the size of the field, etc.' 'The guys have already had that experience. The majority of them are coming back, they're confident, they feel good. They're ready to play their best baseball going down to Fort Myers.' In preparation for the state stadium, Borthwick brought his team out to Niceville, to the Northwest Florida State College to practice, earlier in the week. Community support has also been embraced by the Seahawks, who were given a celebratory send-off. The team visited local middle and elementary schools in Walton County, visiting past teachers and young students. 'That was special because we got to go see the youth who've come out to our games all year,' Borthwick said. 'Some of the guys went to school there. They got to see their old teachers. The schools gave us a great send-off before we head down. That was a special celebration for these guys — for regional champions and hopefully upcoming state champions.' The Seahawks, who enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed, are scheduled to face Hernando High School from Brooksville in the state semifinals on Monday, May 19 at 10 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
South Walton sets up to host Region Finals
SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – The 28-3 South Walton Seahawks are riding an 18-game winning streak as they prepare to host Suwannee High School in the FHSAA Region Final series. Currently ranked No. 16 in the nation, the Seahawks are determined to make a return trip to the state tournament after falling short last season. But first, the team must get through a best-of-three regional series, a format head coach Nick Borthwick believes plays to his squad's strength. 'The two-out-of-three format really goes in our favor,' Borthwick said. 'We have six or seven frontline arms who can pitch at any time — whether it's Charlie Wilcox, Braxton Varnes, Dent Lord, Coleman Borthwick, Cameron Tipton-Thomas, or Jayden Cunningham. All of them are power arms who can start or come out of the bullpen.' Despite the depth, Borthwick emphasized the importance of staying focused. 'Each series is a new series,' he said. 'We've got to be ready to play Round Three.' The Seahawks will host the first two games of the series beginning Monday, May 5. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
