Boys Prep of the Week: Josue Rivera, Seacrest baseball
For Josue Rivera of the Seacrest Country Day School baseball team, having a big performance is always better when it comes in an important game. Well, the Stingrays had an important matchup last week and the senior made sure to have a big night.
Rivera drilled a three-run home run in a district win over Sarasota Christian. He also recorded a single and three stolen bases, all while earning the win on the mound. He capped off the week with three hits at the plate in a win over Community School.
For that, Rivera has been named Boys Prep of the Week.
His three-run dinger marked his first of the season, but the fact that it came against a district rival made it that much sweeter.
"You really know right when you hit it (that it's a home run)," he said. "Getting big games like that, getting rallies and stuff, it feels better than just a regular game."
The win kept the Stingrays in first place in the Class 2A-District 6 standings, and the postseason is right around the corner. Rivera has already had a taste of the state championship game, but this year, getting there won’t be enough.
“Our goal is just to make it far,” he said. “We’re looking for a state title.”
Although, Rivera often pitches for Seacrest, he also plays center field and has already committed to play at the Division I level at Bethune-Cookman. He’s hitting .439 from the leadoff spot this season and he has the speed to steal once he gets on base.
Seacrest coach George Reidy is confident his speedster will continue bringing his best through the postseason.
"It’s great for your team when your best player is your hardest worker,” Reidy said. “He doesn’t have to change a thing. He works hard, he practices hard and that equates to his performances on the field.”
Since taking the diamond for the first time at 4 years old, Rivera has continued playing, and hopes to keep playing as long as he can. Because of his speed, Reidy believes Rivera has the chops to play professionally.
If drafted, he wouldn’t be the first Rivera to play Major League Baseball. His brother, Joeanthony Rivera, a St. John Neumann graduate, was drafted by the Texas Rangers. Josue Rivera wants to top his big brother, though.
“He has been my role model,” Rivera said. “So to pass him would mean everything.”
OTHERS CONSIDERED
Tad Demallie, Barron Collier lacrosse: Scored four goals in each of the Cougars’ two victories last week
Marcon Harding, St. John Neumann baseball: Hit the go-ahead RBI against Southwest Florida Christian, followed by two hits in a win over Golden Gate
Daniel Martin, St. John Neumann tennis: Won singles and doubles matches in the Celtics’ wins over Canterbury and Golden Gate
Coaches may submit nominations for preps of the week by sending an email to sports@naplesnews.com. The deadline is 6 p.m. Sundays.