Teams are hitting their strides as the postseason kicks off later this week.

We saw a number of Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association county-clinching wins including a three-peat for Carroll’s Century and crowns for South River and Howard, playing in Anne Arundel and Howard, respectively.

The tournament seeding is set for Tuesday with games getting underway Thursday.

The start date for Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA)’s double-elimination tournament for “A” and “B” Conferences is slated for Saturday while the “C” Conference championship game takes place Monday.

Now, to our Prep Ballplayer of the Week vote.

Two finalists found success on the mound — one tossing a perfect game — and at the plate while the third pitched his team to a county title.

This Week’s Finalists

Brendan Foster, Sr., RHP, Howard

The Lions clinched a county championship Wednesday against Hammond. Foster tossed a no-hitter in the team’s 10-0 win. He struck out 13 hitters.

Mark Fusco, Sr., RHP, Key

Perfection. Fusco tossed a perfect game Tuesday versus Beth Tfiloh. The right-hander struck out 16 of the 18 batters faced in Key’s 10-0 victory. He also had two singles, two RBIs and two runs scored. On Thursday, Fusco had an RBI-single against Indian Creek. The game was postponed that afternoon and finished Friday, in which Key won 6-4.

Nate Reed, Jr., RHP, Harford Tech

Reed found success on the mound and at the plate last week. The junior allowed a run on four hits while striking out eight hitters in 3 2/3 innings Monday. He had three RBIs in the Cobras’ 12-2 win. Reed tossed a complete-game shutout Thursday against Bo Manor. The right-hander gave up four hits and struck out five.

Others considered (listed alphabetically): JB Berry, South Carroll; Gabe Delgado, Howard; Brendan Simonds, Severna Park; Benji Thalheimer, Atholton; John Torroella, Mount St. Joseph.

If you’re visiting our Prep Ballplayer voting for the first time, here’s how things work: Three candidates will be revealed each Monday. You get to vote in the poll below – early and often – for the finalist you believe should be our winner. Voting ends every Thursday night and the winner is announced each Friday.

If you’re interested in submitting candidates for our consideration, please send the player’s name, key statistics from the previous week and your contact information to [email protected]. We welcome suggestions and your feedback.