MaxPreps 2017 Washington preseason high school baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Diving catch straight into the wall
See an Oregon player sell out for a great catch in a 2016 state title game.


1. Kentwood (Covington)
Head coach: Mark Zender
2016 record: 24-6

The Conquerors pulled off several upsets en route to reaching the Class 4A state title game. Although Kentwood lost to Skyline, it did manage to defeat Walla Walla, Gig Harbor and Woodinville along the way. Kentwood has one of the state's top players in Shane McGuire, a catcher who batted .447 with 23 RBIs. McGuire has committed to play at San Diego. Kentwood will miss State Player of the Year Jordan Jones, who has graduated. See last season's Washington baseball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Puyallup
Head coach: Marc Wiese
2016 record: 20-5

Three years after going undefeated (28-0) and winning the Class 4A state championship, the Vikings figure to be in the mix again in 2017. Puyallup returns one of its top hitters from last year in catcher Ryan Teague, who batted .377. Outfielder Zack Larson also returns after batting .375. Michael Newstrom heads the pitching staff after going 2-2 with a 1.20 ERA last year.

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3. Skyline (Sammamish)
Head coach: Brandon Hemphill
2016 record: 21-7

The Spartans went into the Class 4A state playoffs last year as the No. 1 seed and defeated Kentwood for the state championship. Four of the team's top hitters from last year return, including senior outfielder Dax Kringle, who batted .395, and senior designated hitter Kyle Strash, who batted .308. Jack Rooney is the top returning pitcher with a 4-0 record and a 2.72 ERA.

See last season's MaxPreps Washington baseball playoff brackets

4. Gig Harbor
Head coach: Pete Jansen
2016 record: 18-8

Gig Harbor reached the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs last season, but the Tides return four players who earned All-League honors last year. They include infielder Chad Stevens, pitcher Avery Jones, infielder Cameron MacIntosh and outfielder R.J. Green.

See last season's MaxPreps Washington baseball stat leaders

5. Wenatchee
Head coach: Jeff Zehnder
2016 record: 24-1

Wenatchee won its first 23 games last year before falling to Skyline in the Class 4A semifinals. Wenatchee bounced back to beat Woodinville for third place. Although All-State first baseman Grady Miller has graduated, Wenatchee returns All-Conference shortstop Ben McKay.