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

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1. Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro)
Head coach: Ryan Terrill
2016 record: 35-3

Riverdale Baptist plays a freelance schedule and does not compete for a state title, but it has one of the best lineups in the nation, let alone the state of Maryland. Two of the state's top four players, according to Perfect Game, play for Riverdale Baptist, including pitcher Harold Cortijo and third baseman Brandon Dorsey. Cortijo batted .531 with 40 RBIs and went 8-1 on the mound.

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2. Archbishop Spalding (Severn)
Head coach: Joe Palumbo
2016 record: 27-5

The top team in the MIAA, Archbishop Spalding returns four starters from last year's team. Nick Vermillion, a senior utility player, batted .364 last year with 25 RBIs while senior outfielder Evan Fochtman batted .297. Jordan Geber is the top returning pitcher.

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3. Huntingtown
Head coach: Guy Smith
2016 record: 21-4

The Class 3A state champions return five players from last year's group that won the first baseball state championship in school history. They include Davaughn Reid, Andrew Pawlowski and Alec Holtkamp. Coach Guy Smith indicated that all three should play at the college level next year.

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4. Bel Air
Head coach: John Swanson
2016 record: 19-4

The Bobcats won the Class 4A state championship last year, knocking off Quince Orchard in the finals. Bel Air returns a pair of All-District players in infielder Mike Yetter and outfielder Zach Radcliff. Liam Powers also returns and joins Radcliff on the coaches association Preseason All-State Team.

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5. Sherwood (Sandy Spring)
Head coach: Sean Davis
2016 record: 21-1

The Warriors were undefeated before falling in the postseason to Howard in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs. Seven of the top eight offensive players return from that team, led by Brendan Collins (.469 batting average) and sophomore Michael Bouma (.431). Connor Brady is the top returning pitcher after going 5-1 last year.