Xcellent Preseason Baseball: Bishop Gorman begins at No. 1

Doing preseason rankings of any kind is sort of like being a detective and solving a crime. First step, round up the usual suspects.

In this case, the usual suspects when trying to solve the mystery that is the 2011 MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Baseball Rankings include perennial state and section champions like Farragut, Owasso, Archbishop Mitty, Brenham, Sumrall, Bolles and LaCueva. Then there's the recent standouts, like Carroll of Corpus Christi and Flanagan, that need to be considered.

But the team that comes out on top to start the season is an old favorite - Bishop Gorman. Winners of five straight state championships in Nevada, the Gaels figure to make it six in a row this year. Bishop Gorman also regularly travels to some of the top tournaments in the country and regularly hosts two of its own tournaments with teams from other states participating.

However the thing that makes Bishop Gorman an attractive choice this year is the competition it figures to receive from rival Rancho. The Gaels nearly lost the state title to Rancho last year, faltering 4-2 in the first championship game. However Bishop Gorman bounced back for a 13-0 win in the final elimination game to claim the title.

Rancho figures to be among the top teams in the country this year and that competition figures to keep Bishop Gorman ranked among the top teams in the country. Should the Gaels figure out a way to defeat Rancho, that only adds to the luster of an already shiny resume that could include a sixth state championship.

The rest of the top five includes teams from the top baseball prospect producing states in the country - California, Texas and Florida. Archbishop Mitty, the No. 1 team in California last season, begins the year at No. 2 while Carroll, the preseason No. 1 team in Texas, is at No. 3. Flanagan, the 6A state champion in Florida files in at No. 4.

Another usual suspect, perennial Tennessee state champion Farragut, rounds out the top five.

For the preseason rankings we have included 50 of the top teams in the country. We'll cut that down to our usual Xcellent 25 for the regular season and then up it back to 50 once the state playoffs begin.

MAXPREPS XCELLENT 25 NATIONAL BASEBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS

1. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.), 36-4
2010 Highlights: Defeated Rancho 13-0 to win Nevada Class 4A state championship.
Graduates: Johnny Field (.504, 14 HR), Cory Welch (.466), Neil Lawhorn (C, .435), Wesley Denzler (.329).
Who Returns: Joey Gallo (IF, Jr, .474, 15 HR), TJ White (IF, P, .438), Johnny Sewald (OF, Jr, .386), Kenny Meimerstorf (OF, Soph, .363, 9 HR), Erik Van Meetren (C, 1B, .356, 8 HR),
Outlook: The Gaels started out the season No. 1 two years ago, ended up losing early in the season and never recovered. Don't look for a similar stumble this year. First-year head coach Nick Day replaces long-time coach Chris Sheff and inherits a talented group that includes preseason All-American Joey Gallo along with all-state picks TJ White, Johnny Sewald and Erik Van Meetren. The Gaels will continue to clout home runs (77 last year) and figure to get a stiff challenge from Rancho, one of just three teams to defeat the Gaels last year.

2. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.), 31-3
2010 Highlights: Defeated Bellarmine 12-0 in the California Central Coast Section Division I championship game.
Graduates: James Roberts (SS, .411), Alex Balog (OF, P, .407), Colton Goularte (C, .324), Stephen Meade (OF, .288), John Melero (P, 9-0).
Who Returns: Preston Caldera (OF, .433, Jr), Brett Fuller (1B, .388, 8 HR), Sean Edgecumbe (OF, .376), Kyle Alwyn (IF, .310), Tyler Davis (P, 11-0).
Outlook: The Monarchs have one of the top pitchers in Northern California in Tyler Davis and a heavy-hitting first baseman in Brett Fuller. If the Monarchs can get through the rugged West Catholic Athletic League schedule unscathed, another high national ranking, similar to last year's final No. 3 overall national ranking.

3. Carroll (Corpus Christi, Texas), 37-7
2010 Highlights: Defeated Klein 5-2 to win Texas Class 5A state championship.
Graduates: Mark Blackmar (OF, P, .489, 14-1), Adam Hinojosa (2B, .444), Alan Grohman (1B, .500).
Who Returns: Trey Rodriguez (SS, Jr, .386), Oshea Dumes (1B, Jr, .396), Malcolm Cepeda (1B, .295), Josh Cruz (3B, Jr, .385), Courtney Hawkins (OF, .406, 9-1, Jr), Chris Cano (OF, Jr, .333), Julian Salinas (2B, Jr, .600), John Avila (P, Jr, .333).
Outlook: The Tigers defeated Klein for the 5A state championship with a team loaded with sophomores, including all-state pick Courtney Hawkins on the mound. Although the loss of Mark Blackmar will be difficult to overcome, the Tigers look poised to make a run at the 5A title for the next two years with at least seven juniors who batted over .300 as sophomores last season.

4. Flanagan (Pembroke Pines, Fla.), 23-2
2010 Highlights: Defeated American 12-3 for Florida 6A state championship.
Graduates: Geoffrey Jimenez (CF, .449), Pichi Torres (RF, .418), Justin Machado (P, 7-0).
Who Returns: Michael Melendez (1B, .492), Ricky Santiago (SS, .420), Ryan Lozada (OF, .294).
Outlook: Ranked No. 1 in the nation to end the season by Baseball America, Flanagan will have the difficult task of making it through a Florida 6A schedule. Yet if the Falcons can do it, they would definitely earn their high ranking. Coach Ray Evans has one of the state's best players in shortstop Ricky Santiago.

5. Farragut (Knoxville, Tenn.), 42-6
2010 Highlights: Defeated Houston 3-1 for Tennessee AAA state championship. Had 2-0 win over Florida 6A state champion Flanagan.
Graduates: Ethan Bennett (C, .407, 27 HR, Gatorade State Player of the Year), David Allen (OF, .401), Nick Williams (1B, P, .331), Stewart Martens (IF, .308), Tyler Noland (OF, .295)
Who Returns: Nicky Delmonico (.485, 75 RBI, 18 HR), Philip Pfeifer (P, 16-0, 165 K), AJ Simcox (IF, Soph, .299).
Outlook: It's considered a big rebuilding year at Farragut, which has won three straight Tennessee AAA state championships. However with two of the nation's top players in catcher Nicky Delmonico and pitcher Philip Pfeifer, it shouldn't take too long for the Admirals to work their way toward another state crown.

6. Sumrall (Sumrall, Miss.), 35-1
2010 Highlights: Defeated Water Valley in two straight games, 12-2 and 11-1, to claim third straight Mississippi Class 3A state championship. Ran its winning streak to 67 straight games before falling to Oak Grove.
Graduates: Jackson Posey (1B, P, .523, 61 RBI), Chase Lewallen (SS, .545, 31 RBI), Dominique Griffith (OF, .385), and Chad Guice (OF, C, .429, 54 RBI).
Who Returns: Luke Lowery (P, 1B, 11-1), Austin Knight (C, .429, 26 RBI), Connor Barron (2B, SS, .514, 60 RBI), Austin Carter (OF, 380, 36 RBI), Dylan Anglin (OF, .300), Tyler Simmons (P, 9-0).
Outlook: Coach Larry Knight and the Bobcats no longer have the pressure of a long winning streak as their run at the national record came to an end at 67 games in a row. Nevertheless, the Bobcats have the chance at a fourth straight state 3A championship thanks to a talented pitching staff that includes all-state pick Luke Lowery and Tyler Simmons. Sumrall is also solid in the infield with Connor Barron at shortstop and Austin Knight behind the plate. Both are considered among the top players at their position in the state.

7. Bolles (Jacksonville, Fla.), 29-3
2010 Highlights: Defeated Gulliver Prep 4-3 for Florida 3A state championship. Bolles won state title for second straight year.
Graduates: Caleb Denmark (.453, 8 HR), Mark Lumpa (P, .340, 13-0), David Perkins (2B, .390), Braddock Rowe (C, .397).
Who Returns: Dj Stewart (OF, Jr, .427, 6 HR), Hunter Wildes (P, 1B, Jr, .350, 5-0), Austin Slater (SS, .330), Taylor Betros (OF, .325), Hayden Hurst (1B, P, Jr, .321, 9-1).
Outlook: Bolles will aim for a third straight state championship and Bulldogs have the hitting and pitching to get it done. Hayden Hurst and Hunter Wildes provided 14 wins last year while DJ Stewart and Austin Slater will lead the offense. Replacing the 13 wins from Mark Lumpa and the .453 batting average of Caleb Denmark will be difficult, but not impossible.

8. Petal (Petal, Miss.), 30-3
2010 Highlights: Defeated Madison Central in Mississippi 6A state championship series 2-1, 5-6, 15-7.
Graduates: Taylor Bird (RF, P, .438, 9-1), Chase Toussaint (SS, .411), Taylor Guyse (2B, .269),
Who Returns: Anthony Alford (LF, Jr, .390), Cody Conkle (3B, .387, 9-0), Tyler Graves (C, Jr, .344), Jacoby Langley (CF, .333), Trevor Williams (1B, Soph, .263), Brandon Smith (1B, P, .371, 11-1).
Outlook: Sumrall should get a heavy push for the best team in Mississippi from Petal, which defeated Oak Grove (the lone team to defeat Sumrall) and Madison Central en route to the 6A state title. Anthony Alford should be one of the state's best all-around players. Petal also has a number of solid pitchers returning including 20 combined wins between Cody Conkle and Brandon Smith.

9. Brenham (Brenham, Texas), 35-5
2010 Highlights: Defeated Calallen 2-1 for Texas Class 4A state championship.
Graduates: Erich Weiss (2B, .472), Jeremy Hall (CF, .421), Seth Spivey (C, .344), Scott Weinschenk (OF, .333), Eric Preuss (3B, .306), Chase Wellbrock (P, 18-0).
Who Returns: Chance Bolcerek (OF, .549, 10 HR), Drake Roberts (SS, .374), Colten Walla (1B, .342), Ty Schlottmann (OF, P, .333).
Outlook: Few teams have won as many state titles as Brenham so it wasn't any surprise that it won the Texas 4A state championship last year. Brenham will be strong in the outfield, with all-state pick Chance Bolcerek, and in the infield, with returning starters Drake Roberts and Colten Walla. Repalcing the pitching of 18-0 all-state pitcher Chase Wellbrock will be the key.

10. La Cueva (Albuquerque, N.M.), 28-2
2010 Highlights: defeated Rio Rancho 14-2 in the New Mexico Class 5A state championship.
Graduates: Josh McCallister (P, All-State), Nate Ross (1B, All-State).
Who Returns: Ryan Padilla (OF, All-State), Matt Smith (SS, All-State Second Team), Zach Cagan (DH, All-State Second Team).
Outlook: La Cueva avenged a state championship loss to Rio Rancho two years ago with a win in the 5A state finals last season. Three all-state players return for the Bears who figure to battle Rio Rancho, and possibly Cleveland, for the state title.

11. Owasso (Owasso, Okla.), 32-7
2010 Highlights: Lost to Union 10-9 in Oklahoma 6A state championship game.
Graduates: Ryan Wilson (OF, All-Metro, .419).
Who Returns: Justin Steelmon (Ut, All-Metro 2nd team), Kendall Emerson (2B, All-Metro honorable mention), Phillip Wilson (OF, All-Metro honorable mention), Dylan Bundy (P, Gatorade State Player of the Year).
Outlook: The Rams lost to Union in the 6A state finals but are always the team to beat in Oklahoma. The return of two-time Gatorade State Player of the Year Dylan Bundy makes the Rams not only one of the best teams in Oklahoma, but the nation.

12. Columbus (Columbus, Ga.), 32-5
2010 Highlights: Defeated Ringgold 2-1 and 13-6 to win Georgia 3A state championship.
Graduates: McClendon Hill (SS, All-Bi-City), Bobby Andrews (OF, All-Bi-City), Hunter Brocato (IF, All-Bi-City 2nd team), Brad Barto (IF, All-Bi-City honorable mention).
Who Returns: Kyle Carter (OF, P, Junior, .400, 9-2), Will Solomon (P, All-Bi-City 2nd team), John Phillips (3B, All-Bi-City), Jordan Weems (C, All-Bi-City 2nd team), Troy Darr (OF, All-Bi-City honorable mention), Cody Walker (C, All-Bi-City honorable mention).
Outlook: The defending 3A state champions are considered as possibly the No. 1 team in Georgia regardless of division. Kyle Carter returns for his junior season and he has already won Bi-City MVP honors as a sophomore.

13. Edison (Huntington Beach, Calif.), 18-9
2010 Highlights: Won the Sunset League championship. Lost in first round of the Southern Section Division I playoffs.
Graduates: Nick Hansen (P), Kyle Jones (IF),
Who Returns: Henry Owens (P), Christian Lopes (SS), Tim Lopes (2B), Eric Snyder (OF), Jon Torres (Ut), Sean Whiteman (OF)
Outlook: The Chargers were ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps early in the season, but fell on hard times midway through the season and ultimately lost in the first round of the Southern Section playoffs. However the Chargers have too much talent to be overlooked. Owens ranks as one of the top pitchers in the country and the Lopes brothers are as good a double play combination as you'll find. Snyder, meanwhile, was the Sunset League MVP last year.

14. Amador Valley (Pleasanton, Calif.), 25-3
2010 Highlights: Defeated Foothill (Pleasanton, Calif.) 12-1 for the North Coast Section Division I championship.
Graduates: David Johnson (1B, .415), Brian Hamm (2B, .375), Tony Olguin (C, .364), Brent Barstow (OF, .333), Tommy Pluschkell (1B, .318).
Who Returns: Chris Keck (SS, .462), Aaron Hafford (OF, .405), Michael Lam (OF, .382), Joey Moroney (OF, .345), Devin Finn (OF, .294), Alex Osterholt (P, 5-1), Michael Mallory (P, 8-0), Nick Piscotty (P, 6-1).
Outlook: The Dons have a wealth of pitching returning from last year's North Coast Section Division I championship team along with one of Northern California's top players in shortstop Chris Keck.

15. Fort Bend Clements (Sugar Land, Texas), 33-8
2010 Highlights: Lost to Carroll 4-3 in Texas 5A state semifinals.
Graduates: Brian Hethcoat (P, 11-2), Kenny Hutchison (P, OF, .340, 9-1), Andrew Riddle (OF, .316), Matt Sugar (2B, .343), Scott Ballard (P, .323, 3-1), John Stanford (1B, .414).
Who Returns: Phillip Casey (SS, .358), Ross Stifflemire (OF, .310), Cline Andrews (3B, .319), Blake Johnson (OF, .333), Samm Wiggins (C, .305), Alec Horvath (P, .400, 5-0), GR Hinsley (1B, .495).
Outlook: The Rangers reached the 5A state finals with a host of young players last season. Fort Bend Clements begins the season ranked No. 2 in the Texas Baseball Coaches Association preseason rankings.

16. Buchanan (Clovis, Calif.), 29-5
2010 Highlights: Defeated Clovis West 7-5 for California Central Section Division I championship.
Graduates: Jensen Verhalen (2B, .333), Jack Karraker (3B, .322), Sterling Cash (OF, .270), Drew Merlo (P, 12-1).
Who Returns: Jason Gonzalez (2B, .441), Jordan Luplow (3B, .419), Christian Parra (OF, .357), Seth Moranda (SS, .351).
Outlook: An outstanding infield makes Buchanan the team to beat in the Central Section of California. The Bears battled tough all season long against Clovis West and will likely face the Golden Eagles in the section championship again this year.

17. Auburn (Auburn, Ala.), 32-10
2010 Highlights: Defeated Grissom in Alabama 6A state championship game 4-3.
Graduates: Drew Eiland (P, All-State), Patrick Carroll (IF, All-Area), Dalton Edwards (OF, all-Area).
Who Returns: Tanner Cimo (IF, All-Area), Grant Massey (IF, All-Area).
Outlook: The preseason No. 1 in Alabama last year by MaxPreps, Auburn stumbled a bit during the season only to put it all together in the 6A state playoffs with a 4-3 win over Grissom for the title. All-state pitcher Drew Eiland is gone, but all-area infielders Tanner Cimo and Grant Massey return to make Auburn another threat for a 6A crown.

18. Walsh Jesuit (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio), 30-2
2010 Highlights: Ohio Division 2 state runnerup. Lost to Jonathan Alder 3-2 in finals.
Graduates: Johnny Fasola (IF, .571), Patrick Ammar (LF, .469), Ryan Berry (1B, .453), Greg Greve (P, .400), Anthony Marotto (RF, .375), Marco Caponi (2B, .337), Tyler Skulina (P, 6-0).
Who Returns: Nate Lundy (RF, .447), Cassidy Brown (C, Soph, .359), Tim Faix (P, 7-0).
Outlook: Chris Kaczmar had his Warriors poised to finish the season ranked No. 1 in the country, but a loss to Jonathan Alder in the Division 2 state finals ended those hopes. Although three Warriors, Skulina, Fasola and Greve, were selected in the MLB Draft, the Warriors still have a strong group of returning players, topped by outfielder Nate Lundy and pitcher Tim Faix.

19. Calallen (Corpus Christi, Texas), 38-5
2010 Highlights: Reached Texas Class 4A state finals, lost to Brenham 2-1.
Graduates: Rob Zastryzny (P, OF, .405, 16-1, 190 K), Richard Montemayor (2B, .357), Hunter Whetsell (OF, .318), Blake Balusek (P, 4-1).
Who Returns: Wyatt Mathisen (IF, Jr, .462), Brett Bell (SS, .444), Tyler Neslony (OF, Jr, .367), Chad Vanaman (C, .358), Tanner Vandeveer (2B, .320), Tate Bammert (C, Soph, .262), Nick Ginn (P, 5-0).
Outlook: Coach Steve Chapman always has the Wildcats in the hunt for a Texas 4A state championship and this year shouldn't be any different. Calallen loses 16 wins from graduated pitcher Rob Zastryzny, but Wyatt Mathisen and Brett Bell anchor a strong infield and Nick Ginn will be looked on to carry more of the load on the mound.

20. Clovis West (Fresno, Calif.), 29-4
2010 Highlights: Lost to Buchanan 7-5 in California Central Section championship game.
Graduates: Eric Karch (P, All-Area MVP), Jacob Alvarez (IF, All-Area), Connor Buss (OF, All-Area 2nd team), Mike Gilleland (C, All-Area 2nd team), Michael Isom (P, County All-Star).
Who Returns: James Bitter (OF), John Koretoff (3B), Ryan Clark (IF, Jr), Nick McAllaster (OF), Scott Silva (Ut, Jr), Tyler Ferguson (P, Jr), Daniel Merrick (OF), Dalton Graham (C), Trevor Crough (IF).
Outlook: There figures to be a year-long battle for supremacy in the Central Section behind Clovis West and Buchanan. While area MVP Eric Karch is gone, nine other players return who saw regular playing time for the Golden Eagles.

21. Poquoson (Poquoson, Va.), 28-1
2010 Highlights: Defeated Potomac Falls 9-1 in Virginia Group AA state finals for second straight state championship.
Graduates: Kyle Crockett (P, OF, State MVP), Chad Pinder (SS, .459), Adam Posey (Ut, .384).
Who Returns: Tee McConnell (3B, .329), Chad Funkhouser (2B, .413), Dylan Hill (OF, Jr, .439), Matt Cawley (DH, .349), Luke Hill (C, All-District honorable mention).
Outlook: Finished the 2010 season as the No. 1 overall team in Virginia by the MaxPreps computer rankings. Two-time state MVP Kyle Crockett is gone along with valuable shortstop Chad Pinder, but the bulk of the infield returns to help the Islanders work toward a third straight Class AA state crown.

22. Rancho Bernardo (San Diego, Calif.), 27-8
2010 Highlights: Defeated Poway 9-5 in California San Diego Section Division I championship game.
Graduates: Trevor Williams (P, 1B, .432, 10-2), Anthony Vanroy (OF, .377), Brad Haynal (C, .347).
Who Returns: Andrew Daniel (IF, .488, 13 HR), Max Homick (OF, .459, 9-2), Brandon Berry (1B, .448), Gosuke Katoh (IF, Soph, .430), David Gabel (3B, .291), Becker Sankey (C, .266).
Outlook: The Broncos hit 48 home runs last year and batted .389 as a team. Most of those leading hitters return, including infielder Andrew Daniel and outfielder Max Homick. Overcame two earlier losses to Poway to defeat the Titans in the section championship game of the San Diego Section Division I playoffs.

23. Bishop Amat (La Puente, Calif.), 27-4
2010 Highlights: Lost to Torrance in California Southern Section Division 4 quarterfinals.
Graduates: Paul Paez (P, 13-2), Joe Eusebio (OF, .417), Brandon McNitt (P, 8-0), Jerry McClanahan (C, .405).
Who Returns: Rio Ruiz (SS, Jr, .528), Ryan Serrato (DH, P, .371), David Higuera (P, .357), Jay Andreson (OF, .340), Adrian Franco (1B, .337), Jordan McCraney (OF, .333), Bernardo Zavala (3B, .317), Daniel Zamora (P, Jr, 5-1).
Outlook: The Lancers were among the top teams in all of the Southern Section before falling to Torrance in the Division 4 quarterfinals. While Bishop Amat loses most of its pitching from last year in Paul Paez and Brandon McNitt, it returns one of the top players in the country in shortstop Rio Ruiz.

24. Gulliver Prep (Miami, Fla.), 25-6
2010 Highlights: Lost to Bolles 4-3 in Florida 3A state championship game.
Graduates: Andrew Valencia (C, .462), Nick Sinatra (P, All-Dade honorable mention).
Who Returns: Chris Diaz (P, 6-2, 2.30 ERA), Chris Chinea (1B, Jr, .596), Eric Neitzel (3B, Jr, .519), Ricky Eusebio (.469, Jr.), Randy Boza (P, All-Dade 2nd team), Adrian Marin (SS, Jr, All-Dade 2nd team), Mike Zinn (P, All-Dade honorable mention), Cody Auerbach (LF, All-Dade honorable mention).
Outlook: The Raiders challenged for the 3A state championship despite a sophomore-dominated lineup. Coach Javy Rodriguez returns nearly every significant player from last year's squad, including pitcher Chris Diaz, and infielders Chris Chinea and Eric Neitzel. Already has a win over Archbishop McCarthy.

25. Archbishop McCarthy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), 24-6
2010 Highlights: Defeated Jesuit 6-1 to win Florida 4A state championship.
Graduates: Nick Castellanos (3B, .512), Michael Carballo (OF, .435), Johnny Cole (P, 11-1, 2.40 ERA), David Vasquez (OF, All-Broward County honorable mention).
Who Returns: Andre Martinez (P, Jr, 9-2, 2.27 ERA), Jose Brizuela (IF, 2nd Team All-Broward County), Alexander Fernandez (C, All-Broward County honorable mention).
Outlook: The Mavericks came on strong, behind the play of MLB draft pick Nick Castellanos, to win the 4A state championship in Florida. Will likely battle Jesuit again for the title behind the pitching of Andre Martinez.

The Next 25

26. Germantown Academy (Fort Washington, Pa.), 28-3
2010 Highlights: Did not compete in state playoffs in Pennsylvania.
Graduates: Sean Coyle (SS, All-City), Keenan Kish (P, All-City 2nd team).
Who Returns: Mike Fitzgerald (P, Jr, All-City honorable mention), Dan Hoy (P, Jr, All-City honorable mention), Aaron Novak (OF, All-City honorable mention), Greg Guers (OF, All-City honorable mention), Chris Harvey (C, Jr., All-City, honorable mention).
Outlook: The loss of MLB draftees Sean Coyle and Keenan Kish will hurt, but coach John Duffy still has a number of all-city players returning who will compete at the highest level in Pennsylvania.

27. Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.), 29-4
2010 Highlights: Reached Florida 4A state finals, lost to Archbishop McCarthy 6-1.
Graduates: Carmelo Losauro (IF, .423), Nick Iacovella (IF, .417), George Horrnick (OF, .414), Chris Pagliarulo (OF, .400), Bobby Eveld (1B, .384), Daniel Gibson (P, 16-0), Daniel Cooper (OF, .344), Alex Bacon (OF, .343), Kris Johnson (OF, .326), Matt Ina (P, 5-0), Willi Martin (P, 1B, 5-3).
Who Returns: Lance McCullers (IF, P, Jr, .457), Vincent Leto (OF, Jr, .406).
Outlook: The Tigers are regularly one of the top teams in Florida and they challenged for the 4A state title last year. While star pitcher Daniel Gibson was selected in the MLB Draft, the Tigers still have Lance McCullers, the 2009 MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year. Coach Richie Warren has a lot of holes to fill but Jesuit has had little trouble reloading each year.

28. Indianapolis Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.), 31-2
2010 Highlights: Lost to Fort Wayne Carroll 1-0 in Indiana 4A state championship game.
Graduates: Scott Miller (OF, .396), Tom Farrell (IF, .312).
Who Returns: Phil Mosey (IF, .423), Dillon Peters (P, OF, 12-0, .375), Matt Dauby (IF, Jr, .325), Ryan Levenhagen (OF, Jr, .260), Luke Cureton (OF, Soph, .353), Corey Colquitt (IF, .372).
Outlook: The Fighting Irish were sailing along until a 1-0 loss to Carroll in the 4A state finals. A strong group of starters, particularly in the outfield, puts Cathedral at the top of the heap to start the season in Indiana. The Fighting Irish also have the top pitcher in the state in Peters, who was undefeated last season.

29. Lakewood (Lakewood, Calif.), 28-6
2010 Highlights: Lost to Mater Dei 11-2 in California Southern Section Division I playoffs.
Graduates: Anthony Razo (RF, .463), Jeff Yamaguchi (1B, .459), Joseph Bernal (LF, .333), Hunter Jones (IF, .433),
Who Returns: JP Crawford (SS, Soph, .410), Tyler Schultz (C, .333), Zach Alofaituli (1B, .318), Tyler Leidholdt (CF, .301), Jimmy Gosano (2B, .287).
Outlook: The Lancers start of strongly last year but lost to a hard-charging Mater Dei team in the playoffs. Although standouts Jeff Yamaguchi and Hunter Jones are gone, a strong group of young players returns including the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year JP Crawford at shortstop.

30. Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.), 25-5
2010 Highlights: Fell to Lassiter in second round of Georgia AAAAA state playoffs, 1-4, 0-7.
Graduates: Brandon Kregel (OF, All-Region), Austin Wheeler (OF, All-Region).
Who Returns: Matt Olsen (1B, Jr, Region Player of the Year), Jack Esmonde (P, Jr, All-Region), Jesse Foster (P, Jr, All-Region), Josh Hart (Jr).
Outlook: The Panthers return one state's top hitters in Olsen, along with a strong pitching staff that includes a pair of all-region players in Esmonde and Foster. Will challenge Columbus as the top team in all of Georgia.

31. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.), 24-6-1
2010 Highlights: Reached third round of Florida 3A state playoffs, lost to Gulliver Prep, 6-4.
Graduates: Sebastian Gomez (SS, .392), Mike Lopez (P, .292), Will Nader (CF, .280).
Who Returns: Brandon Sedell (C, .612), Brandon Lopez (SS, Jr, .412), Jimmy Nesselt (P, .333), Brandon Diaz (SS, Soph, .254).
Outlook: The Patriots are regularly one of the top 3A teams in the state of Florida and they have as many as six starters returning from last year's squad, including All-American candidate Brandon Sedell at catcher. The infield play should be extremely solid and pitcher Jimmy Nesselt gives coach Todd Fitz-Gerald the mound ace he needs.

32. Elk Grove (Elk Grove, Calif.), 29-7
2010 Highlights: Lost to St. Mary's 20-13 in California Sac-Joaquin Section Division I finals.
Graduates: Jake Rodriguez (SS, C, .461), Will Soto (3B, .450), Colby Brenner (OF, .434), Russell Robards (OF, .370), Zack Majewski (OF, .364), Joe Bettencourt (OF, .345), Phillip Roa (OF, .341), Andy Smith (OF, 6-2).
Who Returns: J.D. Davis (.483), Dom Nunez (2B, Soph, .403), Jorge Vina (SS, .345), Ryan Tellez (1B, Soph, .340), Ryan King (P, 5-0).
Outlook: The Thundering Herd saw a chance at a Sac-Joaquin Section championship end in a 20-13 slugfest against St. Mary's. While Elk Grove loses one of the program's all-time greats in SS/C Jake Rodriguez, it returns another potential all-timer in J.D. Davis, who belted eight home runs last season.

33. Rancho (Las Vegas, Nev.), 33-5
2010 Highlights: Defeated in Nevada Class 4A state finals by Bishop Gorman, 13-0.
Graduates: Josh Gomez (2B, All-Northeast League 2nd team).
Who Returns: Eric Holdren (P, 9-1), Zak Qualls (P, 5-1), Gabe Chavira (C, Jr, .408), Brandon Pletsch (SS, All-Southern Nevada 2nd team), Scott Koenen (1B, All-Sunrise Region 2nd team), Kevin Kline (3B, All-Sunrise Region 2nd team), Roy Sipes (Ut, All-Northeast League 2nd team).
Outlook: Don't be surprised if Rancho ends up as the top team in Las Vegas this year. Although the Rams lost to Bishop Gorman in the Nevada 4A state finals, they also handed the Gaels a 4-2 loss to open the championship series and force a second game. Coach Tom Pletsch has seven players who have signed to play college ball next season and has the pitching to make a run at the Gaels again this year.

34. El Capitan (Lakeside, Calif.) 28-6
2010 Highlights: Defeated Cathedral Catholic 4-2 for California San Diego Section Division III championship.
Graduates: Brooks Noble (LF, All-League 2nd team), Ryan McBurney (RF, All-League 2nd team), Anthony Vigil (P, All-League 2nd team), Andrew Riggins (P, All-League 2nd team).
Who Returns: Tyrone Wiggins (SS, .462, League MVP), Troy Conyers (P, Jr, .444, All-League Pitcher of the Year), Sheldon Gabriels (2B, .471, All-League), Elden Whisman (1B, .385, All-League).
Outlook: The Vaqueros knocked off perennial champion Cathedral Catholic for the Division III championship in the San Diego Section and return two of the top players in San Diego in shortstop Tyrone Wiggins and junior pitcher Troy Conyers.

35. Moody (Corpus Christi, Texas), 34-5
2010 Highlights: Lost to Lake Travis 7-3, 1-2, 2-3 in Texas 4A regional tournament.
Graduates: Michael Franco (P, District MVP), Ray Herrera (Ut, All-District), Chris Navarro (P, All-District), Jonathan Sanchez (OF, All-District).
Who Returns: Justin Perales (1B, All-District), Smiley Zapata (2B, All-District), Marcus Villanueva (SS, All-District), Jeremy Olivo (OF, All-District 2nd team).
Outlook: The Trojans always ranks as one of the top programs in the state of Texas, if not the country. Corky Gallegos must find pitchers to replace district MVP Michael Franco and all-district pick Chris Navarro, but the infield should be extremely strong this year.

36. Rockwall-Heath (Rockwall, Texas), 39-3
2010 Highlights: Eliminated from Texas 4A state playoffs in regionals.
Graduates: Trevor Holland (3B, .505), Armando Villa (.415), Drew Baxter (OF, .354), John Branum (C, .346), Drew Benefield (C, .306).
Who Returns: Jovan Hernandez (P, Jr, .524), Jake Thompson (P, 1B, Jr, .435), Bret Boswell (IF, Soph, .328), Nick Petersen (OF, .302).
Outlook: The Hawks cruised through the first three-quarters of the season and were ranked No. 1 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 rankings in May. However they lost three of their final four games and were eliminated from the Texas 4A state playoffs by Wakeland (Frisco). Fortunately for coach Greg Harvey, two of his top players from last year, Jovan Hernandez and Jake Thompson, return for their junior seasons.

37. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.), 28-5
2010 Highlights: Lost in fourth round of state 5A tournament to Mesquite.
Graduates: Jorge Flores (SS, .486, 4 HR); Ryan Casillas (1B, .422);
Who Returns: Jake Andrews (P, 10-3); Forrest Vanlandingham (P, Jr, 4-0); Zak Johnson (P, 8-1); Parker Osborne (OF, .432, 3 HR); Trent Goodrich (IF, Jr, .391).
Outlook: The Huskies lost shortstop Jorge Flores to the MLB Draft, but coach Mike Woods has a wealth of pitching back, particularly aces Zak Johnson and Jake Andrews, to make a run at the 5A state championship. Hamilton starts the season ranked No. 1 in the 5A-I coaches association rankings.

38. Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.), 26-6
2010 Highlights: Defeated Catalina Hills 15-5 for Arizona 4A-I state championship.
Graduates: Brett Secemski (IF, .381), Alec Daugenbaugh (C, .340), Josh Chapman (IF, .321), Chris Salazar (P, 7-2), Kurt Jahnke (P, 8-2).
Who Returns: Chris Akmon (OF, Jr, .500, 11 HR), Zach Gibbons (CF, Jr, .461, 6 HR), Austin Anderson (OF, Jr, .394, 4 HR), Kyle Young (OF, .377), Ben Tingley (IF, .322), Reed Austin (IF, Jr, .319), Brandon Demerest (IF, .250), Travis Steinheiser (P, 3-0), Kane McCaslin (P, 3-1).
Outlook: The Sabercats were a bit of a surprise in the 4A-I playoffs, winning the title after favored Canyon del Oro lost in the semifinals. However coach Ryan Dyer's club is loaded with returning players from a team that batted .362 last season.

39. Spanish Fork (Spanish Fork, Utah), 25-1
2010 Highlights: Defeated Springville 4-3 for Utah Class 4A state championship.
Graduates: Dallas Smith (C, .465), Adam Duke (P, .419, 11-0), Taylor Nelson (OF, .400, 7-0).
Who Returns: Travis Still (OF, .420), James Lengal .(1B, .409), Jarret Jarvis (.382), Kayden Porter (P, IF, Jr, .400), Matt Nelson (P, .333, 3-0).
Outlook: The Dons' only loss last year came early in the season to Bingham. State MVP Adam Duke is gone but junior standout Kayden Porter could be ready to take his place.

40. Serra (San Mateo, Calif.), 25-7
2010 Highlights: Reached semifinals of California Central Coast Section Division I playoffs, lost to Archbishop Mitty 9-1.
Graduates: Tyler Hardeman (OF, .406, 4-0), Julian Merryweather (IF, P, .366, 8-1), Kyle Ferris (C, OF, .360), PJ Mallery (C, .333), Ray Denardi (OF, .291), Luca Ponti (IF, .290).
Who Returns: Andre Mercurio (1B, .439), Sean McMillan (C, .410), Matt Page (1B, OF, .406), Chris Lewis (IF, .286), Barry Timko (P, 8-2).
Outlook: Of Serra's seven losses last year, three were to section champion Archbishop Mitty. The Padres should once again battle for the West Catholic League championship and the Central Coast Section Division I title. A solid group of infielders and top pitcher Barry Timko return.

41. St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio), 28-3
2010 Highlights: Defeated Elder 8-3 for Ohio Division I state championship. Also had 5-4 win over Walsh Jesuit.
Graduates: Stetson Allie (P, IF, .500), Ross Kivett (IF, .490), Alex Lavisky (C, 437, 13 HR), Patrick Egan (Ut, .383), Cory Blackstock (.289). Joe Wallenhorst (P, 4-0).
Who Returns: Tommy Mirabelli (Ut, Jr, .513), Cody Cooper (OF, P, .438), Stephen Kisan (IF, P, .400), Vince Bartolone (IF, .310).
Outlook: Sure MaxPreps National Player of the Year Stetson Allie is gone, but his father, Denny Allie, returns. The elder Allie has made a habit of winning titles, first in Florida at Dr. Phillips and now in Ohio where his Eagles have won two titles in the past three seasons.

42. Monroe Campus (Bronx, N.Y.), 46-2
2010 Highlights: Lost to Lehman, eventual PSAL runner-up, in quarterfinals.
Graduates: Kelvin Toribio (2B, All-Bronx honorable mention), Melvin Garcia (OF, .456).
Who Returns: Wander Almonte (SS, Jr, .605), Ricardo Parra (P, Soph, All-Bronx honorable mention).
Outlook: Monroe Campus coach Michael Turo has won over 1,000 games in his career and he always has his team in contention in the PSAL. A stunning loss to Lehman in the quarterfinals last season put a damper on an otherwise spectacular season. Turo returns two of the top players in the Bronx in junior shortstop Wander Almonte and sophomore pitcher Ricardo Parra.

43. Pelham (Pelham, Ala.), 39-6
2010 Highlights: Lost to Grissom 13-3, 4-5, 7-9, in Alabama 6A state playoffs.
Graduates: Tripp Martin (2B, All-State), Michael Bishop (OF, All-State), Andrew Bishop (DH, All-State), Trae Santos (Ut, All-State honorable mention).
Who Returns: Trevor Fitts (P, All-State Pitcher of the Year).
Outlook: The Panthers entered the postseason ranked No. 1 in the state of Alabama, but lost a three-game nailbiter to Grissom in the third round. Pelham graduates three all-state players, but it returns the state's top pitcher in Trevor Fitts, who was 14-0 last year.

44. Pace (Pace, Fla.), 29-2
2010 Highlights: Defeated Armwood 6-5 to win Florida 5A state championship. Coach Charlie Warner was named the Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year, CT Bradford was the Player of the Year. Patriots take a 25-game win streak into this season.
Graduates: Bradford (Pensacola News Journal Pitcher of the Year), Trent Higgenbothem (IF, News Journal All-Area), Josh Reeves (IF, News Journal All-Area), David Casey (OF, News Journal All-Area).
Who Returns: Addison Russell (SS, Jr, News Journal Hitter of the Year, .538, 11 HR), Patrick Ervin (OF, News Journal All-Area Second Team, Soph).
Outlook: The Patriots came on strong last year behind the play of CT Bradford and sophomore sensation Addison Russell. While Bradford has graduated, Russell returns as one of the top juniors in the state of Florida. Coach Charlie Warner has a number of holes to fill, particularly in infield, but Russell will be the anchor at shortstop.

45. Broken Arrow (Broken Arrow, Okla.), 23-7
2010 Highlights: Lost to eventual state champion Union (Tulsa) in the 6A state playoffs.
Graduates: Mitchell Osburn, C, All-Metro; Alex Cochran, OF; Mason Marquette, P.
Who Returns: Archie Bradley, P; Dylan Delso, C; Mason Hope, P; Tyler Kruse, P; Tyler McKinzie, IF; Mak Monckton, OF; Nick Pettus, IF; Tyler Rolland, OF; Jacob Evans, P, Jr.
Outlook: Union and Owasso have dominated the 6A state championships over the past decade with one or the other taking the title in any given year. That could change this year thanks to the high number of returning players for the Tigers, many of whom have signed to play college ball next year. The key will be Archie Bradley, an Oklahoma football commit who is one of the top 10 players in the country. Bradley brings a fastball that comes close to 100 mph and that will help make the Tigers a championship contender.

46. Rocky Mountain (Fort Collins, Colo.), 26-2
2010 Highlights: Defeated Ralston Valley 9-4 for Colorado 5A state championship. Won fourth straight state title.
Graduates: Pierce Trumper (SS, .477), Marco Gonzales (P, OF, .465), JT Leidholt (OF, .443), Nick McLimans (OF, .433), Alec Hays (C, .433), Bryan Matz (OF, .426), Luke White (2B, .395), Chris Roglen (OF, .352), Zach Chuvala (3B, .326).
Who Returns: Jess Amedee (1B, .509).
Outlook: The Lobos have won four straight 5A state championships in Colorado, but winning a fifth won't be easy. Rocky Mountain has lost a ton of talent including pitcher Marco Gonzales, who was the winning pitcher in all four of the Lobos' state championship game wins. We'll continue to rank the Lobos until someone in Colorado knocks them off.

47. Marist (Atlanta, Ga.), 30-8
2010 Highlights: Defeated Lakeside 11-7 to win Georgia AAAA state championship game.
Graduates: Kash Manzelli (1B), Luke Bell (P), Evan Geist (P).
Who Returns: Brandon Leibrandt (LHP), Andy Perez (SS), Chesny Young (3B/2B), Brett Dolan (IF), David Bourbonnais (P/DH), Blake Stevens (RHP), Anthony Sherlag (C, Soph), Cole Truxillo (RHP).
Outlook: Eight starters return for the War Eagles who won the AAAA state championship and are ranked No. 1 in the state to start the season by the Georgia Dugout Club. The 1-2 punch of pitchers Blake Stevens (9-2) and Brandon Leibrandt (8-2) will be the key in Marist's repeat bid.

48. Menchville (Newport News, Va.), 18-5
2010 Highlights: Lost to Western Branch in Eastern Regional.
Graduates: Austin Chrismon, 3B-P (6-3, .255); Cody Joyner, OF (.286); Teddy Brewer, OF (.339)
Who Returns: Deshorn Lake, P (7-1, .303), Josh Moore, SS (.293, 6 HR), Jeff Gray, C (.389, 4 HR).
Outlook: The Monarchs are perennially one of the top teams in Virginia and that shouldn't change with Deshorn Lake taking on the role as the ace of the pitching staff. Lake played in the Aflac All-American Game and has a fastball that tops out around 95 mph.

49. Cypress (Cypress, Calif.), 21-8
2010 Highlights: Lost to Mira Costa in the second round of the Southern Section Division 2 playoffs.
Graduates: Michael Hoffie (P), P.J. Purtle (OF).
Who Returns: Zack Belanger, IF, League MVP; Zack Ortiz, League Pitcher of the Year; Tyler Alamo, C, Soph, League Rookie of the Year; David Fletcher, IF, Soph, All-League; Christian Uchytil, P, All-League; Troy Hennessey, IF, All-League Second Team; Rudy Ledesma, OF, All-League Second Team.
Outlook: The Centurions are deep and talented this year and figure to make a run at the Southern Section Division 2 championship. Alamo was one of the top freshman players in the state while the two Zachs, Ortiz and Bellanger, both earned all-county honors.

50. Eden Prairie (Eden Prairie, Minn.), 26-1
2010 Highlights: Defeated Burnsville 7-5 in Minnesota 3A state championship game.
Graduates: Tyler Peterson (IF, All-State), Matt Halloran (C, All-State), Blake Schmit (SS, All-State).
Who Returns: Tony Skjefte (2B, .441), Brian Athey (3B, .352), Grant Soderberg (OF-P, 7-0), Adam Bray (P, 1B, 6-0).
Outlook: A strong pitching staff that includes undefeated Grant Soderberg and Adam Bray will make the Eagles the team to beat in Minnesota.