MaxPreps 2014 Top 100 Preseason National Baseball Rankings

The countdown is complete. Archbishop McCarthy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) begins the season ranked No. 1 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 Preseason National Baseball Rankings, and the Mavericks are just one of many Florida teams to crack our preseason Top 100.

A total of 20 Florida teams are in the top 100, edging out California which has 18. Texas is third with nine teams while Georgia is fourth with six.

Here's a look at the MaxPreps Top 100 to kick things off, also with mention of where each team finished last season in the MaxPreps Computer Rankings.


1. Archbishop McCarthy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
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2. Owasso (Okla.)
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3. Cypress Ranch (Houston)
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4. Venice (Fla.)
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5. Milton (Ga.)
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6. Barbe (Lake Charles, La.)
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7. Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.)
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8. Roberson (Asheville, N.C.)
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9. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
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10. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
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The Rest of the Xcellent 25

11. Gainesville (Ga.)
Last Year: 28-5 record, 8A-AAAAA Region champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 429
Returners: Michael Gettys, OF/RHP, Senior, .420, 5 HR, 37 RBIs, 10-1 record, 0.77 ERA, 114 Ks, committed to Georgia; Griffith Sims, SS/RHP, Senior, committed to Furman; Chandler Newton, LHP/OF, Senior, committed to Mercer; Drew Satterfield, C/1B, Senior, committed to Tennessee Temple; Caleb Whitenton, 1B/RHP, Junior, committed to South Carolina.
Outlook:  Gainesville has come close the past two seasons, but hasn't quite been able to get over the hump in the playoffs. Sporting a lineup that includes Gettys, possibly the best all-around position player in the nation, Gainesville could get the championship that has been so elusive.

12. St. Francis (Mountain View, Calif.)
Last Year: 30-4, California Central Coast Section Division I champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 7
Returners: Tim Susnara, C, Senior, .310, 27 RBIs; Tyler Deason, 3B/RHP, Senior, .315, 3-0 record, 2.30 ERA; John Gavin, LHP, Senior, 11-1 record, 1.28 ERA; Richard Boe, RHP, Senior, 2-0 record, 0.64 ERA; Blake Billinger, 1B/RHP, Senior, committed to Florida International.
Newcomers: Ryan Johnson, OF, Senior; Ryan McSwain, OF, Senior, committed to Arkansas Little Rock; Andrew Carter, LHP/OF, Junior; Conor Thane, SS, Junior; Patrick McMullen, RHP, Senior, committed to Point Loma; Andrew Martinez, SS/2B/RHP, Sophomore; Jonathan Mendoza, C/IF, Sophomore.
Outlook: The Lancers lost a number of seniors from last year's Central Coast Section championship team, but there is still a lot of talent returning on the mound, led by all-state selection Gavin. St. Francis also expects to be solid on defense, especially in the infield.

13. Blue Valley West (Stilwell, Kan.)
Last Year: 26-3, Kansas Class 6A state champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 8
Returners: Tanner Gragg, C, Senior, .256, 8 doubles, 12 RBI, signed with Kansas; Dan Reilly, 1B, Senior, .349; Garrett Smith, 2B, Senior, .432, signed with Neosho CC; Luke Viestenz, 2B/SS; Connor Kaiser, SS/P, Junior, .314, 4-0 record, 0.00 ERA, committed to Vanderbilt; Ryan Ralston, 3B/P, Senior, .418, 4-2 record, 1.14 ERA, 22 K, signed with Kansas; Sam Daily, LF, Junior, .299; Sam Davis, CF, Junior, 15 RBI; Evan Bourn, RF/P, .306, 2-1 record, 0.26 ERA, signed with Neosho County CC; Zack Engelken, P, 5-0 record, 69 K, 47.1 IP, signed with Nebraska; Harrison Whitney, 3B/DH.
Newcomers: Tyler Cox, OF, Junior; Jackson Layton, OF, Junior; Blake Wiles, C/3B, Junior; Davis Schwab, P, Junior; Nathan Wiles, P, Sophomore.
Outlook: Every player returns for Blue Valley West, which won the state championship last year. At least three players are expected to sign Division I scholarships. The pitching staff is particularly strong with potential state MVP Engelken leading the way.

14. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)
Last Year: 25-3, District 16-5A champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 81
Returners: Dallas Perez, RF, Senior, .311, 7 doubles; Magglio Ordonez, LF, Senior, .299, 16 RBI; David Villar, 1B, Junior, .346, 18 RBI, 2 HR; Louis Beck, RHP, Senior, 5-1 record, 1.79 ERA; Chase Reyes, 2B, Junior, .359, 11 runs; Milton Ramos, SS, Senior; Alec Acosta, 3B/2B, Senior, committed to Davidson.
Newcomers: Brandon Vicens, CF, Senior, transfer from Archbishop McCarthy; Ritchie Cruz, RHP, Junior; Justin Lamazares, C, Junior; Alec Kushner, DH/C, Junior; Patrick Mitchell, RHP, Junior.
Outlook: Always a top contender, the Patriots are just one year removed from a state championship. The road will be a little tougher this year with Archbishop McCarthy now in the division. The teams will meet twice this season.

15. Buchanan (Clovis, Calif.)
Last Year: 25-6-1, Tri-Rivers League champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 127
Returners: Trenton Kemp, OF, Senior, .442, 36 runs, 7 HR, committed to Fresno State; Jack Wheeless, LHP, Senior, 12-1 record, 71 K, committed to Long Beach State; Michael Bono, RHP/3B, Senior, committed to Santa Clara; Aaron Arruda, 1B/OF, Senior, committed to Fresno State; Carter Gambrell, C, Senior; Korby Batesole, SS/2B, Senior; Conner Loeprich, RHP, Junior, 1.75 ERA.
Newcomers: Chandler Bengston, RHP, Junior, transfer; Ross Dodds, 2B/SS, transfer from Tulare Western.
Outlook:  Last year, the Bears won the Tri-Rivers League, one of the toughest leagues in California, but fell short in the playoffs. Buchanan returns two of the top players in the state, however, in Kemp and Wheeless.

16. DeSoto Central (Southaven, Miss.)
Last Year: 27-10, Class 6A semifinalist, MaxPreps National Ranking 157
Returners: Kyle Watson, IF, Senior, .288, 5 doubles; Austin Riley, IF/P, Junior, .438, 8 doubles, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 8-1, 0.47 ERA; Brant Blaylock, OF/IF, Junior, .197; Carson Klepzig, C/IF, Junior, .268; Keegan James, IF/P, Junior, .219; Drew Crosby, P, Senior, 4-2, 2.57 ERA; Spencer Price, P, Junior, 3-1, 2.19 ERA; Trenton Mobley, P, Senior, 2-2, 1.68.
Outlook:  DeSoto Central returns most of its pitching wins from last year, as well as the team's top offensive player in all-state selection Riley.

17. Flower Mound (Texas)
Last Year: 31-5, District 5-5A champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 47
Returners: BJ Myers, RHP, Senior, 6-2 record, 1.86 ERA; Seth Jordan, LHP, Senior, 9-0 record, 1.01 ERA; Kyle Johnston, RHP, Senior, 3-1 record, 2.17 ERA; Sean Wymer, RHP, Junior, 5-0 record, 1.40 ERA; Connor Wanhanen, CF, Senior, .443, 9 doubles, 24 RBI; Tim Millard, 3B, Senior, .313, 4 HR, 22 RBI; Noah Hill, C/2B, Junior, .313; Mitch Andrews, C/1B, Senior, .281, 21 RBI; Casey Jacobsen, SS, Junior, .294.
Outlook: Lots of depth on the mound will make Flower Mound one of the top contenders for the Class 5A state championship in Texas.

18. Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs, Fla.)
Last Year: 27-5 record, Class 8A state champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 40
Returners: Carl Chester, OF, Senior, .378, 16 RBI, committed to Miami; Logan Warmoth, UT, Senior, .313, 11 RBI, committed to North Carolina; Tate Blackman, IF, Senior, .301, committed to Ole Miss; Bryce Tucker, LHP, Junior, 7-1 record, 1.78 ERA, committed to Central Florida; Stephen Wells, RHP, Junior, 2-1 record, 2.18 ERA, committed to Central Florida; Casey Sutherland, RHP, Junior, 1-0 record, 1.37 ERA; Roberto Shields-Rodriguez, RHP, Senior, 1-0 record, 0.46 ERA.
Outlook: Lake Brantley returns 11 players from last year's state championship team, including five who have committed to Division I college programs.

19. Hanover (Mechanicsville, Va.)
Last Year: 24-4, Class AAA state champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 25
Returners: Derek Casey, P, Senior; Trevor Denton, P/IF, Senior; Josh Sheppard, IF, Senior; Timothy Renfro, P, Senior; John Gregory, P/1B, Sophomore; Cayman Richardson, IF, Sophomore; Hayden Moore, P/OF, Sophomore.
Newcomers: Troy Szalay, C, Senior; Taylor McDougal, OF, Senior; Matthew Corley, P, Senior; Elliott Siedd, IF, Junior.
Outlook: Every pitcher returns from a Hanover team that knocked off Great Bridge for the Class AAA state championship last year in Virginia.

20. Moody (Corpus Christi, Texas)
Last Year: 27-8, Class 4A Final Four, MaxPreps National Ranking 492
Returners: Michael Cantu, C, Senior; Kenneth Saenz, P/OF, Senior; Tres Luna, OF, Senior; Johnny Gonzalez, P/OF/1B, Senior; Aaron Hernandez, 2B/C/P, Junior; Chris Estrada, SS/P, Senior; Ricky Gonzalez, 3B/1B/P, Senior; Brandon Cantu, OF, Senior.
Newcomers: Aaron Padron, 2B, Junior; Trey Sanchez, RF, Junior; Richard Rodriguez, UT, Senior; Scott Olivo, OF, Senior; Michael Salomon, P, Senior; Justin Cisneros, UT, Junior; Lou Gonzalez, 1B, Senior; Conrado Martinez, OF, Senior; Joe Mendez, P, Junior; Gilbert Gatica, P, Senior.
Outlook: Moody fell just short of winning a state title last year, but returns the bulk of last year's lineup, including potential all-state selection Cantu.

21. Mount Carmel (Chicago)
Last Year: 26-8, Class 4A state champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 59
Returners: David Dobrinich, OF, Senior, signed with Western Illinois; Scott Kapers, C, Junior, committed to Valparaiso; Ako Thomas, IF, Junior, committed to Michigan; Josh Stowers, OF, Junior, committed to Louisville; Malik Carpenter, 1B, Junior; Marko Boricich, LHP, Senior; Richard Forndon, LHP, Senior, signed with Northwestern; Jack Pappas, RHP, Junior; Nelson Munoz, RHP, Junior.
Newcomers: A.j. Lewis, C/3B, Sophomore; Jeremy Houston, IF, Sophomore.
Outlook: The defending state champions return six starters and three starting pitchers from last year's squad.

22. Mountain Pointe (Phoenix)
Last Year: 23-9, MaxPreps National Ranking 94
Returners: Cole Tucker, SS, Senior, committed to Arizona; Ernie De La Trinidad, OF, Junior, committed to Arizona; Taylor Martin, 1B, Senior, committed to South Mountain; Garvin Alston, P, Junior, committed to Arizona; Bryce Redaja, OF, Senior, committed to Central Arizona; Christian Bitar, C, Senior, committed to Regis University; Jorge Carrazco, P, Senior, committed to Glendale CC; Jake Alexander, OF/P, Senior, committed to Paradise Valley CC.
Newcomers: Peyton Holm, P, Senior; Logan Adam, IF, Senior; Tristan Chavez, P, Senior; Diego Leal, P, Senior; Tommy Martinez, P/UT, Junior.
Outlook: Defense will be the hallmark for Mountain Pointe, which has one of the nation's top shortstops in Tucker. Mountain Pointe will find out where it stands when it takes part in the National High School Invitational in March.

23. Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.)
Last Year: 27-9, Class AAAAAA semifinalist, MaxPreps National Ranking 141
Returners: Mac Marshall, LHP, Senior, 2.13 ERA, committed to LSU; Christian Vann, LHP, Senior, 2.69 ERA, committed to Chattahoochee Valley CC; Jordan Kelly, RHP, Senior, 4.40 ERA, committed to Georgia Regents University; Trevor Brown, SS, Junior, .318, committed to Kennesaw State; Daino Deas, 2B, Junior, .289, committed to Auburn.
Newcomers: JP Chamblee, C, Junior; Jim Wagner, 3B, Junior committed to Georgia Regents University; Ryne Inman, RHP, Junior, transfer; Isiah Gilliam, 1B/RHP, Junior; Brandon Hill, OF/LHP, Junior; David Draper, OF, Junior; Austin Biggar, C, sophomore; Trey Mullee, RHP, Junior; Jake Roberson, RHP, Junior; Johnathan Whitmer, 1B/DH, Sophomore.
Outlook: The 2012 state champions reached the semifinals last year before falling to the eventual champions. The pitching staff will be strong with the return of potential All-American Marshall heading the list.

24. Rancho Bernardo (San Diego)
Last Year: 30-5, California San Diego Section Open Division champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 12
Returners: Alex Jackson, C, Senior, .343, 14 HR; Niko Holm, 1B, Junior, .356, 8 doubles, 31 RBI; Casey Henderson, P/3B, Senior, .252, 4 HR; Mondesi Gutierrez, OF/SS, .216; Alex Homick, P, Senior, 6-1, 2.22 ERA.
Outlook: A perennial favorite in the San Diego Section, Rancho Bernardo has one of the nation's top prospects in catcher Jackson.

25. ThunderRidge (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
Last Year: 21-5, Colorado Class 5A state champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 30
Returners: Tyler Loptien, LF, .475, signed with San Diego State; Brody Westmoreland, SS, .457, 8 HR, signed with San Diego State; AJ Jones, P/3B, 7-2 record, 2.56 ERA, signed with BYU; Josh Brown, 2B, Junior, .435, 9 doubles; Aaron Germani, OF, Junior, .382; Mark Hopper, OF/P, Senior, .240.
Newcomers: Jake Eisler, P/3B, Sophomore; Tyce O'Neill, LHP, Junior.
Outlook: The defending state champions return three players with Division I scholarships, including all-state shortstop Westmoreland.

The Next 25

26. Westminster Christian (St. Louis)
Last Year: 33-4, Class 4 state champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 70
Returners: Shane Benes, SS, Senior, .417 (48-for-150), 16 doubles, 11 home runs, 37 RBI; Caleb Hicks, 3B, Senior, .406 (43 of 106), 12 doubles, 36 RBI; Brett Bond, C, Senior, .360 (41 of 114), 11 doubles, 4 triples, 41 RBI; Travis Ralls, DH/C, Senior, .387 (24 of 62), 5 doubles, 2 HRs, 12 RBI; Kyle Kinner, 2B, Senior, .333 (36 of 108), 8 doubles, 2 triples, 15 RBI; Andrew Colgrove, 1B, Senior, .318 (21 of 66), 4 doubles, 12 RBI; Tyler Catlett, CF, Senior, .304 (24 of 79), 15 RBI; Jordan Smith, RF/P, Senior, .276 (24 of 87), 13 RBI; Collin Einertson, OF/1B, Senior, .379 (12 of 43), 12 RBI; Brennan Hehner, P, Senior, 7-0, 30 K, 1.91 ERA; Luke Matheny, P, Junior, 5-0, 37 K, 0.93 ERA.
Outlook: Eight starters return, including all-state shortstop Benes, from a team that won the Class 4 state title last year.

27. Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.)
Last Year: 38-11, MaxPreps National Ranking 90
Returners: Jake Walters, P, Senior, 10-0 record, 96 K, 0.78 ERA; Peyton Johnson, P, Senior, 7-1, 47 K, 1.91 ERA; Hunter Rigney, P, Senior, 4-1 record, 29 K, 3.39 ERA; Drew Avans, P, Senior, 2-3 record, 41 K, 1.93 ERA, .319, 23 RBI; Jackson Cofer, P, Senior, 5-1 record, 41 K, 2.20 ERA; Mel Harwell, 3B, Senior, .333, 28 RBI; Dee Tolbert, OF, Senior, .317; Davis Cox, SS, Senior, .248, 5 doubles; Heath Haskins, OF, Sophomore, .297.
Newcomers: Brennan Pritchard, 2B, Senior; Joseph Simonetti, 1B, Senior; Zack Seagle, C, Senior; Hunter Black, C, Senior; Stephan Poplin, LHP, Junior; Collin Lillie, RHP, Junior; Tyler Hosmer, RHP, Junior; Zach Brammer, IF/P, Junior; Adam Durett, C/P, Junior.
Outlook: Depth in the pitching staff will be the key for Thompson, as five pitchers return for a squad ranked No. 1 in Alabama for most of the 2013 season.

28. The First Academy (Orlando, Fla.)
Last Year: 23-4, Class 5-3A champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 628
Returners: Adam Haseley, LHP/CF, .439, 21 RBI, 3 HR, 4-0 record, 1.89 ERA, committed to Virginia; Foster Griffin, LHP/OF, Senior, .347, 3 HR, committed to Ole Miss; Trenton Fiscus, 3B, Senior, committed to Samford; Thomas Headley, RHP, Senior, 9-0 record; Ryan Melnick, OF/RHP, Senior, .400, 3 HR, committed to Florida Tech; Kyle Connell, 1B, Senior, committed to Massachusetts; Chadwick Word, 2B/RHP, .328, Junior, committed to Furman; Peyton Hopkins, RHP, Junior; Cody Oerther, C, Sophomore.
Newcomers: Nick Gavin, SS, Junior, transfer from Olympia; Garrett Galloway, Junior.
Outlook: The First Academy has two of the state's top players in Haseley and Griffin. Haseley was a standout for Team USA 18-U last summer.

29. St. Thomas More (Lafayette, La.)
Last Year: 29-5, Class 4A state runner-up, MaxPreps National Ranking 133
Returners: Chase Vallot, C, Senior, .365, 32 RBI, 12 HR, 8 doubles, signed with Mississippi State; Wyatt Marks, P/OF, Senior, .324, 5 HR, 9-2 record, 2.72 ERA, 68 K, signed with University of Louisiana Lafayette; Sam Houston, P/1B, Senior, 6-1 record, 1.69 ERA, 53 K; Clay Harst, 2B, Senior; Brennan Breaux, P/OF, Junior, 3-0 record, 1.45 ERA, committed to LSU; O'Neal Lochridge, SS, Junior, .330, 9 doubles, 7 HR, 23 RBI, committed to LSU; Hogan Harris, P, Junior, 7-0 record, 1.31 ERA, 71 K.
Newcomers: Brandon Romero, P, Junior; Hunter Langlinais, IF/C, Junior; Grant Cox, P, Junior; Nathan Thevenot, IF, Junior; Mason Tucker, OF, Sophomore; Mason Templet, IF/P, Sophomore; Bailey Raborn, OF/P, Sophomore; Christian Leonard, IF/C, Sophomore.
Outlook: St. Thomas More returns six starters and a deep pitching staff from a team that finished second in Class 4A in Louisiana last year.

30. St. Laurence (Burbank, Ill.)
Last Year: 24-9, MaxPreps National Ranking 372
Returners: Mike Komacker, Senior, RHP/IF, committed to Purdue, Chicago Player of the Year; Brad Wood, Senior, RHP/IF, committed to Northern Illinois; T.j. Marik, C, Senior, committed to Austin Peay; Mike Miller, OF, Senior, committed to Hawaii; Nate Tholl, Senior, IF; Alex Hitney, Senior, P; Roger Wilson, Senior, RHP/1B; Kevin White, Senior, OF/C; Robert Gutierrez, Senior, RHP/OF.
Newcomers: Frank Greco, Junior, RHP/IF; John Riordan, Junior, RHP/IF; Anthony Chimera, Junior, LHP/OF; Sean Burnett, Junior, RHP/OF.
Outlook: The pitching staff returns 25 wins and eight other starters return for St. Laurence.

31. Christian Brothers (Memphis, Tenn.)
Last Year: 37-8-1, Division II AA state champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 44
Returners: John Wesley Ray, P/1B, Senior, committed to Ole Miss; Corey Herndon, P/3B, Senior, committed to Central Arkansas; Chris Durham, P, Senior, committed to Central Arkansas; Josh Russell, IF/C, Senior, committed to Central Arkansas; Daniel Shaw, P, Senior, committed to University of Tennessee-Martin; Roman Novarese, OF, Senior.
Newcomers: Breck Ruddick, P; James Muse, P, Junior.
Outlook: Defending state champion Christian Brothers has a wealth of talent in the pitching staff, led by Ole Miss commit Ray.

32. Clovis North (Fresno, Calif.)
Last Year: 27-6, California Central Section Division I champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 24
Returners: Jack Labosky, P/IF, Senior, 11-0 record, 0.81 ERA, 81 K .437, 22 RBI, 3 HR, signed with Duke; Braden Frankfort, C, Senior, signed with Santa Clara; Koby Cummings, OF, Senior; Matt Walker, P, Senior, committed to UCLA; Connor Fugman, IF/DH, Senior; Robert McIlhatton, IF, Senior.
Newcomers: Matt Goertzen, IF/P, Senior; Holden Morris, OF/DH, Senior; James Humphrey, P, Senior; Rick Hancock, IF, Senior.
Outlook: Clovis North finished second in league play last year, but won the section championship behind the play of all-state pitcher Labosky, who returns for his senior year.

33. Gloucester Catholic (Gloucester City, N.J.)
Last Year: 29-5, Non-Public A champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 180
Returners: John Murphy, Junior, RHP, 8-1 record, 0.61 ERA; Tyler Mondile, Sophomore, RHP/IF/DH, 2-2 record, 1.56 ERA; Dante Scafidi, Junior, LHP/OF; Steve Mondile, Senior, RHP, 4-0 record, 2.51 ERA; Mike Mercer, Senior, RHP, 2-0 record, 0.51 ERA; Matt Parr, Junior, LHP, 3-0 record, 1.12 ERA; Anthony Harrold, Junior, 1B/DH, .324, 4 HR, 7 doubles; Sean Breen, Junior, IF, .375, 6 doubles: Phil Dickinson, Senior, IF, .448, 20 RBI; Fran Kinsey, Junior, OF, .350, 23 RBI; Pete Farlow, Junior, P/IF/OF; Mike Garafolo, Senior, OF, .330, 23 RBI.
Newcomers: Brandon Gray, Junior, C/OF; Tre Todd, Junior, C; Alex Krug, Sophomore, OF.
Outlook: Many of the players on Gloucester Catholic played on the American Legion national championship team. A strong junior class makes it the favorite to win yet another Non-Public A state title.

34. Fayetteville (Ark.)
Last Year: 27-2, Class 7A state champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 11
Returners: Kyle Pate, Senior, LHP/OF, 7-0, .542 ERA, 85 K, 52 IP, .421 average, 5 HR, 25 RBI, signed with Arkansas; Andy Pagnozzi, Junior, RHP/IF, 9-0, 1.17 ERA, 76 K, 59 IP, .301 average, 12 RBI, committed to Ole Miss; Drew Tyler, SS, Junior, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 15 SB, committed to Arkansas; Grant Koch, C/OF, .290 average, 10 RBI; Blake Power, Junior, OF, .312, 8 RBI, 12 runs.
Newcomers: Duc Dunn, Senior, IF, signed with Coffeyville Community College; Walker Powell, Junior, RHP/IF; Cody Davenport, Junior, RHP/OF, 3-0, 3.40 ERA; Conner Shaw, Junior, IF/RHP; Ethan King, Junior, IF.
Outlook: Fayetteville returns 90 percent of its innings from last year's state championship team. State tournament MVP Pate also returns along with standout pitcher Pagnozzi.

35. Fountain Valley (Calif.)
Last Year: 24-5, Sunset League champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 17
Returners: Brock Lundquist, OF, Senior, .395, 9 HR, 27 RBI; Daniel Patzlaff, SS, Senior, .390, 6 HR, 26 RBI; Justin Brand, 3B, Senior, .320, 24 RBI; Dillon Persinger, UT, Senior, .300, 25 runs; Justin Cobb, P/OF, Junior, .325; Dan Rosica, C, Senior, .333.
Newcomers: JT Navarro, P/IF, Junior; Willie Aguilar, P/IF/CF, Junior; Joe Loranger, P, Senior; Junior Aguilar, OF, Senior.
Outlook: Fountain Valley was one of the surprise teams in the Southern Section last year. Lots of talent returns for a team that could challenge for a section championship.

36. Great Bridge (Chesapeake, Va.)
Last Year: 21-3, Class AAA runner-up, MaxPreps National Ranking 42
Returners: Chas Hinkle, Senior, committed to Marymount; Chris Mathews, 1B/P, Junior; Dane Smith, 2B, Senior, committed to Mary; Colby Higgerson, SS, Junior committed to Radford; Charlie Cody, 3B, Senior, committed to Virginia.
Newcomers: Tom Bixler, OF/P, transfer from Florida.
Outlook: Every player in the lineup has starting experience, especially third baseman Cody, who is one of the state's top players.

37. Howell (St. Charles, Mo.)
Last Year: 32-5, Class 5 state champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 15
Returners: Nic Perkins, C, Senior, .330, 11 doubles, 5 HR, committed to Ole Miss; Eli Dilday, OF, Senior, .432, 41 runs, 17 doubles, 8 HR, 44 RBI, committed to Nebraska; Brendan Trimble, Senior, IF/OF, .436, 23 RBI, committed to Truman State; Chris Beckmann, LHP, Senior, 3-1 record, 2.37 ERA, committed to Truman State; Tanner Kulpa, IF/RHP, Senior, 1-0 record.
Newcomers: Ryan Perkins, OF/P, Sophomore; Justin Perkins, IF/P, Sophomore; Ryan Grantham, IF, Junior; Erik Huenke, OF, Senior.
Outlook: The Class 5 state championship has run through St. Charles for the past few years. That likely won't change this year, thanks to the return of Nic Perkins and Dilday.

38. North Buncombe (Weaverville, N.C.)
Last Year: 24-3, MaxPreps National Ranking 10
Returners: Alex Destino, LHP/OF, Senior, 8-2 record, 1.30 ERA, 53.2 IP, 97 K, .482 average, 33 RBI, 8 HR, 8 doubles, 2 triples; Carson Jones, SS/3B/RHP, Senior, .325 average, 4 home runs, 12 SB; Dylan Fox, OF/RHP, Senior, .328, 17 RBI, 3 HR, 12 SB; Nolan Lisenbee, OF/1B, Senior, .351 average; Jordan Ferrell, 2B, Senior.
Newcomers: Beau Morgan, IF, Junior; Michael Ponder, C, Sophomore; Chase Parker, RHP/OF, Sophomore; Collin Wheeler, RHP/3B, Sophomore.
Outlook: The return of Destino, one of the nation's top two-way players, has North Buncombe contending for a state title in North Carolina.

39. O'Connor (Phoenix)
Last Year: 29-4, MaxPreps National Ranking 110
Returners: Corey Wilson, LHP, Senior, 5-1 record, 1.25 ERA; Cameron Ming, LHP/OF, Senior, .370, 7-1 record, 1.62 ERA; Degan Harte, RHP/IF, Senior, .329, 3-0 record, 0.00 ERA; Greg Saenz, SS, Senior, .374; Noah Kelly, OF/C, Senior, .356; Nate Easley, OF, Senior.
Newcomers: Aaron Prado, 3B/P, Junior; Max Peters, C, Sophomore, .211; Dakota Solis, IF, Junior; Nicko Ortega, RHP, Senior.
Outlook: O'Connor fell short in the postseason, but returns most of its pitching from last year.

40. Regis Jesuit (Aurora, Colo.)
Last Year: 14-6, Continental League champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 499
Returners: Justin Thaxton, Senior, 3B, .417, 3 HR; Max George, SS, Senior, .468, 4 HR; David Peterson, LHP/1B, Senior, 4-2 record, 1.60 ERA; Reagan Todd, LHP/1B, Senior, 3-1 record, 3.37 ERA; Zach Woodruff, OF, Senior; Brooks Urich, OF, Senior, .246; Matt Schmidt, UT, Junior; Brent Schwarz, RHP, Junior, 4-1 record, 0.86 ERA.
Outlook: Regis Jesuit has one of the state's top pitchers in Peterson and one of the top position players in George.

41. Temecula Valley (Temecula, Calif.)
Last Year: 23-6, California Southern Section Division 2 runner-up, MaxPreps National Ranking 56
Returners: David Maldonado, 2B, Junior, .385, 17 RBI; Drew Seelman, CF, Senior, committed to Cal-State Bakersfield; Kyle Plantier, SS, Senior, .400, 10 doubles, 3 HR, committed to UC Santa Barbara; A.J. Sawyer, RF, Senior, .345, 11 doubles, 21 RBI, committed to UC Riverside; Mitch Kemp, 3B, Senior, .398, 17 RBI; Bruce Young, DH, Senior, .246; Alec Garrett, 1B, Senior, .306; Nick Juhl, C, Senior, .217; Jordan Gardner, LF, Senior; Brandon Koch, P, Senior, 8-3 record, 1.39 ERA, committed to UC Riverside; Burke Mitchell, P, Senior, 9-0 record, 2.10 ERA.
Newcomers: Jared Morton, P, Senior; Matt Poladian, IF, Junior; Devin Castro, LHP, Sophomore.
Outlook: All nine position players and two starting pitchers return from a team that reached the Southern Section Division 2 championship game.

42. Spanish Fort (Ala.)
Last Year: 43-11, MaxPreps National Ranking 182
Returners: Jesse McCord, Senior, P/3B; Will Luft, Senior, P/SS; Rob Perteet, Senior, P/CF; Brian Lane, Senior, C; Gunner Hendrix, Junior, P/2B; Myles York, Senior, P/OF.
Newcomers: Hunter Beard, Senior, P/OF, Transfer; Dylan Alford, Senior, OF/IF, Transfer; Hunter Stokes, Sophomore, P/IF, Transfer.
Outlook: An influx of transfers bolsters a pitching staff that already had one of the state's best hurlers in McCord.

43. Aliso Niguel (Aliso Viejo, Calif.)
Last Year: 21-12, Sea View League champion, MaxPreps National Rank 189
Returners: Justin Fowler, SS, Senior, .387, 23 RBI, 4 HR, committed to Dartmouth; Anthony Sommer, LF/RHP, Senior, 3-1 record, 2.92 ERA, committed to San Diego; Kyle Molnar, RHP/CF, Junior, 8-3 record, 2.25 ERA, .348, 19 RBI, 9 doubles, 3 HR, committed to UCLA; Blake Sabol, 1B/C, Sophomore; Mitchell Brady, RF, Senior, .283, 12 RBI; Ryan Randel, RHP, Senior, 2-2, 5.75 ERA; Nick Grimes, 2B, Senior, .368, 16 RBI; Domenic Colacchio, CF/3B, Junior, .261, 5 doubles.
Newcomers: Eric Wagaman, 1B/DH, Junior; Remy Wasserbach, OF, Junior; Ethan Butka, RHP, Sophomore.
Outlook: Seven starters return, along with three pitchers, to help lead Aliso Niguel in search of a Southern Section championship.

44. Carl Albert (Midwest City, Okla.)
Last Year: 35-3-1, Class 5A State champion, MaxPreps National Rank 159
Returners: Gavin Lavalley, 3B/1B, Senior, .477, 20 HR, 76 RBI, 19 doubles, committed to Oklahoma; Justin McGregor, SS, Senior, .369, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 55 runs; Steve Thompson, CF, Senior, .404, 28 RBI; Garrett Wages, 2B/3B, Senior, .260; Cameron Warren, 1B/3B, Senior, .463, 41 RBI, 11 doubles, 8 HR, committed to Oklahoma; Riley Cabral, 2B/SS, Junior, .298; Cory Zangari, C/OF, Junior, .405, 40 RBI, 10 doubles, 7 HR, committed to Oklahoma State.
Newcomers: James Jackson, OF, Junior; Bryson Schuman, 1B/P, Junior; Logan Welchel, C, Junior; Marque Luster, OF/P, Sophomore; Michael Mitchell, OF/P, Sophomore; Justice Weese, OF/P, Sophomore; Tj Mullins, P, Freshman.
Outlook: Carl Albert could have one of the most explosive offenses in the country this year. Expect Lavalley to be among the nation's home run leaders.

45. Collierville (Tenn.)
Last Year: 31-12-1, Class AAA state champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 101
Returners: Brandon Montgomery, SS, Senior; Kyle Dailey, 2B, Senior; Cody Young, 3B, Senior; Parker Phillips, 1B, Junior; Grayson Moyes, OF, Senior; Tyler Myers, DH, Senior; Peyton Coleman, RF, Senior; Peyton Culbertson, P, Junior; Bradley Crain, P, Senior.
Outlook:  The defending Class AAA state champions return the bulk of the starting lineup that knocked off Farragut in the state title game.

46. Clovis (Calif.)
Last Year: 24-9, third place in Tri-Rivers League, MaxPreps National Ranking 135
Returners: Jacob Gatewood, P/SS, .320, 5 HR, signed with Southern California; Mccarthy Tatum, P/3B, signed with Fresno State; Alan Crowley, C, .385, signed with Washington State; RJ Hartmann, 1B/3B, Senior; Cody Murray, C/OF/P, Senior; Evan Steele, OF, Senior; Tevin Mitchell, 2B, Junior.
Newcomers: Dakota Stilson, C/1B/DH; Roy Estrada, 1B/P; Matt Sparks, OF/P; Joe Reeves, P; Gavin Barr, P; Preston Mott, P.
Outlook: One of three Tri-River League teams in the top 50, Clovis has an explosive offense led by one of the nation's top recruits in Gatewood.

47. Eastern (Voorhees, N.J.)
Last Year: 32-3, Group IV state champion, MaxPreps National Rank 108
Returners: Jake Quinn, Senior, 1B, .372, 31 RBI; Tom Flacco, Senior, CF/3B, .412, 5 HR, 8 doubles, 38 runs; Tyler Pagaduan, Senior, OF/DH.
Newcomers: Colin Fabio, P/DH, Junior; Alex Schwartz, P, Junior; Tyler Ronczka, P, Junior; Noah Clement, SS, Junior; Corey Kreston, IF, Junior; Tyler Travis, IF/C, Sophomore; Anthony Regalbuto, C, Senior; Ryan Keen, P/1B, Junior.
Outlook: Eastern has a lot of holes to fill, but it also has one of the state's top offensive talents in Flacco.

48. Elk Grove (Calif.)
Last Year: 29-5, Sac-Joaquin Section Division I champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 41
Returners: Derek Hill, CF, Senior, .417 (35 of 84), 6 doubles, 26 RBI, committed to Oregon; Nick Madrigal, SS, Junior, .377 (40 of 106), 6 doubles, 5 triples, 19 RBI, committed to Oregon State; Dylan Carlson, 1B/LHP, Sophomore, 17 RBI; Carlos Moseley, 2B, Junior, .337 (33 of 98), 11 doubles, 24 RBI; Ty Madrigal, OF/LHP, Junior; Cody Barnes, RHP; Dustin Jack, RHP; Skyler Quam, LHP.
Newcomers: Ryan Robards, OF, Sophomore; James Santos, OF, Junior; Brooks Day, 3B, Junior; Max Hull, OF, Senior; Landon Gastelum, C, Junior; Erek Bolton, C, Sophomore.
Outlook: Defense will be the key for the Thundering Herd, who have one of the nation's top outfielders in Hill. Madrigal has also been a starter for three seasons at shortstop.

49. Harrison Central (Gulfport, Miss.)
Last Year: 28-5, Class 6A state runner-up, MaxPreps National Rank 102
Returners: Reagan Wease, SS, Senior, .270, 6-0 record, 2.83 ERA, committed to Pearl River Community College; Chris Crosby, P, Senior, 6-1 record, 1.49 ERA, committed to Mississippi Gulf Coast CC; Jordan Ladner, Senior, 3B/P, .246; Bobby Bradley, 1B, Senior, LSU, .567, 8 HR, 32 RBI.
Newcomers: Brandon Barna, IF, Junior; Calab Lewis, CF, Senior; Joel Camp, OF, Senior; Blaise Purser, C, Junior; Mason Sullivan, Junior, P; Justice Strickland, Junior, P; Zach Gartman, Junior, P.
Outlook: The starting infield and three senior pitchers return. Leading the way is All-American candidate Bradley at first base.

50. Puyallup (Wash.)
Last Year: 22-3, SPSL South champion, MaxPreps National Ranking 158
Returners: Brendan Illies, C/RHP, Junior, .333, 25 RBI, 7-2 record, committed to North Carolina; Quinn Rawson, 1B, Senior, .438, 3 HR, committed to New Mexico; Zach Needham, 2B/SS, Junior, committed to Washington; Levi Jordan, SS/2B, Senior, .404, 20 RBI, 8 doubles; Adam Stump, 3B/C, Senior; Darian Clemens, OF, Senior, .462, 24 RBI, 7 doubles; Riley Pletcher, OF, Sophomore, .357; Tyler Mcdowell, OF/LHP, Senior, .343, 3-0 record, signed with Washington State; Owen Breithaupt, OF, Junior, .319.
Newcomers: Luke Heimlich, P, Junior, committed to Oregon State.
Outlook:  Puyallup was the favorite heading into last year's state championships, but was upset early in the bracket. With one of the state's top talents returning in Illies, Puyallup begins the season as the favorite to win the 4A title.

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