Everything old is new again for the 2019 high school baseball season. The team that ended the 2018 season at No. 1 begins the season at the top of the MaxPreps 2019 preseason Top 100 national high school baseball rankings.
Argyle (Texas) finished the 2018 season with a 37-0 record and a Texas Class 4A state championship. That was good enough to leave the Eagles at the No. 1 spot in the final rankings in 2018.
With eight starters returning and several of the team's top pitchers back in 2019, Argyle had to start the season at No. 1.
That doesn't mean that there weren't other candidates. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) starts the season at No. 2 and could easily be No. 1 if not for Argyle's worthy credentials. The Ascenders have a number of transfers that include several players who could be chosen on the first day of the Major League Baseball Draft in June.
Then there is No. 3 Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.), which won the National High School Invitational last year and also benefits from several quality transfers. Meanwhile, No. 4 Blessed Trinity (Roswell, Ga.) just missed winning a state championship and returns a number of players from that squad. No. 5 Cypress Ranch (Houston) has outstanding pitching and has won several state titles in Texas over the past decade.
MaxPreps 2019 preseason Top 100 high school baseball rankings
1. Argyle (Texas)
2018 Record: 37-0, No. 1 2018 MaxPreps Computer Ranking, Class 4A state champions
Coach: Ricky Griffin
Top Returning Players: Austin King, C, .369, 29 RBIs, All-Region, Rio Grande Valley;
Chad Ricker, P, 7-0, 0.36 ERA, 58 Ks, .369, 32 RBIs, All-Region, Rio Grande Valley;
Preston King, 2B, .462, 50 runs, All-State;
Brenden Dixon, SS, .422, 47 runs, All-State, University of Texas;
Cade Merka, 3B, All-Area;
Alex Gonzales, LF, .429, 22 RBI, All-Area;
Dillon Carter, CF, .375, 24 RBIs, All-State, TCU;
Hayden Clearman, RF, .455, 44 RBIs, All-State;
Sean Bolin, P, 10-0, 0.67 ERA, 56 Ks, All-State, Utah;
Bo Hogeboom, UT, All-District, Houston.
Top Games: Border Olympics Tournament (Laredo), Collin County Tournament, Highland Park Tournament, Cleburne (March 16), Decatur (March 29, April 16).
Outlook: The Eagles averaged just under 30 wins a year for the past six seasons and have won a pair of Class 4A state titles, including last year's 37-0 record and a No. 1 national ranking. And despite all of that success, this year's Argyle team might be the best yet. A total of 10 all-district players return along with five All-State players. Dixon, Carter, Clearman and Bolin all earned MVP honors of some kind, either at the district or all-area level. Argyle also has the longest winning streak in the nation entering the season and is the easy choice as the nation's No. 1 team to start the year.
2. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
2018 Record: 18-7, No. 134
Coach: Kason Gabbard
Top Returning Players: Kendall Williams, RHP, 35 IP, 3-1, 1.80 ERA, 48 Ks, Vanderbilt;
Jimmy Starnes, RHP, 19.2 IP, 1-2, 2.49 ERA, 27 Ks, West Virginia;
Kyle Westfall, CF, .287, Texas Tech;
Will Bartlett, 1B, .384, Arizona;
Tucker Mitchell, C, .354, Florida Atlantic;
Jack Stroud, LHP, 31 IP, 2-1, 1.54 ERA, 45 Ks, Florida Atlantic;
Jack O'Dowd, IF, Junior, Vanderbilt;
Billy Underwood, OF/LHP, Junior, .327, Coastal Carolina
Top Newcomers: Brennan Malone, RHP, North Carolina;
Rece Hinds, SS-3B, MaxPreps Junior All-American, LSU;
Josh Rivera, 3B, Florida;
Jax Cash, C, South Carolina.
Top Games: Archbishop McCarthy (March 1), Perfect Game Showdown (March 7-9), IMG National Classic (March 26-29), National High School Invitational (April 3-6), Doral Academy (April 12), Bishop Verot (April 20), Tampa Jesuit (April 27), Canterbury School (May 3).
Outlook: The transfer of some of the top recruits in the country put the Ascenders at No. 2. Only Argyle's long win streak and high number of returning All-State players keep IMG out of the top spot to start. IMG could have as many as three first round draft picks in June in Williams, Hinds and Malone. IMG Academy does not play in a state playoff, but it has an ambitious schedule to provide plenty of reason to keep it high in the rankings. It will play in the Perfect Game Showdown, which features many of the top teams from the Southeast including five teams in the MaxPreps Top 100. IMG will also play in the National High School Invitational, which is generally considered the best tournament in the country.
3. Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
2018 Record: 25-8, No. 13
Coach: Eric Borba
Top Returning Players: Jasiah Dixon, OF, .178, USC;
Chad Born, OF, Junior, Miami;
Caden Conner, OF;
Elijah Buries, 3B, Junior, .233;
Max Rajcic, SS/RHP, Junior, .288, MVP Trinity League, UCLA;
James Espalin, 2B/SS, Junior, .212, USC;
Brandon Heidal, C, Junior;
Evan Adolphus, RHP/1B, 4-0, 0.00 ERA, Cal-State Fullerton;
Jonathan Guzman, RHP, San Diego State;
Jimmy Urban, LHP, Cal Baptist;
Christian Rodriguez, RHP, Junior, 4-1, 1.54 ERA;
Josiah Castillo, RHP, Pepperdine;
Carl Lawson, OF/C, Cal Poly Pomona.
Top Newcomers: Garrett Frechette, 1B, .264, San Diego State, transfer from Cathedral Catholic;
Jared Thomas, C, .379, Miami, transfer from Cantwell Sacred Heart;
Karson Bowen, C/OF, Freshman, Team USA 15U;
Justin DeCriscio, IF, Sophomore.
Top Games: Carroll (Southlake), DH, Feb. 22; Valley Christian (San Jose), Feb. 23; Cypress, DH, March 1; St. John Bosco (Bellflower), March 20, 22 DH; Boras Classic March 26-29; April 3-6 National High School Invitational; JSerra Catholic, April 9, 10, 12; Mater Dei, April 23, 24, 25.
Outlook: The Lancers fell to eventual Southern Section Division I champion Capistrano Valley in the section semifinals. A total of 13 veterans from that team, which also won the National High School Invitational, return along with a pair of outstanding transfers in Frechette and Thomas. Both will make a strong lineup even stronger. The Lancers play one of the strongest schedules in the nation, including defending Texas 6A state champion Carroll (Southlake) along with MaxPreps Computer Rankings No. 1 Valley Christian (San Jose). Add in another trip to the NHSI and the Boras Classic as well as the rugged Trinity League schedule and the Lancers will be plenty tested by the time of the playoffs roll around.
4. Blessed Trinity (Roswell, Ga.)
2018 Record: 34-5, No. 25
Coach: Andy Harlin
Top Returning Players: DJ Radtke, P, Soph., 4-0, 2.08 ERA;
Jake Smith, P, 5-0, 0.27 ERA;
Eric Moore, LHP, 1-1, 3.62 ERA, Emmanuel College;
Will Macolino, RHP, 2-0, 3.86 ERA, Berry College;
CJ Abrams, SS, .404, 37 runs, Alabama;
Steele Chambers, OF, .393, 26 RBIs, Ohio State;
Ryan Davis, .308, 15 RBIs;
Trey Baker, RHP/OF, Junior.
Top Games: Etowah, Feb. 19; Lambert, Feb. 20 DH; Cartersville, Feb. 23; River Ridge, Feb. 26; Georgia Peach Invitational, March 1-2; Perfect Game Showdown, March 7-9; National High School Invitational, April 3-6.
Outlook: The Titans have posted six straight 30-win seasons, including 34 in 2018. Blessed Trinity reached the state semifinals before falling to eventual champion Jefferson. Coach Andy Harlin has some of the best players in Georgia in his starting lineup, including Abrams, a potential high first-round draft pick in June. The pitching staff is also solid with Radtke, one of the nation's top sophomore pitchers. Blessed Trinity plays a tough schedule that includes trips to the Perfect Game Showdown and the NHSI.
5. Cypress Ranch (Houston)
2018 Record: 32-9-2, No. 73
Coach: Corey Cephus
Top Returning Players: Matt Thompson, P/OF, .302, 5-1, 87 Ks, 2.38 ERA, All-District;
J.J. Goss, P/OF, 10-2, 93 Ks 1.36 ERA, All-State;
Jared Alvarez-Lopez, C, .357, 16 doubles, 3 HR, 34 RBIs, All-State;
Colton Owen, 3B, .227;
Jake Combs, MIF, .269;
Fabian Mayfield, 1B, Jr., .389, 3 HR;
Luke Negrete, 1B/3B, Jr, .286, All-District;
Top Newcomers: Travis Gilbert, P;
Ross Thurwalker, MIF;
Cole Outlaw, UT;
Ryan Peters, UT;
Hunter Conner, OF, Jr;
Eric Ortiz, MIF, Jr.
Top Games: The Woodlands, Feb. 16; Carroll (Corpus Christi), Feb. 21; Klein Collins, Feb. 21; Cy Fair, Feb. 23; Katy, March 1.
Outlook: Cypress Ranch has won two state championships in the past six seasons and has posted four 30-win seasons since 2012. The pitching staff looks particularly strong this year with Thompson a potential first round draft pick in June. The Mustangs also return All-State pitcher Goss, giving them possibly the best 1-2 punch in the state.
6. Valley Christian (San Jose, Calif.)
2018 Record: 29-3-1, No. 1, Central Coast Section Open Division champion
Coach: John Diatte
Top Returning Players: Coleman Brigman, CF, .376, 8 doubles, 2 HR, MaxPreps Junior All-American;
Eddie Park, OF/P, Junior, .376, 3-0, 1.20 ERA;
Jonathan Cymrot, 1B/P, Soph,.350, 10 doubles, 2-0, 0.68 ERA, Freshman State Player of the Year;
Steven Zoback, OF/P, .318, 4-0, 0.00 ERA;
Nick Marinconz, SS .318, 7 doubles.
Top Games: Carroll (Southlake, Texas), Feb. 21 DH; Orange Lutheran, Feb. 23; Elk Grove, March 6; Jesuit, March 9; Bellarmine College Prep, March 19/April 9; Archbishop Mitty, March 29/May 2; Saint Francis, March 22/April 12; Los Gatos, April 20.
Outlook: The No. 1 team in the nation in 2018 according to the MaxPreps Computer Rankings, the Warriors are certainly one of the teams to beat in California. Valley Christian returns one of the state's top sophomores in Cymrot. He'll help anchor a pitching staff that returns three proven starters. Brigman is a potential All-American candidate in the outfield. Valley Christian has a tough two-game series to start the season against defending Texas 6A state champion Carroll and defending NHSI champion Orange Lutheran.
7. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)
2018 Record: 24-4, No. 32
Coach: Bruce Aven
Top Returning Players: Enrique Bradfield, CF, Jr., .390, 6 doubles, Vanderbilt;
Gavin Casas, 1B, Jr., .397 3 HR, 21 RBIs, Vanderbilt;
Ryan Cabarcas, LHP, 11-1, 2.05 ERA, 89 Ks, Florida;
Gio Ferraro, 3B, Jr., .467, 3 HR, Miami;
Jordan Carrion, SS/RHP .329, 6 doubles, 21 RBIs;
Devin Futrell, P, Soph, Vanderbilt.
Top Games: Archbishop McCarthy, March 15; Doral Academy, March 20; George Jenkins, March 27; Providence School, March 26; Gulliver Prep, April 4; Calvary Christian, April 9; Jupiter, April 16; Flanagan, April 25.
Outlook: After starting last season ranked No. 1 in the nation, American Heritage lost twice at the NHSI and then fell to Merritt Island in the 6A playoffs. The Patriots return a number of young players off of that team, including Vanderbilt commits Casas, Futrell and Bradfield.
8. Colleyville Heritage (Colleyville, Texas)
2018 Record: 34-9-1, No. 705
Coach: Alan McDougal
Top Returning Players: Nick Balsano, C, All-State;
Chandler Freeman, P/OF, All-District;
Jacob Guerrero, IF/P, All-District;
Jacob Berger, P/OF, All-State;
Mason Greer, IF/P, All-District;
Bobby Witt, IF/P, All-State, MaxPreps Junior Player of the Year.
Top Games: Arlington Martin Tournament (April 28-March 2); Carroll (Southlake), March 23; Flower Mound, April 6.
Outlook: The Panthers have averaged 34 wins the past two seasons and return three All-State players from a team that reached the regional semifinals. Colleyville Heritage will get plenty of attention this year due to the presence of Bobby Witt Jr., who is regarded as the No. 1 high school prospect in the country and son of former Major League Bobby Witt.
9. Calvary Christian (Clearwater, Fla.)
2018 Record: 30-1, No. 16, Class 4A runner-up
Coach: Greg Olsen
Top Returning Players: Christian Cairo, SS, .370, LSU;
Tommy White, 3B, Soph, .243, North Carolina State;
Denzel Drumright, 1B, .208;
Samuel Gordon, CF, Junior, .340;
Nolan Hudi, P, 13-0, 119 Ks, MaxPreps All-American, TCU;
Braden Halladay, P, 7-1, 2.12 ERA, Penn State;
Josh Emerson, P, 4-0, 1.01 ERA, Liberty;
Cameron Barrier, 2-0, 1.40 ERA.
Top Newcomers: Vince Smith, Junior, transfer from Charleston, LSU;
Pierce Chambers, C, Junior, TCU.
Top Games: St. Ignatius (Ohio), March 26; Jesuit, April 23; Venice, April 26.
Outlook: The Warriors fell just short of back-to-back Class 4A state championships when Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) ended their 60-game win streak in the state finals. A number of starters return from those two, 30-win teams, including pitchers Hudi, a MaxPreps All-American, and Penn State commit Halladay, the son of 2019 Hall of Fame inductee Roy Halladay.
10. New Hanover (Wilmington, N.C.)
2018 Record: 28-1, No. 3, Class 3A state champion
Coach: Richard Foy
Top Returning Players: Kyle Smith, C, .457, 10 doubles, 25 RBI;
Blake Walston, LHP/1B, .325, 18 RBIs, 13-1, 1.37 ERA, 138 Ks;
Jac Croom, MIF, .313, 8 doubles, 16 RBIs;
Alex Sniffen, RHP/3B, .349, 20 RBIs;
Alec Cortner, CF, .333;
Jonathan Manis, C/1B, .301.
Top Games: Topsail, March 26, April 26; T.C. Roberson, April 20; Ashley, March 29, April 30
Outlook: The Wildcats have reached the Class 3A state finals the past two seasons, winning it all in 2018. A total of six starters return from last year's team, including All-State pitcher Walston.
11. Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
2018 Record: 17-15, No. 26, Class 4A state champion
Coach: Alan Kunkel
Top Returning Players: Ben Rozenblum, C, .379, 5 HR, 28 RBIs, 9 doubles;
Dante Girardi, IF, Jr, .388, 10 doubles, 13 RBIs;
Jacob Howard, IF, .455;
Skylar Gonzalez, P, 6-1, 46 K;
Andrew Painter, P, 5-0, 38 K.
Top Newcomers: Irvin Carter, P, Soph;
Kyle Tako, OF, Jr;
Jonathon Lane, UT, Soph;
Ty Hollandsworth, Soph.
Top Games: Flanagan, April 25; Douglas, March 1; Farragut (Tenn.), March 19; Monsignor Pace, March 28; American Heritage, April 9; Doral Academy, April 2.;
Outlook: The Eagles had to forfeit 11 wins last year due to transfer violations, but they rebounded to defeat Calvary Christian (Clearwater) and win the Class 4A state title. Five starters return from that team, including two of the top pitchers in Gonzalez and Painter. Calvary Christian should have great pitching depth with more athleticism than last year's squad, according to coach Alan Kunkel.
12. Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
2018 Record: 26-1, No. 8, Class 5A state champion
Coach: Ron Quintana
Top Returning Players: Sam Ireland, RHP/3B, .400, 11 HR, 43 RBIs, 11-1, 2.72, State MVP;
Drew Stahl, SS, .444, 35 RBIs, 5 HR;
Grant Magill, C, .405;
John Zakhem, 1B, .440;
Clay Burke, RHP/DH;
Zack Hoff, OF;
Ben Cole, LHP, Jr;
Griffin Shearon, RHP/3B, Jr;
Elisandro Aragon, OF, .347.
Top Newcomers: Patrick Holton.
Top Games: Cherry Creek, March 26; Rocky Mountain, March 30; Heritage, April 5; Regis Jesuit, April 17; Valor Christian, May 13.
Outlook: The Golden Eagles nearly went through the season unscathed, losing only to Arapahoe in the state playoffs before rebounding to win five straight for the 5A title. Mountain Vista returns the state Player of the Year in Ireland, who earned MaxPreps All-American honors. Six starters return with Stahl and Magill also earning honorable mention All-State honors.
13. Sam Houston (Lake Charles, La.)
2018 Record: 33-6, No. 12
Coach: Chad Hebert
Top Returning Players: Silas Ardoin, C, Texas;
Hunter Gotreaux, SS, Nichols State;
Will Thompson, LHP, Hutchinson CC;
Braden Duhon, OF, Louisiana Tech;
Justin Dupichan, OF, Alvin CC;
Marcus Mott, RHP, Jr, LSU
Top Newcomers: Cameron Meeks, RHP/1B, Jr, McNeese State;
Austin Norris, 2B, Jr;
Alex Norris, IF, Soph.
Top Games: Sulphur, April 2/April 16; Barbe, March 30/April 15
Outlook: The No. 2 seed in last year's 5A state playoffs, Sam Houston lost in the semifinals to Sulphur. Coach Hebert returns eight starters from that team, including three pitchers who can throw 90 mph. The Broncos have reached the semifinals the past two seasons with 68 wins in two years.
14. DeSoto Central (Southaven, Miss.)
2018 Record: 29-9, No. 63, Class 6A state champion
Coach: Mark Monaghan
Top Returning Players: Kamren James, SS/RHP, .389, 43 RBIs, 7 HR, 3-1, 1.80 ERA, Mississippi State;
Hunter French, IF/OF, .392, 29 RBIs, Mississippi State;
Dylan Hale, OF, .364, 33 RBIs, Northwest CC;
Connar Gardner, C, Itawamba CC;
Kyle Booker, OF, Jr, Tennessee;
Cade Smith, RHP, Jr, 8-4, 3.83 ERA, Mississippi State;
Blaze Jordan, IF, .426, 37 RBIs, 7 HR, MaxPreps Freshman of the Year, Mississippi State;
Shemaar Stapleton, OF, East Mississippi CC;
Terris Meeks, OF, Itawamba CC.
Top Newcomers: Chase Honeycutt, IF/C/RHP, Jr;
Mac Sims, IF/RHP, Jr.
Top Games: Oxford, Feb. 23/March 13; Cullman, March 7;
Outlook: The Jaguars battled back from elimination three times in the post season to eventually defeat George County for the Class 6A championship. Led by one of the nation's top young hitters in Jordan, the MaxPreps Freshman of the Year, DeSoto Central is expected to be more experienced with more depth and speed in 2019 according to Monaghan.
15. Har-Ber (Springdale, Ark.)
2018 Record: 31-4, No. 28, Class 7A state champion
Coach: Ron Bradley
Top Returning Players: Blake Adams, RHP, 7-2, 89 Ks, .411, 8 HR;
Kirby Jenkins, .3B, 223;
Landon McAllister, P, 7-0, 0.98 ERA, 39 Ks;
Hunter Wood, OF, .266;
Clay Burtrum, OF, .283.
Top Games: Bentonville, March 11/12; Brentwood (Tenn.), March 20; Fayetteville, April 29/30.
Outlook: With a Class 7A state title under their belts, the Wildcats could add back-to-back crowns in 2019. Har-Ber has two of the top pitchers in the state in Adams, a MaxPreps All-American, and McAllister. Adams also leads the offense after hitting eight home runs lastt year.
16. Palo Verde (Las Vegas)
2018 Record: 31-9, No. 57, Class 4A state champion
Coach: Joe Hallead
Top Returning Players: Bryce Robison, P/3B, .287, 5 HR, BYU;
Peyton Cole, P/SS, .467, 6 HR, BYU;
Nate Bartlett, 2B, .386;
Tyler Kim, 1B, .291;
Austin Raleigh, P/OF, .273, UNLV;
Joisah Cromwick, C/OF, Jr, .369, 7 HR;
Noah Carbajal, P/SS, Jr.
Top Newcomers: Jayden Agassi, P/3B, Jr.;
Paul Myro, P/Ut, Jr;
Paul Pasqualoto, P/Ut, Jr.
Top Games: Basic, April 23; Desert Oasis, March 12; Centennial, May 2.
Outlook: After winning a state championship last year, the Panthers have several transfers in 2019 who could help them make it back-to-back state titles. Leading the way is Agassi, son of tennis greats Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, who has reportedly been cleared to play for Palo Verde this year. With Agassi, and fellow transfers Myro and Pasqualoto, in addition to Cromwick and Carbajal, Palo Verde has six of the top 16 juniors in the state, according to Perfect Game.
17. Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.)
2018 Record: 26-4, No. 61
Coach: Jared Halpert
Top Returning Players: Sam Hliboki, RHP;
Jack Limongelli, RHP;
Christian Becerra, RHP;
JP Corrigan, RHP/LF;
Bryant Reese, LHP;
Drew Bowser, SS;
Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF, Jr;
Sam Biller, RF;
Thomas McCaffrey, C;
Michael Snyder, 3B.
Top Newcomers: Jacob Galloway, C, Fr;
George Cooper, 2B/LF, Soph;
Tyler Cox, 2B.
Top Games: National High School Invitational, April 3-6.
Outlook: After an unbeaten Mission League season last year, the Wolverines fell to Valencia in the first round of the playoffs. However, they return the entire pitching staff from last year as well as the top six defenders. Leading the pitching staff is Hlibocki, who earned MaxPreps All-American honors as a junior. Meanwhile, Crow-Armstrong is one of the top-ranked juniors according to Perfect Game.
18. Monsignor Pace (Miami)
2018 Record: 24-6, No. 83, Class 5A state champion
Coach: Tom Duffin
Top Returning Players: Sammy Infante, IF, Jr;
MC Sagaro, IF, Jr;
Robert Moya, C;
Michael Machin, C;
Darrian Fumero, OF, Jr;
Yordani Carmona, P;
Victor Mederos, P, Jr;
Luis Gonzalez, P, Sr;
Albert Hernandez, Jr.
Top Newcomers: Ramsey Hernandez, P;
Sean Ambrose, Ut, Soph.
Top Games: Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale), March 28; HSBN Tournament, March 1; Stoneman Douglas, April 26.
Outlook: The Spartans are the favorite to repeat in Class 5A considering they won last year's championship with a mostly sophomore crew. The pitching staff is very deep, according to coach Duffin, led by Archbishop McCarthy transfer Carmona. Duffin adds that the team will need to replace the top three bats from last year's offensive lineup.
19. Delbarton (Morristown, N.J.)
2018 Record: 18-6, Non-Public A runner-up
Coach: Bruce Shatel
Top Returning Players: Anthony Volpe, IF, Vanderbilt;
Jack Leiter, P, All-American, Vanderbilt;
Shawn Rapp, LHP, North Carolina;
Aidan Kane, OF;
Mark Darakjy, OF, Northeastern;
Willie Schwarick, C.
Top Games: National High School Invitational, April 3-6; Bergen Catholic, April 23; Malvern Prep, May 18; Don Bosco, May 22.
Outlook: The Green Wave finished one game short of a state championship in 2018, but they boast two of the best players in the Class of 2019 in Volpe and Leiter. Volpe is projected as a first or second-day pick at shortstop while Leiter, after a strong fall season with Team USA 18U, has elevated his status to late first-round material.
20. Lake Travis (Austin, Texas)
2018 Record: 31-4, No. 114
Coach: MIke Rogers
Top Returning Players: Aidan Babinski, C, .286;
Jimmy Lewis, P/1B, .341, All-District;
Brett Baty, 3B/P, .433, 12 HR, District MVP;
Austin Plante, CF, .309, All-District;
Kyle Boyer, Util, .250.
Top Games: Vista Ridge, Feb. 28; Westlake, March 15/April 12; Georgetown, April 13
Outlook: The Cavaliers were the top-ranked team in the nation for much of 2018 before falling to Reagan in the regional quarterfinals. Five starters return from that squad, however, including Gatorade State Player of the Year Baty.
Jimmy Lewis, Lake Travis
File photo by Paul Brick
21. Westmoore (Oklahoma City)
2018 Record: 33-6, No. 87, Class 6A state runner-up
Coach: Joe Patterson
Top Returning Players: Kale Davis, RHP;
Chance Westervelt, C;
Zac Johnson, OF/RHP;
Jacob Clark, OF/RHP;
Jace Bohrofen, OF, Jr;
Cameron Uselton, OF, Jr;
Brandon Gomez, RHP, Jr;
Dayton Wolfe, IF/C, Soph.
Top Games: Deer Creek, March 11/12; Shawnee, March, 21; Union, April 5.
Outlook: The Jaguars fell one game short of a state title, losing to Union in the championship game. However, Westmoore returns one of the state's top pitchers in Davis and it has two of the state's top juniors in Bohrofen and Uselton.
22. La Mirada (Calif.)
2018 Record: 26-4-1, No. 241
Coach: Jimmy Zurn
Top Returning Players: Jared Jones, RHP/OF, Jr, .431, 30 RBIs, USC;
Emilio Morales, RHP, Jr, USC;
Eugene Jeon, Jr, IF, .374, Santa Barbara;
Jimmy Blumberg, Jr, Long Beach State;
Michael DeHaro, Jr, .275, Long Beach State;
Darius Perry, Sr, .378, 52 RBIs, UCLA;
Dominic Martinez, Jr, .IF, 270.
Top Newcomers: Jacob Sharp, transfer from California;
Noah Rodriguez, SS, Frosh.
Top Games: Boras Classic, March 26-29.
Outlook: Although La MIrada exited the postseason after two rounds of the Division 2 tournament, it returns two of the top players in the Southern Section in Perry and junior pitcher Jones. Depth on the mound and the starting lineup are a plus for the Matadores.
23. Owasso (Okla.)
2018 Record: 29-9, No. 127
Coach: Larry Turner
Top Returning Players: Connor Biechler, SS, .375, Oklahoma;
Cam Thompson, OF, .393, 37 RBIs, 8 HR, Oklahoma State;
Sam Thompson, OF, .315, 28 RBIs, 5 HR, TCU:
Hayden Tallman, 5-2, 1.50 ERA;
Jack Hammond, 2B;
Keaton Ranallo, OF;
Nate Wohlgemuth, P, Jr;
Nate Ackenhausen, P.
Top Newcomers: Matt Turpen, P;
Brody Green, 3B, Soph;
Trevor Martin, C;
Brennan Phillips, Frosh;
Pepe Casey, IF;
Colton Mullinax, IF;
Gage Laney, IF;
Zach McCombs, P.
Top Games: Bishop Kelley, March 2/April 11, 13, 26; Jenks, April 4; Union, April 23..
Outlook: The Rams are one of the perennial favorites in Oklahoma and it's no different in 2018. Owasso is particularly strong in the outfield with three starters back. The pitching staff has one of the top juniors in the state in Wohlgemuth.
24. Barbe (Lake Charles, La.)
2018 Record: 30-9, No. 52
Coach: Glenn Cecchini
Top Returning Players: Isaac Duplechain, RHP, McNeese State;
Carter Quinn, CF/RHP, South Alabama;
Bryce Larocca, LF;
Brayden Corley, 1B;
Davis Meche, SS/RHP, Jr, Mississippi State;
Brody Drost, OF/LHP, Jr, LSU;
Bailey Juneau, MIF, Jr;
Ben David, C, Jr;
Kyle DeBarge, MIF, Soph.
Top Newcomers: Damon Fountain, OF/RHP, Tulane;
Jack Walker, RHP, Soph, Mississippi State;
Dam Guth, LHP, Soph;
Ethan Medlin, OF, Soph;
Ashton Fuselier, C/IF/OF, Frosh;
Gavin Guidry, IF, Frosh;
Andrew Glass, C, Frosh.
Top Games: Sulphur, March 23/April 9; Sam Houston, March 30/April 15;
Outlook: Barbe has averaged over 30 wins a season for over a decade with no season less than 25 wins during that span. Seven full-time starters return along with the bulk of the pitching staff from last year's 30-win team. The defense is also expected to a strength of the Buccaneers.
25. La Cueva (Albuquerque)
2018 Record: 27-3, No. 69, Class 6A state champion
Coach: Gerard Pineda
Top Returning Players: Ben Schoneman, P/IF, .382, 8-1, 2.09 ERA;
Phoenix Autrey, C, .467, 10 doubles;
Aaron Sanchez, 3B/P, .233;
Cody Davis, LHP, 2-0, 2.71 ERA;
Dawson Burton, OF.
Top Games: Farmington, April 27; Piedra Vista, May 4.
Outlook: The Bears have won five state championships under coach Pineda, including the last two in a row. La Cueva is 55-4 over the past two seasons and return the top pitcher from last year in All-State hurler Schoneman.
26. The Woodlands (Texas)
2018 Record: 25-16-1, No. 202
Coach: Ron Eastman
Top Returning Players: Drew Romo, C, Jr, All-State;
Will Swope, P/3B, All-State;
Luke Hammond, OF;
Casey Sunseri, DH/3B, All-State;
Cameron Caley, OF, Jr;
PJ Villareal, SS, All-State.
Top Games: Flower Mound, Feb. 22; Round Rock, March 2; Klein, March 12/April 12.
Outlook: The Highlanders last won a state title in 2013, but they came close last year when they reached the Class 6A semifinals. A loss to eventual champion Carroll (Southlake) ended The Woodlands season. Three All-State players return for Eastman, including junior catcher Romo, who is one of the top players in the state of Texas in the Class of 2020 according to Perfect Game.
27. Bob Jones (Madison, Ala.)
2018 Record: 36-14, No. 208
Coach: Jared Smith
Top Returning Players: Dylan Ray, RHP/3B, Jr, Alabama, All-State, .377, 13 HR, 67 RBIs;
Slate Alford, 3B, Soph, .333, 4 HR, 33 RBIs;
Cam Hill, LHP/1B, Auburn, Jr, .379, 8 HR, 11 doubles, 31 RBIs;
Caden Rose, SS/RHP, Jr, All-State, 15 doubles, 6 HR, 6-0, 1.58 ERA;
Nick Brown, RHP, Jr;
Mitchell Daly, SS, Jr, 8 HR, 54 RBIs;
Austin East, LHP, 7-2, 54 Ks;
John Michael Riley, RHP/C, .321, 6 HR, 41 RBIs.
Top Newcomers: Luke Tralongo, RHP.
Top Games: Sumrall, March 7; Cartersville, March 7; Russellville, March 12; McGill-Toolen, March 20; Sparkman, March 26, 28; Fishers, March 30; Baylor (Tenn.), April 15.
Outlook: Bob Jones might have the best junior class in Alabama with four All-State players returning. The Patriots reached the Class 7A semifinals last year. There is plenty of depth returning with five starting pitchers back on the mound.
28. Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.)
2018 Record: 35-6, No. 7, Class 7A state champion
Coach: Chan Brown
Top Returning Players: Jonathan French, C, .355, 25 RBIs; Clemson;
Max Pate, OF, .269, Coastal Carolina;
Cameron Orr, Lagrange College;
Brad Stanley, RHP, West Georgia;
Will Parker, C, Northwest Florida State;
Miles Garrett, P, Jr, 4-1, 1.93 ERA, Vanderbilt;
Xander Stephens, P, Jr, 2-1, 1.02 ERA, Georgia Southern.
Top Games: JSerra Catholic, Feb. 27; Blessed Trinity, March 1; Lambert, March 1; Loganville, March 7; Hoover, March 22; Buford, March 28; Venice, April 2; Jesuit, April 4; Brookwood, April 17.
Outlook: The Panthers have been named National Champions three times by various publications including in 2018 after winning the Class 7A state championship. A pair of starting pitchers return along with starters at catcher, first base, second base and centerfield. A strong schedule has Parkview facing four teams from the MaxPreps Top 100, including a pair of state champions.
29. George County (Lucedale, Miss.)
2018 Record: 27-6, No. 59, Class 6A state runner-up
Coach: Brandon Davis
Top Returning Players: Ethan Coleman, .2B/SS, 288;
Colby Cochran, RHP/3B, .241, 23 RBIs;
Trevor McDonald, RHP/LF, 7-2, 1.49 ERA;
Logan Tanner, C/RHP, .341, 20 RBIs, 8-2, 1.64;
Jonathan Havard, LHP/1B, .253;
Cole Pugh, CF/RHP, .288;
Alan Williams, C/CF/P Soph, 2-1, 3.28 ERA..
Top Games: Jackson Prep, March 12; St. Pius X (Houston), March 14; Hattiesburg, March 23; Oak Grove, March 26, 29/April 9; Vancleave, March 30.
Outlook: George County fell one game short of the Class 6A state title, losing to DeSoto Central in a three-game series. Pitching will be key for George County as they return over 17 wins from last year's squad.
30. Huntington Beach (Calif.)
2018 Record: 26-6, No. 29
Coach: Benjamin Medure
Top Returning Players: Josh Hahn, LHP/1B, UCLA;
Eddie Pelc, LHP/OF, San Diego;
Dylan Ramirez, LHP/OF, San Marcos;
Shane Stafford, LHP/OF, Soph, San Diego State;
Jake Vogel, CF, Jr, UCLA;
Jag Burden, LHP/OF, Jr, Cal-Berkeley;
Cole Minato, SS, Gonzaga;
Jeremy Wiegman, RHP, San Marcos;
Nick Upstill, OF, San Francisco State.
Top Newcomers: Brett Barrera, 2B, Stanford, transfer from Los Osos;
Blake Peso, C, Soph, transfer from Mater Dei.
Top Games: Bellarmine College Prep, Feb. 23; JSerra Catholic, March 5; Edison, March 22/April 25; Mira Costa, March 26.
Outlook: The Oilers will present a unique pitching staff that includes up to five left-handers, including UCLA-bound first baseman Hahn. Huntington Beach also faces some of the best teams in the nation when it heads to the National High School Invitational in April.
31. Torrey Pines (San Diego)
2018 Record: 29-6, No. 17, San Diego Section Open Division champion
Coach: Kirk McCaskill
Top Returning Players: Mac Bingham, CF, All-Section, USC, .333, 6 HR, 27 RBIs;
Kevin Sim, 3B, Jr, .377, 4 HR, 27 RBIs, San Diego;
Matthew Schlesener, 1B/RHP, .267, 6-1, Point Loma;
Jack Johnston, Soph, .286;
Nathan Smolinski, .270;
Max Isaacman, C, Jr, .367;
Michael Schreiber, 8-2, 2.02 ERA, 51 Ks, Washington.
Top Newcomers: Max Power, Holy Cross.
Top Games: Rancho Bernardo, March 5; Poway, March 12; La Costa Canyon, March 27, 29; Desert Oasis, April 16; Eastlake, April 17.
Outlook: The Falcons claimed the section title last year, and have six starters and two starting pitchers from that team. Nearly half of last year's pitching wins return while the offense is led by USC signee Bingham, who is one of the San Diego Section's top football-baseball prospects.
32. Pope (Marietta, Ga.)
2018 Record: 34-8, No. 94, Class 6A state champion
Coach: Jeff Rowland
Top Returning Players: Buddy Floyd, IF, Player of the Year;
Max Praigo, P, All-State;
Caden Smith, C, All-State;
Andrew Herlitz, P, All-State Second Team;
Reid Robertson, LHP, Jr, All-State Honorable Mention.
Top Games: Oak Mountain (Ala.), Feb. 23; Etowah, March 1; Alpharetta, March 8/March 28; Cambridge, March 22/April 19.
Outlook: Pope has been the class of Class 6A in Georgia, winning three state titles since 2013, including back-to-back in 2017 and 2018. State Player of the Year Floyd is back along with four All-State teammates.
33. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
2018 Record: 26-4, No. 2, North Coast Section Division 1 champion
Coach: David Jeans
Top Returning Players: Chris Santiago, P/3B, .368, 5 HR;
Jared Amigh, C, .381, 20 RBIs;
Jordan Wright, OF, .571;
Nick Fusari, 2B, .667;
Cole Silva, P, 2-1, 1.11 ERA;
Dylan White, P, 1-0, 2.71 ERA;
Nicolas Camozzi, 1B/DH;
Kyle Harrison, P/1B, Jr, 9-1, 1.17 ERA;
Vince Bianchina, SS;
Grant Daley, CF, Jr, .281;
Blake Burke, P/OF, Soph, .345, 5 HR.
Top Games: Jesuit, March 12; St. Mary's, March 16; San Ramon Valley, March 21; Elk Grove, March 23; Summit, March 28; St. Laurence, April 15; Don Bosco Prep, April 17.
Outlook: The Spartans finished No. 2 in the nation in the MaxPreps Computer Rankings last year after winning the North Coast Section championship. Pitching will be a strength for DLS as All-State pitcher Harrison returns. Coach Jeans also return nine other players who saw extensive playing time.
34. St. Laurence (Burbank, Ill.)
2018 Record: 30-8, No. 250
Coach: Pete Lotus
Top Returning Players: Matt McCormick C, All-American;
Vytas Valincius, 3B/1B, Soph, South Carolina;
Matt Zahora, 3B/C, Jr;
Jake Vera, OF;
Luke Montgomery, OF, Jr;
Matt Dornbos, IF;
Ryan Cummings, IF;
Alex Gasbarro, IF, Jr;
Max Engstrom, LHP;
Chris Seropian, LHP, Jr;
Cole Anderson, LHP, Jr;
Ryan McGrath, RHP.
Top Newcomers: Edwin Alvarez, 1B, Jr.
Top Games: Chicago Mt. Carmel, April 9; De La Salle (Calif.), April 15; St. Rita, April 23, 25; Providence Catholic, April 27, 30; Brother Rice, May 2, 4.
Outlook: Coach Lotus returns almost his entire team from a squad that won 30 games and claimed the CCL Blue championship. St. Laurence has the returning state Player of the Year in McCormick, who is also a MaxPreps All-American. Meanwhile, corner infielder Valicius is ranked as the No. 1 sophomore in the midwest.
35. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.)
2018 Record: 19-12, No. 266
Coach: Mike Woods
Top Returning Players: Shane Murphy, LHP, 5-2, 2.71, GCU;
Michael Brueser, OF, .458, 4 HR, All-State;
JD McLaughlin, OF/RHP, .301, 27 RBIs;
Easton Erwin, OF, .295, New Mexico;
Kyle Hasler, C, .392, 26 RBIs, Louisiana Tech;
Dustin Bermudez, RHP/SS, Team MVP, 4-2, .357, 23 RBIs;
Tyler Wilson, 1B, Jr, GCU;
Jose Valenzuela;
Will Maxey, 3B, Jr .283;
Isaiah Adams, 2B, Jr, .319.
Top Newcomers: Brock Selvidge, OF/LHP, Soph, .393;
Top Games: Basha, Feb. 22/March 28, 29; O'Connor, Feb. 28; Basic, March 13; Corona del Sol, March 19; Chandler, April 5, 9.
Outlook: Mike Woods has led Hamilton to five state championships, including one two years ago. After slipping to a third-place finish in the 6A Premier Conference last year, Hamilton could be on the mend in 2019. The Huskies have one of the state's top outfielders in Brueser and one of the state's top-ranked sophomores in Selvidge. The pitching staff returns three of its top arms, including team MVP Bermudez.
36. George Jenkins (Lakeland, Fla.)
2018 Record: 26-4, No. 27
Coach: Alex Angulo
Top Returning Players: Daniel Batcher, LHP, Pitcher of the Year;
Jacob Herbert, C, Florida State College;
Taylor Buffington, OF;
Garett Richardson, OF.
Top Newcomers: Brenden Vern, SS, Jr;
Michael Ross, RHP/IF, Jr.
Top Games: Providence School, March 25; Trinity Christian Academy, March 26; Bartow, March 21; Lakeland, April 19.
Outlook: George Jenkins has a new coach in Angulo, an assistant on last year's team that reached the state semifinals before falling to eventual champion St. Thomas Aquinas. The team's top pitcher returns in Batcher as the Eagles look to put together their fourth straight 20-win season.
37. Monroe Campus (Bronx, N.Y.)
2018 Record: 44-4, No. 354, PSAL AAA champion
Coach: Mike Turo
Top Returning Players: Angel Ventura, RHP, 3-1, 2.91;
JJ Terrero, RHP, 6-1, 3.19;
Miguel Toribio, OF, .363;
Edward Urena Hernandez, P, 12-0, 1.04, 107 Ks.
Top Games: George Washington, April 18.
Outlook: Perhaps no team in the country won more games last year than Monroe Campus, which went 44-4 in winning the PSAL championship. Coach Mike Turo has a talented group of returning pitchers, including Urena Hernandez, who won 12 games last year. The Eagles have won the PSAL the past two seasons and eight times in school history. Turo had the school's field named after him over the summer and he heads into his 42nd year with 1,325 all-time wins.
38. Bolles (Jacksonville, Fla.)
2018 Record: 24-6, No. 132, Class 5A state runner-up
Coach: Mike Boswell
Top Returning Players: Hunter Barco, LHP/1B, MaxPreps Junior All-American;
Cal Henrichsen, C;
Patrick Libby, RHP;
Bryson Kirksey, CF;
Jack Brady, 3B/2B;
Jackson Mayo, LF, Soph;
Grant Shepherd, LHP, Jr;
Will Shepherd, RHP.
Top Newcomers: Jackson Baumeister, RHP/C, Soph;
Gunner Boree, SS, Soph;
Tyler Gesek, SS/2B, Soph;
Sully Brackin, OF/RHP, Frosh;
Tanner Zellem, 3B, Frosh.
Top Games: Lambert, April 3; Providence School, April 18;
Outlook: Bolles has been in the hunt for the Class 5A state title the past three seasons, winning it all in 2016 and 2017, and finishing second last year. Barco, winner of 27 games in his career and a MaxPreps Underclass All-American three years running, leads the team after earning state Player of the Year honors last year. He's a likely first round draft pick in June.
39. Farragut (Knoxville, Tenn.)
2018 Record: 34-8, No. 140
Coach: Matt Buckner
Top Returning Players: Parker Noland, 3B/C, AAA Player of the Year, Vanderbilt;
Ashton King, SS/RHP, East Tennessee State;
Ryan McCarthy, C, Middle Tennessee State;
Nick Barnes, OF, Roane State;
Landon Smiddy, RHP, East Tennessee State;
Owen Kovacs, RHP, East Tennessee State;
Ryan Hagenow, RHP, Jr., Kentucky;
Drew Patterson, LHP, Jr; Tennessee;
Alec Nussbaum, 1B.
Top Newcomers: Carter Gillette, LHP/OF, Soph;
Tanner Kim, 1B, Soph;
Angus Pence, RHP/MIF, Soph;
Parker Evans, MIF, Soph;
Matthew Delph, LHP, Jr.
Top Games: Calvary Christian Academy, March 19; Collierville, April 11; Mount Juliet, April 12; Baylor, April 8.
Outlook: The Admirals are always one of the top teams in the nation, let alone Tennessee. In 11 seasons under Buckner, Farragut has won at least 32 games ever year. Last year, it won 34 before exiting the postseason prior to the state tournament. This year's lineup has at least eight players destined to play college ball next year, led by Class AAA player of the year Noland.
40. St. Xavier (Louisville, Ky.)
2018 Record: 37-2, No. 6, State champion
Coach: Andy Porta
Top Returning Players: Alex Adams, IF, .283, 3 HR, Purdue;
Brycen Harkins, LHP, 8-0, 2.16 ERA;
Leighton Keller, IF, .275;
Aric Lyons, OF/C, .320, 24 RBIs;
Noah Nelson, RHP;
Ryan Nicholson, LHP, 7-0 2.23 ERA, Cincinnati;
Cam Scheler, C/IF, .294, Cincinnati;
Alex Smith, OF, .214;
Brandon Tucker, OF, .273, Western Kentucky.
Top Newcomers: Max Bergmann, RHP, Jr;
Nathan Waldridge, LHP, Jr.
Outlook: Coach Porta believes this year's schedule will be the toughest yet for his program, but he also feels they will be able to defend their crown. Winners of eight state titles in program history, St. Xavier plays all of the the best team in Kentucky, including Pleasure Ridge Park, but will also take on teams like Vianney (Mo.), Elder (Ohio), Moeller (Ohio), Floyd Central (Ind.) and Noblesville (Ind.). St. Xavier has four Division 1 signees and three more who could sign, according to Porta.
41. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
2018 Record: 27-3, No. 22, Class 8A state champion
Coach: Troy Cameron
Top Returning Players: Gabe Terry, CF, .426;
Riley Rosario, 1B, .346;
Isaiah Hood, LHP, 2-0;
Dillon Kleinman, RHP, Jr, 2-1, 3.28
Top Newcomers: Raheem Salmon, LF, Stetson;
Nick Vera, C, .348, Pitt;
Matt Archer, .489, UCF;
Connor O'Hara, C, .406, FGCU;
Nate Thomas, P, Jr, 8-0, 0.88 ERA, Miami;
Keanu Jacobs-Guishard, SS, .371, USF.
Top Games: Stoneman Douglas, Feb. 19; Westminster Christian, April 18.
Outlook:
A total of 12 players have signed to play college ball, including eight
returning starters. A total of 23 lettermen return, giving the Raiders
plenty of experienced. Pitching and defense will be the key, according
to coach Cameron.
42. Bishop England (Charleston, S.C.)
2018 Record: 31-2, No. 34, Class 3A state champion
Coach: Mike Darnell
Top Returning Players: Geoffrey Gilbert, LHP, State Player of the Year;
Matt Lobeck, OF;
Chris Dengler, SS;
Kyle Castleberry, RHP;
Daniel Brooks, 1B, Soph;
Chase Loggins, OF, Soph.
Top Games: Wando, Feb. 22; Boiling Springs, Feb. 28; Ashley Ridge, March 5; James Island, March 6/March 21; Summerville, April 3.
Outlook: The Bishops were likely the No. 1 team in South Carolina last year regardless of division as they lost just two games in winning the Class 3A state title. They begin the year ranked No. 1 in Class 3A by the state coaches association to begin the season thanks to the return of Gatorade State Player of the Year Gilbert.
Chris Dengler, Bishop England
File photo by Jamie Hassan
43. Vianney (Kirkwood, Mo.)
2018 Record: 37-2, No. 11, Class 5 state champion
Coach: Scott Brown
Top Returning Players: C.J. Cepicky, SS, Jr, .440, 27 RBI, All-State;
Nico Hagen, .370, All-State;
Tommy Geders, .235;
Mitchell Green, 1B.
Top Games: Christian Brothers, April 11/18; St. Louis University, April 16.
Outlook: The defending Class 5 state champions will look to replace state MVP Lucas Mann on the mound in order to repeat as state champions. Coach Brown still has a pair of All-State players in the lineup in Cepicky and Hagen.
44. St. Augustine Prep (Richland, N.J.)
2018 Record: 26-4, No. 37, Non-Public A champion
Coach: Mike Bylone
Top Returning Players: Cole Vanderslice, OF/P, 6-0 2.47 ERA, Villanova;
Gerry Peacock, 1B/P, 2.33 ERA, 44 Ks, Notre Dame;
Joe Bonczek, OF, .274, Princeton;
Kenny Levari, P/1B, .326, 22 RBIs, Old Dominion;
Jason Hoopes, P, Virginia;
Kevin Foreman, OF, .442, Jr;
Robert Ready, 1B/P, 2-0, 0.34, East Carolina;
Brian Furey, C, Naval Academy;
Anthony Sofran, OF, Washington College.
Top Games: Malvern Prep, April 20; La Salle College, May 4; Egg Harbor Township, April 5/ May 3.
Outlook: The defending Non-Public A champions return 13 letterman from last year's squad, including five starters. Pitching figures to be a team strength and a total of 10 wins return on the mound. St. Augustine has eight players committed or signed to play in college.
45. McGill-Toolen (Mobile, Ala.)
2018 Record: 30-9, No. 276
Coach: Tim Becker
Top Returning Players: Nathan LaRue, C;
Chandler Best, P;
Matthew Glover, SS;
Spencer Hadley, LHP;
Michael Ellis, OF.
Top Games: Auburn, Feb. 27; Mountain Brook, March 2; Faith Academy, March 7; Mosley, March 9; Madison Central, March 13; Bob Jones, March 20.
Outlook: The Yellowjackets fell to eventual 7A champion Auburn in the first round of the state playoffs, but coach Becker has two of the state's top four players, according to Perfect Game in Best and LaRue. Both were All-State last year, while Hadley was honorable mention.
46. Mountain View (Mesa, Ariz.)
2018 Record: 25-8, No. 91
Coach: MIke Thiel
Top Returning Players: Sean Rimmer, RHP/OF/1B, .366, 5-2, 2.11 ERA, BYU;
McKay Barney, CF, .352, BYU;
Cam Jowaiszas, 3B, .273;
Dallas Wise, RHP/2B, .309;
Travis Densmore, LHP;
Kohl Schaucherbauer, C;
Thome Nickelson, SS;
Tyler Barnes, RHP/OF
Top Games: Corona del Sol, March 1; Gilbert, March 12; Red Mountain, April 2, 4.
Outlook: The Toros reached the quarterfinals of the Class 6A state playoffs before being eliminated by Mountain Ridge. According to Thiel, the team should be deep again this year, with strong defense up the middle. Pitching will be a concern, but Thiel believes that if the pitching staff comes around, Mountain View could be one of the top teams in the state once again.
47. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.)
2018 Record: 19-11, No. 634
Coach: Tom Dill
Top Returning Players: Daylen Reyes, IF, .Jr, 348;
Devan Ornelas, IF, Jr, 244;
Diego Baqueiro, Jr, 254;
R.J. Gordon, OF, Jr, .312;
Lucas Gordon, LHP/1B, Jr, .405;
Tyler Stromsborg, RHP/1B, Jr, .293;
Carter Kessinger, P, 6-4, 1.54;
Connor Skertich, P, 4-3, 2.98.
Top Games: Orange Lutheran, March 26; Boras Classic, March 26-29; Harvard-Westlake, April 22, 23, 25.
Outlook: The Knights have an extremely young team in 2019 as juniors dominate the lineup. However, Notre Dame returns over half of its pitching wins from last year and they have another lefthander, Gordon, who was the MaxPreps Freshman of the Year in 2017.
48. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
2018 Record: 25-7, No. 199
Coach: Tim Held
Top Returning Players: Ryan Galanie, SS, .337;
Seth Logue, CF/P, Jr, .333;
Jack Pacetti, LHP/1B, 6-1, 1.50 ERA;
Justin Hornschemeier, P;
Matthew Treadway, P;
Quinton Morris, C, Wisconsin.
Top Games: Mason, March 30; Elder, April 8, 22; St. Xavier (Cincinnati), April 10, May 6.
Outlook: A strong pitching staff leads the way for the Crusaders as four members of the staff will play college baseball next year. The middle of the field will be strong thanks to the return of Morris, Galanie and Logue.
49. JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
2018 Record: 18-14, No. 214
Coach: Brett Kay
Top Returning Players: Blake Klassen, 1B/OF, Arizona;
Cody Schrier, IF, Soph, USC;
Michael Curialle, SS/CF, UCLA;
Nino Vultaggio, OF;
Paul Roche, C;
Andrew Miller, RHP/IF, Nevada;
Gage Jump, LHP, Soph;
Ryan Farmer, RHP;
Chase Katafias, OF;
Jared Glenn, RHP/1B;
Kevin James, 2B/3B/DH, Soph.
Top Newcomers: Luke Jewett, C/RHP, Soph;
Colby Canales 3B/SS, Junior;
Hunter Cranton, RHP, transfer from Maryland;
Gabe D’Arcy, OF/3B, Soph;
Jack Gibson, RHP/3B, Soph.
Top Games: Huntington Beach, Feb. 19, March 5; Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.), Feb. 27; Hoover (Ala.), March 1; St. John Bosco, March 13, 15; Boras Classic, March 26-29; Orange Lutheran, April 9, 10, 12; Mater Dei, April 16, 17, 20.
Outlook: The Lions finished second in the rugged Trinity League last year and return a number of veterans from that squad, including three infielders who will play Division I college baseball in the future. JSerra will rely on a lot of young players in 2019, building to what could be a championship season down the road.
50. Andrean (Merrillville, Ind.)
2018 Record: 31-6, No. 45, Class 3A state champion
Coach: Dave Pishkur
Top Returning Players: Michael Doolin, RHP/IF, 11-1, 129 Ks, All-American, Vanderbilt;
Matt Lelito, 3B, .324;
Joel Holtcamp, RHP/OF, .357;
Tyler Nelson, RHP/SS, Jr, Indiana, .356;
Charlie Jones, 2B, .390, Soph;
Jake Mullen, C, Jr, .231.
Top Newcomers: Mike Jarek, OF;
Mason Sannito, LHP, Jr;
Connor Misch, 1B, Frosh;
Robbie Balentine, IF; Zack Kammer, OF.
Top Games: Brother Rice, April 3; Providence Catholic, April 20; Marist, May 9.
Outlook: Coach Pishkur, who is on the verge of 1,000 all-time wins, could add another state championship to his resume in 2019. He has one of the state's top pitchers in Vanderbilt-bound Doolin. A total of six starters return, including four who have committed to play in college.
51. Reagan (San Antonio)
2018 Record: 37-8, No. 60, Class 6A state runner-up
Coach: Rodney Chapman
Top Returning Players: Travis Sthele P/SS, Jr, All-District, .310;
Cal Martin, 1B, .339, All-District;
Alec Craven, C, .225;
Zane Raba, OF, Jr, .300, All-District.
Top Games: Madison March 19, April 12; Churchill March 14, April 9; Johnson, March 12, April 5.
Outlook: Reagan returns four starters from last year's team, but it did reach the state finals before losing to Carroll (Southlake). Reagan is ranked only behind Lake Travis in the Texas High School Baseball Region IV rankings to start the season.
52. North Florida Christian (Tallahassee, Fla.)
2018 Record: 25-4, No. 179, Class 3A state runner-up
Coach: Mike Posey
Top Returning Players: JD Tease, .505, SS, 19 doubles, 37 RBIs, FACA Player of the Year, Florida State;
Brandon Walker, RHP/IF, Big Bend Player of the Year, .346, 4 HR, 40 RBIs, 10-2, Florida State;
Major Posey, RHP/1B, 8-1, 2.17 ERA, Central Florida;
Josiah Miller, IF .285, 8 HR, Florida State;
Carson Neal, C, .433, 6 HR, Valdosta State.
Top Games: Providence School, March 15, March 22; Stoneman Douglas, March 16; Chiles, March 26/April 25.
Outlook: The Eagles reached the Class 3A state championship game last year and are five years removed from the school's last state championship. A total of seven starters return from last year's squad, including a pair of player of the year honorees in Tease and Walker.
53. La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.)
2018 Record: 23-10, No. 196
Coach: Justin Machado
Top Returning Players: Chris Neveau, IF;
Spencer Jones, LHP/1B;
Garrett Bevacqua, 3B/OF;
Max Stanley, OF;
Nick Hays, SS.
Top Games: Rancho Bernardo, Feb. 21/March 12; Poway, Feb. 23/March 5; Torrey Pines, March 27/29; Cathedral Catholic, April 15.
Outlook: Under Machado, the Mavericks have posted 11 straight seasons with at least 21 wins. The program has also produced a No. 1 overall MLB draft pick in Mickey Moniak (2016). Another possible high draft pick, Jones, leads this year's team as he is one of the top two-way players in the country.
54. Columbus (Miami)
2018 Record: 25-5, No. 261
Coach: Joe Weber
Top Returning Players: Albert Espinosa, C, .303;
Ariel Garcia, SS, Soph, .297;
Carlos Linares, CF, .268.
Top Newcomers: JP Herrholz, 1B, Jr;
Nick Calero, 2B;
Jake Marquez, Jr, 3B;
Jonathan Velasquez, RF/RHP, Jr, Stetson;
Nick Regalado, RHP, Jr, Miami;
Yovan Ayes, LF, Jr.
Top Games: South Dade, March 8; Flanagan, March 19; Key West, March 26.
Outlook: Look for this year's Columbus team to be improved over last year's squad, according to coach Weber. And that's saying something considering Columbus went 25-5 last year. Defense, speed and pitching will be the keys for a team that returns three starters, but has a number of talented juniors moving up.
55. Desert Oasis (Las Vegas)
2018 Record: 30-5, No. 359
Coach: Paul Buboltz
Top Returning Players: Zac Czerniawski, UT, .321;
Aaron Roberts, IF/P .394, 3-0, 2.48 ERA;
Parker Schmidt, C, .441;
Jordan Demarce, OF, .361;
Steven Giatti, C/IF, .253;
Josh Sharman, P, 8-0, 2.02 ERA;
DJ Jefferson Jr., P, 2-1.
Top Games: Eastlake, April 15; Torrey Pines, April 16.
Outlook: Desert Oasis has five starters and three top pitchers from last year's squad that reached the Class 4A state championship game. Last year's 30-win record was the best in the school's 10-year history.
56. Cy-Fair (Cypress, Texas)
2018 Record: 32-11, No. 149
Coach: Bill Hardin
Top Returning Players: Peyton Chatagnier, SS, .402, District MVP;
Jacob Schoenvogel, OF/P, Jr, .327;
Rhett McCaffety, P, Jr;
Justin Flores, DH/P, .333.
Top Games: The Woodlands, March 19; Klein, Feb 28; Cypress Ranch, Feb. 23; Klein Collins, Feb. 23.
Outlook: Texas High School Baseball ranks Cy Fair at the top of the Class 6A Region III thanks to five returning starters from a regional finalist squad. Cy Fair returns the district's top player in shortstop Chatagnier.
57. Saint Francis (Mountain View, Calif.)
2018 Record: 24-8, No. 30, Central Coast Section Division II champion
Coach: Matt McGuire
Top Returning Players: Joshua Pakola, IF, .355;
Peter Halpin, OF, Jr, .317;
Izzy Galindo, IF, .271;
Gianluca Shinn, LHP, Jr, 9-1, 2.00 ERA;
Joseph Schott, P, Jr., 5-2, 2.25 ERA.
Top Games: De La Salle, March 2; Bellarmine College Prep, March 12/April 2; Valley Christian, March 22/April 12; Archbishop MItty, March 26/April 30; Palo Alto, April 16.
Outlook: The Lancers have won at least 21 games for the past decade, capturing the Division II section championship last year. A total of 14 pitching wins return from that team, along with half of the infield.
58. Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro, Md.)
2018 Record: 32-1, No. 43
Coach: Aaron Graves
Top Returning Players: Jordan Peyton, Jr, P/IF, .264, 8-0, 1.49 ERA;
Trendon Craig, OF, .352;
Noah Marshall, P/OF, 6-0, 1.27 ERA.
Outlook: The Crusaders have been one of the top programs in the nation the past three seasons, winning 97 games and losing just five. They finished the 2018 season ranked No. 3 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25, but have a new coach in Graves. He replaces Ryan Terrill, who left the program after four years as the head coach. Peyton, the team's top returning pitcher, will be the workhorse on the mound along with Marshall.
59. Yucaipa (Calif.)
2018 Record: 28-5, No. 172, Southern Section Division 2 champion
Coach: Ralph Grajeda
Top Returning Players: Michael Carpentier, C,.366;
Joe Lomeli, SS, .371;
Anthony Gibbons, C/OF, .378;
Jordan Andrade, SS/2B, Jr, .415;
Tyson Heaton, P/1B, .373, 12-0, 70 Ks;
Trent Luther, 3B/1B,.319;
Keyton Dawson, OF, .306;
Bradley Heacock, RHP, Jr, 3-2, 2.62 ERA.
Top Games: South Hills, Feb 26; Murrieta Valley, March 2; Redlands East Valley, March 12/April 2, 4; Foothill (Santa Ana), April 26.
Outlook: Yucaipa returns nearly every starter from last year's Southern Section Division 2 champion team, including Division 2 MVP Heaton, who racked up nearly half of his team's wins last year. Every returning starter batted .300 or better last year.
60. Providence School (Jacksonville, Fla.)
2018 Record: 25-5, No. 233
Coach: Mac Mackiewitz
Top Returning Players: Tyler Callihan, 3B, South Carolina, All-American;
Nahan Hickey, IF, Florida;
Josh Gray, P/1B, Tallahassee CC;
Ben Weeks, P/OF;
Cutler Cannon;
Davis Griffin, P/C, Jr.
Top Newcomers: Tucker Talbott, Florida;
Brady Ortman, Jr.
Top Games: Venice, March 15; North Florida Christian, March 15; Mosley, March 21; George Jenkins, March 25; American Heritage, March 26; Bolles, April 18.
Outlook: If Providence can get through a gauntlet of tough games against some of the state's best teams in mid-March, then look for the Stallions to make a strong run in the postseason. They have one of the nation's top players in potential first-round draft pick Callihan.
61. Malvern Prep (Malvern, Pa.)
2018 Record: 30-7, No. 275
Coach: Freddy HIlliard
Top Returning Players: Chris Newell, OF, Virginia;
Lonnie White, OF, Soph, Clemson;
Jordan Dissin, C, Jr, Richmond;
Liam Dabagian, LHP, Elon;
Tristan Corcoran, RHP, Jr, Elon;
Connor Offshack, IF, Jr, Elon;
Charlie Andress, 1B;
Jarod Wade, IF/RHP, Jr.
Top Newcomers: Fran O'Schell, RHP, Soph.
Top Games: Germantown Academy, April 11; Neumann-Goreti, April 13; St. Augustine Prep, April 20; William Penn Charter, April 23; Delbarton, May 18.
Outlook: Malvern Prep has never won fewer than 22 games under coach Hilliard, averaging around 27 a year. This year's team is loaded with players who have signed to play Division I college baseball next year, including All-American candidate Newell in the outfield.
62. Maranatha (Pasadena, Calif.)
2018 Record: 27-4, No. 264, Southern Section Division 3 champion
Coach: Matt Shupper
Top Returning Players: Dawson Netz, P;
Max Blessinger, 2B;
Nick Iverson, SS;
Brock Vradenburg;
Ethan Firestone, C;
Will Downing, P.
Top Newcomers: Eli Paton, 3B, Jr.;
Cole Dale, P;
Owen Hackman, P, Jr;
Charlie James, OF;
Issac Fields, OF, Jr.
Top Games: Boras Classic, March 26-29; San Diego Lions, April 15-18.
Outlook: Maranatha rode the pitching of All-American candidate Netz to a Southern Section Division 3 championship. Six starters return from that team, including Netz. Pitching depth will be the key, according to coach Shupper, along with hitting and middle defense.
Dawson Netz, Marantha
File photo by Heston Quan
63. Providence (Charlotte, N.C.)
2018 Record: 23-4, No. 405
Coach: Danny Hignight
Top Returning Players: Ethan Reese, RHP, All-State;
Noah Hall, SS/P, ASU;
Michael Dansky , SS, Wingate;
JD Yakubinis, ASU;
Ray Torres, C, LSU;
Sam Kagan, OF;
Walker Woolf, OF, Jr.
Top Newcomers: Ryan Mangum, SS/P
Top Games: Independence, March 16; Ardrey Kell, April 12; South Mecklenburg, April 23, 26.
Outlook: All four infield positions, three outfield positions and the return of catcher Torres from IMG Academy, could make Providence the team to beat in North Carolina. The program has produced 109 wins in four seasons, but coach Hignight feels this year's team has the potential to be more experienced and athletic than last year's squad.
64. Buchanan (Clovis, Calif.)
2018 Record: 19-10-1, No. 445
Coach: Tom Donald
Top Returning Players: Tanner Larson, C, .316;
Jacob King, 1B/RHP, UC Irvine;
TJ Fondtain, 1B/LHP, .289, San Diego State;
Brady Hormel, SS, .386;
Brock Jones, OF, .346, Stanford;
Miguel Ortiz, LF, .264, Cal-State Fullerton;
JD Ortiz, RF, .236, Santa Barbara.
Top Newcomers: Isaac Ayon, 1B/RHP, Saint Mary's, transfer from Central;
Austin Young, C, Soph;
Temo Becerra, 3B/RHP, Soph.
Top Games: Frontier (Bakersfield), March 2, Clovis, March 8, 26, 29; Clovis West, March 12, April 2, 4; Clovis North, March 22, April 30, May 2.
Outlook: After ranking among the top teams in the country the previous three seasons, Buchanan dipped to 19 wins last year with a mostly junior crew. A total of seven starters return for Buchanan, however, making them the favorite in the valley once again.
65. North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.)
2018 Record: 25-10, No. 391
Coach: Ryan Moity
Top Returning Players: Michael Borah, 2B, All-State, North Georgia;
Corey Collins, C, Jr, Georgia;
Josh Shuler, Jr, South Carolina;
Sam Stewart, Sr, George College;
Jayden Perrine, 1B, Sr, .351, 20 RBIs;
Chase McCulloch, SS, .287;
Will Bennett, 3B;
Brandt Pancer, RHP, Jr, 6 wins, 35 Ks.
Top Newcomers: Parker Waggoner, LF;
Coluson Buchanan, CF/RHP, Soph;
Brian Leimkuehler, OF.
Top Games: Brookwood, March 8; MIll Creek, April 8, 10, 12.
Outlook: The Bulldogs are very athletic with experience on offense and defense. Seven players have been in the starting lineup the past two seasons and have been a part of 60 wins, according to coach Moity.
66. Ardrey Kell (Charlotte, N.C.)
2018 Record: 27-7, No. 186
Coach: Hal Bagwell
Top Returning Players: Trey Tujetsch, P, 8-2, 1.28 ERA, All-State, South Carolina, .390, 31 RBIs;
Luke Carpenter, P, 7-1, 1.21 ERA, Dartmouth;
Visili Kalousi, .321, 3 HR, Appalachian State.
Top Newcomers: Zach Weston, North Carolina Charlotte;
Jake Cunningham, Jr;
Peter Gull, Jr.
Top Games: Marvin Ridge, Feb. 27; Independence, March 20; South Mecklenberg, April 2, 5; Providence, April 12.
Outlook: Every pitcher returns from a squad that had a team ERA of 1.47. Pitching depth and team speed (133 stolen bases) are the keys for the team, according to coach Bagwell. Only two starters are gone from a team that reached the Class 4A state finals.
67. Zachary (La.)
2018 Record: 36-4, No. 10
Coach: Jacob Fisher
Top Returning Players: Alex Milazzo, C;
Collier Cranford, SS;
Zack Farr, LHP;
Tanner Hall, Jr, RHP.
Top Games: West Monroe, Feb. 28; John Curtis Christian, March 1; Sulphur, March 7.
Outlook: The Broncos were ranked No. 1 in the Class 5A state playoffs last year, but lost to defending champion Central (Baton Rouge) in a three-game quarterfinals series. Zachary returns one of the top catchers in the state in Milazzo, along with two of its top pitchers from last year.
68. Beckman (Irvine, Calif.)
2018 Record: 26-4-1, No. 53, Southern Section Division 2 runner-up
Coach: Kevin Lavalle
Top Returning Players: Connor McGuire, SS, .408, UC Irvine;
Sean McLain, 3B, .361, Arizona State;
Alec Gomez, 2B Jr., .333, San Diego State;
Nick McLain, OF/LHP, Soph, .315;
Ricky Teel, OF, .393;
Trevor Ernt, 9-0, 49 Ks, San Jose State;
Justin Goldstein, RHP, 7-3, 68 Ks, Oregon.
Top Newcomers: Cooper Munro, 1B, Jr;
Jacob Zamosky, C, Frosh;
Lou Lucci, OF/RHP, Jr;
Tristan Dupont, LHP, Jr.
Top Games: National Classic April 1-4.
Outlook: Pitching depth will be the key for Beckman, which is a perennial player for the Division 2 championship in the Southern Section. Experience and speed will also be the team's strengths, according to coach Lavalle. He also noted that this year's squad might be a better, more complete, team than last year, but might not have a better record.
69. Midway (Waco, Texas)
2018 Record: 29-10, No. 494
Coach: Eddie Cornblum
Top Returning Players: Will Rigney, P/1B, 10-2, All-State;
Couper Cornblum, SS/3B, .341, 28 RBIs, All-District;
Elijah Rodriguez, OF, Jr, .457;
Joe Redfield, OF, Jr;
Tripp Clark, C/DH, .294;
Jackson Berry, LHP, Jr; 8-0, 2.65 ERA;
Hunter Jones, DH/OF, .309, All-District;
JJ Davis, LF, .398, All-District.
Top Games: Copperas Cove, March 14, April 12; Georgetown Tournament, Feb. 21-23; Tournament of Champions, March 7-9.
Outlook: Texas High School baseball has Waco Midway as the No. 3 Class 6A team in Region II behind Cypress Ranch and The Woodlands. A total of eight starters return, led by pitcher Berry, infielder Cornblum and leftfielder Davis.
70. Keller (Texas)
2018 Record: 27-8, No. 58
Coach: Rob Stramp
Top Returning Players: Will Johnston, P/OF, MVP;
Mikey Brinton, OF, All-District;
Will Lance, 1B/DH, All-District;
Hunter Marshall, OF, Jr, All-District;
Parks Bouck, OF;
Reid Rice, 3B.
Top Games: Colleyville Heritage, Feb. 22; Arlington Martin, March 2; Argyle, March 7; Georgetown, March 8; Carroll (Southlake), March 12, 15; Flower Mound, March 16; Eaton, March 26, 29.
Outlook: Keller was given the top ranking in Region 1 by Texas High School Baseball, thanks to six returning starters from a regional semifinalist squad.
71. Tattnall Square Academy (Macon, Ga.)
2018 Record: 33-4, No. 40, Class A Private state champion
Coach: Joey Hiller
Top Returning Players: Trey Ham, C, Lipscomb;
BJ Spears, CF;
Miles Morris, SS/UT;
Brooks Gorman, RHP/IF;
Dawson Brown, RHP/IF/OF, Georgia Tech.
Top Newcomers: Hunter Alexander, C/1B/RHP, Soph;
Carter Fink, 1B/RHP, Soph;
Gavin Whitfield, RHP;
Brett McHugh, OF/RHP, Jr;
Kaden Toth, OF, Jr;
Konner Toth, OF, Jr;
Elmo Daniels, OF/DH, Jr;
Russ Miller, IF/OF, Frosh; DJ Willis, IF/OF/RHP.
Top Games: Jefferson, Feb. 23; Allatoona, April 8; Savannah Christian, March 2; Holy Innocents Episcopal, March 2.
Outlook: The development of the team's top two pitchers will be the difference between being good and being great, according to coach Hiller. Gorman will be the No. 1 pitcher while Brown, the son of former MLB pitcher Kevin Brown, is the No. 2.
72. Cypress (Calif.)
2018 Record: 23-9-1, No. 109
Coach: John Weber
Top Returning Players: Mike Marsh, 2B, .370, 27 RBIs;
Garett Crenshaw, RF, .350;
Noah Carter, LF, Jr, .346;
Cameron Repetti, 3B/RHP, 5-3 46 Ks;
Elias Rios, CF;
Braden Murphy, SS;
Tyler Chaffee, RHP/1B;
Brett Wozniak, LHP/1B.
Top Newcomers: Luke Davis, C, Frosh.
Top Games: St. John Bosco, Feb. 25; Orange Lutheran, March 1; El Toro, April 3, 6; Valencia, April 10, 12.
Outlook: A total of eight returning starters and five pitchers return from a team that reached the third round of the playoffs. Coach Weber compares his 2019 group with his 2013 team that won the section championship.
73. Puyallup (Wash.)
2018 Record: 23-2, No. 115
Coach: Marc Wiese
Top Returning Players: Jonas Kim, CF, .235;
Kendall Luckman, OF, .313;
Evan Scavotto, 2B, .322;
Brayden Molmen, 3B, .316;
Justin Maggerise, RHP, 3-0, 1.18.
Top Games: Sumner, March 26/April 11; South Kitsap, April 26.
Outlook: Since winning the state title in 2014, Puyallup has gone 89-14 the past four seasons including a 23-2 mark last year. Puyallup returns five starters from a team that was upset by Federal Way in the quarterfinals of the 4A state playoffs.
74. Brother Rice (Chicago)
2018 Record: 27-13, No. 120
Coach: Sean McBride
Top Returning Players: Kendall Pettis, OF, Oklahoma;
Mike Bolton, OF, Purdue;
Danny Doligale, OF, Illinois;
Ryan Maher, IF, Heartland CC;
Jack Payton, C, Louisville;
Marquis Jackson, 3B/2B, Oklahoma;
Elis Sweiss, P;
Lou Latino, P;
Eric Diaz, P.
Top Newcomers: Benji Brokemond, SS, Miami (Ohio);
Brandon Laux, P, Kirkland CC;
Dylan Robertson, IF, Jr;
Jack Landmesser, IF, Jr.
Top Games: O'Fallon, March 16; Providence Catholic, April 8, 9; Chicago Mt. Carmel, April 23, 25; St. Laurence, May 2, 4; St. Rita, May 7, 9; Marist, May 13.
Outlook: According to coach McBride, Brother Rice returns a lot of experience from last year with the ability to hit and run the bases. Defense will also be solid while pitching will be the key to how far the team goes in the postseason.
75. River Ridge (Woodstock, Ga.)
2018 Record: 31-7, No. 123
Coach: Scott Bradley
Top Returning Players: Ethan Anderson, P/OF, .395, 7 HR, 62 RBIs, Tennessee;
Brandon Smith, P/1B, .308, 31 RBIs, 5-1 31 Ks, Georgia;
Aaron Osada, P, Jr, 4-0, 30 Ks, Georgia Tech;
Colin Grant, DH/1B, .352, 6 HR;
Kobe Braddock, Jr, 2B, .356, 31 RBIs;
Justin Snoddgrass, OF;
Lane Tengzelius, P;
Jack O'Donnell, P, 4-2, 21 Ks.
Top Newcomers: Holden Bedora, C;
Hayden Duffield, C, Jr;
Jalix Corry, OF, Jr;
Diego Perez, 3B;
Carson Bell, SS, Jr;
Bailey Batton, P.
Top Games: Blessed Trinity, Feb. 26; Allatoona, March 5, 7; Cartersville, April 20.
Outlook: River Ridge has been on a roll the past two seasons after beginning play back in 2011. Bradley's team has won 60 games over the past two years with a school record 31 in 2018. Pitching will be the strength of the team as five players with pitching experience return.
76. Etiwanda (Calif.)
2018 Record: 22-8, No. 148
Coach: Don Furnald
Top Returning Players: Cody Freeman, IF, .452, Baylor, League MVP;
Marcus Johnson, P, 7-3, 2.95 ERA, Duke;
Matthew Bardowell, P/OF, Jr, 5-2, 3.12 ERA, USC;
Gio Del Negro, OF, .363;
PJ Torrez, C, .306;
Kyle Anderson, RHP, 1-0,
Max Clark, IF, .318.
Top Newcomers: Jack Holman, C/1B, Soph;
Armando Briseno, IF, Frosh.
Top Games: JSerra Catholic, March 26.
Outlook: Etiwanda will be strong on the mound where three starters return. It also has one of the Southern Section's top players in Freeman, who was the Baseline League MVP.
77. Jackson Prep (Jackson, Miss.)
2018 Record: 28-9, No. 417, MSAIS 4A state champion
Coach: Brent Heavener
Top Returning Players: Kelly Crumpton, Soph, RHP/IF, .411, 38 RBIs;
Reed Kellum, .250, 5 HR;
Jerrion Ealy, OF, .400, 25 SB;
Bryson Weeks, OF, .275;
Spence Graves, LHP/OF, .375;
Travis Hudgins, RHP, 7-3.
Top Games: Riley Maddox,
Mason Nichols,
Thaxton Berch,
Eli Berch.
Outlook: The Patriots have posted 30 or more wins for four of the past six seasons. They won the state MSAIS title last year and return two of the nation's top players for their class. Ealy is considered a possible first round draft pick in June, while Crumpton ranks among the top sophomores in the nation.
78. Olentangy Liberty (Powell, Ohio)
2018 Record: 30-4, No. 74, Division 1 state champion
Coach: Ty Brenning
Top Returning Players: Craig Lutwen, SS; .295;
Mitch Okuley, OF/RHP, .362, Ohio State;
Corbin Parrish, OF, Jr;
Brennan Rowe, OF/RHP, Jr, .402;
Justin Nelson, 1B/RHP, .360;
Jack Metzger, 1B/OF/RHP, .308, Dartmouth;
AJ Rausch, IF/OF, Junior, Ohio University..
Top Newcomers: Ben Wenner, RHP/IF;
Andrew Rodriguez, IF;
Michael Atkinson, IF;
Ben Billings, RHP, Jr.
Outlook: Liberty won the first state title in school history and went 30-4 after posting a 13-13 mark in 2017. Six starters return from last year's team, including All-State honorable mention selection Okuley. The team has experience, depth and speed, according to Brenning.
79. Venice (Fla.)
2018 Record: 24-8, No. 41, Class 7A state champion
Coach: Craig Faulkner
Top Returning Players: Kevin Dubrule, SS, West Point;
Mac Guscette, C, Jr, Florida;
Mike Robertson, OF, Soph, Florida;
Danny Rodrigues, OF/P, FGCU;
Clayton Callan, P, Florida Gulf Coast;
Orion Kerkering, P, USF.
Top Games: Sarasota, March 11; Parkview, April 2; Stoneman Douglas, March 16; Calvary Christian, April 26; Jesuit, May 2; Canterbury, April 2.;
Outlook: Pitching depth will be the key for the defending state champions, which has three pitchers headed to play at the next level next season. Faulkner is an FHSAA Hall of Fame coach after being inducted last year. He has five state championships to his credit and has 16 20-win seasons. He could add another in 2019.
80. Jordan (Sandy, Utah)
2018 Record: 24-6, No. 100, Class 5A state champion
Coach: Chad Fife
Top Returning Players: Hunter Swapp, OF, .453, 30 RBIs,
Jacob Shaver, 2B, .479, 36 RBIs;
Kyston Stein, LHP/OF, .526, 27 RBIs.
Top Newcomers: Trevor Zupon;
Kannon Handy;
Spencer Fife;
Ricky Medina;
Payton Yack;
Mitch Herrin;
Tyler Fitch;
Keegan Hanson.
Outlook: The Beetdiggers have won a pair of state championships under Fife. State MVP Gage Edwards has graduated, but all-state picks Swapp, Shaver and Stein return.
81. Christian Brothers (St. Louis)
2018 Record: 17-13-1, No. 845
Coach: Mason Horne
Top Returning Players: Kurtis Byrne, C, .415, 7 HR;
Colin Bergmann, 3B/OF, .363, 25 RBIs;
Brett Gabbert, OF, .280;
Carson Buddemeyer, DH, .324;
Collin Turnbeaugh, SS, .329;
Kylon Cunningham, OF, .217;
Cole Schroeder, LHP, .275, 4-3;
Joshua Plohr, RHP, .286, 3-2;
Top Games: Vianney, April 11, 18; Rock Bridge, May 4; St. Louis University, April 22, 30.
Outlook: The Cadets are looking to get back to the form they displayed in 2015 when they won 32 games and captured a Class 5 championship. Christian Brothers is loaded with returning talent, including catcher Byrne who is ranked as the top player in the state by Perfect Game.
82. Joliet Catholic (Joliet, Ill.)
2018 Record: 31-6, No. 46
Coach: Jared Voss
Top Returning Players: Jared Cushing, SS;
Alex Vera, LHP, 7-0, 0.64 ERA;
Greg Ziegler, OF, .402, 35 RBIs;
Michael Gurka, RHP;
Zach Gould, RHP;
Nick Iannantone, OF;
Christian Knapczyk, SS, Jr;
Zach Hise, RHP, Jr;
Alberto Lamas, RHP, Jr;
Tony Fleischauer, DH, .386, 21 RBI
Top Games: Plainfield North, April 5; Marist, April 29/30.
Outlook: The Hilltoppers suffered a disappointing loss to Coal City in the first round of the Class 3A state tournament, but four players who earned all-area honors return, including unbeaten pitcher Vera and the team's leading hitter Ziegler.
83. Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.)
2018 Record: 22-5, No. 106
Coach: Dave Webb
Top Returning Players: Brian Kalmer, .472, 9 HR, All-State;
Hunter Haas, Jr, .479, 24 RBIs, All-State second team;
Cade Verdusco, Jr, .388;
Daniel Sotelo, P, 4-2 1.95 ERA, All-State second team;
Bryan Webb, P, 5-1, 0.43 ERA.
Top Games: Bishop Gorman, March 13; Hamilton, March 19; Desert Vista, March 26/April 9, 13.
Outlook: The No. 2 seed fell to Westwood in a play-in game last year, bringing a promising season to an early end. The Aztecs have won at least 21 games each of the past four seasons and have some experienced pitchers back on the mound and some heavy hitters in the lineup in Kalmer and Haas.
Hunter Haas, Corona del Sol
File photo by Alyson Boyer Rode
84. Fishers (Ind.)
2018 Record: 29-7, No. 31, Class 4A state champion
Coach: Matthew Cherry
Top Returning Players: JJ Woolwine, OF, Miami (Ohio), All-state honorable mention, .365, 4 HR;
Kiel Brenczewski, C, Sr, Naval Academy, All-State honorable mention, .366, 5 HR, 11 doubles, 37 RBIs;
Nick Lukac, SS, Jr;
Jon Vore, RHP, Butler, 2-1, 2.89 ERA;
Mason Thomas, LHP, Jr, 4-0, 1.77 ERA.
Top Newcomers: Tristan Baker, RHP/IF;
Daniel Owens, RHP/1B;
AJ Waltermann, RHP;
Drew Hoffman, LHP;
Kaid Muth, C/IF, Jr;
Collin Shelton, OF, Jr;
Grant Whetsel, OF, Jr.
Top Games: Bob Jones, March 30; Collierville, March 30; Zionsville, April 4/5/6; Noblesville, April 11/12/13.
Outlook: A total of 12 lettermen and three starters return for the state champions. Coach Cherry likes the camaraderie on the team. Fishers has a strong mix of speed, power and aggressiveness as well as the potential to be dominant on the mound.
85. Auburn (Ala.)
2018 Record: 35-7, No. 15, Class 7A state champion
Coach: Matt Cimo
Top Returning Players: Jackson Arnold, RHP;
NIc Owen, RHP;
Jake Waters, C, .366;
Jay Thomason, Jr, 3B;
Campbell Cleveland, C.
Top Games: Hartselle, April 6; James Clemens, March 30
Outlook: The Tigers won their third state title under coach Cimo and their first since 2010. Auburn has averaged 30 wins a year for the past four seasons, including 35 last year. Auburn will miss state MVP Brooks Fuller, but all-area honorable mention pick Arnold is back to lead the pitching staff.
86. Marist (Chicago)
2018 Record: 29-9, No. 96
Coach: Kevin Sefcik
Top Returning Players: Justin Janas, 1B/P, .348, Illinois;
Jason Hodges, OF, .378, Arkansas;
Kendal Ewell, OF, .325, Eastern Kentucky;
Jack Brannigan, SS/P, .296, Notre Dame;
Max Malley, C, .286, Evansville;
Noah Smith, SS, Soph, .278, Louisville;
Dane Thomas, OF, Jr, .355;
John Kubin, P, Jr;
Caden Carr, P, Jr;
Matt Mirabella, P, Sr;
Denny Hogan, P.
Top Newcomers: Jonny Crowell, C, Soph.
Top Games: St. Rita, March 31; National HIgh School Invitational, April 3-6; Providence Catholic, April 25; Joliet Catholic, April 29/30; Sandburg, May 2; Andrean, May 9; Brother Rice, May 13.
Outlook: Look for Marist to be in the hunt for a 4A state title in Illinois this year thanks to 11 returning starters and six Division I signees. Good power, speed and defense highlight a team that reached the sectionals last year. Marist will also get a good test against the best teams in the country at the National High School Invitational.
87. Woodstock (Ga.)
2018 Record: 32-7, No. 68
Coach: Jeff Brown
Top Returning Players: Brennan Milone, .380, 8 HR, 33 RBIs, All-State second team;
Spencer Keefe, .361, 7 HR, 25 RBIs, All-State honorable mention;
Josiah Siegel, 11-1, 1.55 ERA, 90 Ks, All-State second team;
Logan McMunn.
Top Newcomers: David Smigelski, C, Jr;
Carter Maczko, IF, Sr;
Carson Rich, RHP, Jr;
Will Koch, LHP, Jr;
Preston Gunnell, Ut, Soph;
Christian Preiser, C/OF, Soph;
DJ Fevola, OF/P, Jr;
Michale Burke, RHP, Jr.
Top Games: Benedictine, Feb. 23; Walton, March 19/22; Etowah, March 26/28; Milton, April 6.
Outlook: While Woodstock loses three All-State players from a team that reached the state semifinals, two return in Milone and Siegel. Coach Brown expects pitching and defense to be the strengths of the team to go along with two strong hitters in the middle of the lineup in Milone and Keefe.
88. Hoover (Ala.)
2018 Record: 35-10, No. 95
Coach: Adam Moseley
Top Returning Players: Peyton Wilson, IF/C, .371, 8 HR, 33 RBIs;
Daniel Swatek, 3B/P/LF, .330, 30 RBIs;
Robby Ashford, OF, .393:
Cole Baker, P, 1-2, 23 K.
Top Newcomers: Lawrence Hammonds, IF/P, Jr;
Kole Roberts, OF/P, Jr.
Top Games: Fairhope, Feb. 19; Helena, Feb. 23/Feb. 26; JSerra Catholic, March 1; Cullman, March 4; Hewitt-Trussville, March 5; Parkview, March 22; Loganville, March 22; Buford, March 23; Oak Mountain, April 9/11; Thompson, April 16-18.
Outlook: Hoover lost 13 seniors from last year's team that fell to Hewitt-Trussville in the first round of the 7A state playoffs. Coach Moseley expects a good group of incoming juniors to help ease the loss of last year's seniors, especially on the pitching staff. Ashford could be one of the top football/baseball two-way players in the state.
89. Georgetown (Texas)
2018 Record: 32-11-1. No. 377
Coach: Adam Foster
Top Returning Players: Cole Posey, SS, Defensive MVP;
Jackson Sioson, 1B/OF, All-District;
Jeffrey Davis, 3B, All-District;
Noah Thompson, OF/LHP;
Jack Brinley, RHP, All-District;
Wyatt Childress, C;
Grant Wood, RHP, All-District.
Top Games: Georgetown Classic, Feb. 21-13; Brenham Tournament, Feb. 28/Mach 2; Highland Park Tournament, March 7; Lake Travis, April 13.
Outlook: Georgetown reached the regional semifinals before falling to Kingwood Park. The Eagles had their best season in over a decade with 32 wins, although Georgetown has not won fewer than 20 games in at least 12 years. A total of five all-district players return to help the Eagles make a run at a 5A state title.
90. Stoneman Douglas (Parkland, Fla.)
2018 Record: 19-6-1, No. 323
Coach: Todd Fitz-Gerald
Top Returning Players: Hunter Fitz-Gerald, 3B, .367, Florida Southern;
Gabe Cabrera, OF, .379, UCF;
Kevin Heinrich, RHP, 4-2, Arkansas;
Kyle Yeoward, RHP, 3-0, 0.33 ERA, Stetson;
Coby Mayo, IF, Jr, .388, UCF;
Colin Flynn, C, Jr, .388, UCF;
Carter Brady, CF, .250, Jr, Charleston Southern;
Andrew Jenner, 1B, .412, Winthrop.
Top Newcomers: Luke Schiltz, RHP, transfer from Cartersville (Ga.)
Top Games: Flanagan, Feb. 27; Calvary Christian, March 1; North Florida Christian, March 16; Venice, March 16; Monsignor Pace, April 26.
Outlook: The Eagles battled through last year's shooting tragedy to reach the regional final before falling to eventual state champion Jupiter. Coach Fitz-Gerald expects this year's team to be better thanks to depth on the mound with a combination of speed and power in the starting lineup. A tough schedule includes state finalists Calvary Christian, Monsignor Pace, Venice and North Florida Christian.
91. Veterans Memorial (Corpus Christi, Texas)
2018 Record: 33-7-1, No. 98, State 6A Semi-finalist
Coach: Lee Yeager
Top Returning Players: Daylen Pena, 1B, Soph;
JT Zepeda, SS, Jr, All-District;
Kobie Andrade, RF, Jr;
Jose Acuna, P, Soph, All-District;
MJ Rodriguez, C, Jr, All-District;
Christian Laridis LF, Jr, All-District;
Jojo Villarreal, P, All-State;
Anthony Guerrero, DH, Jr.
Top Games: Moody, March 4 April 6; Carroll (Corpus Christi), March 13/April 12;
Outlook: In the third year of the program's existence, the Eagles reached the Class 5A state tournament before falling to Forney in the semifinals. A total of five all-district or All-State players return for another state tournament run.
92. Rocky Mountain (Meridian, Idaho)
2018 Record: 24-5, No. 147
Coach: Joe Santa Maria
Top Returning Players: Gabriel Hughes, .462, 14 doubles, 4 HR, State Player of the Year;
Ryan Franklin, Jr, .416;
Kaden Hollow, .408;
Nick Romano, .333;
Danny Burns, 5-0, 2.89 ERA.
Top Games: Timberline, March 12/April 12; Capital, April 9/30.
Outlook: The Grizzlies lost to Post Falls in the first round of the state tournament, but won the consolation game over Eagle. Rocky Mountain has averaged over 23 wins a year for the past four seasons and returns the Gatorade State Player of the Year in Hughes.
93. Blanchard (Okla.)
2018 Record: 34-4, No. 104, Class 4A state runner-up
Coach: Josh Raney
Top Returning Players: Jack Kiker, 2B;
Colby Reed, P/1B;
Callen Golloway, SS, Seminole State;
Ty Vanmeter, 3B/P.
Top Newcomers: Payton Miller, C/P, Oklahoma;
Jace Beck, Cowley County, P/1B
Top Games: Owasso Pro 9 Tournament, April 11-13; Deer Creek, March 14.
Outlook: Blanchard returns seven players from a team that blasted 37 home runs, stole 192 bases and scored 492 runs last year. Coach Raney says he has two pitchers in Beck and Miller who will pitch at the next level. Miller can throw 93 mph while Beck hits 90. Blanchard has 34 games in back-to-back seasons.
94. Foothill (Santa Ana, Calif.)
2018 Record: 25-9, No. 62, Southern Section Division 1 runner-up
Coach: Vince Brown
Top Returning Players: Kyle Ashworth, OF, .359, 3 HR, Cal Poly SLO;
Alex Sardina, IF, .321, UNLV;
Ketch Gannon, LHP/OF, .259;
Ryon Padayao, DH, .200;
Seth Spatacean, MIF, .167.
Top Newcomers: Parker Cattani, P;
Brett Awerkamp, P;
Jackson Selby, OF/P, Jr;
Hudson Lehnertz, IF, Jr.
Top Games: Saugus, Feb. 25; El Dorado, March 15, April 17 and 19; Anaheim Lions Tournament (March 23-27); Esperanza, April 3 and 5; Yucaipa, April 26.
Outlook: Foothill returns three everyday starters that have been part of a program that has posted five straight 20-win seasons. Coach Brown expects to field a team that has a good mixture of speed and power along with a pitching staff that throws strikes.
95. Stillwater (Minn.)
2018 Record: 21-5-1, No. 318, Class AAAA state champion
Coach: Mike Parker
Top Returning Players: Will Frisch, RHP, All-State, Oregon State;
Drew Gilbert, LHP, All-State, Oregon State;
Benjamin Borrman, MIF;
Ben Dandelet, 3B, Jr.
Outlook: The Ponies have posted 20 or more wins the past two seasons, winning the state championship in 2018. Stillwater returns the top two seniors in the state, according to Perfect Game, in Frisch and Gilbert. Both are signed to play for Oregon State, the defending NCAA champions. Both Frisch and Gilbert were all-section with Gilbert the only junior on the coaches association All-State team.
96. St. Mary Prep (Orchard Lake, Mich.)
2018 Record: 18-13-1
Coach: Matt Petry
Top Returning Players: Dillon Kark, SS, .396, 36 RBIs, 6 HR, Michigan State;
Harrison Poeszat, C;
Logan Wood, LHP, Jr.;
Alex Mooney, SS, Soph;
Thomas Allman, 3B.
Outlook: The Eaglets last won a state title in 2015, and could add another in 2019. They have the state's top-ranked player in Kark, who is No. 1 in the Class of 2019 by Perfect Game.
97. Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.)
2018 Record: 23-1, No. 18, NCISAA 3A state champion
Coach: Scott Davis
Top Returning Players: Caleb Cozart, .466, 8 HR, 6-0, 1.10 ERA, North Carolina;
Chet Sikes, Jr, .258;
Alex Jordan, .321.
Top Games: Charlotte Christian, March 5; TC Roberson, April 6.
Outlook: The Trojans have gone 50-2 over the past two seasons with three straight North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association 3A championships. Wesleyan Christian returns one of the top two-way players in the state in Cozart.
98. Bishop Kelley (Tulsa, Okla.)
2018 Record: 29-5, No. 65, Class 5A state champion
Coach: Jeff Scardino
Top Returning Players: James Dunlap, 3B, .481, 35 RBIs, All-Tulsa World;
Jordan Redman, OF, .309, All-Tulsa World honorable mention;
Parker Rowland, C, .287, 30 RBIs, All-Tulsa World;
Cooper McMurray, Jr, 1B, .408, All-Tulsa World honorable mention;
Dole Gehring, Jr, 3B, 6-0, 1.53, All-Tulsa World honorable mention;
Ben Gross, P, 5-1, 1.65, All-Tulsa World honorable mention.
Top Games: Owasso Tournament, April 8-11; Broken Arrow, April 5; Jenkins, April 25; Union, March 14
Outlook: Coach Brian Begnel retired after leading the Comets to a Class 5A state title last year, the sixth in school history. Jeff Scardino, the son of Blue Valley coach Tony Scardino, moves up from assistant. A total of six players who earned All-Tulsa World honors return.
99. Blue Valley (Stilwell, Kan.)
2018 Record: 22-3, No. 20, Class 6A state champion
Coach: Tony Scardino
Top Returning Players: Jay Long, P, 5-0, 3.27 ERA, Johnson County CC;
Andrew Dennis, P, 0.95 ERA;
Akex Totta, 3B, .321, Naval Academy;
Walker Kinney, C, .342, 7 triples, 5 doubles;
Kyle O'Keefe, 2B, .351, All-Conference;
Patryk Hernandez, 1B, All-Conference, Emporia State.
Top Newcomers: Hunter Edwards, P, Cowley County CC;
Max Hernandez, P, Central College;
Carson Liggett, P, soph; Louisville;
Jack Tinberg, 1B/P, Louisville;
Tate Gillen, OF/P, Soph, Creighton;
Chase Jans, IF/OF, Soph.
Top Games: Blue Valley Northwest, April 9; Aquinas, April 25; Blue Valley Southwest, April 30.
Outlook: The Tigers have won back-to-back Class 6A state titles and three total 6A championships under Scardino. Last year, Blue Valley was 9-1 in one-run games thanks to good defense and timely hitting. The Tigers are a smart bunch, according to Scardino, with one player heading to the Naval Academy and another going to MIT.
100. Capistrano Valley (Mission Viejo, Calif.)
2018 Record: 25-10, No. 66, Southern Section Division 1 champion
Coach: Adam Sorgi
Top Returning Players: Nathan Manning, SS, .392;
Danilo Tiotuico, IF, .257;
Jack Haley, Jr, .288;
Rhys Stevens, RHP/1B, 4-3, 3.38 ERA.
Top Games: Aliso Niguel, March 20; Esperanza, March 27; Mission Viejo, April 27; Dana Hills, May 3.
Outlook: The Cougars posted their best season in nearly a decade with 25 wins and a Southern Section Division 1 title. Longtime coach Bob Zamora retired after 700 wins, Southern Section Coach of the Year honors and a section championship. Sorgi takes over a team that returns one of the Southern Section's best infielders in all-section pick Manning.
Nathan Manning, Capistrano Valley
File photo by Joe Duncan