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

Video: Diving catch straight into a wall
Watch Tyler Pettigrew of Henley (Klamath Falls, Ore.) make one of the top catches during the 2016 season.


1. Iowa City West (Iowa City)
Head coach: Charles Stumpf
2016 record: 35-7

The Trojans reached the Class 4A state championship game, losing to Cedar Rapids Prairie 12-3 in the final. Iowa City West returns three players who made all-district last year, including All-State second team pick Connor McCaffery at utility. He batted .406 last year. Also back is third baseman Izaya Ono-Fullard (.357) and outfielder Logan Sims (.379).

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2. Davenport West (Davenport)
Head coach: Scott Beatty
2016 record: 22-12

Davenport West reached the Class 4A state tournament last year, but lost in the first round to eventual champion Cedar Rapids Prairie. A young team last year, West returns three all-district players including All-State junior Clayton Nettleton, who went 5-4 as a sophomore. Also back are junior utility Trevor Burkhart (.391) and first baseman Colton Jones (.337).  

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3. Lewis Central (Council Bluffs)
Head coach: Lee Toole
2016 record: 32-6

Lewis Central did not reach the state tournament, but it returns a ton of talent from last year's squad. Outfielder Reece Blay leads the way after batting .389 last year and earning All-State second team honors. He's joined by all-district pitcher Chase Hedrick (6-0), catcher Joel Thompson (.429), junior first baseman Dane Theobald (.390), second baseman Cole Scheidle (.316) and utility Alec Mass (.462).

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4. Johnston
Head coach: Michael Barta
2016 record: 29-10

Johnson exited the Class 4A playoffs in the first round with a loss to Waukee, but it returns All-State second team catcher Derek Hackman, who batted .337 last year. Also back is all-district utility player Drew Beazley, a junior who batted .295 and went 5-2 on the mound.

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5. Harlan
Head coach: Jim Bruck
2016 record: 30-5

Harlan won the Class 3A state title last year, beating Carlisle 12-4 in the championship game. Although Harlan did not have any players make the All-State team, two all-district players return. Nick Tarney is back at catcher after batting .304, while Dillon Sears is back at utility with a .411 batting average.