High school baseball rankings: Florida power Stoneman Douglas headlines Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

The 2024 high school baseball season begins in the same place it ended – Florida. But this time the focus will be to the southeast, where Stoneman Douglas (Parkland) lays claim to the No. 1 spot in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 rankings.

The 2023 season ended with IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) being named national champion after finishing the year No. 1 in the MaxPreps Top 25. The Ascenders finished just ahead of Stoneman Douglas, which came in at No. 2 with a Class 7A state championship.


Coach: Todd Fitz-Gerald (505-121 record)
2023: 29-0, Class 7A state champion
Top returning players: Devin Fitz-Gerald, SS, .410, 6 HR, 32 RBI; Alex Rodriguez, CF, .385, 39 runs; Rylan Lujo, 3B, .415, 34 RBI, 6 HR; Jayden Dubanewicz, RHP, 11-0, 1.17 ERA, 58 Ks; Niko Benestad, 1B, .351; Gavin Gargiulo, RHP, 3-0-1, 0.55 ERA; Bennett Gary, IF, .333; Erick Torres, 2B/SS, .316
Outlook: The Eagles enter the season with the longest active win streak at 51 in a row and return three players who earned MaxPreps Junior All-American honors in Fitz-Gerald, Lujo annd Dubanewicz. Playing under one of the top coaches in the country in Todd Fitz-Gerald, Stoneman Douglas has been ranked No. 1 in the nation by various media outlets the past two seasons and begin the year in familiar territory. With a 77-4 record and two straight state titles, Stoneman Douglas is the clear favorite at the top. "We return seven offensive starters and we are bolstered by a deep, very talented pitching staff," Fitz-Gerald said. The schedule includes games against Farragut (Knoxville), Jesuit (Tampa) and North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek).

2. West Monroe (La.)
Coach: Wade Simoneaux
2023: 34-5, Class 5A state runner-up
Top returning players: John Pearson, 3B/CF, .432, 7 HR, 35 RBI; Hayden Federico, 3B/SS, .420, 3 HR, 40 RBI; Trey Hawsey, RF/1B, .397, 11 HR, 43 RBI; Drew Ferguson, P, 5-0, 1.22 ERA, 63 K; Bradyn Garner, P, 2-1, 61 K; Tyler Roark, C, .365, 32 RBI.   
Outlook: Top-to-bottom, West Monroe might have the most solid lineup in the nation with five players who earned all-state recognition last year. Topping the list is Pearson, who earned MaxPreps Junior All-American honors last year. West Monroe nearly won back-to-back state titles but finished second to Barbe after winning it all in 2022. Class 5A is a tough state playoff bracket with the likes of Barbe (Lake Charles), Sam Houston (Lake Charles) and Live Oak (Watson) all in the mix along with the Rebels. "This is an experienced team," Simoneaux said. "The senior class has played in the last three state championship games." The season gets off to a tough start with a three-game series against Catholic (Baton Rouge).

3. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Coach: Kason Gabbard (140-62)
2023: 25-0, MaxPreps National Champions
Top returning players: Noah Franco, LHP/OF, .320, 3 HR, 47 K, 30 IP; Josh Hansen, OF, .433; Dean Moss, OF, .372, 3 HR; Sean Gamble, IF/OF, .367, 7 HR; Andre Modugno, IF/RHP, .297; Jackson LaLima, IF, .357; Blake Larson, LHP (transfer); Aukai Kea, C, (transfer); Jake Gregor, RHP/1B (transfer)
Outlook: The Ascenders return three of their top players from last year's national championship team in Franco, Moss and Gamble. IMG Academy also landed three transfers who rank among the best in their home state by Perfect Game. Larson is the No. 3 player in Iowa, Kea is ranked No. 1 in Hawaii and Gregor is the top player in Kentucky. "We will be very talented on both sides of the ball," Gabbard said. "The team speed might be the best we have ever had." The schedule figures to be a tough one with games against Barbe, St. Johns Country Day, Doral Academy, Jesuit (Tampa), North Cobb Christian, and Parkview.

4. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)
Coach: Bruce Aven
2023: 21-6, Class 5A state champions
Top returning players: Jordan Rich, OF, .414; Lucas Ramirez, OF, .304; Andrew Ortiz, OF, .272; Christopher Levy, IF, .345; Zack Wilson, IF, .352; Zain Diaco, .255; Talan Holiday, P, 9-1, 1.28 ERA; Spencer Krasner, 5-1, 2.19 ERA; Antonio Turco-Rivas, P, 50 Ks; Rafael Furcal, 3B, .167
Outlook: A young team filled with talented juniors and sophomores, the Patriots arrived ahead of schedule by winning a state championship last year. Holiday and Krasner give American Heritage possibly the best 1-2 punch on the mound in the state of Florida. Key games come against St. Thomas Aquinas, Archbishop McCarthy, Key West, and North Broward Prep.

5. Corona (Calif.)
Coach: Andy Wise
2023: 22-11
Top returning players: Anthony Murphy, OF, .342, 6 HR; Josh Springer, C, .277; Sam Burgess, .295; Ethan Schiefelbein, 7-1, 0.64; Sam Burgess, LHP; Brady Ebel, SS; Billy Carlson, SS; Trey Ebel, SS
Outlook: The Panthers pulled off the big upset in the Southern Section when they knocked off top-seeded Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks). With one of the top pitchers in the nation back in Schiefelbein, the Panthers also benefit from the transfer of all-state pitcher Brady Ebel from Etiwanda along with his sophomore brother Trey Ebel. Corona faces Huntington Beach and  Centennial (Corona) and will also play in the Boras Classic.

6. Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.)
Coach: Miguel Menendez
2023: 27-5, Class 5A state runner-up
Top returning players: Noah Sheffield, SS, .281; Vincent DeCarlo, C, .342, 3 HR; Jacob Lozano, .369; Zane Pestalozzi, .286; Aden Knowles, P, 7-0, 1.33 ERA, 38 Ks; Wilson Andersen, P, 52 Ks; McCall Biemiller, 3-0, 23 Ks
Outlook: The Tigers fell just short of a state championship last year, falling to American Heritage in the Class 5A final. Jesuit is one year removed from a state championship. Pitching will be a strength as they field one of the stop senior hurlers in the state in Knowles and one of the top sophomore pitchers in the nation in Andersen. The Tigers face IMG Academy twice along with Calvary Christian (Clearwater), Lakeland Christian, Benedictine (Richmond), Calvert Hall (Baltimore) and a huge March 7 outing against preseason No. 1 Stoneman Douglas.

7. Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.)
Coach: Chan Brown (551-166)
2023: 32-8, Class AAAAAAA runner-up
Top returning players: Cade Brown, 3B, .486, 14 HR, 52 RBI; Ethan Finch, C/RHP, .353; Makhi Buckley, OF, .290; Mason Davis, 2B/RHP, .298; Eli Pitts, OF, .320; Malachi Washington, OF/RHP, .211; Thorpe Musci, RHP, 11-1, 99 Ks; Porter Berryman, LHP; Ford Thompson, LHP
Outlook: The preseason No. 1 in 2023, Parkview fell short of a state championship last year, losing to Lowndes in the state final. The Panthers return the bulk of the pitching staff and have one of the top returning home run hitters in the nation in Brown. "Strength of the team should be the senior class and returning experience. Having three pitchers back should be a big strength," Brown said. Toughest games include a contest at IMG Academy in April, an in-state game against perennial power Loganville in mid-March and early-season matchups with T.C. Roberson (Asheville, N.C.) and Buford (Ga.).

8. Lewisburg (Olive Branch, Miss.)
Coach: Rusty Cagle
2023: 29-8, Class 6A state champion
Top returning players: Samuel Richardson, 3B, .301, 6 HR; Stone McCaughey, RHP; Cayden Baker, RHP, 7-1, 1.56 ERA; Austin Hannigan, SS, .360; Matthew Osteen, RHP, 5-2, 1.80 ERA; Gunner Gilmore, RHP, 5-3, 1.59 ERA; Talon Haley, LHP, 9-0, 1.99 ERA; Preston Sowell, 1B/P, 1-1, 1.24 ERA; Caden Nelson, 2B; Grant Walendzik, C; Easton Fesmire, .295; Cooper Bennett, .324; Trae Cagle, C/1B, .308
Outlook: The Patriots have always been a solid program under longtime coach Cagle but Lewisburg has emerged as one of the top teams in the country after winning a state championship in 2023 with a mostly underclass group. Over 27 wins return on the mound along with two of the top players in Mississippi in Richardson and Hannigan, who give Lewisburg possibly the best left side of the infield in the nation. Top games include matchups with Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.), Farragut (Knoxville, Ky.), Catholic (Baton Rouge), and Houston (Germantown, Tenn.).

9. Flower Mound (Texas)
Coach: Danny Wallace (673-322-7)
2023: 37-10-2, Class 6A state champion
Top returning players: Zack James, RHP, 10-2, 1.46 ERA; Sam Erickson, OF/LHP, .421, 9 HR; Adrian Rodriguez, IF/LHP, .345, 39 RB, 4 HR; Josh Glaser, RHP/3B, .357, 5-1, 1.53 ERA; Zane Becker, C, .262, 28 RBI; Sam Distel, 2B, .323; Garrett Wallace, OF, 2 HR; Mason Arnold, RHP, 4-1, 1.87 ERA; Andrew Robinson, OF, 16 RBI
Outlook: The surprise team in the Class 6A state playoffs, the Jaguars were ranked No. 12 in Class 6A last year entering the postseason. Coach Wallace earned MaxPreps National Coach of the Year honors after winning the state title. A total of nine starters return, including four who earned all-state honors (Erickson, James, Glaser and Rodriguez). "We will be very good offensively," Wallace said. "We also return three of our top four pitchers from last season." Tough matchups include games against Barbe (Lake Charles), Live Oak (Watson, La.), and Pearland.

10. JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
Coach: Brett Kay
2023: 24-9, CIF Southern Section Division 1 champion
Top returning players: Matthew Champion, RHP; Josh Hollis, RHP; Jordan Marian, SS; Robert Brennan, RHP; Takashi Rutherford, OF; Marcus Greis, SS; Corwin Allard, RHP
Outlook: Never count out the Lions, who have won a championship in each of the past three seasons despite getting off to a slow start at the beginning of the season. Last year, JSerra won the Southern Section Division 1 championship but did not participate in the SoCal championships. While the Lions were senior heavy last year, coach Brett Kay's team seems to reload rather than rebuild each year. A total of nine underclassmen are ranked by Perfect Game. The Lions have to get through the murderous Trinity League schedule and will also play in the Boras Classic.

11. Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
Coach: Eric Borba (492-193-3)
2023: 20-12-1
Top returning players: Derek Curiel, OF, .362; Josiah Hartshorn, 1B/RF, .330; Brady Murrietta, C, .327; Justin Lopez, 2B, .267; Colt Peterson, RP, 1.38 ERA; Nolan Tillitt, 0.93 ERA; Vinny Hudson, RHP, 2.82 ERA; Finnegan Stewart, OF, .260; Ben Reiland, LF, .205
Outlook: Depth will be the key for Borba's Lancers as he feels he has 10-12 players who can rotate on the regular basis along with 10-12 arms that he feels comfortable putting on the mound. Among those players is Curiel, who has ranked as one of the nation's top outfielders throughout his four years of high school. "We play the toughest schedule in the country and we should be able to play with anyone this year," Borba said. The Lancers head to the National High School Invitational in North Carolina in March, an event they have won three times. In addition to the Trinity League schedule, the Lancers also will play Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks), Cypress, Huntington Beach and Harvard-Westlake.

12. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Coach: Chris Scheff
2023: 36-2, Class 5A state champion
Top returning players: Maddox Riske, .305; Burke Mabeus, .453; Colton Boardman, .354; Nolan Eberwein, Jr, .408
Outlook: After an absence of 12 years, Scheff had a triumphant return to Bishop Gorman in 2023, winning the school's first state championship since 2015. The 36 wins were also the most wins by a Bishop Gorman team since 2009 when Scheff;'s team won 40 games. That season was part of a seven-year run of state titles for the Gaels. Bishop Gorman has three of the state's top players in Riske, Mabeus and Boardman. The Gaels will head to the National High School Invitational and will also host the All Faiths tournament.

13. Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.)
Coach: Jared Halpert
2023: 21-9
Top returning players: Tommy Bridges, P; Bryce Rainer, IF; Duncan Marsten, P; Cade Goldstein; Miguel Villegas, RHP/1B; James Min, RHP; James Tronstein, CF
Outlook: Harvard-Westlake will give arguably the best pitching staff in the nation a true test when it heads to the National High School Invitational. The Wolverines have competed at the NHSI three times, finishing second each time. The Wolverines have had four first-round draft picks since 2012. Rainer could make it five.

14. Farragut (Knoxville, Tenn.)
Coach: Matt Buckner (659-181)
2023: 36-8, Class AAA state champion
Top returning players: Braxton Lewis, RHP; Brennon Seigler, OF, Cade O'Leary, RHP; Charlie Bozeman, OF; Eli Evans, IF; Gavin Brewer, C; Jake Merrick, IF, Landis Davila, OF; Lukas Buckner, IF; MIchael Delph; Stratton Scott, RHP; Cole Draper, IF/RHP
Outlook: With close to a dozen players who could play at the Division I level, Farragut looks to continue its dominance in Tennessee. The program has won 11 state championships since the turn of the century including the last two. Farragut
has a tough week in early March when it faces No. 8 Lewisburg and No. 1 Stoneman Douglas. The Admirals will also compete in the National High School Invitational.

15. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.)
Coach: Mike Woods (579-209)
2023: 26-5, Class 6A state champion
Top returning players: Liam Wilson, C, 6 HR; Jaylen Payne, .420; Drew Rogers, C, .429, 4 HR; Boston Kellner, .514, 6 HR; Nico Linville, .435; AJ Diaz, P, 4-2; Ben Ball, OF; Cole Berg, IF; Beau Berg, IF
Outlook: The Wildcats have been a force in Arizona under coach Mike Woods, winning state state championships in 2022 and 2023. While a number of seniors have graduated, Hamilton has one of the nation's top transfers in catcher Drew Rogers, who was the Minnesota state player of the year as a junior.

16. Huntington Beach (Calif.)
Coach: Benji Madure (398-238-3)
2023: 21-9, National High School Invitational champion
Top returning players: Nate Aceves, RHP; Trent Grindlinger, C; Ethan Porter, OF/RHP; Linkin Garcia, IF/RHP; Trevor Goldenetz, OF; John Petrie, OF; Otto Espinoza, RHP,; Jayton Greer, C/1B
Outlook: The Oilers will head back to the National High School Invitational this year to defend their title in 2023. Coach Madure says he expects to have a potent offense this year along with a strong group of young arms. Huntington Beach is a two-time winner at the NHSI.

17. Barbe (Lake Charles, La.)
Coach: Glenn Cecchini (1,050-214-1)
2023: 39-1, Class 5A state champion
Top returning players: Landon Victorian, RHP; Owen Galt, SS; Kasen Bellard, SS; Presley Courville, C; Brit Vick, 3B
Outlook: While a number of seniors have graduated for the Buccaneers, they return one of the nation's top pitchers in Victorian and have one of the nation's top coaches in Cecchini. In addition to the regular tough Class 5A Louisiana opponents, Barbe will also face IMG Academy and Flower Mound during the regular season.

18. Basic (Henderson, Nev.)
Coach: Scott Baker (280-107)
2023: 25-9
Top returning players: Ty Southisene, SS, .451; Tate Southisene, 2B, .417; Tee Southisene, RHP, 9-1, 53 Ks; Troy Southisene, OF, .342; Derek Bain, C/1B, .379; Andruw Giles, OF, .356; Lyndon Lee, IF, .348; Randall Riley, .320; Koa Won, C
Outlook: With the Southisene brothers, Basic has quite possibly the greatest brother quartetet in high school baseball history. Winners of a state title in 2022, Basic looks like the most likely challenger to Bishop Gorman's claim as the state's top team.

19. Catholic-B.R. (Baton Rouge, La.)
Coach: Brad Bass (366-148)
2023: 36-3
Top returning players: William Schmidt, RHP; Grant Breaux, RHP; Trip Dobson, RHP/IF; Brooks Wright, OF; Ryder Loup, RHP; Jack Ruckert, SS; Noah Lewis, OF
Outlook: One of the nation's top teams for most of the season, the Bears suffered a disappointing loss to Archbishop Rummel in the state playoffs. Catholic will have one of best pitching staffs in the nation, led by possible first round draft pick William Schmidt. The season gets off to a tough start with a series against West Monroe.

20. Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Coach: Troy Gerlach
2023: 22-9
Top returning players: Chris Newstrom, .379; Justin Cherrington, 1B, .405; Reece VanDevander, RHP/OF, .404, 4 HR; Ryan Penney, 3-2, 2.33 ERA; Gavin Mesa, OF, .389; Raul Escobar, C, .394; Andrew Lockridge, RHP
Outlook: A perennial contender in the state of Arizona, Chaparral returns five offensive starters from last year's team along with three pitchers. Possibly Hamilton's biggest challenge to a state title in the state.

21. Buford (Ga.)
Coach: Stuart Chester (707-191)
2023: 19-15
Top returning players: Nate Taylor, RHP; Ethan Murray, SS; Cannon Goldin, OF; Braden Burton, RHP; Parks Cleveland, C; Kyle Krause, RHP; Ayden Lockett, OF
Outlook: The Wolves were ranked No. 1 in the state two years ago but injuries prevented Buford from finishing at the top. That could change in 2024 as the Wolves have a young group of players who rank among the best in Georgia, including junior Goldin who is among the top players in the state.

22. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Coach: Tim Held (377-83)
2023: 31-3, Division 1 state champion
Top returning players: Kellan Klosterman, RHP, 4-1, 53 Ks; Zion Theophilus, 7-0, 61 Ks, 1.36 ERA; Carter Christeson, SS/2B, .300; Luke Pappano, 6-0, 47 Ks
Outlook: While a number of the offensive players have graduated, the Fighting Crusaders return 17 wins from last year's Division 1 state championship team. Moeller will face some of the top teams in the state of Ohio and will also participate in the All-Saints tournament.

23. Argyle (Texas)
Coach: Ricky Griffin (506-139)
2023: 35-11-2, Class 5A state runner-up
Top returning players: Colton Roquemore, C/2B; Grady Emerson, SS/P, Soph; Park Prater, CF/LHP; Micah Roberts, 3B; Alex D'Angelo, 1B/LHP; Barron Mannis, LHP; Hudson Emeterio, RHP; Brayden Rosckes, RF
Outlook: Twice named national champion by MaxPreps, Argyle moved up to Class 5A last year and finished one game short of a state championship. Griffin's goal is state champions or bust and he has a young group that could get him there. Emerson is ranked by Perfect Game as one of the top sophomores in the nation.

24. North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek, Fla.)
Coach: Brian Campbell
2023: 27-5, Class 3A state runner-up
Top returning players: Mateo Gray, SS/RHP, .344, 2 HR, 6-0, 86 Ks; Riley Luft, UT, .395, 5 HR, 4-0; Thomas Gramesty III, C, .346; Gian De Castro, 3B/1B, .337; Nikolas Koorse, 1B/3B, .333
Outlook: One of the most successful teams in the state the past three seasons, North Broward Prep has won two state titles (2021, 2022) and finished second last year. With two of the top pitchers from last year in Gray and Luft, Prep figures to be in the mix for the 3A championship again in 2024.

25. Tomball (Texas)
Coach: Doug Rush (314-116 at Tomball)
2023: 26-13
Top returning players: Cade Arrambide, C; Keegan Demmer, P/3B
Outlook: With the best player in the state in Arrambide in the lineup, Tomball figures to be among the top teams in the state. Tomball has eight returning starters from last year's squad that reached the regional quarterfinals.

26. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), 27-5
27. Ketcham (Wappingers Falls, N.Y.), 28-2
28. Jackson Prep (Jackson, Miss.), 31-4
29. Calvary Christian (Clearwater, Fla.), 28-4
30. Casteel (Queen Creek, Ariz.), 27-6

31. Pearland (Texas), 38-7-1
32. Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.), 37-8
33. Valley Christian (San Jose, Calif.), 31-4
34. Northville ( Mich.), 31-5
35. Westlake (Austin, Texas), 40-5
36. Franklin (Elk Grove, Calif.), 30-5
37. St. Mary's Prep (Orchard Lake, Mich.), 33-6
38. Aquinas (San Bernardino, Calif.), 25-6
39. Mountain Ridge (Glendale, Ariz.), 24-6
40. Houston County (Warner Robins, Ga.), 37-6

41. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.), 28-4
42. Valley View (Jonesboro, Ark.), 27-5
43. Doral Academy (Doral, Fla.), 24-7
44. Liberty North (Liberty, Mo.), 34-7
45. Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort, Ill.), 31-9
46. St. Laurence (Burbank, Ill.), 30-9
47. Stillwater (Okla.), 28-10
48. Puyallup (Wash.), 25-6
49. Red Bank Catholic (Red Bank, N.J.), 24-8
51. The First Academy (Orlando, Fla.), 25-3
52. Baylor (Chattanooga, Tenn.), 20-6
53. Johnson (San Antonio), 33-7-2
54. Eastlake (Chula Vista, Calif.), 29-6
55. Har-Ber (Springdale, Ark.), 29-6
56. Queen Creek (Ariz.), 28-8
57. Mooresville (Ind.), 23-5
58. Loganville (Ga.), 33-8
59. Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.), 29-8
60. Summerville (S.C.), 23-9

61. Combine Academy National (Lincolnton, N.C.), 31-11
62. Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.), 17-6
63. Houston (Germantown, Tenn.), 30-10
64. Cathedral Prep (Erie, Pa.), 22-2
65. Buchholz (Gainesville, Fla.), 21-7
66. St. Johns Country Day (Orange Park, Fla.), 26-5
67. St. John's (Washington, D.C.), 30-1-1
68. Lake Braddock (Burke, Va.), 24-3
69. Archbishop Spalding (Severn, Md.), 22-6-1
70. Archbishop Rummel (Metairie, La.), 26-14

71. Blessed Trinity (Roswell, Ga.), 28-9
72. Centennial (Corona, Calif.), 20-9
73. Trinity (Louisville, Ky.), 33-7
74. Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, Calif.), 22-9
75. T.C. Roberson (Asheville, N.C.), 26-8
76. La Cueva (Albuquerque, N.M.), 23-5
77. Edwardsville (Ill.), 33-9
78. China Spring (Texas), 37-5-1
79. Central (Phenix City, Ala.), 35-10
80. Howell (St. Charles, Mo.), 31-11

81. Millard West (Omaha, Neb.), 32-7
82. Providence Catholic (New Lenox, Ill.), 30-7-1
83. River Bluff (Lexington, S.C.), 28-7
84. St. Mary's (Stockton, Calif.), 24-8
85. Brother Rice (Chicago), 26-16
86. Rancho Bernardo (San Diego, Calif.), 22-10
87. Live Oak (Watson, La.), 30-8
88. Concordia Lutheran (Tomball, Texas), 33-3
89. Lakeland Christian (Lakeland, Fla.), 25-5
90. Oak Creek (Wis.), 23-6

91. Saint Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park, Kan.), 21-4
92. Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village, Colo.), 18-7
93. East Ridge (Woodbury, Minn.), 20-8
94. St. Augustine Prep (Richland, N.J.), 27-12
95. Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Fla.), 22-5
96. Lake Central (St. John, Ind.), 27-5
97. Benedictine (Richmond, Va.), 24-8-1
98. Bob Jones (Madison, Ala.), 36-12
99. Burns (Lawndale, N.C.), 28-4
100. Pensacola Catholic (Pensacola, Fla.), 19-8