2017 MaxPreps preseason top 100 national baseball rankings

The Xcellent 25 preseason baseball rankings plus 75 more teams to kick off the 2017 season.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Kevin Askeland
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Feb 23, 2017, 12:00am
Video: Preseason Baseball - Top 25 Early Contenders
Check out the teams we've picked as the top five.

After counting down the top five teams in the nation, MaxPreps presents the Xcellent 25 National Baseball Rankings, along with rankings and previews for an additional 75 teams for the 2017 season.

California leads the way with 20 teams in the top 100 including two in the top five. Texas is next with 10 teams while Florida comes in with seven, including No. 1 Archbishop McCarathy (Fort Lauderdale).

MaxPreps Xcellent 25 Preseason National Baseball Rankings
Graphic by Ryan Escobar
1. Archbishop McCarthy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) - Preview
Coach: Rich Bielski
2016: 29-2, Florida Class 6A state champions.
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 16
Top Players: Alex Toral, 1B, .310 average, 19 RBIs, four home runs, Miami signee; Joe Perez, 3B/P, .375 average, eight doubles, four home runs, Miami signee; Daniel Federman, RHP, 1-0 record, Miami signee; Adan Fernandez, RF, .400 average, 32 RBIs, seven home runs, Florida International signee; Andrew Fernandez, C, .239 average, Florida International signee; Yordani Carmona, LHP, Soph., 8-0 record, 42 strikeouts, 41.1 innings pitched, Miami commit; AJ Hendricks, CF, .463 average, 10 doubles, 28 RBIs, three home runs, Belmont Abbey signee; Ubaldo Lopez, 2B, .308 average, 28 RBI, nine doubles, four home runs, Dartmouth signee.
Outlook: Winners of six state championships in the past seven years, the Mavericks are favored to add a seventh with 10 Division I commits on the roster. Archbishop McCarthy has plenty of competition in its own district (American Heritage) and it will play in the National High School Invitational.

2. Barbe (Lake Charles, La.) - Preview
Coach: Glenn Cecchini
2016: 35-6, Louisiana Class 5A state champions.
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 8
Top Players: Antonio Gauthier, 3B/RF, Jr. first team All-State, first team All-Southwest Louisiana, .398 average, 39 stolen bases; Kirkland Banks, 3B, .407 average; Tanner Littleton, LF, honorable mention All-State, .351 average, 27 stolen bases; Alex Goree, CF, .297 average; Slate Fuller, 1B/RHP, MVP state finals, 7-1 record, 55 strikeouts, 10 walks, 0.77 ERA, 45.3 innings pitched; Brogan McNease, C, .284 average; Peyton Doumite, 2B, .250 average; Bryan Lawrence, SS/RHP, .243 average; Adam Goree, 1B/LHP, 8-1 record, 1.17 ERA, 79 strikeouts, two no-hitters, 66 innings pitched, Southwest Louisiana Player of the Year; Isaac Duplechain, Soph., RHP, 5-0 record, 0.81 ERA, 27 strikeouts, 34.67 innings pitched.
Outlook: Winners of three straight Class 5A state championships in Louisiana, Barbe is just three years removed from being name the 2014 National Champion by MaxPreps. A talented outfield and an experienced pitching staff could give the Buccaneers four straight state crowns.

3. Buchanan (Clovis, Calif.) - Preview
Coach: Tom Donald
2016: 30-1, Central Section Division 1 champion, MaxPreps National Champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 1
Top Players: Zach Presno, C, Fresno State commit, .338 average, 25 RBIs, six doubles, six home runs; Quentin Selma, 3B/RHP, Cal-Berkeley commit; Fresno Bee Offensive Player of the Year, .443 average, 29 RBIs, 10 doubles, five triples, four home runs; Jamal O'Guinn, SS, USC Commit, Fresno Bee All-Area, .343 average, 25 RBIs, eight doubles, three triples; Hunter Reinke, RHP, 11-0 record, 58 strikeouts, 2.20 ERA, 63.2 innings pitched, conference Pitcher of the Year; Chase Rocamora, Ut, .400 average; Carson Olson, RHP, Cal-Berkeley commit; Matt McGrady, 1B/DH, .429 average.
Outlook: The Bears finished the 2016 season as the No. 1 team in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Baseball Rankings. Buchanan returns many of the players from that team, including three of its top offensive players and the conference pitcher of the year. Buchanan will have to navigate a tough run through the Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference.

4. Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) - Preview
Coach: Eric Borba
2016: 22-9
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 29
Top Players: Garrett Mitchell, Sr., .299 average, eight doubles, UCLA commit; Tristan Hanoian, .320 average, SS, TCU commit; Jasiah Dixon, RF, Soph., .283 average, three home runs, USC commit; Jason Farese, LHP, 2-1 record, 2.10 ERA, San Diego commit; Brenden Avventino, IF/RHP, .328 average, UC Riverside commit; Austin Mowrey, IF, Jr., .200 average, Columbia commit; Sawyer Chesley, IF/OF, Jr., Arizona commit; Caleb Ricketts, C/DH, Jr., .286 average; Zach Busalacchi, 1B/RHP, .246 average; Zachary Lew, IF, Jr., .235 average;  Nick Janowicz, Sr.; Stanley Berryhill, OF, transfer from Mountain View (Ariz.); Evan Adolphus, RHP, Soph., Cal-State Fullerton commit; Max Rajcic, RHP/3B, Fr.; Elijah Buries, Ut, Fr.
Outlook: The Lancers finished second in the Trinity League last year, one of the toughest leagues in the nation, and they were among the top 25 teams in the MaxPreps computer rankings for most of the season. A speedy outfield that includes possible MLB draft pick Garrett Mitchell and an experienced pitching staff make Orange Lutheran the favorite in the Southern Section.

5. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) - Preview
Coach: Mike Woods
2016: 27-7, Arizona Division I state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 42
Top Players: Nick Brueser, 1B, Gatorade State Player of the Year; MaxPreps Junior Player of the Year; Stanford commit, .442 average, 13 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, 47 RBIs; Drew Swift, SS/RHP, first team All-State, Arizona State commit, .404 average, six doubles, three triples, 24 RBIs, 44 runs, six saves; Cole Bellinger, 2B/RHP, second team All-State, Grand Canyon University commit, .391 average, 16 doubles, three home runs, 33 RBIs, 6-1 record, 2.57 ERA; Brayden Merritt, OF, All-Region, University of New Mexico commit, .402 average, seven doubles, 23 RBIs, 32 runs; Colton Snelling, OF, Fordham commit; Ryan Luse, RHP, 2-0 record, Paradise Valley CC commit; Dom Hamel, RHP.
Outlook: The Huskies captured the Division I state championship last year and will be the favorite in the new Class 6A division in Arizona. Hamilton has one of the nation's top power hitters in Brueser, the returning state Player of the Year. Hamilton also has a solid pitching staff that includes a pair of All-State selections in Swift and Bellinger.

6. Walton (Marietta, Ga.)
Coach: Shane Amos
2016: 32-4, Georgia Class AAAAAA state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 4
Top Players: Jason Rooks, OF, All-State, All-County; Michael Guldberg, OF, Georgia Tech commit, All-State, All-County; Jason Avers, C/1B, Appalachian State commit, 2nd team All-Region; Forrest Wilson, RHP; Chris Rolick, RHP; Luke Bartnick, LHP, Jr., Georgia Tech commit; Pierce Gallo, Soph, Virginia transfer.
Outlook: Walton lost shortstop Carter Kieboom to the MLB draft, but plenty of talent returns from last year's state-title team to make another run at a AAAAAA championship. Jason Rooks is a potential draft pick this year in the outfield.

7. Steinbrenner (Lutz, Fla.)
Coach: John Crumbley
2016: 27-5, Florida Class 8A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 52
Top Players: CJ Van Eyk, RHP/SS, Team USA, Florida State commit, 12-1 record, 0.77 ERA; Patrick Morris, 1B/LHP, Florida Atlantic commit, four home runs, 24 RBIs, 7-1 record, 2.09 ERA; Cam Coakley, OF, Stetson commit; Dave Crawford, RHP, 2-2 record, 2.99 ERA; Jordan Lala, OF, Jr., Miami commit, .448 average, transfer from Tampa Catholic; Tyler Lala, IF/C, .333 average, eight doubles, three home runs, transfer from Tampa Catholic.
Outlook: The top three pitchers return from last year's state championship team along with six other starters on defense. Van Eyck was a MaxPreps Junior All-American after going 12-1 on the mound.

8. South Hills (West Covina, Calif.)
Coach: Darren Murphy
2016: 26-7, California Southern Section Division 2 champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 55
Top Players: Jacob Dominguez, 3B, .289 average, Cal-State Fullerton commit; Jacob Amaya, SS, .385 average, Cal-State Fullerton commit; Brandon Dieter, 2B/P, Jr., .311 average, 7-2 record, Stanford commit; John Dearth, 1B/P, .402 average, 15 doubles, 25 RBIs, 5-1 record, San Diego State commit; Karlos Morales, P/CF, .330 average, three home runs, 20 RBIs, Long Beach State commit; Zach Bromstead, P/RF, 4-1 record, Cal-State Bakersfield commit; Daniel Genna, C, Jr.; Michael Ortega, P, Jr.
Outlook: The section champions return their entire infield, including Stanford commit Dieter, who was the All-Area Player of the Year as a sophomore. Lots of depth on the mound as well with over 16 pitching wins returning.

9. Dallas Jesuit (Dallas)
Coach: Brian Jones
2016: 36-8-2, Texas Class 6A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 103
Top Players: Jacob Palisch, LHP, 11-1 record, 0.72 ERA, 117 strikeouts, state championship MVP, All-State, Stanford signee; J.T. Mix, IF, .323 average; Mark Ready, IF, .286 average, Santa Clara signee; JJ Montenegro, P, 7-4 record, 57 strikeouts, 3.00 ERA, Arizona signee; Jaden Woodson, IF, Soph.; Julian Colombo, C, Soph.; Garrett Reuben, P, Soph.
Outlook: Although MaxPreps National Player of the Year Kyle Muller has graduated, there is still plenty to like about the Rangers, who still have a strong pitching staff and solid defense. State championship MVP Jacob Palisch leads a pitching staff that returns close to 20 wins from last year's state championship team.

10. Cullman (Ala.)
Coach: Brent Patterson
2016: 41-14
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 31
Top Players: Owen Lovell, Alabama Mr. Baseball, Mississippi State signee, .389 average, 64 RBIs, 15 doubles, 14 home runs, career batting average of .406, 40 career home runs, 189 career RBIs; Jacob Heatherly, LHP, Alabama signee, 5-3 record, 2.1 ERA, 108 strikeouts, 80.1 innings pitched; Noah Fondren, .349 average, All-State honorable mention, Alabama signee; Carter Bowen, 2B/P, Auburn signee, 1.8 ERA, 40 strikeouts, 42 innings pitched; Levi Thomas, .360 average, 27 RBIs, Troy signee; Will Morrison, RHP, Jr., 5-2 record, 1.20 ERA, 50 strikeouts; Mississippi State signee, second team All-State; Caleb Lipsey, OF, seven home runs.
Outlook: Cullman returns seven pitchers with varsity experience including one, Heatherly, who could be a high MLB draft pick. Cullman also has one of the top players in the nation in Lovell who is threatening several career hitting records in Alabama.

11. JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
Coach: Brett Kay
2016: 27-7
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 6
Top Players: Royce Lewis, SS, two-time Trinity League MVP, Los Angeles Times Player of the Year, .429 average, nine doubles, four triples, four home runs, 21 RBIs, 42 runs; Colin Townsend, UT, .273 average, 15 runs, 5-0 pitching record; David LeBioda, 1B, Soph., .235 average; Cole Samuels, RHP, 7-1 record, 0.90 ERA; Brett Sveningson, RHP, 3.22 ERA; Preston Miller, 3B, Jr.; Blake Klassen, OF, Soph.; Nick Lopez, UT, Jr., transfer from Century; Colin Butier, OF/RHP.
Outlook: A number of top players are gone from last year's Trinity League championship team, however the Lions still return one of the nation's top shortstops in Lewis. JSerra could suffer losses early, but grow stronger in league play as new players gain experience.

12. Stoneman Douglas (Parkland, Fla.)
Coach: Todd Fitz-Gerald
2016: 27-2, Florida Class 9A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 14
Top Players: Chad McDaniel, C, .356 average, Missouri commit; Brandon Kaminer, P, 12-0 record, 1.36 ERA, 94 strikeouts, Miami commit; David Vazquez, SS, North Carolina commit; John Rodriguez, SS, Jr., Florida International commit; Rafael Santos, 1B/RF, Florida Atlantic commit; Jacob Stanley; Brandon Auerbach, 2B, Jr., .222 average, Bucknell commit.
Outlook: Stoneman Douglas won its first ever state baseball championship last year. Offense and defense still figure to be a key, but pitching depth may be a concern. Douglas does have one of the state's top arms however, in MaxPreps All-American Kaminer.

13. Johnson (San Antonio)
Coach: Gordon Gesell
2016: 32-6
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 30
Top Players: Richard Gilbert, LHP, 11-2 record, .382 average, first team All-State, Texas Tech commit; Dalton Shuffield, SS, .413 average, Texas State commit; Derek Martinez, 3B, .407 average; Hunter Wall, 1B; Ryan Day, LHP, 4-1 record, Blinn commit;
Outlook: Experience is the key for a Johnson team that reached the Class 6A state championship game before falling to Dallas Jesuit. Pitching will be the key as the team's ace, Gilbert, returns after earning All-State honors last year.

14. Huntington Beach (Calif.)
Coach: Benji Medure
2016: 18-11
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 196
Top Players: Hagen Danner, RHP/C, UCLA Commit, Team USA, All-Southern Section; Nick Pratto, LHP/1B, USC Commit, Team USA, All-Southern Section; Cory Moore, LHP/OF, Santa Clara commit, .313 average; Ben McConnell, CF, Cal-State San Marcos commit, .290 average; Trevor Windisch, IF, .345 average, two home runs; Nick Lopez, C, Jr.; Nate Madole, LHP, Jr., 3.12 ERA; Dylan Palmer, 1B; Josh Hahn, LHP/OF, Soph.
Outlook: The Oilers feature one of the top duos in the nation in Danner and Pratto. The two give Huntington Beach two solid starters on the mound and a pair of good bats in the lineup. Should challenge Orange Lutheran and JSerra Catholic for section championship.

15. Rancho Bernardo (San Diego)
Coach: Sammy Blalock
2016: 24-10
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 235
Top Players: Alika Williams, SS, .320 average, 21 RBIs; Calvin Mitchell, OF, .371 average, 12 home runs, 41 RBIs; Tora Otsuka, OF, .404 average, five home runs, 28 RBIs; Connor O'Brien, C, Jr., .346 average, 25 RBIs; Kiichi Sato, 2B, .326 average, 20 RBIs; Noah Naagan, OF, Jr., .291 average; Mason Pelio, OF/P, .333 average; Emilio Escobedo, C, .292 average; Tyler Dean, 1B, .149 average; Joey Magrisi, P/1B, Jr., 8-2 record, 1.84 ERA, 60 strikeouts, 61 innings pitched; Jamison Hill, P, 3-3 record, 2.14 ERA, 29 strikeouts; Brian Marquez, P, 1-1 record, 2.70 ERA, 20 strikeouts; Brock Franks, IF, Jr.
Outlook: Good depth in the field along with power and speed make Rancho Bernardo the favorite in San Diego. The outfield should be particularly talented with possible MLB draft picks Mitchell and Otsuka there. Pitching staff has experience and returns over half of last year's win total.

16. Shawnee (Okla.)
Coach: Todd Boyer
2016: 30-7, Oklahoma Class 5A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 156
Top Players: Jake Taylor, C, .449 average, 14 doubles, three triples, 38 RBIs, Oklahoma State signee; Tanner Sparks, P/IF, .418 average, 18 doubles, four triples, five home runs, 43 RBIs, 10-3 record, 0.97 ERA, 87 strikeouts, 71.2 innings pitched, Oklahoma State signee; Eli Davis, P/OF, .392 average, 13 doubles, two triples, 25 stolen bases, 26 RBIs, 9-1 pitching record, 0.65 ERA, 112 strikeouts, 75 innings pitched, Kansas signee; AJ Barron, IF, .303 average, four doubles, 15 RBIs, 38 runs, Seminole State signee; Kade Self, C/IF, Jr., .425 average, 12 doubles, four triples, three home runs, 36 RBIs, Arkansas Little Rock commit; Brandon Eropkin, P, Soph.; Talon Phillips, P/OF.
Outlook: The two-time Class 5A state champions return the top two pitchers from last year and have an experienced club. Shawnee is particularly strong up the middle with the likes of Taylor, Sparks and Davis. Sparks and Davis also accounted for nearly two-thirds of Shawnee's win total last year.

17. Basic (Henderson, Nev.)
Coach: Scott Baker
2016: 36-4, Nevada Division 1 state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 24
Top Players: Jack Wold, 1B, first team All-State, UNLV commit, .446 average, 16 doubles, 45 RBIs; CJ Dornak, RHP, Jr., Air Force commit, second team All-State, 8-0 record, 0.32 ERA; Roger Riley, C, .422 average, 10 doubles, 22 RBIs; Garrett Giles, 3B, Jr., .418 average, 32 RBIs; Christian Rivero, 2B, Jr., .333 average; Nick Thompson, CF, Jr., .296 average; Shane Spencer, RHP, Soph., Long Beach State commit.
Outlook: Basic managed to break through Bishop Gorman's usual dominance in Nevada to claim a Division 1 state championship last year. Many of the players on that team return, including potentially the state's best player in first baseman Wold.

18. North Davidson (Lexington, N.C.)
Coach: Matt Griffin
2016: 30-2, North Carolina Class 4A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 7
Top Players: Austin Beck, OF, All-State, North Carolina signee; Jed Bryant, Wingate signee; Joe Butts, Catawba signee.
Outlook: Last year's state championship team had 10 players sign college scholarships. Three of them return this year, including outfielder Beck, who is one of the nation's top prospects.

19. Deer Park (Texas)
Coach: Chris Rupp
2016: 37-3
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 26
Top Players: Peyton Sherlin, LHP, 11-2 record; Chase Keng, OF, .343 average; Blake Martin, IF, Jr., .290 average; Josiah Ortiz, IF, .360 average; Clay Aguilar, LHP, 6-1 record.
Outlook: One of the surprise teams in the nation last year, Deer Park was ranked among the top teams in the nation for most of the season after going through the regular season without a loss. Two of the team's top pitchers from that club return allowing Deer Park to take another shot at a Class 6A state title.

20. Fort Bend Travis (Richmond, Texas)
Coach: Rodney Hernandez
2016: 25-5-1
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 1,072
Top Players: Cole Turney, RF, district MVP; Wesley Faison, 1B, All-State; Dominic Cox, CF, All-District; Brandon Pruitt, SS, All-District.
Outlook: Look for Fort Bend Travis to challenge in Region 3 thanks to the return of a pair of All-State players and four All-District selections. Leading the way is potential MLB draft pick Turney in the outfield. He could be the top player in Texas this year.

21. Brother Rice (Chicago)
Coach: John McCarthy
2016: 35-4
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 9
Top Players: Ryan Kutt, RHP/1B, All-State, All-Area Player of the Year, Illinois commit; Jack Guzek, RHP/3B, All-Area, Indiana State commit; Ryan King, SS, All-State, All-Area, Michigan State commit; Andy Lopez, C, All-Area, St. Joseph's commit; Sam Jones, 2B, Jr., Indiana commit; Brett Bagus, OF; Kendall Pettis, OF, Soph.; Mike Bolton, OF, Soph.; Joey Payton, 2B/RHP, Jr.
Outlook: Brother Rice set school records last year for most wins in a season (35) and most consecutive wins (30). Three All-State players return from that team, including a pair of starting pitchers in Kutt and Guzek.

22. Blessed Trinity (Roswell, Ga.)
Coach: Andy Harlin
2016: 33-4
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 69
Top Players: David Dunn, IF, .400 average, 20 RBIs, six doubles; Jake Lundkovsky, .IF, 362 batting average, 23 RBIs; Ryan Davis, OF, Soph., .383 average; Peyton Glavine, P, 6-0 record, 0.80 ERA, 37 strikeouts.
Outlook: Blessed Trinity was one of the top teams in the nation for much of 2016 before being upset in the Georgia Class AAA playoffs by Westminster. The infield should be strong again and the pitching staff returns Glavine, son of MLB Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine.

23. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Coach: Gino DiMaria
2016: 31-6
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 72
Top Players: Jorel Hingada, CF, .312 average; Nick Israel, 2B, .364 average, 20 RBIs; Jordan Sadovia, C/DH, .320 average, 29 RBIs, All-Region; Nick Hernandez, 1B, .373 average, six home runs; Austin Wells, C/DH, Jr., .415 average, 26 RBIs, All-State; Parker Aquino, RHP, Jr.; Dutch Landis, RHP, Soph.; Bryce Ruggeroli, LF; Braxton Wehrle, RF; Jarrod Billig, LHP.
Outlook: The Gaels usually are the favorites in Nevada, but they had a young team and relinquished the state title to Basic. Bishop Gorman will be more experienced this year with a solid hitting team and excellent pitching, according to coach Gino DiMaria.

24. St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, N.J.)
Coach: Mark Cieslak
2016: 25-4
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 366
Top Players: Devin Ortiz, IF, All-State; Justyn-Henry Malloy, IF, Jr.; Matthew Alaimo, P/1B, Jr., All-Conference honorable mention.
Outlook: St. Joseph Regional won't get started until April, but it will field two of the state's top players in Ortiz and Malloy. The duo figure to give the New Jersey squad the top infield in the state.

25. Oxford (Miss.)
Coach: Chris Baughman
2016: 28-8, Mississippi Class 5A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 11
Top Players: Ben Bianco, University of Louisville commit; Drew Bianco, Jr., .312 average, six home runs, LSU commit; Preston Perkins, .232 average; Carson Stinnett, 3-4 record,.188 average; Reid Markle, 3-1 pitching record, 1.75 ERA; Duncan Graeber, .247 average Clark Stovall, transfer from Jackson Prep; CJ Terrell; Jacob Melendez; Chase Kessinger; Parker Stinnett; Tyler Smith.
Outlook: Last year's preseason No. 1 was unable to hang on to that ranking, but it still went on to win a second straight Class 5A state championship in Mississippi. This year's group is younger and will have less power, but could still pick up a third straight crown thanks to more speed and depth.
Calvin Mitchell of No. 15 Rancho Bernardo
Calvin Mitchell of No. 15 Rancho Bernardo
File photo by Steve Silva

The Next 25

26. Chicago Mt. Carmel (Chicago)
Coach: Brian Hurry
2016: 27-11
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 243
Top Players: Alek Thomas, OF, MaxPreps Sophomore All-American; Bobby Seymour, 1B, All-Catholic League.
Outlook: The Caravan play in one of the toughest leagues in the nation, the Chicago Catholic League. Last year, five of the top six teams in the state, based on the MaxPreps computer rankings, played in the CCL. Mt. Carmel returns a pair of All-League players from last year's squad, including MaxPreps All-American Thomas in the outfield.

27. Catholic-B.R. (Baton Rouge, La.)
Coach: Brad Bass
2016: 29-7
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 48
Top Players: Cole Johnson, IF, LSU-Eunice commit; Payton Alexander, OF, Loyola commit; Patrick Crifasi, CF, All-State, Loyola commit; Will Etheridge, All-District, Nicholls State signee; Parker Evans, RHP, All-District; Brady Hebert, RHP/SS, Jr., All-District; Brennan Lambert, C, Jr., All-District.
Outlook: Always one of the top programs in Louisiana, Catholic returns four All-District players from last year's squad, including All-State pick Crifasi in the outfield. Coach Brad Bass figures to have depth on the mound and lots of experience in the field.

28. Bolles (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Coach: Mike Boswell
2016: 28-3, Florida Class 5A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 13
Top Players: Clemente Inclan, 3B, .300 average, four home runs, North Carolina signee; Austin Knight, SS, Jr., .310 average, 13 doubles, Tennessee commit; Max Ferguson, OF/P, Jr., 1-0 record, Tennessee commit; Hunter Barco, LHP/1B, Soph., 12-0 record, 89 strikeouts, 0.54 ERA, Virginia commit; Nathan Skinner, RHP/1B, Jr., 3-2 record, 1.71 ERA.
Outlook: Bolles won the Class 5A state championship last year with freshman Barco leading the way. He is now a sophomore (and in his third year on the varsity) and is joined by four other returning starters. Pitching and defense figure to be Bolles' strength this year.

29. Canterbury (Fort Myers, Fla.)
Coach: Frank Turco
2016: 31-1, Florida Class 3A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 126
Top Players: Tyler Shuck, 3B/P, .432 average, 23 RBIs, 11 doubles, 5-0 record; Cooper Swanson, P/IF, .351 average, 21 RBIs, two home runs; Donovan Duvall, OF, .397 average; Sam Keating, P, 10-0 record, 0.34 ERA;
Outlook: Canterbury had one of the nation's best records last year en route to winning the Florida Class 3A state championship. Several of the team's top hitters from last year return along with state Class 3A Player of the Year Keating.

30. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)
Coach: Bruce Aven
2016: 19-5
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 173
Top Players: Travis Holt, .440 average, eight doubles, three home runs; Alfonso Guillen, .348 average; Triston Casas, .453 average, four home runs; Anthony Boix, .375 average, three home runs; Mark Vientos, 3B, transfer from Flanagan.
Outlook: The Patriots were one of two teams to beat Archbishop McCarthy last year and they benefit from the addition of All-American Mark Vientos, who transferred from Flanagan. American Heritage can only challenge for a state title, however, if it can get past Archbishop McCarthy in district and bi-district play.

31. Deer Creek (Edmond, Okla.)
Coach: JP Holman
2016: 31-9
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 63
Top Players: Mitchell Stone, LHP, Oklahoma State signee, 9-1 record, 0.778 ERA, 92 strikeouts; Hunter Freese, LHP, Jr., 0.734 ERA, 5-0 record; CJ Scott, 1-1 record; Ryan Westerhoff, 5-1 record; Cole Davis, P/1B, .354 average, 27 RBIs, nine doubles; Kenny Yetter, C, .333 average, 33 RBIs, 12 doubles, two home runs, New Orleans signee; Kaden Polcovich, SS, .295 average, 24 RBIs, 11 doubles; Colton Bertus, 2B, Jr., .310 average; Wade Elliot, 3B, Soph, .282 average; JJ Davis, UT, .239 average
Outlook: Deer Creek figures to stand tall in Oklahoma this year thanks to the presence of All-American pitcher Stone, a 6-foot-10 lefthander who leads a very experienced pitching staff. The rest of the lineup is a bit less experienced, but coach Holman expects to use team speed and power to score runs in a high capacity this year.

32. Saint Francis (Mountain View, Calif.)
Coach: Mike Smith
2016: 26-8, California Central Coast Section Open Division champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 27
Top Players: Emilio Nogales, 1B, .313 average, Fresno State commit; RJ Teijeiro, 3B/SS, .368 average, 20 RBIs, UCLA commit; Ricky Martinez, MIF, Jr., .214 average; Mack Cheli, C, .286 average, St. Mary's commit; Brandon Oliver, LHP, 3-1 record, 0.64 ERA; Cole Sperling, OF, Jr., .267average; Daniel Ydens, OF, St. Mary's commit; Garrett McCarthy, OF; Dominick Dicosimo, RHP, 3-0 record, 0.94 ERA; Ryan Jeffries, LHP/1B/OF, Jr.
Outlook: A strong group of seniors could be just what the Lancers need to repeat as Open Division champions in the Central Coast Section. Coach Smith believes team chemistry and work ethic are his team's biggest strengths.

33. Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Coach: Sam Messina
2016: 25-10
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 181
Top Players: Gianni Tomasi, OF, .369 average, 13 doubles, 31 RBIs, four home runs; Jacob Gonzalez, 3B, .400 average, 43 RBIs, seven home runs; Tyler Stokes, IF, .372 average, seven doubles; Drew Wayland, IF, .318 average; Griffin Hampton, P, Jr., .339 average; Casey Candiotti, P, 4-2 record; Jake Theman, P, Soph., 2-0 record, 1.75 ERA.
Outlook: Four starters return in the field for Chaparral, which figures to challenge Hamilton and Mountain Ridge for the Class 6A state championship. The squad includes a pair of sons of former MLB players. Jacob Gonzalez is the son of Diamondbacks World Series hero Luis Gonzalez while Casey Candiotti is the son of former MLB pitcher Tom Candiotti.

34. Sparkman (Harvest, Ala.)
Coach: Kellen Greer
2016: 37-9
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 15
Top Players: Reid Powers, C, honorable mention All-State.
Outlook: The Senators have been one of the top programs in the state the past five seasons, winning 36 games last year and 38 in 2014. A pair of losses to eventual state champion Hewitt-Trussville ended the season for Sparkman in the Class 7A semifinals.

35. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
Coach: David Jeans
2016: 25-3, California North Coast Section Division 1 champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 2
Top Players: Ryan Cole, OF/P, Sr, .425 average, 22 RBIs, 10 doubles; Trace Tammaro, 1B, Jr., .262 average, five home runs; Michael Curran, SS, .300 average; Cullen Kafka, P, 2-1 record; Khalid Johnson, OF, .238 average; Gabe Giosso, 1B/P, .366 average; Mason LaGate, P.
Outlook: The defending North Coast Section Division I champions were ranked No. 2 in the nation by the MaxPreps computer rankings last year. The Spartans have been to the section title game seven years in a row and they return five starters from last year's squad.

36. Etowah (Woodstock, Ga.)
Coach: Greg Robinson
2016: 22-9
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 270
Top Players: Andrew Keene, RHP/OF; Drew Waters, OF.
Outlook: Etowah knocked off defending national champion Parkview in last year's Class AAAAAA state playoffs, but fell to Norcross in the quarterfinals. Etowah returns a strong outfield, led by one of the state's top players in Waters.

37. Venice (Fla.)
Coach: Craig Faulkner
2016: 26-6
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 117
Top Players: Shane Shifflett, SS, .267 average, Florida commit; Caleb Williams, LHP, 12-2 record, High Point Univ. commit; Bradford Jones, RHP, Liberty Univ. commit; Kyle Bachle, RHP, Rollins commit; Mitch Donofrio, 3B, Jr., .337 average, Florida Atlantic commit; Mac Guscette, C, Fr., Florida, Team USA; Joey Kinker, 1B, Jr., .360 average.
Outlook: The Indians are the first public school in 70 years to reach the Final Four five years in a row, according to coach Faulkner. He says his pitching staff is one of the best he's had and nearly the entire infield returns from last year.

38. Teurlings Catholic (Lafayette, La.)
Coach: Mike Thibodaux
2016: 35-4, Louisiana Class 4A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 22
Top Players: Hayden Cantrelle, P/SS, Louisiana Lafayette signee,.398 average, nine doubles, five triples, 29 RBIs, 8-2 record, 1.22 ERA, 62 strikeouts; Nicholas Webre, OF/C, LSU signee, .444 average, 11 doubles, six triples, six home runs, 41 RBIs; Kade Sonnier, OF/C, Nicholls State signee, .253 average, 16 RBIs; Peyton Lejeune, P/SS/3B, Soph., 3-1record, 2.53 ERA.
Outlook: Teurlings returns two of the state's top players inn Cantrelle and Webre. Coach Thibodaux has lined up a tough schedule this year, which could mean losses early in the season. He's hoping his team can make another state championship run at the end.

39. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
Coach: Tim Held
2016: 19-10
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 427
Top Players: Sebastian Fabik, LHP/OF, 4-1 record, 2.65 ERA, .306 average, Ohio signee; Jack Gallagher, IF, .317 average, Montevallo signee; Tyler McDonough, C/SS, Jr., .282 average, Missouri signee; Cameron Swanger, 1B/3B, Jr., .292 average, Missouri; Logan Sabo, LHP, Montevallo signee.
Outlook: Four starters return for Archbishop Moeller including five very good bats, according to coachHeld. It will be an historic season at Archbishop Moeller as former player Ken Griffey Jr. joins the MLB Hall of Fame in 2017.

40. Coppell (Texas)
Coach: Kendall Clark
2016: 33-4
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 33
Top Players: John Kodros, LHP, 8-0 record, LSU signee; Cody Masters, OF, .398 average, eight doubles, nine triples, six home runs, Texas Tech signee; Jacob Nesbit, SS, .286 average, Arkansas signee; Austin Gross, 3B, .241 average, 10 doubles; Trey Becerra, RHP, .272 average; Holden Rupley, C, .278 average; Campbell Schultz, IF, .400 average; Mason Holt, 2B; Cameron Croft, OF; Gage Garber, OF: Tristan Kalina, OF; Clayton Jones, RHP; Ryan Hunt, RHP.
Outlook: Coppell was No. 1 in the nation for much of last year, but faltered in the Class 6A state playoffs. Nevertheless, Coppell has a strong offense, led by outfielder Masters, and a strong pitching staff, led by Kodros.

41. Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.)
Coach: Jeff Baumback
2016: 31-2, California Southern Section Division 3 champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 20
Top Players: Danny Zimmerman, .443 average, 39 RBIs, nine doubles, 11 home runs, 6-1 record; Zach Boesen, .273 average;
Outlook: Redondo dominated Division 3 in the Southern Section last year. Although a number of starters have graduated, Redondo Union has one of the nation's top power hitters returning in Danny Zimmerman.

42. Allatoona (Acworth, Ga.)
Coach: Keith Hansen
2016: 25-5
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 486
Top Players: Kyle Jacobsen, CF/LHP, .430 average, 32 RBIs, nine doubles, four home runs, All-State, South Carolina signee; Trey Horton, RF/RHP, .308 average, Georgia State signee; Brian DeCarlo, LHP, 6-0 record, 1.57 ERA, Georgia College signee; Skylar McPhee, 3B/RHP, .386 average, nine doubles, 21 RBIs, All-State second team; Payton Eeles, SS/2B, Jr., .467 average; David Smith, C/1B, Jr., .222 average.
Outlook: Look for Allatoona to make a run at a state title this year thanks to a solid pitching staff and an offensive attack that includes potential MLB draft pick Jacobsen.

43. Southmoore (Moore, Okla.)
Coach: Josh Sayes
2016: 28-15
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 847
Top Players: Conner Uselton, OF, .514 average, 39 RBIs, 10 doubles, nine home runs;
Outlook: Southmoore should be improved this year and will have the state's top player leading the way in Uselton.

44. Malvern Prep (Malvern, Pa.)
Coach: Freddy Hilliard
2016: 29-6
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 211
Top Players: Shane Muntz, C/RHP, .364 average, 29 RBIs, six home runs, 4-1 record, Wake Forest commit; Matt Daller, SS, .309 average, four home runs, Rhode Island commit; Jalen Wade, RHP, Cincinnati commit; Billy Corcoran, RHP, Jr., Pitt commit; Jimmy Kingsbury, RHP, 10-0 record, 0.99 ERA, Villanova commit; Brady Devereux, RHP, Jr., 3-0 record, Wake Forest commit; Vince Sposato, OF, .373 average, Ursinus commit; Will Burgess, IF, .300 average, Tufts Univ. commit; Tyler Pizzico, DH, .282 average; Billy Wolfe, IF, .207 average.
Outlook: Malvern Prep does not play for a state title in Pennsylvania, but it still ranks as the state's top team thanks to a deep pitching staff and an experienced catcher in Muntz. Malvern Prep has a tough preseason schedule that includes the National High School Invitational.

45. Mountain Ridge (Glendale, Ariz.)
Coach: Lance Billingsley
2016: 26-6
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 37
Top Players: Tommy Lowe, RHP, 9-2 record, 1.84 ERA; Nathan Gawelko, OF, .393 average; Trent Turner, OF, .397 average, two home runs; Nolan Ruff, RHP, 4-1 record, 2.07 ERA; Hayden Sandman, LHP; Matthew Liberatore, LHP, Jr., 1-0 record, 2.08 ERA
Outlook: A deep pitching staff will help Mountain Ridge challenge Chaparral and Hamilton for the Class 6A state championship. Three of the team's four starters on the mound have committed to Division 1 colleges.

46. De La Salle Collegiate (Warren, Mich.)
Coach: Matt Cook
2016: 28-13, Michigan Division I state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 138
Top Players: Easton Sikorski, Jr., RHP, 8-2 record, 2.16 ERA; Nino Puckett, RHP, Jr., 5-5 record, 2.29 ERA; Ben Hyndman, OF/LHP, Jr., 3-0 record, 0.58 ERA; Bryce Bush, Jr, 1B/3B, Mississippi State commit; .321 average, four HRs, 12 doubles, 30 RBIs; Mike Karam, SS, Northwood Univ. signee, .306 average, 21 RBIs; Mac Graybill, C, Jr., .327 average; Jake Badalamenti, CF, Jr., .277 average.
Outlook: De La Salle Collegiate figures to be very competitive at both the state and national level for the next two seasons. After winning a Division I state title last year, it returns seven starters, six of whom are only juniors.

47. Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro, Md.)
Coach: Ryan Terrill
2016: 35-3
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 192
Top Players: Ian Clements, IF, .396 average, 23 RBIs; Jose Rivera, IF, .434 average, 15 doubles, 43 RBIs; Harold Cortijo, P/IF, .531 average, 40 RBIs, nine doubles, three home runs, 8-1 record, 1.79 ERA; Sergio Burgos, IF, .302 average; Justin Oakley, OF, .329 average; Seth White, P, Jr., 7-0 record, 1.05 ERA; Blake Johnson, P, 5-0 record, 1.91 ERA.
Outlook: The Crusaders play a freelance schedule and do not compete for a state championship, but they have some of the state's top players. Cortijo could be one of the top two-way players in the state with a .531 batting average and an 8-1 pitching record.

48. Jefferson City (Mo.)
Coach: Brian Ash
2016: 28-7
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 142
Top Players: Jacob Weirich, LHP/OF, first team All-State, 9-1 record, 1.27 ERA, 81 strikeouts, Southern Mississippi signee; Grant Wood, SS, first team All-State, .389 average, 10 doubles, three home runs, 24 RBIs, Murray State signee; Gaven Strobel, C, second team All-State, .274 average, 23 RBIs, six doubles, Central Missouri signee; Kade Franks, 3B, second team All-State, .350 average, 23 RBIs, Fort Hays State signee; Hayden Hirschvogel, 1B/RHP, 2-1 record, Missouri Rolla signee; Brandon Williams, OF/RHP, 3-0 record, Jefferson College signee; Tyler Bise, OF, .267 average, seven doubles, 25 runs.
Outlook: Jefferson City fell short of a state championship last year, losing in the Class 4A championship game. However four All-State players return from that squad, including most of the infield.

49. Grassfield (Chesapeake, Va.)
Coach: Shaun Todd
2016: 19-3
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 188
Top Players: Hunter Perdue, P; Justice Bigbie, C; Don Goodes, Jr., OF.
Outlook: Grassfield fell short of reaching the state tournament last year, losing to Ocean Lakes in regional play. The Grizzlies have one of the state's top returning pitchers in Perdue.

50. Christian Brothers (Memphis, Tenn.)
Coach: Buster Kelso
2016: 33-9, Tennessee Division II Class AA state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 70
Top Players: Weston Bizzle, P; Hayden Leatherwood, OF; Jared Shemper, LHP; Cameron Pleasant, C.
Outlook: The perennial favorite in Division II Class AA, Christian Brothers returns a solid pitching staff that includes possibly the state's top pitcher in Weston Bizzle.
Mark Vientos of No. 30 American Heritage
Mark Vientos of No. 30 American Heritage
File photo by Steve Silva
And 50 More

51. Providence Catholic (New Lenox, Ill.)
Coach: Mark Smith
2016: 33-9, Illinois Class 4A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 45
Top Players: Drew Hunniford, OF, .381average, 11 RBIs; Mike Massaro, IF/C, .308 average; Tyler Zarembka, LHP, 7-2 record, 1.62 ERA; Kurt Dankovich, RHP, 6-1 record, 2.10 ERA; Alex Helmin, OF, Soph., Arizona State commit; Gaosh Williams, transfer from Oklahoma.
Outlook: Another tough team out of the Chicago Catholic League, Providence Catholic keeps finding ways to win state championships as it claimed the 4A title for the second time in a row. Pitching staff depth could result in another championship run.

52. Cherokee Trail (Aurora, Colo.)
Coach: Allan Dyer
2016: 22-5, Colorado Class 5A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 177
Top Players: Conner Nantkes, .449 average, 22 RBIs, 10 doubles, 7-2 record, 1.62 ERA; Nick Perez, LHP; Eric Cox, .394 average, 17 doubles; Michael Morris, .329 average, 20 RBIs; Isaac Hayen, RHP, Jr.; Jake Barber, 2B, Jr.; Kody Kellogg, C, Jr.; Blake Mackintosh, RHP, Jr.
Outlook: The Class 5A state champions have the depth and experience necessary to win a second straight crown. Cherokee Trail might have the state's top player in Nantkes, who excelled on the mound and at the plate last year.

53. Clovis North (Fresno, Calif.)
Coach: Chris Patrick
2016: 24-7-1
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 111
Top Players: Brett Walker, RHP, 10-1 record, 1.56 ERA, 85 innings pitched; James Bell, C, Jr., .483 average, 11 doubles, 23 RBIs; Noah Haupt, OF, 22 RBIs; Justin Fuson, RHP, Jr., 1.91 ERA; Brett Jensen, IF/RHP, Jr., Mikell Chavez, OF/P, Jr.
Outlook: The only team to defeat MaxPreps National Champion Buchanan last year, Clovis North has solid pitching return, led by Walker.

54. Marvin Ridge (Waxhaw, N.C.)
Coach: Mark Mennitt
2016: 30-6, North Carolina Class 3A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 58
Top Players: Alex Leshock, CF, All-State; Jake Kuchmaner, P, All-State; Jason Cornatzer, P, All-State; Demarco Reaves, OF.
Outlook: Three All-State players return for a team that has already won back-to-back Class 3A state championships.

55. Houston (Miss.)
Coach: Scott Gann
2016: 31-4, Mississippi Class 4A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 18
Top Players: Luke Hancock, C, Jr., .540 average, 42 RBIs, 14 doubles, five home runs, All-State; Tanner Smith, P, 11-0 record, 96 strikeouts, 0.89 ERA, All-State; Colton Peel, P, Jr., 8-2 record, 65 strikeouts, 1.41 ERA, second team All-State; Tanner Bullock, OF; Eli Hancock, P, Fr.
Outlook: Houston won the Class 4A state championship with a young team last year. The team returns its top three players from last year, including two of the state's top juniors in Hancock and Peel.

56. Jackson (Massillon, Ohio)
Coach: Kevin Miller
2016: 29-1
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 89
Top Players: Dillon Dingler, C; Kyle Nicolas, RHP.
Outlook: Jackson posted a 29-game win streak last year before falling to Stow-Munroe Falls in the playoffs. Jackson has been one of the top programs in the state the past three seasons so another strong run is expected. 

57. Lawrence Free State (Lawrence, Kan.)
Coach: Mike Hill
2016: 20-5
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 470
Top Players: Aaron Funk, P, All-State, 6-0 record, 1.57 ERA, 64 strikeouts; Peyton Habiger, P, 2.62 ERA; Dale Miller, P; Jaden Moore, C; Matt Hill, SS, 0 errors in 25 games; Zion Bowlin, 3B, .364 average, first team All-State; Daniel Bryant, LF; Jacob Pavlyak, CF, first team All-State, .339 average; Kyle Abrahamson, RF, Jr., .293 average.
Outlook: Three All-State players return from last year's squad that went deep in the Class 6A state playoffs. Defense should be outstanding with Hill at shortstop, while the pitching staff should be deep.

58. Owasso (Okla.)
Coach: Larry Turner
2016: 30-8
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 344
Top Players: Athanie Leeviraphan, SS; Brayden Lloyd, RHP, Jr.; CD White, 1B, Jr; Nate Wohlgemuth, RHP, Fr.
Outlook: Owasso is always in the mix in Oklahoma and this year should be no different. Owasso has one of the bright young players in the state in freshman Wohlgemuth.

59. Oak Mountain (Birmingham, Ala.)
Coach: Derek Irons
2016: 30-14
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 475
Top Players: Joseph Martsfield, P, Class 7A first team All-State; Ethan Holsonbreck, DH, Class 7A second team All-State; JJ McDonald, 3B, honorable mention All-State.
Outlook: Oak Mountain returns three All-State players to the lineup, which should help the team make a run for the Class 7A state title.

60. Midland (Texas)
Coach: Barry Russell
2016: 23-12
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 567
Top Players: Jaxon Hallmark, SS, All-State, district defensive Player of the Year; Sam Bertelson, 3B/P, .376 average; Chris Sims, CF, .356 average.
Outlook: Defense will help make Midland a team to watch in Class 6A Region 1 in Texas.

61. Carmel (Ind.)
Coach: Matt Buczkowski
2016: 25-7
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 147
Top Players: Parker Massman, OF, .272 average; Rhett Wintner, 1B, .461 average, 11 doubles, 33 RBIs, three home runs; Jack Van Remortel, 3B, Jr. .326 average, nine doubles, two home runs; Justin Greene, OF, .253 average; Colin Donahue, C, .300 average; Tommy Sommer, P, 7-2 record; Max Habegger, P, 4-1 record, 2.21 ERA.
Outlook: Carmel returns the bulk of the starting lineup from last year's team as well as two of the team's top pitchers from last year. Carmel reached the regional championship game last year.

62. Chantilly (Va.)
Coach: Kevin Ford
2016: 25-2, Virginia Class 6A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 93
Top Players: Hayden Dux, RHP.
Outlook: The defending Class 6A state champions return one of the area's top pitchers in Dux.

63. Christ Presbyterian Academy (Nashville, Tenn.)
Coach: Larry Nesbitt
2016: 31-10
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 565
Top Players: Philip Clarke, C; David Bates, RHP; Lane Harris, OF; Cooper Reynolds, RHP.
Outlook: One of the top Class 2A programs in the state, CPA has one of the nation's top catching prospects in Clarke.

64. Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.)
Coach: Jared Halpert
2016: 25-9
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 76
Top Players: Jesse Bergin, RHP, Jr., 9-3 record, 1.30 ERA, 76 innings pitched, 50 strikeouts, UCLA commit; Nico Mannucci, RHP, 2-0 record, 0.30 ERA, 32 strikeouts, Claremont-McKenna commit; Matt Thomas, C, Harvard commit; Casey Slattery, 1B, Cal-Berkeley commit; JP Corrigan, LF/P, Soph.; Drew Bowser, SS, Fr.; Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF, Fr.
Outlook: Always a challenger in the Southern Section, Harvard-Westlake has the pitching depth necessary to make a return to the section title game.

65. Thunderbird (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Coach: Clay Klavitter
2016: 25-7
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 402
Top Players: Haydn McGeary, .442 average, 44 RBIs, 11 doubles, eight home runs, 5-1 pitching record; Sasha Sneider, .299 average, 9-1 pitching record, 1.95 ERA; Danny Kreamer, 3-0 record.
Outlook: Nearly 75 percent of the pitching wins return from last year, along with one of the state's top power hitters in McGeary.

66. Stillwater (Okla.)
Coach: Jimmy Harris
2016: 30-9
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 115
Top Players: Ryan Vilade, SS, transfer from Frisco (Texas), .449 average, 14 doubles, six home runs, 27 RBIs; Dylan Gardner, SS, .380 average, 16 doubles, four home runs, 58 runs, 34 RBIs; Reece Thompson, C, .424 average, 10 doubles, five home runs, 36 RBIs; Riley Metzger, RF/P, .364 average, 56 RBIs, seven home runs.
Outlook: The transfer of All-American Vilade to Stillwater helps a team that was already expected to challenge for a Class 6A state championship.

67. Grapevine (Texas)
Coach: Steven Hutcherson
2016: 35-6-2, Texas Class 5A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 131
Top Players: Connor Neuman, P/SS, All-State; London Green, 2B, All-District; Ryan Drake, 3B, All-District; Joseph Leal, 1B, All-District; Boone Montgomery, SS, All-District; Dylan Gonzales, LF, All-District.
Outlook: The defending Class 5A state champions return six All-District players, including the entire starting infield.

68. Bellarmine College Prep (San Jose, Calif.)
Coach: Mike Rodriguez
2016: 21-11
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 385
Top Players: Connor Mack, OF, .298 average, Cal-Berkeley commit; Todd Jackson, C/1B, .367 average, San Diego commit; Kyle Horn, OF, .284 average, Baylor commit; Matt Clark, C, .156 average, Nevada commit; Joe Amirato, P, Jr., 1-1 record, 0.79 ERA; Wes Harper, P/IF, Jr., .324average.
Outlook: Seven starters return for Bellarmine, which reached the semifinals of the Open Division playoffs. That could be enough to challenge rival Saint Francis for the West Catholic Athletic League title and the CCS championship.

69. Winder-Barrow (Winder, Ga.)
Coach: Brian Smith
2016: 25-7
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 873
Top Players: Beau Hanna, C; Pat DeMarco, OF; Will Hardigree, SS.
Outlook: Winder-Barrow has an experienced group of position players returning from last year's team that could make a run at the Class 5A championship.

70. Chatsworth (Calif.)
Coach: Tom Meusborn
2016: 29-7
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 102
Top Players: Ryan Roche, P, All-City section; Daniel Zakosek, C, All-City section.
Outlook: Chatsworth could rise back to the top of the Los Angeles City Section, which it has dominated for most of the past two decades under coach Tom Muesborn. A pair of All-City section players return in Roche and Zakosek.

71. Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.)
Coach: Dave Webb
2016: 21-7
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 100
Top Players: Brandon Bracy, P, 6-2 record; Chase Hamilton, IF, .360 average; Daniel Sotelo, P, Soph., 7-0 record, 1.32 ERA; Jacob Clemens, IF, .411 average.
Outlook: Corona del Sol is always a contender in Arizona. An experienced pitching staff will help it contend with the likes of Hamilton, Chaparral and Mountain Ridge.

72. College Station (Texas)
Coach: Scott Holder
2016: 27-15-2
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 300
Top Players: Jordan Yeatts, SS, Sr, .345 average, nine doubles, 29 RBIs; Travis Hester, RHP, Jr., 10-2 record, 1.63 ERA, 87 strikeouts; Bryson Lucas, LHP, Soph., 10-1 record, 1.80 ERA, 89 strikeouts; Anthony Flores, C, .338 average, 34 RBIs.
Outlook: The return of two 10-win pitchers makes College Station a contender in Class 5A in Texas.

73. El Camino Real (Woodland Hills, Calif.)
Coach: Josh Lienhard
2016: 28-7, Caliornia Los Angeles City Section Division I champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 41
Top Players: Dane Reed, SS/P, .250 average; Elan Filous, P/3B, 1-1 record; Cole Kitchen, Soph.; Cameron Gaskill, RHP.
Outlook: El Camino Real has been the team to beat in the Los Angeles City Section for the past two seasons. While graduation losses are heavy, don't expect too much of a fall off in 2016.

74. Archbishop Spalding (Severn, Md.)
Coach: Joe Palumbo
2016: 27-5
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 98
Top Players: Nick Vermillion, Ut, .364 average, 25 RBIs; Jordan Geber, RHP; Evan Fochtman, OF, .297 average, two home runs; Peter Godrick, OF, Jr., .417 average; Justin Ceaser, MIF, Soph.; Alex Green, OF, Soph.
Outlook: The top team in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association, Archbishop Spalding should have an exceptional outfield and offensive lineup, but will need to find pitching depth.

75. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Coach: Burt Call
2016: 16-13
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 178
Top Players: Blake Hunt, C, .298 average, two home runs, Pepperdine commit; Michael Peabody, OF, .337 average, UC Irvine commit; Jonathan Schiffer, 3B/P, 5-1record, .264 average, three home runs, 23 RBIs, Washington commit; Emilio Rosas, SS, Jr., .338 average, Cal-Berkeley commit; Grant Burton, OF, Jr., .243 average Stanford commit; Chad Call, 2B/SS, Soph., .357 average; Maxwell Foxcroft, Ut, Jr., .244 average, Oregon commit; Kelley Holgate, 1B/OF/P, .250 average; Hunter Cranton, 3B/P, Soph., committed to Arizona; CJ Rodriguez, C, Soph., .241 average, committed to Vanderbilt; Cameron Wheeler, P, Soph., committed to UC Irvine.
Outlook: Mater Dei finished in the middle of the pack in the Trinity League last year, but it figures to be improved this year with a young, but experienced group.
Cole Turney of No. 20 Fort Bend Travis
Cole Turney of No. 20 Fort Bend Travis
File photo by Steve Silva

76. El Toro (Lake Forest, Calif.)
Coach: Mike Gonzalez
2016: 25-6
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 23
Top Players: Noah Fluman, LHP; Josh Zamora, 2B; Kenny Oyama, OF.
Outlook: El Toro is one of the elite programs in Southern California and it returns three players ranked among the area's best by Perfect Game.

77. Amarillo (Texas)
Coach: Jeff Timmons
2016: 32-15
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 199
Top Players: Skyler Nelson, C, .410 average; Mason Mays, P, Jr., 8-1 record; Trevor Andrus, P, Jr., 10-2 record; Avery Beller, P, 8-5 record; Max Marusak, 2B, Jr.
Outlook: Amarillo figures to challenge for the Class 6A state championship after winning the Region 1 championship and advancing to the Final Four in 2016.

78. Eastern (Voorhees, N.J.)
Coach: Rob Christ
2016: 25-8
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 746
Top Players: Davis Schneider, 3B; Jack Herman, OF, Jr.; Nick Natale, RHP.
Outlook: One of the top public school programs in the state, Eastern returns three players rated among the state's best Perfect Game.

79. Siegel (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
Coach: Craig Reavis
2016: 33-9, Tennessee Class 3A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 51
Top Players: Drew Benefield, IF, Jr., .349 average, 13 doubles, five home runs; Ryker Kristinus, DH, .323 average, 43 RBIs, 10 doubles, seven home runs; John Ross Langworthy, Jr., 6-1 record, 1.99 ERA, 48 strikeouts; Zac Pearson, P, Jr.
Outlook: The defending Class 3A state champions are brimming with young talent as four All-Area players return from last year's squad.

80. Poly Prep Country Day (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
Coach: Matt Roventini
2016: 24-5, NYSAIS champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 498
Top Players: Nick Storz, RHP/OF, LSU Commit; Oliver McCarthy, LHP/1B, Jr., Duke commit; Travis Zurita, CF, West Point commit; Ethan Wallis, OF, Hamilton commit; Angelo D'Acunto, C, Jr.; Chris Klein, 3B/DH, Soph.; Bryan Padilla, SS, Fr.
Outlook: The defending champions in the NYSAIS, Poly Prep Country Day returns one of the nation's top pitching prospects in Storz.

81. St. Xavier (Louisville, Ky.)
Coach: Andy Porta
2016: 28-12, Kentucky state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 180
Top Players: Connor Holden, RHP, Murray State signee, 6-1 record, 1.81 ERA, 46 strikeouts; Sam Hedges, Northern Kentucky signee, OF, .281 average, six doubles; Samuel Mudd, OF, Southern Indiana signee, .293 average; Tanner Brown, OF, .282 average; Ryan Davis, IF, .305 average; Christopher Esselman, IF, .278 average; Matthew Logsdon, RHP; Steven Mitchell, OF, .283 average; Zeke Porta, IF, .237 average; Sam Wilson, RHP, 2-2 record.
Outlook: St. Xavier won its second state title in three seasons and its seventh in school history last year. Another title run could be in store as six starters on defense and six pitchers with varsity experience return.

82. Lone Peak (Highland, Utah)
Coach: Matt Bezzant
2016: 21-8
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 376
Top Players: Seth Corry, LHP, first team All-State; Payton Freeman, RHP/OF, 6-2 record, 3.55 ERA, .444 average, 58 RBIs, eight home runs, All-State; Payton Barney, SS/RHP, 5-0 record, .490 average, six home runs, 37 RBIs, All-State; Eli Norman, 1B, .389 average, 31 RBIs, three home runs, second team All-State; Colton Easton, C, Jr., .338 average; Crew Robinson, IF, Jr., .231 average; Tom Bateman, Jr., UT; Brigham Trowbridge, OF, Jr., 200 average; Kobe Freeman, RHP, Soph.; Kobe Lindemann, LHP, Sr.
Outlook: Lone Peak reached the Class 5A state championship game last year and returns its top three pitchers from that group, all of whom made first team All-State.

83. Eastlake (Chula Vista, Calif.)
Coach: David Gallegos
2016: 29-5
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 229
Top Players: Grant Holman, P, Jr., 9-0 record, 1.96 ERA, 60 strikeouts; Ben Ramirez, SS; Casey Schmitt, 3B.
Outlook: Eastlake reached the section championship game last year before falling to Cathedral Catholic. One of the nation's top juniors returns in pitcher Holman while shortstop  Ramirez played in the Perfect Game All-American Classic.

84. Kentwood (Covington, Wash.)
Coach: Mark Zender
2016: 24-6
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 1,108
Top Players: Shane McGuire, C, .447 average, 23 RBIs, nine doubles, six triples, one home run; Matt Franceschina, P, Jr., 4-1 record, 2.90 ERA
Outlook: Kentwood advanced deep in the Class 4A state playoffs last year and they return one of the state's top players in catcher Shane McGuire.

85. Cardinal Gibbons (Raleigh, N.C.)
Coach: Jim Liebler
2016: 23-3
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 446
Top Players: Noah Campbell, SS, .471 average, two home runs; South Carolina commit; Pete Bloomberg, P, 6-1 record, 60 strikeouts, Davidson commit; Gray Betts, C, Jr., .470 average, two home runs; Chris Thorburn, OF, Jr., .355 average, UNC Wilmington commit; JP Roque, 3B, .294 average, Belmont Abby commit; Evan Wilson, P, Jr., 1-0 record; Nick Brassington, OF, Jr., .520 average.
Outlook: Cardinal Gibbons lost four times in the regular season over the past two seasons. While he will need to find pitching, coach Liebler figures his team will be strong offensively and defensively.

86. Lafayette Jefferson (Ind.)
Coach: Scott McTaggert
2016: 19-6
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 714
Top Players: Justin Walker, IF, .358 average; Jay Segal, IF, Jr., .262 average; Clay Bowman, IF, .274 average; Chandler Ferguson, 1B, .431 average; Jaylen Williams, OF, .368 average; Riley Eberhart, P, Jr., 4-1 record.
Outlook: With nearly the entire infield returning, including potential All-American candidate Ferguson at first base, Lafayette Jefferson figures to challenge for the Class 4A state championship.

87. Lancaster (N.Y.)
Coach: Mark Dalfonso
2016: 22-3
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 331
Top Players: LG Castillo, .508 average, 30 RBIs, seven doubles, seven home runs; Domenic Monti, .373 average; Max Giordano, Jr., .400 average, three home runs; Connor Duck, .322 average, two home runs; Collin Reformat, 5-0 record, 1.80 ERA; Glenn Stever, 2-0 record, 0.00 ERA; Joe Dombrowski, 3-1 record.
Outlook: Lancaster figures to be one of the top Class AA teams in the state thanks to the presence of outfielder Castillo, one of the top outfield prospects in the nation.

88. Providence (Charlotte, N.C.)
Coach: Danny Hignight
2016: 29-4
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 101
Top Players: Ray Torres, C, Soph., LSU commit; Tim Townsend, P, 9-0 record, All-State; Cameron Bare, RF, Gardner Webb commit; Satchel Jerzembeck, SS, North Carolina signee; Cameron Welsch, P, 4-0 record, 0.73 ERA; Will Palinkas, 3B; Jake Benoit, MIF, transfer from South Carolina.
Outlook: Providence was among the top 25 teams in the nation for much of the year before falling in the playoffs. The infield returns mostly intact and Providence has one of the nation's top sophomores in Torres.

89. Oak Grove (Hattiesburg, Miss.)
Coach: Chris McCardle
2016: 19-9
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 726
Top Players: Drew Boyd, P/IF, .293 average, two home runs; Mack Pickering, IF/P, .405 average; Kris Jones, OF, Soph, .338 average; Hayes Maples, C, Jr., .308 average; Payton Harris, P, 4-2 record; Kris Smith, P, 3-1record.
Outlook: Oak Grove is always a contender in Class 6A in Mississippi. That should hold again this season as four starting pitchers return along with two infielders and the team's catcher.

90. Catholic (Little Rock, Ark.)
Coach: Dustin Strube
2016: 22-7-1
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 90
Top Players: Cameron Tissue, SS, .359 batting average, Central Arkansas commit; Evan Hiatt, P/1B, Jr., Arkansas commit, 7-2 pitching record, 1.62 ERA, .362 batting average; Hank Hannah, P, Jr., Arkansas commit, 5-1 pitching record, 1.99 ERA; Noah Fowler, P, 4-1 pitching record, 3.70 ERA; Ethan Fowler, OF, Soph.; William Plafcan, OF, Soph.
Outlook: Three starting pitchers return for Catholic, accounting for 16 of the team's 22 wins.

91. Conway (Ark.)
Coach: Noel Boucher
2016: 16-8
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 194
Top Players: Jack Stroth, C, Jr.; Jordan Wicks, P/IF, Jr.; Matt Lloyd, IF, Jr.; Kolby Reck, P/IF; Cade Tucker, P/IF; McCall Dail, OF; Parker Gavazzi, OF, Jr.; Andrew Hreha, P/OF, Jr.
Outlook: Conway figures to challenge Catholic (Little Rock) for the Class 7A state championship after reaching last year's championship game.

92. Hewitt-Trussville (Trussville, Ala.)
Coach: Jeff Mauldin
2016: 36-11, Alabama Class 7A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 34
Top Players: Carson Skipper, LHP/1B, Jr., Auburn Commit, All-State, MaxPreps Sophomore All-American, 11-2 record, 1.83 ERA, 75 strikeouts, 84 innings pitched, .352 average, six doubles, four triples, 32 RBIs; Ed Johnson, SS, Jr., Auburn commit, honorable mention All-State, .404 average, 36 runs, 11 doubles, 33 RBIs; Grayson Cash, LF, .304 average, seven doubles, 16 RBIs; Dylan Cook, OF, .279 average, six doubles, 22 RBIs; Josh Morgan, Ut, .247 average; Cameron Furr, LHP, 8-1 record, 2.21 ERA, 73 strikeouts; Cameron Moore, RHP, 4-0 record, 30 strikeouts; Davis Burgin, RHP, Jr., 5-0 record, 0.52 ERA; Bradley Huffstutler, RHP, 7-3 record, 1.26 ERA, 53 strikeouts; Ben Vetters, RHP, 2.94 ERA, 20 strikeouts.
Outlook: Hewitt-Trussville returns nearly every pitcher from last year's squad that won the Class 7A state championship. Leading the way is MaxPreps All-American Skipper, who is also one of the team's top hitters.

93. Carlsbad (N.M.)
Coach: Cody May
2016: 25-6, New Mexico Class 6A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 203
Top Players: Trevor Rogers, LHP, 9-2  record, 0.70 ERA, first team All-State; Nate Arrington, LHP, Jr., 4-1 record, 1.87 ERA; Mason Estrada, C, Soph., .268 average; Jordin Molina, SS, Jr., .311 average.
Outlook: Only a handful of players from New Mexico have been chosen in the first round of the MLB draft, but Carlsbad's Rogers could join that list. He's a big reason Carlsbad is favored to repeat as Class 6A state champions.

94. Fort Bend Kempner (Sugar Land, Texas)
Coach: Marc Jones
2016: 22-9-1
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 1,190
Top Players: Jeremiah McCollum, OF, .283 average; Alec Carr, IF, Jr., .364 average; Simeon Woods-Richardson, IF/P, 7-1 record; Noah Huerta, P, 6-1 record.
Outlook: A pitching staff that returns over half of the team's wins from last year makes Fort Bend Kempner a challenger out of the Houston area for the Class 6A state title.

95. Redwood (Visalia, Calif.)
Coach: Dan Hydash
2016: 23-8, California Central Section Division II champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 410
Top Players: Jace Chamberlin, 1B/P, Cal-State Fullerton commit, .408 average, 24 runs, 33 RBIs; Chris Gonzalez, CF, Antelope Valley commit, .380 average, 31 runs, 18 RBIs; Parker Cantrell, C, Fresno Pacific commit, .317 average, 17 RBIs; Cooper Allen, LF, .337 average, 24 RBIs; Jake Bower, P, 7-0 record, 1.53 ERA, 64 innings pitched, 46 strikeouts; Vincent Pratti, P, Antelope Valley commit, 2.63 ERA.
Outlook: Redwood will be shooting for a third straight Division II championship in the Central Section with perhaps its deepest team yet. There's plenty of depth on the mound to go with experience in the field.

96. Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills, Calif.)
Coach: Todd Melton
2016: 24-7
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 108
Top Players: Trenton Denholm, RHP/1B, 10-1 record, 74 strikeouts, .337 batting average, UC Irvine commit, second team All-State; John Cross, RHP, Kansas commit; Robert Gasser, LHP, 3.71 ERA, New Mexico commit; Patrick Smith, RF, .324 average, Purdue commit; Cameron Allie, CF, Jr., .322 average, Cal-Berkeley commit; Tyler Condie, RHP, 3-0 record; Brady Rodriguez, LHP, 2-1 record; Tyler Reyes, SS, .269 average; Rhys Kennedy, LF, .327 average.
Outlook: Oak Ridge figures to be the favorite in the Sac-Joaquin Section this year with an extremely deep pitching staff led by All-State pitcher Denholm.

97. Cathedral Catholic (San Diego)
Coach: Gary Remiker
2016: 25-9, California San Diego Section Open Division champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 113
Top Players: Wyatt Hoffman, SS/2B, .267 average; Bradley Polinsky, C, Jr, .250 average; Jacob Allred, CF, Jr, .340  average; Nick Nastrini, OF/P, Jr, .283 average; Cade Brown, 1B/P, Jr., .214 average.
Outlook: The defending Open Division champions figure to be young, but coach Remiker always manages to field a competitive ballclub.

98. Summerville (S.C.)
Coach: Bo Charpia
2016: 28-7, South Carolina Class AAAA state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 19
Top Players: Jonny Watts, .386 average, 21 RBIs; Brodie Blanton, Soph., .327 average; Daniel Lloyd, P, Jr.
Outlook: The Green Wave have a new head coach in Bo Charpia. He inherits a state championship team that returns three starters from last year's group, including junior pitcher Lloyd, who ranks among the state's top 2018 prospects.

99. East (Shawnee Mission, Kan.)
Coach: Jerrod Ryherd
2016: 21-4, Kansas Class 6A state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 74
Top Players: Zeb Vermillion, RHP/OF, second team All-State, .311 average, three home runs, seven doubles, 22 RBIs, 5-0 record, 46 strikeouts, 42.2 innings pitched, 1.81 ERA, Arkansas commit; Jake Randa, OF, first team All-State, .381 average, nine doubles, two home runs, 19 RBIs, 25 runs; Luke Anderson, SS/RHP, first team All-State, 4-2 record, 32 strikeouts, 2.76 ERA, Missouri commit; Henry Miller, RHP/1B, 1-0 record; Jonah Watt, 3B/C, Jr., .327 average.
Outlook: The defending Class 6A state champions return nearly every player from that team, except for MaxPreps All-American Joey Wentz. Besides a deep pitching staff, East also has an outstanding defense, according to coach Ryherd.

100. Baldwin (Wailuku, Hawaii)
Coach: Shane Dudoit
2016: 17-0, Hawaii Division I state champion
2016 MaxPreps Rank: No. 163
Top Players: Damien Awai, OF, first team All-State; Nainoa Keahi, 1B, Jr., honorable mention All-State; Chayce Akaka, 3B, Jr.
Outlook: Another undefeated season isn't out of the question for the defending Division 1 state champions as three All-State players return from last year's squad.

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