Championship Weekend: 1A Preview

May 18, 2017

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

Friday May 19^th, is the 1A State Championship Game it is scheduled for a 5:30 PM start time at Baum Stadium, on the campus of the University of Arkansas. Woodlawn HS and Taylor HS earned the right to play in the tournament after winning 3 games in the State Tournament, hosted by Woodlawn High School. We are working our way through all seven games, and previewing each of them.

We have released the preview of 7A, 3A and 4A see in related content.

Woodlawn

Road to Baum: The Bears are 32-1, their post-season success has been consistent with their success they have all season. Dominant pitching and defense and a complete offense. Their pitching staff allowed just 3 runs during the state tournament. Their offense averaged 7 runs per game. In the 1^st round they defeated Scranton 8-1, in the second round they defeated Bay 7-0, and the semi-finals they were challenged early vs a solid Dierks team but cruised to victory with a 6-2 win. The bears are deep on the mound and play solid defense behind it. The pitching staff has been dominant throughout.

Pitching; the staff ERA is a .65 with 274 strike outs and just 56 walks on the season. 2018 RHP Reece Michaels and 2018 RHP Will Richardson have been the 1-2 punch that has lead this pitching staff. Michaels works 84-86 mph with late life through the strike zone, while Richardson pitches 84-86 up to 88 from a low ¾ arm slot and the ability to locate his changeup and slider. Either route Coach Richardson goes on the mound the Bears will be in good hands.

Offensively: They do a little bit of everything and they do it all well. As a unit they have hit .375 as team, with 70 doubles and 38 home runs. They have also showed the ability to play small when need be with 20 sac bunts and 194 stolen. They have received a big year from 2018 MIF Matt Aiken, he has hit .439 with 9 doubles, 6 triples and 9 home runs. Along the way he has driven in 51 and scored 55 runs. He also has stolen 27 bases in 30 attempts. He will be in the picture if they get their offense going.

X Factor: They are the defending 2016 2A State Champion; with most players from that roster returning. Their overall experience and confidence will push them through if they run into any tough moments during the game.

Taylor

Road to Baum: The Tigers are 25-6 on the season, winning a conference championship, and finished as regional runner-up falling to Woodlawn in the regional championship game. In the state tournament they were challenged and proved how good and tough they truly are. In round one they dispatched Shirley with ease winning 14-0. This win advanced them to the quarter-finals were they met 2016 A State Champion Armorel. They defeated Armorel 7-4 avenging last year’s loss in the finals. The semi-finals was a pitchers dual, which they came out victorious with a 2-1 win over Mount Vernon Enola.

Pitching: Taylor has leaned on 2 seniors consistently on the mound and both have answered the call, providing qualities starts consistently throughout the season. 2018 Dylan Campbell, or 2018 Ryan Downs should get the start, if either struggle Coach Frizzell won’t hesitate to make a change.

Offensively: They have used a balance line up consistently throughout the season, receiving production from a variety of players. This is a veteran line up that has been in this game before, I look for them to grind out at bats, and compete hard against Woodlawn’s talented pitching staff.

X Factor; Coach Frizzell: He has done a great job getting his team back to Baum Stadium. Woodlawn has been the overwhelming favorite to win the 1A state championship. If Coach Frizzell, can make his player believe they can win and makes a couple key decision late in the game, they may pull of the upset.

Championship Weekend: 1A Preview

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