By Jerry Shank
Maryland Director of Scouting

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Bowie High School

HEAD COACH: Bryan Harris

CONFERENCE:  4A PG County

2014 RECORD: 20-3

FINISH:  County Champs, lost in Sectional Finals

RETURNING STARTERS:  5

TOP RETURNERS: 
Darren Blackmon
Dan Bieler
Diallo Adams
Willie Hines
AJ Barnes
Sage Davis

TEAM STRENGTHS:
The offense should be able to carry the load for Bowie this season. Diallo Adams is an early offensive weapon that hits in the no. 2 spot. The switch hitter put pressure on defenses as they have to protect against his ability to bunt with good speed out of the box. Dan Bieler, Darren Blackmon and AJ Barnes are all power threats in the middle of the order that will make opposing pitching staffs have to respect the Bulldog lineup.   

QUESTION MARK:
Pitching always seems to play a large factor in the game of baseball.  If you have an arm that can compete out there you always have a chance to win.  Bowie is going to need some arms step up for the team to repeat the season of last. Sage Davis will move to the rotation after spending last season as the closer for the team. Having to face hitters multiple times will be an adjustment that he will have to make. AJ Barnes should look to be in a more expanded role this year after being the number three starter for the Bulldogs. Willie Hines, Thomas Stewart, Brian McAbee, Grayson Porter, Justin Dodson, Michael Butler and Diallo Adams all are counted on to contribute and someone from that group is going to have to step into a starter role for Bowie.

WILDCARD:
LHP AJ Barnes is an athletic 6-foot-5 arm that looks to contribute more to the Bowie roster this season. Barnes is also a talented basketball player and last season did not get used as much because he was getting into throwing shape as the season progressed.  This year he has refocused and gone through a throwing program to be more ready for the team directly into the spring.  Look for Barnes to be a breakout player for the Bulldog program this spring.

OVERALL:
With a lot of question marks on the pitching staff this season will depend on how quickly new arms step into roles for Bowie. If Davis and Barnes can solidify the top of the pitching staff it could play a large role into another successful season for Bowie. It might not be another 20-3 season, but don’t count out the Bulldogs. This could be a strong second half of the season team in PG County.