Team Rankings: 3.27.17
March 27, 2017
By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director
The 2017 season is in full swing and it looks like we are starting to see a separation from the contenders to the pretenders. We have updated the rankings by classifications.
Nothing has changed at the top of any classification as it seems there is a clear cut favorite to win each division. There is plenty of competition in each class, but no one has shown the more consistency then the teams at the top.
7A Challengers; Har-ber has been steady with a consistent performance and a true No.1 on the mound with 2019 RHP Blake Adams, Cabot has been shown flashes of being a contender but has also had some loses that leave you scratching your head. North Little Rock is the deepest offensively and sound defensively, if they can perform consistently on the mound they may challenge.
6A Challengers: Greenwood is the clear cut challenger, they are deep on the mound and 2018 RHP Connor Noland gives them a true No.1 that gives them a chance in every game.
5A Challengers: The 5A classification is the deepest class in the state. Magnolia, White Hall, Watson Chapel and Sylvan Hills all look like they could challenge Greenbrier. If you can only watch one state tournament come may, this will be the one to attend, high end talent throughout.
4A Challengers: Challengers: Shiloh Christian, Robinson, and Pea Ridge, look tough this spring. All have a front line starter, and experienced position players throughout their lineup. Next week’s match up of Pea Ridge vs Shiloh may give an indicator of who has the slight edge in the North Region.
3A Challengers: The challenger in the classification generally comes from southwest Arkansas. Genoa Central and Horatio both have been consistent contenders. Genoa looks the part right now, but don’t sleep on the Lions as Coach Spigner always has his group ready late. Other teams to watch should be Clinton and Mayflower, solid pitching staffs with versatile position players.
2A Challengers: We are still sorting through the 2A classification with the re alignment last year there are a lot of question marks. Parkers Chapel has been solid early and Springhill is off to a 9-1 start. We’ll start there and continue to work out the 2A classification as the year moves forward.
1A Challengers: Taylor, Armorel, and Dierks look to be the challengers for Woodlawn. It may be a tall order for anyone to knock off the bears as they are 12-1 this spring with their lone loss coming at the hands of 7A West contender Springdale.