We are excited to announce the first-annual PBR South AL Showdown, an event that consists of 14 quality high school programs in the state of Alabama for the 2023 high school season. The PBR South AL Showdown will begin on Thursday, February 23rd and conclude on Saturday, February 25th at three local host sites down in the southern portion of AL that includes the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, Robertsdale HS, and the Orange Beach Sportsplex.

This field of 14 high school teams is littered with some of the state's top prospects across the board in various classifications, and also consists of two of last year's state champions (6A Hartselle, 4A Mobile Christian).

If you want to see the full schedule for this Friday & Saturday, CLICK HERE. Tickets for this event will be $7 for each day and will be cash-only at the front gate. In addition to this preview, we've also recorded and released an "Around the State" podcast episode that talks about much more ahead of this event. CLICK HERE to listen to the full episode.

 

+ Bayside Academy Admirals

Head Coach: Matt Limbaugh
Team Twitter: @BaysideBSB
Classification, Area No.: Class 4A, Area 1
Preseason Ranking: 4A No. 2
2022 Finish: Class 3A Elite 8
Schedule:

• Bayside Academy vs. Spanish Fort (Thursday, 4:30 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Bayside Academy vs. Robertsdale (Friday, 4:30 PM, Robertsdale HS)
• Bayside Academy vs. Spain Park (Saturday, 11:30 AM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)
• Bayside Academy vs. Mobile Christian (Saturday, 2:00 PM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)

The Bayside Academy Admirals will move the jump from Class 3A to Class 4A this spring after making numerous deep runs throughout the playoffs over the past couple of years. This year's team will be headlined by a strong pitching staff that returns some key pieces who are headed to play the next level in the next couple of years. RHP Josh Gunther (Wake Forest, 2023) is a Top-15 prospect in the senior class in AL and possesses a fastball that can reach the low-90's on occasion, and will also be one of their middle-of-the-order hitters, as well. RHP/3B Jake DeValk (South Alabama, 2023) is another prospect that returns for the Admirals, and also possesses a big fastball with solid secondary offerings while being a power threat in the heart of their order offensively. C Cade Morris (2023) and OF Jack Woods (Delta State, 2023) are another pair of returning seniors that bring back valuable experience at the varsity level and will look to help lead the charge once again this spring. SS/RHP Gatlin Pitts (Samford, 2024) returns after a strong sophomore and junior campaign for the Admirals and looks poised for another successful season this spring. Pitts has gap-to-gap power from the right side of the plate with a big arm across the infield and on the mound. Another returning junior expected to play a big role will be RHP/3B Carson Joyner (Louisiana-Monroe, 2024), who will throw some big innings on the mound for the Admirals using a fastball that has been up to 90 mph. Both Pitts and Joyner are ranked inside the Top-40 in the junior class in AL.

+ Daphne Trojans

Head Coach: Charles Basford
Team Twitter: @DHSBaseball19
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 2
Preseason Ranking: 7A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2022 Finish: Class 7A Sweet 16
Schedule:

• Daphne vs. St. Paul's Episcopal (Thursday, 4:30 PM, Robertsdale HS)
• Daphne vs. Mobile Christian (Friday, 7:00 PM, Robertsdale HS)
• Daphne vs. Tuscaloosa County (Saturday, 11:30 AM, Robertsdale HS)
• Daphne vs. Robertsdale (Saturday, 4:30 PM, Robertsdale HS)

The Daphne Trojans come into the 2023 season looking to have another strong season and reach the Class 7A playoffs once again this spring. SS/RHP Steele Hall (Tennessee, 2026) is the No. 1-ranked prospect in the young freshman class in AL and is ranked inside the Top-50 nationally. After serving as their shortstop ever since late in the season of his seventh-grade year, the right-hander brings back valuable varsity experience and is a key offensive piece for the Trojans at the top of the order. OF/RHP Jay Davidson (2024) has already gotten off to a strong start offensively in their two games this spring and will look to continue to be a primary run-producer in the three-spot for the Trojans. On the mound, RHP/1B Parker Lomax (2023) will look to help lead the charge in their pitching rotation during his senior season. The senior right-hander works his fastball in the mid-80's and pounds the zone with all of his offerings. INF Tyler Paul (2024) and SS Cooper Nix (2024) are a pair of juniors that will hold down both middle infield spots and hit in the middle of their order offensively. C Gage Foxworth (Coastal Alabama CC), 2023) is an experienced senior returner, while OF Nicholas Cox (2024), 1B Dylan Ackerman (2025), and OF Maddox Eady (2025) are three players who are expected to help contribute to their offensive success this spring.

+ Fairhope Pirates

Head Coach: Kyle Hunter
Team Twitter: @FairhopeBB
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 2
Preseason Ranking: 7A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2022 Finish: Class 7A Sweet 16
Schedule:

• Fairhope vs. Mobile Christian (Thursday, 4:30 PM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)
• Fairhope vs. St. Paul's Episcopal (Friday, 7:00 PM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)
• Fairhope vs. Tuscaloosa County (Saturday, 9:00 AM, Robertsdale HS)
• Fairhope vs. Robertsdale (Saturday, 2:00 PM, Robertsdale HS)

The Fairhope Pirates look poised to once again have a strong campaign in 2023 with some key pieces returning to this year's roster that have produced at a high level over the past couple of years. C Hollon Brock (Lurleen B. Wallace CC, 2023) has been one of the Pirates' leader behind the plate for quite some time over the past couple of years and brings back quality offensive production to this year's lineup. Hitting near the top of the order, the senior has gap-to-gap pop and a strong arm behind the plate. 1B Jacob Conway (Mobile, 2023) is another right-hander with big power to all fields hitting in the heart of their order, while other upperclassmen returners like OF/RHP Brooks Brasfield (2023) and 3B Jackson Hatcher (Lurleen B. Wallace CC, 2023) are both going to be key run-producers in this year's lineup, as well. INF Harrison Sparks (2023) and OF Nolan Phillips (2024) are another pair of upperclassmen that will also look to contribute to this year's offensive success, while C Rock Gearhart (2025) is a talented younger prospect that has a chance to make a strong impact at the varsity level this spring.

+ Faith Academy Rams

Head Coach: Matt Seymour
Team Twitter: @Faith_Baseball_
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 1
Preseason Ranking: 6A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2022 Finish: Class 6A 1st Round
Schedule:

• Faith Academy vs. Spanish Fort (Saturday, 2:00 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Faith Academy vs. Gulf Shores (Saturday, 4:30 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)

3B Connor Robinson (2023) will be the Rams' team leader this spring and one of their top offensive leaders. The senior infielders is coming off of a strong junior campaign and is expected to help lead the charge in the middle of the order in order for them to be successful. On the mound, RHP Eli Driskell (Auburn recruit, 2024) will provide a big boost to this team's pitching staff after sitting out last spring. He has a chance to be their top arm in the rotation this spring, using a fastball that can get up to 90 mph and a sharp slider as his primary secondary offering. He'll be a key piece for this Rams club that will look to make it deep into the playoffs this spring. There are plenty of others from last year's team that come back this spring with more experience and confidence. Some of those players who are expected to once again play integral roles this year are MIF Riley Hall (2025), 3B Trey McDonald (2024), and 1B/LHP Cooper Smith (2026). Class 6A looks to be very deep once again this spring, but the Rams will look to rely on some of their returning players to lead them both at the plate and on the mound this spring in order for them to be successful.

+ Gulf Shores Dolphins

Head Coach: Chris Jacks
Team Twitter: @FinsBaseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 5A, Area 1
Preseason Ranking: 5A No. 8
2022 Finish: Class 6A Sweet 16
Schedule:

• Gulf Shores vs. Tuscaloosa County (Thursday, 7:00 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Gulf Shores vs. Orange Beach (Friday, 7:00 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Gulf Shores vs. Hartselle (Saturday, 9:00 AM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Gulf Shores vs. Faith Academy (Saturday, 4:30 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)

Being one of the host sites for this weekend, the Gulf Shores Dolphins drop from Class 6A to Class 5A this spring. C Dom Maldet (Montevallo signee, 2023) returns as a three-year starter and will be the captain and leader of the Dolphins' program. The right-handed hitting backstop is coming off a junior season where he hit .345 with 11 2B's and a HR while leading the team with 28 RBI's. Defensively, he threw out 38% of would-be base-stealers and does a good job of handling their pitching staff. Look for him to have another strong season as one of the key leaders for Gulf Shores. Coming off a season where he was named to the Class 6A 1st Team All-State as a sophomore, SS/RHP Joseph Stephens (2024) will look to have yet another strong year in 2023. Stephens seemed to be a do-it-all player last spring for the Dolphins, as he hit .400 with 50 H's, 20 RBI's, 28 R's, and 10 SB's offensively while accumulating a .453 OBP hitting at the top of the order. On the mound, he was equally as effective, going 2-0 with 8 SV's in 29 IP out of the bullpen. Transitioning from closer of starter role this spring, Stephens is another big piece returning for the Dolphins. SS/RHP Connor Gehr (2024) looks primed looks primed for a breakout campaign this spring after being named a top performer at multiple PBR events over the last seven months. Gehr, a Top-60 prospect in the junior class in AL, has been in the program since his seventh-grade year and has waited his turn to be a full time starter for the Dolphins. On the mound, he'll operate in the mid-80's with his fastball and was up to 87 mph at last month's South AL Preseason All-State with good command of all secondary offerings. Gehr will also hit near the top of the order for the Dolphins offensively and play either third base or shortstop, depending on who is pitching. In addition to these players mentioned above, Gulf Shores also has a few seniors that have waited their turn and are looking for it to pay off in their first year starting at the varsity level. Some of those players to watch for are INF Reid Achimon (2023), 1B/RHP Logan Allen (2023), OF Keaton Edmonds (2023), and OF Spencer Holmes (2023). All of these players will see their roles increase and will be looked upon to provide senior leadership. MIF Alex King (2024) looks primed to have a breakout junior season as the starter at either third base or shortstop when Stephens is on the mound. King, one of the hardest workers in the program, is a solid infielder defensively and has a chance to be a key middle-of-the-order hitter for the Dolphins. UTL/RHP Alex Rippy (2024) and OF/RHP Jackson Beck (2024) are two more juniors that will compete for starting jobs both at the plate and on the mound. Rippy can play multiple positions defensively and should be one of their top arms in the rotation, while Beck is one of the best athletes on the team and will compete for an outfield spot in addition to fighting for innings on the mound. C/OF Price Stephens (2026) and RHP/INF John Luke Stephens (2025) are two underclassmen that have a chance to see playing time during their sophomore season. Stephens is an athletic backstop, while John Luke will look to follow his brothers Marc and Joseph as the next Stephens to come through the Dolphins' program and should be a quality arm in their rotation this spring.

+ Hartselle Tigers

Head Coach: William Booth
Team Twitter: @HHS_Baseball1
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 14
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 1
2022 Finish: Class 6A State Champions
Schedule:

• Hartselle vs. Orange Beach (Thursday, 7:00 PM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)
• Hartselle vs. Tuscaloosa County (Friday, 2:00 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Hartselle vs. Saraland (Friday, 4:30 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Hartselle vs. Gulf Shores (Saturday, 9:00 AM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Hartselle vs. Spanish Fort (Saturday, 11:30 AM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)

Coming off one of the more dominating seasons we've seen in recent years, the Hartselle Tigers looked poised once again for another deep playoff run after winning the Class 6A State Championship with a 39-4 record a season ago. Although there is some turnover on the mound, the Tigers' offensive looks to be one of the top groups across the state this spring. After attending this month's PBR Super 60, OF Coleman Mizell (Alabama, 2023) returns for his senior season as the No. 1-ranked player in the state and will look to have the same type of offensive success he experienced last spring. As a junior, Mizell posted .504/.586/.854 to go along with 10 HR's, 18 2B's, 56 RBI's, 25 BB's, and just 19 K's on the season. Another Tiger that attended the PBR Super 60 this month, LHP/OF Jack Smith (Arkansas, 2023) returns for his senior season ranked as the top-ranked southpaw in the state. Smith is a strong 6-foot-3, 215-pounder that has shown the ability to run his fastball up to 94 mph last spring to go along with a quality secondary mix of pitches in his arsenal. He will emerge as their ace on the pitching staff and will see his workload continue to increase this spring. Two more senior returners that will look to help lead the charge offensively this spring are INF/RHP Eli Tidwell (Northeast Shoals CC, 2023) and 1B/RHP Greyson Howard (2023). Tidwell is a table-setter at the the top of the order, while Howard has the ability to generate runs with his power hitting from the right side of the plate. Another player that will look to provide some power hitting in the heart of their order this spring will be OF/RHP Peyton Steele (Alabama, 2024), a Top-15 prospect in the junior class in AL who has served as a primary run-producer for the Tigers ever since his freshman season. Steele was another player on last year's roster that belted double-digit home runs and will be looked upon for the same type of offensive production this spring. Returning to the middle of the infield once again, MIF Josey Williamson (Alabama, 2024) and MIF Cade Miles (Jacksonville State, 2024) are two players that are ranked inside the Top-25 in the junior class in AL. Williamson is one of the top pure hitters in the state regardless of graduation class, while Miles is a consistent hitter in their order and a reliable defensive infielder at shortstop. C Cam Palahach (2024) is another junior returner that does an excellent job behind the plate handling the Tigers' pitching staff. A couple more players that will see their roles and workload increase this spring are RHP Isaac Nicholson (2023) and 1B/RHP Lawson Williams (2024). Nicholson will be a solid option in their pitching rotation after seeing some time on the mound last spring using a mid-80's fastball, while Williams will look to provide some power output this spring hitting from the left side of the plate.

+ Mobile Christian Leopards

Head Coach: Jason Smith
Team Twitter: @MCSBaseball2
Classification, Area No.: Class 5A, Area 2
Preseason Ranking: 5A No. 7
2022 Finish: Class 4A State Champions
Schedule:

• Mobile Christian vs. Fairhope (Thursday, 4:30 PM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)
• Mobile Christian vs. Daphne (Friday, 7:00 PM, Robertsdale HS)
• Mobile Christian vs. Bayside Academy (Saturday, 2:00 PM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)
• Mobile Christian vs. Orange Beach (Saturday, 4:30 PM, Orange Beach Sportplex)

The Mobile Christian Leopards may have lost a good bit of senior production from last year's team, but it looks like they've reloaded with some talented younger players who are ready to make their impact the varsity level this spring. Coming off of back-to-back Class 4A State Titles, Mobile Christian will make the jump to Class 5A this spring and have started their season off with a 3-0 record with wins over Northridge, Flomaton and St. Patrick (MS). SS Seth Smith (Southern Miss, 2023) has been a staple inside the Leopards' lineup for the past few seasons and looks poised for yet another strong senior campaign. OF Damien Gatson (South Alabama, 2025) is a Top-5 prospect in the sophomore class, and will look to be a catalyst at the top of the order with a smooth left-handed swing. 1B/OF Alexander Bennett (2024) and C Noah Blackburn (2025) will both slide up into the middle their lineup after playing a big role on last year's team as a underclassmen, while upperclassmen like OF Ben Brewer (2023), OF Carson Cooper (2023), 3B Grant Belote (2024), C Dylan Cochran (2023), and INF Gavin Weinshenker (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 2024) will be strong offensive pieces, as well. On the mound, the Leopards will look to RHP Landon Daniels (Bishop State CC, 2023), RHP Walker Seaman (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 2024), RHP Zack McKinion (2024), and others to lead the pitching staff. INF Bryce Rivers (2026) is one of the top hitters in the young freshman class that has will also look to be a key offensive contributor, as well.

+ Orange Beach Makos

Head Coach: Benjamin Slaton
Team Twitter: @OrangeBeachBSB
Classification, Area No.: Class 4A, Area 1
Preseason Ranking: N/A
2022 Finish: Class 2A Sweet 16
Schedule:

• Orange Beach vs. Hartselle (Thursday, 7:00 PM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)
• Orange Beach vs. Gulf Shores (Friday, 7:00 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Orange Beach vs. Spain Park (Saturday, 9:00 AM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)
• Orange Beach vs. Mobile Christian (Saturday, 4:30 PM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)

The Orange Beach Makos, one of the host sites for this weekend, will make the leap from Class 2A to Class 4A this spring and will look to continue to take the next step within their programs in 2023. 1B/RHP Tripp Carter (2024) is one of the many upperclassmen returning to this year's roster that will look to make a significant impact hitting in the three-spot of the Makos' order. Carter is a strong, physical middle-of-the-order hitter that will look to drive in runs and be one of their leaders offensively. C Hayden Barber (2024) is another junior that will look to set the tone hitting at the top of the order for Orange Beach and also handle the Makos' pitching staff behind the plate defensively. Up the middle, SS/RHP Tucker West (2023) is yet another junior that will also look to be a catalyst in the two-hole while playing clean defense at the shortstop position, and other players like OF/RHP Ryan Gober (2024), 1B/RHP Cooper Sanders (2025), OF Sam Lee (2024), and others on this roster will also provide some offensive production throughout the Makos' order throughout the spring. LHP Bryce McCollum (2025) should be one of their top pitchers in their rotation this spring while being a sophomore, and other prospects like INF Myles Morgan (2023), OF/RHP Brody Black (2023), OF Zane Rogers (2025) are seniors that should play big roles on this year's team, in addition to some others.

+ Robertsdale Bears

Head Coach: Peter Bezerdi
Team Twitter: @RobertsdaleHSB1
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 2
Preseason Ranking: N/A
2022 Finish: Missed 6A Playoffs
Schedule:

• Robertsdale vs. Spain Park (Thursday, 7:00 PM, Robertsdale HS)
• Robertsdale vs. Bayside Academy (Friday, 4:30 PM, Robertsdale HS)
• Robertsdale vs. Fairhope (Saturday, 2:00 PM, Robertsdale HS)
• Robertsdale vs. Daphne (Saturday, 4:30 PM, Robertsdale HS)

The Robertsdale Bears will be one of the three host sites for this weekend and have gotten off to a 1-0 start to begin their season with a 14-4 win over St. Luke's Episcopal last Thursday. SS/RHP Taylor Jordan (2024) already looks to be one of their leaders offensively and will be asked to drive in a healthy amount of runs during his junior campaign. The junior infielder has some valuable experience at the varsity level and will be a key component for the Bears moving forward this season. UTL/RHP Andrew McDaniel (2025) is a quality prospect in the sophomore class that will look to set the tone for Robertsdale hitting at the top of their order this spring. In addition to Jordan, McDaniel is another player that will serve a two-way role for the Bears both at the plate and on the mound. UTL/RHP Ethan Parnell (2024) is also coming off of a strong sophomore season where he earned post-season honors for his efforts both at the plate and on the mound. Parnell will once again hit in the middle of the order for the Bears and be a quality arm in their pitching staff this spring. 1B/RHP Dane Wigstrom (2023) is another upperclassmen returner that is slated to hit in the heart of the order and be asked to drive in runs while hitting for extra bases, while OF Brayden Douglas (2023) and 1B/LHP Cole Bolton (2023) are another pair of seniors with quality experience playing at the varsity level over the past couple of years.

+ Saraland Spartans

Head Coach: Brett Boutwell
Team Twitter: @SaralandB
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 1
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 5
2022 Finish: Class 6A Sweet 16
Schedule:

• Saraland vs. Hartselle (Friday, 4:30 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)

Depth and pitching should be a couple of this team's strengths this spring with plenty of players that bring back valuable experience at the varsity level. LHP/1B Bryson Goff (East Central CC signee, 2023) has been the unquestioned ace for this staff over the past couple of years and he'll look to lead the charge once again in his senior season. The southpaw has been up to 87 mph with quality secondary offerings that he's used to pitch in some big games in his high school career. He should also help out offensively while playing some first base this spring. Now back to full-strength, SS/RHP Cam Warren (2024), a Top-40 prospect in the junior class in AL, is a player the Spartans are excited to get back this year after missing all of last spring due to injury. He brings back some valuable experience, however, after starting on the infield and being a key arm in their rotation during his freshman season back in 2020. He's an athletic player that is much stronger now and looking for a breakout junior campaign both at the plate and on the mound in 2023. Another prospect ranked inside the Top-40 in the junior class in AL for the Spartans is SS Brooks Womble (2024), who returns to play either the shortstop or third base position this spring. Womble had a strong sophomore campaign last year hitting at the top of the order for their offense, and is coming off a standout showing at the South AL Preseason All-State in January. Look for him to also have a strong year at the plate. 3B/RHP Evan Hilliard (2024) is a two-way player that served a vital role on last years both at the plate and on the mound. Hilliard was a key middle-of-the order hitter for the Spartans, while also going a perfect 6-0 on the mound. C Clint Smith (2023) is another upperclassmen returner that brings back plenty of experience after catching 30 games a season ago, while RHP Kade Cook (2023) and RHP Ben Buxton (Mobile signee, 2023) are two senior right-handers that will look to work their way into the rotation this spring. All of these players will look to build off of last year's success in 2023. Also looking to expand on strong seasons as freshman in 2022, OF Santae McWilliams, Jr. (2025) and INF/RHP Fuller Chisholm (2025) are two underclassmen that are going to be big pieces for this Spartans' offense. McWilliams, Jr, who hit .395 last spring, is a two-sport star both on the diamond and the gridiron, while Chisholm played some third base as a freshman last spring while also throwing some quality innings on the mound.

+ Spain Park Jaguars

Head Coach: Will Smith
Team Twitter: @SPJagBaseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 6
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 9
2022 Finish: Missed 7A Playoffs
Schedule:

• Spain Park vs. Robertsdale (Thursday, 7:00 PM, Robertsdale HS)
• Spain Park vs. Spanish Fort (Friday, 4:30 PM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)
• Spain Park vs. Orange Beach (Saturday, 9:00 AM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)
• Spain Park vs. Bayside Academy (Saturday, 11:30 AM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)

The Spain Park Jaguars unfortunately missed out on last year's Class 7A playoffs by being the odd man out and finishing third in their area standings behind Hewitt-Trussville and Vestavia Hills. Their area was one of the more difficult and competitive ones throughout the state with both teams reaching the Final 4 and Hewitt-Trussville making it to the state finals. They do, however, bring back a strong core of returning juniors and seniors that bring back valuable experience playing in the largest classification in the state. 3B Cole Edwards (Auburn, 2023) and OF Jacob Tobias (Lipscomb, 2023) are a pair of power hitters that return to the middle of the Jaguars' order. Both players are ranked inside the Top-35 in the senior class in AL, and will once again look to be their offensive leaders in terms of driving runs in this spring. OF Ryan Cole (2023) will also be a player that the Jaguars will look to generate runs after having a stellar campaign last year as a junior. The right-hander has shown the ability to drive the ball to all fields and will be a quality hitter in the middle of their order once again. MIF Evan Smallwood (Jacksonville State, 2023) has been a key piece to their offense over the past couple of years and will look to have the same impact this spring. Hitting near the top of the order, the right-hander has excellent speed and helps set the table and get on base for the middle of the order to drive him in. C Clay Spencer (2023) and RHP/OF JohnRobert Thompson (2023) are two more senior returners that had a large impact on last year's team. Spencer showed glimpses of power last spring while handling their staff behind the plate, and Thompson delivered some key innings on the mound. A few more players to watch for the Jaguars this spring are OF Matthew Widra (2024), SS James Battersby (2024), and OF Chapman Blevins, in addition to other players on their roster.

+ Spanish Fort Toros

Head Coach: JD Pruitt
Team Twitter: @SpanishFortBSBL
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 2
Preseason Ranking: 6A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2022 Finish: Class 6A 1st Round
Schedule:

• Spanish Fort vs. Bayside Academy (Thursday, 4:30 PM, Gulf Shores Sportplex)
• Spanish Fort vs. Spain Park (Friday, 4:30 PM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)
• Spanish Fort vs. Hartselle (Saturday, 11:30 AM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Spanish Fort vs. Faith Academy (Saturday, 2:00 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)

The Spanish Fort Toros are another team participating in this weekend's event that comes in with a 3-0 record after winning their first few games this weekend. OF Pierce Dutton (Shelton State CC, 2023) is a do-it-all type prospect that has continued to perform at the highest level in-game over the past few years. The senior outfielder is a Top-50 prospect in the senior class in AL and will once again hit at the top of the order for the Toros while playing stellar defense in center field. C Jack Holley (Georgia State, 2024) also looks poised for another breakout junior campaign after heavily contributing to last season's success offensively. The Top-20 ranked prospect in the junior class in AL can hit for power from the right side of the plate and features a very strong arm from the crouch defensively. OF/LHP Lakelon Ray (2025) is another outfielder for the Toros that has already gotten off to a strong start offensively this spring. Ray should continue to hit in the middle of Spanish Fort's upperclassmen-heavy order as a sophomore this spring. The Toros will also be led by some talented seniors that are headed to play at the next level after this spring including SS Blake Smith (Coastal AL-East CC, 2023), OF/RHP Bryson McElroy (Spring Hill), and C/RHP DJ Eurgil (Coastal AL-East CC, 2023). RHP/OF Ethan Kick (2024) is another upperclassmen that will look to make his impact both at the plate and on the mound, as well.

St. Paul's Episcopal Saints

Head Coach: Andy Robbins
Team Twitter: @StPaulsBSBL
Classification, Area No.: Class 5A, Area 2
Preseason Ranking: 5A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2022 Finish: Class 5A 1st Round
Schedule:

• St. Paul's Episcopal vs. Daphne (Thursday, 4:30 PM, Robertsdale HS)
• St. Paul's Episcopal vs. Fairhope (Friday, 7:00 PM, Orange Beach Sportsplex)

The St. Paul's Episcopal Saints will feature a fairly young roster this spring with talented prospects throughout that will look to guide them to a successful campaign in 2023. C Jack Stowers (2023) is a multi-year starter behind the plate that will hit in the heart of the order for the Saints and handle their pitching staff behind the plate. Stowers is a strong right-handed bat is one fo the top seniors still left on the market. His younger brother, C/OF John Stowers (Auburn, 2026), is a Top-3 ranked prospect in the freshman class in AL and returns for his freshman campaign after playing an integral role offensively on last year's team as an eighth-grader. He is a significant power threat hitting from the left side and is a name-to-know in the young freshman class. 3B Edward McEleod, Jr. (2025) is another underclassmen that is a major threat to leave the yard with big pull-side power hitting from the right side. He will once again be asked to drive in runs in the three-hole after a strong freshman season a year ago. OF Wesley Whitson (2023) is one of the few seniors on this roster, in addition to Stowers, that will be a catalyst hitting at the top of the order for the Saints this spring. OF/RHP Taylor O'Dell (2025) is another middle-of-the-order hitter for the Saints as a sophomore that will contribute heavily both at the plate and on the mound, while 1B/RHP Brooks McDonald (2025) is another sophomore looking for a strong campaign at the plate. SS/RHP Tate Johnston (Auburn, 2026) is another Top-10 ranked prospect in the freshman class in AL that will be a big piece for the Saints' success this spring, in addition to some other players.

Tuscaloosa County Wildcats

Head Coach: Nick Richardson
Team Twitter: @TuscaloosaCoun1
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 5
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 7
2022 Finish: Class 7A Sweet 16
Schedule:

• Tuscaloosa County vs. Gulf Shores (Thursday, 7:00 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Tuscaloosa County vs. Hartselle (Friday, 2:00 PM, Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
• Tuscaloosa County vs. Fairhope (Saturday, 9:00 AM, Robertsdale HS)
• Tuscaloosa County vs. Daphne (Saturday, 11:30 AM, Robertsdale HS)

2022 was a very successful season, but they'll look to advance even further throughout the playoffs this spring with an experienced team. They will look for senior leadership and offensive production from numerous players, but seniors like OF/RHP Trenton Shirley (Shelton State CC signee, 2023), C Grant Browning (2023) and SS/RHP Hayden Strickland (Gadsden State CC signee, 2023) are going to be huge pieces coming back for another year. Each of these players had integral roles on last year's team, and will look to come back stronger this spring as seniors. A few more seniors that are expected to help lead the way offensively will be 3B/RHP Ben Arendale (2023), and OF Will Keller (Marion Military CC signee, 2023). Both of these players hit in the middle of the order for the Wildcats last spring, and look poised for breakout senior seasons to help carry the load for their offense. In addition to these returning seniors, the Wildcats also have some juniors that should see their roles increase this spring. A couple of those players to watch for this spring will be LHP Spencer Nicholas (2024), OF/LHP Rylee Pate (2024), and UTL/RHP Spencer Johnson (2024). Tuscaloosa County will also feature a few highly-ranked prospects in their underclassmen group that have a chance to make a big impact at the varsity level this spring. 1B/LHP Cooper Clemmons (2025), 3B/RHP Jashaun Moten (2026), and 3B/C Kole Nicholson (2025) are all ranked inside the Top-40 in their respective graduating classes, and will be key pieces for the Wildcats not only this spring, but for the next few years. Some other underclassmen to watch for this spring are C/RHP Camden Barnett (2025), INF Drew Keller (2025), INF/RHP Brooks Mellown (2026), OF/LHP Tate Pettus (2026), and INF/RHP Blake Bowman (2026).

 

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