2017 was a great year, as we look forward to 2018, let us take time to review the top stories or accomplishments from 2017.

No. 10 Woodlawn wins 1A State Championship
No. 9 Harding Academy wins 3A State Championship

Coming in at the No.8 story of the year is the Nashville Scrappers as they won the 4A State Championship. This was a group of seniors who bought into the program and came together over spring break going 23-2 to win, a district regional and state championship, finishing the season with a record of 30-7.

The roster was fueled by a large senior class, with 2018 MIF/RHP Zach Jamison being the glue. Jamison gave them a steady effort on the mound competing in the strike zone with a two pitches keeping hitters off balance. 2018 MIF Chris Willard was a key piece defensively at short stop as they held opponents down to minimum runs through the state tournament. Willard is was a dynamic player offensively that anchored the offense in the middle of the lineup.

Road to Baum

1^st Round
Bye

2^nd Round
Nashville 4
Lonoke 2

Semi- Finals
Nashville 4
Monticello 3

State Finals
Nashville 4
Shiloh Christian

2018 Forecast

2018 will be considered by a rebuilding by most, but I am a little more optimistic that Coach Kyle Slayton will have this group ready to go. They returning two key pieces with 2018 RHP Tyler Hanson and 2018 MIF Chris Willard. That’s a good place to start as they look defend their championships in 2018. They should be familiar with the top competition in the state as the 4A South Region will be highly competitive with Ashdown, Malvern, and Monticello having rosters that should be recognized pre-season as contenders. Other teams that are intriguing preseason will be Pea Ridge and Shiloh Christian. Shiloh Christian has ended their season at Baum Stadium the previous two seasons, 2016 State Championship and runner up in 2017, with the majority of the roster intact. 

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