The Panthers have won two of the last three state titles. They scored 240 runs last season and to top it all off they lose region rival Lewisville to 2A. If that’s not good enough add in the fact that the dynamic duo of twin brothers Connor Kirkley (2019, Coastal Carolina) and Clark Kirkley (2019,Uncommitted) return for their SR seasons. Back to Back titles will be the talk of the town around McBee, and with good reason.

PBR Prediction: Region 2 Champions, SCHSL 1A State Champions, 2019 Record 25-8

 

2. Lamar (2018 Record 22-12)

The Silver Foxes only lose three SRs off of the 2018 club, and return All-State Players Jacquez Lucas (2019,Uncommitted) and Cameron Galloway (2020,Uncommitted). This group was one game from the state title series and comes back a year older and more experienced. The biggest story line in 1A is, arguably, the two best teams play in the same region. That will make for some high profile games in Region 2.

PBR Prediction: Region 2 Runner Up, Eliminated Upper State Finals, 2019 Record 23-10

 

3. Lake View (2018 Record 20-6)

The Gators were one win away from the state championship series before dropping two one run games to Hannah Pamplico in the Lower State Finals. They only allowed 75 runs all of last season for an impressive 2.8 runs/game. Assuming they don’t try to reinvent the wheel, expect this group to be in the hunt for the lower state bid to the state title series.

PBR Prediction: Region 6 Champions, SCHSL 1A State Runner Up, 2019 Record 21-7

 

4. Green Sea Floyds (2018 Record 17-9)

GSF reached the 2018 Lower State Finals last season after defeating Branchville twice to win district 6. They return Storm Harrleson (2019, Uncommitted)  and a strong supporting cast looking to repeat as district winners next season. It won’t be the easiest task with “powerhouse” Lake View standing in the way of a region 6 title. If the Trojans can make it through the regular season healthy they could be in the conversation for another Lower State finals birth.

 

PBR Prediction: Region 6 Runner Up, Eliminated Lower State Finals, 2019 Record 18-8

 

5. Ridge Spring-Monetta (2018 Record 17-6)

The Trojans went 10-1 at home and scored an impressive 192 runs in 2018. If those trends continue into 2019 this team could give some other teams trouble. A well rounded group with playoff experience is what RS-M has to look forward to next season, that, and 2018 All-State selection Tyler Stone (2019,Uncommitted). With eyes on a region title and a playoff run the Trojans stock is on the rise.

PBR Prediction: Region 3 Champions, Eliminated Upper State Finals, 2019 Record 16-8

 

6. Branchville (2018 Record 12-8)

The Yellow Jackets only lose four SRs from a team that only allowed 65 runs in 2018. Branchville dropped two games the District 6 championship. Don’t expect that to happen again in 2019, a young group of talent returns to a team with big dreams. Look for Future Games participant Jacob Watkins (2020, Uncommitted) to throw some big innings this season. If they put it all together they will be contenders.

 

PBR Prediction: Region 5 Champions, Eliminated Lower State Finals, 2019 Record 16-9

 

7. Whitmire (2018 Record 13-11)

Whitmire will have some turnover on the roster in 2019. That shouldn’t deter them from having high expectations as they return 2018 All State players Chase Hood (2019,Uncommitted) and Casey Stevens (2021,Uncommitted). Look for the Wolverines to be on the up and up in 2019.

PBR Prediction: Region 1 Champions, Eliminated Upper State Finals, 2019 Record 16-8

 

8. Dixie (2018 Record 13-14)

The Hornets only lose 3 SRs off of last seasons squad. 2018 All State player Dawson Glenn (2020,Uncommitted) is back to lead the 2019 campaign. The down side is that they gave up 143 runs last season including 28 in their district. If they can be better on the mound they have a chance to make a splash in the playoff picture.

PBR Prediction: Region 1 Runner Up, Eliminated District Finals, 2019 Record 16-11

 

9. Ware Shoals

The Fighting Hornets were able to make the playoffs and reach the district 3 championship. Offensively they will need to score runs at a higher clip in 2019. Playoff baseball is playoff baseball though, if this team gets a good start on the mound and can capitalize on a few errors they could hang around longer than expected.

PBR Prediction: Region 1 3^rd Place, Eliminated District Finals, 2019 Record 14-12

 

10. Wagener-Salley (2018 Record 11-14-1)

WS scored 194 runs last season and looks to lean on the offense again in 2019. If they can come out of Region three near the top they will set themselves up to be competitive in the playoffs. Strong non region games last season against Aynor and Pelion should prepare this group to take a jump in the win column.

PBR Prediction: Region 3 Runner Up, Eliminated District Finals, 2019 Record 15-11

 

NEXT 5: Great Falls, Williston-Elko, Military Magnet, Charleston Math & Science, North

 

Top Storylines:

+ How will the battlefield of Region 2 play out? Playoff implications and state title hopes could be on the line every night.

+Who will emerge out of Region 1? Whitmire, Dixie, Ware Shoals, or an unknown?

+With Hannah Pamplico, Lewisville, and East Clarendon all moving up who will step up to fill their spots in the 2019 playoffs?

 

 

PBR Must See Players:

Conner Kirkley, McBee (2019,Coastal Carolina)

Jaquez Lucas, Lamar (2019,Uncommitted)

Tyler Stone, RS-M (2019,Uncommitted)

Dawson Gleen, Dixie (2020,Uncommitted)

 

PBR Top 5 Games:

McBee vs. Lamar

Lake View vs. Green Sea Floyds

Whitmire vs. Dixie

Ridge Spring-Monetta vs. Wagener-Salley

Military Magnet vs. Chareslton M&S