By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

4A South

4A-7

1. Arkadelphia HS: This roster is loaded one of the deeper rosters in all classifications. On the mound they will be led by 2016 LHP Brandon Matros. Offensively 2016 CIF Ty Kosters will anchor the middle of the order for the 4^th season in a row. While they will be led defensively by the speedy 2016 MIF Cutter Jester.
2.  Ashdown HS: This group should again compete and push for the conference title. On the mound 2016 LHP Austin Cross will run out as the No. 1 in that rotation. Offensively they are deep with very talented underclassmen, including, 2017 MIF Taj Boyd, 2017 MIF Byson Haskins and 2018 CIF Jalen Hill and Alex Day.
3. Nashville HS: Coach Kyle Slayton has had the Scrappers competing for a regional title on a consistent basis for the last 15 plus seasons. I expect nothing less from this young group, as traditions continue even with turnover in his roster.
4. Malvern HS: The Leopards played a young roster in 2015, they should reap the benefits from letting the younger players get some experience and get back on the regional scene in 2016.

 

4A-8

1. Star City HS: The Bulldogs are the defending 4A State Champions. A number of returners from this roster, have them primed for another run. They suffered a sit back with 2016 RHP/OF Garry Hill out for the season with an elbow injury. 2016 RHP/MIF Blake Wynn, 2016 C/RHP Austin Powell and 2016 MIF/OF Cole Muckleroy are back to lead this group to another conference title
2. Hamburg HS: The Lions are the defending 4A-8 regional champions after defeating, Ashdown in the Semi-finals and Star City in the Finals. They return tow big pieces from this roster with 2016 LHP Drake Streeter and 2016 OF/LHP Darien Burns are dynamic players that should carry them through conference play and push for a conference title.
3. Crossett HS: This group will return to the regional tournament. A player to watch on this roster is 2016 MIF/RHP Ron Burchell. The versatile player has signed to play at Henderson State. He is a talented enough player to carry this group at times.
4. Monticello HS: The Billies are a consistent contender in any conference and classification they play in. Expect nothing less in 2016.

Overall

A fairly even region, with the 4A-8 improving over the past few years, as in the past the 4A-7 has been dominant. I look for an even split this year with the No. 1 and No.2 from each conference advancing to the semi-finals and on to the state tournament.

Pick

I am picking Arkadelphia to win this competitive region. They were upset in 2015 by Star City and then fell to them in the finals. This group of seniors have been a huge part, of winning two state titles and a state title runner up. I look for a focused and determined group to finish out their high school career. They have too much talent to lose if they have the right mindset. 7 2016 grads have already made college commitments off this roster.