Preseason Prediction Review: 4A-2A

May 14, 2015

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

Here is a look back at my Preseason predictions on February 27th, and just a couple of thoughts before the action starts this morning with some state tournaments having action as early as 10:00 AM.

4A
Pick: Arkadelphia High School, is the back-back defending state championship, 2015 looks like they have enough pieces to make a run for a three peat. They will be led by their large junior class. On the Mound they will lean on RHP Brayden Beebe 9-0 in 2014 and LHP Brandon Matros, who was their stopper out of the pen as a sophomore. MIF/ RHP Cutter Jester will do a little bit of everything for the Badgers again playing shortstop, hitting in the top of the lineup and logging meaningful innings on the mound. Other hitters to keep an eye on will be 3B Ty Koster and C Danny Jo Spradlin.

Challenger: Star City High School, the Bulldogs have two quality arms with RHP Blake Wynn and Gary Hill. Couple that with a good defensive catcher to lead the show, Austin Powell. It looks like Star City will be the biggest challenger

Under the Radar: Hamburg High School and Dover High School could be surprise teams in the class 4A Hamburg made a run in the state tournament in 2014 with a core group returning from that class including OF/LHP Darien Burns. Dover returns a talented group from 2014 and could have enough punch in the middle of their line up with junior OF Luke Price returning off his 10 homerun performance in 2014.

Review: Arkadelphia looks to have lost more off last year’s group, than I had thought pre-season however they still finished 3^rd in a tough 4A south region and won their league out right. Star City HS looks on point to make a run, and Coach Kevin Youngblood has his group at Hamburg getting hot at the right time. Overall solid predictions. Solid not perfect, Pea Ridge HS has had a solid year, the veteran group won their district and regional tournament. Along the same lines Lonoke is a dangerous offensive group, led by 2017 INF/OF Kasey Martin. However I will stand by the Badgers from Arkadelphia to win the 4A State Title, Kosters will be key for them.

3A
Pick: Genoa Central High School, the Dragons won the 3A title in 2014 are the favorite again in 2015. They have two upper echelon offensive performers in Garrett Huff (Arkansas State) and Cale Ridling (UALR). Junior Justin Swecker looks to lead a young but talented pitching staff. 2015 should in with Genoa Central winning their 4^th title in the past 6 season.

Challenger: Smackover High School, the Buckaroos have a veteran group with plenty of talent. On the mound they will lean on senior LHP Logan Clark (Central Arkansas). Offensively they will look to seniors OF Tripp Evans (Henderson State) and MIF/RHP Jackson Martin (Henderson State) to lead the offense and hold down the middle of the field defensively. The X factor for this group should be junior catcher Keandre Purifoy.

Under the Radar: Harding Academy is a young but talented group that if they mature could be a team to make some noise in the state tournament. Offensively they will be led by C J. Paul Fullerton and OF Noah Holt. These two are not only two of the top hitters in 3A but in the entire state. The question will be on the mound, if juniors RHP Bryce Bartlett and Reid Maddox can compete on the big stage the wildcats may be able to make a run.

Review: Out of all of the classification, this is my worst miss. Smackover getting beat 2-1 in the first round of regionals was hard to see coming. That’s why post season baseball is exciting. Other misses, Horatio HS Lions has had a great year, winning their league and losing a battle to Genoa Central in the regional final. I will stick with my pick of Genoa Central to win it all, the question mark is weather their young pitchers can keep them in it until Friday or Saturday when 2016 RHP Justin Swecker gets back and rested from his complete game Monday.

2A
Pick: Woodlawn High School, the Bears looked primed to make another run to the state championship. They are led by two seniors J. P. Aiken and Taylor Stitt. Aiken is a talented two way player that will anchor the middle of their lineup and will be the number two on the mound for them. Taylor Stitt will try to repeat his great 2014 campaign. The addition of some talented young players may give them the final push to a title after a state semi-final run in 2014.

Challenger: Parkers Chapel High School, is consistently in the mix in the 2A classification. In 2014 they finished in the state semi-finals. They will have to replace RHP/CIF Eric White who anchored them in the middle of the lineup and the top spot of the rotation. Regan Cates will lead them at short shop and the top of the order. Coach Looney will have this young group as competitive as anyone.

Review: Solid picks. However I picked the wrong Union County High School to be the challenger, the defending state champions Junction City look to be a team to be dealt with, beating Woodlawn in the district and regional tournament. I still think Woodlawn’s pitching depth will carry them through to another State Championship for head coach Tommy Richardson. A challenger could come from Walnut Ridge HS. Their streak of 22 games recently game to an end.

Preseason Prediction Review: 4A-2A

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