The Year in Review: No. 9 2016 Small School State Champions

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

The year of 2016 was a busy year for Prep Baseball Report Arkansas. We hosted 12 showcase events, scouted 3 tournaments during high schools season and 8 during the summer. Our staff saw over  100 games during the high school season. Today we look at the small school state championships as the No. 9 story of 2016.  

2A

Woodlawn made the most of their two hits scoring 2 runs defeating conference rival Junction City 2-0. Woodlawn scored its first run in the 4^th by drawing a one out walk with the bases loaded. The walk led to a pitching change as 2016 Hunter Brantley from Junction City exited trailing 1-0 allowing 1 earned on 0 hits. 2016 RHP Will Smith worked out of the jam and kept the competitive. Woodlawn scratched an insurance run in the 6^th to push the game to 2-0. 2018 RHP Reece Michals through a complete game shutout. Keeping hitters off balance with a steady mix of breaking balls and fastballs. Woodlawn will drop down to 1A next season returning their entire roster, so they will be the overwhelming favorite to start the season.

1A

Armorel took care of business against Viola winning the 1A finals 14-1. They received a solid pitching performance from Winters Nash who pitched the complete 5 innings, scattering 5 hits, striking out 4 while just allowing 1 earned run. Stand out 2017 C Andrew Lannon had a great day going 3 for 3 with 4 RBI’s and 3 runs scored. It should be no surprise as he has been the anchor in the middle of their line up all season. Armorel defended their 2015 championship, and the schools 4^thstate title.

Looking forward in 2017 these should be the two favorites to compete for the 1A State Championship. 2017 C Andrew Lannon is committed to Arkansas State, while 2018 RHP/CIF Will Richardson and 2018 MIF Matt Aiken will lead a talented group from Woodlawn. 

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