By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

A lot of action took place on the diamond last week as several schools took the opportunity to head south to Florida or South Carolina over spring break. 

Those schools who stayed home were able to get plenty of games in as well, as the weather has finally begun to turn more springlike.

The bottom line is that some teams have played a much tougher schedule than others, and that is always taken into consideration when updating our Power 25 rankings.  Of course, playing a tough schedule doesn't mean a whole lot if you aren't beating some of those teams.

This week's Power 25 is highlighted by a new No.1 team.

Saint Xavier takes over the top spot.  The Tigers, now 13-1, had an impressive week as they scheduled a week full of games against traditional powers from Cincinnati's Greater Catholic League.  The result was a victory over Cincinnati Lasalle, Cincinnati Elder, and 2 wins over Cincinnati Saint Xavier. The Tigers have been nothing but impressive against a very tough schedule.

Central Hardin, with a 12-0 record and fresh off of handing Male their first loss of the season, moves into the No.2 spot.  Seniors Andrew Harrington and Troy Squires are getting it done for the Bruins.

Lexington Catholic drops two spots to No.3 after a 1-2 week, although their 2 losses were at the hands of a typically very good Noblesville (IN) team and an extremely good TC Roberson (NC) squad.

Woodford County drops two spots as well to No.4.  With a loss last week to Hazard, the defending state champs now sit at 8-2 on the season.

Collins jumps 4 spots to No.5 with a red-hot 15-0 start to the season.  The Titans are getting it done with pitching, as they have allowed 3 runs or less in 11 of their 15 games.

Other notes:

Paul Laurence Dunbar jumps into the top 10 at No.7.  Junior RHP Aaron Ochsenbein has been lights out for PLD.

Bullitt East jumps 8 spots to No.8 as they are the hottest team not named Collins with a 13-0 start.  The Chargers just completed a 5-0 trip to Orlando, FL in which they were barely challenged in wins over teams from NY, IL, OH, and LA.  Western Kentucky recruit Hunter Wood, who has been pitched around at home, finally saw pitches to hit and responded with a 10-for-18 trip with 6 extra base hits.

Lone Oak makes the biggest jump, rising 12 spots to No.9.  All the Purple Flash have done is win 12 consecutive games since losing the season opener to Henderson County.  Senior Sam Goode has been getting it done at the plate and on the mound.

New entrants into the Power 25 include Ryle, Lawrence County, and Hazard.

CLICK HERE to view the updated Kentucky Power 25