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It won't be long before we're hearing the ringing of high school bats and popping of leather mitts as the 2022 high school season will kick off on March 14th. We've been rolling out preseason coverage with team previews and team/class rankings will be presented in the near future.

At the conclusion of last season, we posted our inaugural PBR TN All-State teams featuring three rosters and 75 total players. Those teams were selected based on a blend of high school stats and also prospect profile as it was a great way to recognize some incredible individual performances from the 2021 season. For this upcoming season, we've decided to put together a PBR TN All-State watchlist in the form of the PBR TN Top 100. To be clear, this is not a top 100 prospect rankings. This list is formed based on a combination of factors: 1. projected production in hitting/pitching 2. player will play an integral role in their school's success 3. simply these are the players that opposing coaches do not want to see on the mound or at bat in big game moments. As we release the list you'll see: Mr. baseball winners/finalist, limited players per high school, some power 5 commits will not included, some D2/Juco commits will be included, and uncommitted players will be included. This list is centered around production and the ability to impact games every single night of the season. 

We can look at it a few ways, so first let's think of it as a 2022 TN high school fantasy baseball rankings. If you were constructing a team, you're gonna want guys who suit up every night and are gonna log a lot of at bats and innings on the mound to maximize stat output. This list features a lot of team's aces and meat of the order hitters, who may play a key position defensively or produce as a two-way. Fantasy sports websites always put out a preseason rankings to help consumers draft and help maximize their season success. The second way to to observe the list, is consider crossing sport lines in comparison to the annual NFL Top 100. For those not familiar, the NFL Top 100 is a preseason publication that honors the top 100 players voted on by the players. They usually roll it out and players give insight on other players abilities, but often fans are fully engaged in dissecting and criticizing the surprises and "snubs." For an example, I think it would be hard pressed to convince anyone that Tom Brady is NOT the best player to suit it up in the NFL, entirely based on his stats, records, awards, championships, etc. However, Brady has only been voted no. 1 three times in the past decade with his last being before the 2018 season. Also, Cooper Kupp was arguably the best wide receiver this past season, racking up nearly 2,000 receiving yards and a Super Bowl MVP, but he wasn't featured on the preseason list. Soooo with that being said sit back and enjoy the list, its purpose is a fun way for players and parents to follow numerous skilled high school kids this season. 

*One more time for the people in the back: This is not a Top 100 prospects list*

No. 91-100

Daniel Parris RHP / SS / Knoxville Catholic, TN / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 16 / POS: 3 No. 100: The Tennessee commit missed a majority of last season due to a shoulder injury, which forced Knoxville Catholic to shift around the pitching rotation and infield alignment. He's expected to be back this year and be a key producer in the lineup + up the middle. He's shown outstanding stuff on the mound in the ace role, but we'll have to wait and see if/when he'll be a full go on the bump. Ideally, he'll be able to contribute early, but should be one to pick up steam as postseason approaches.

Walker Strange 3B / RHP / Christian Academy of Knoxville , TN / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 37 / POS: 2 No. 99: CAK always has a deep roster both positionally and on the mound over the past decade. They reached the state tournament again last year after a run of state titles, but they lost a lot of key pieces to graduation. It won't be a rebuild, but a reload to see who will step up to fill key innings and at bats. Lipscomb commit seems like a safe bet, who has been featured in a run producing role while handling third base duties. He's been a solid arm on the mound, who may see a more expanded role in that aspect, but the senior's physical bat will be right in the mix of their overall success.

Luke Payne LHP / OF / Goodpasture Christian, TN / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 10 / POS: 6 OverallRank: 325 / POS: 48 No. 98: Goodpasture is as deep as a club as any in the state, and the fact that the Tennessee commit can be a district reliever/third starter is a huge luxury. They have a pair of senior college commit arms (Connor Martin & Jonah Smithson), but Payne's long lanky frame provides plenty of uncomfortable at bats. He's shown a FB up to 90 and some feel for his secondary offerings, but he's got to be more consistent in the zone. Another year under his belt should help clean some of that and he'll certainly play a key role in helping Goodpasture hit their goals this season.

Trent Miller RHP / Greenbrier, TN / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 39 / POS: 11 No. 97: Greenbrier was a state tournament club last season, and expectations remain high even with a few key seniors graduating. Trent Miller put together a good sophomore campaign, and he's really developed during the summer/fall. He has a long frame and FB has been in the upper 80s with feel for two secondary offerings. The uncommitted junior will serve as 1a/1b mound option for the Bobcats alongside Jacob Conquest (Uncommitted), so they'll be plenty of recruiters stopping in this Spring.

Rex Pendergrass 3B / OF / Rhea County, TN / 2024 Rankings  StateRank: 11 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 258 / POS: 26 No. 96: Pendergrass was an impact freshman last year, hitting multiple jacks in the middle of the Rhea County lineup. They lose OF Keaton Ray (Virginia Tech) and John Combs (Milligan) to graduation, so more of the offensive focus will turn to Pendergrass. He played all over last year splitting time between left side of the infield and corner OF. Rhea Co moves into the 4A Chattanooga district, so he'll have plenty to spotlight to lead the offense.

Eli Ramsey OF / 1B / Tipton Rosemark, TN / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 48 / POS: 6 No. 95: Tipton Rosemary came together and played well down the stretch punching a ticket to the state tournament. The MTSU commit will be a focal point for them to return to the Boro. A mix of athleticism and pop at the plate, and some upside on the mound. Ramsey is the first lefty bat to crack the Top 100.

Caden Shanks RHP / SS / Upperman, TN / 2024 Rankings  StateRank: 22 / POS: 7 No. 94: Upperman had an up and down season last year, but they had several players that posted some stout numbers. They have high hopes in the fresh looking 3A, and should have the pieces to push into the postseason. Shanks will be right in the middle of it. He started at SS as freshman and handle a good chunk of the pitching duties. He featured a FB up to 87 w/ nice breaking ball while handling the stick from the left side at the top of the order.

Merik Carter 2B / RHP / Rockvale , TN / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 49 / POS: 1 No. 93: Rockvale is still the new kids on the block in a tough Murfreesboro district, but they held their own in the first full season. The UAH commit was essential in those efforts, manning 2B and pitching district games. He's got a nice stroke from the left side, and great feel to pitch and keep lineups at bay. He'll suit up for his final high school campaign, and try to help the Rockets make some noise against the traditional powers.

Ben Cleaver LHP / OF / Independence, TN / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 42 / POS: 10 No. 92: It's been a little while since we've seen Cleaver toss the rock, but he made good progress over the summer/fall. He's always had a loose arm and flashing upside. He really got on a roll this fall, garnering schools interest and committing to Kentucky. Independence has some nice pieces coming back from a sub-state squad, but will have to fill some innings on the mound with the departure of Will Tobin (Penn). Cleaver will most likely have a more prominent role leading the staff and would throw some big games for the Eagles.

Holden Warmath SS / RHP / Covington, TN / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 38 / POS: 8 No. 91: Warmath helped lead Covington to the state tournament, playing shortstop and serving as district starter. He was the tone setter at the top of the lineup and smooth defender up the middle. He had some shoulder issues this offseason, but he completed basketball season and will be ready to go this Spring. Similar to Parris, it's uncertain if he'll be a full go on the mound from the start, but his value up the middle is huge for CHS.

 

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