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By Greg Williams
West Virginia Director of Scouting

 
Today marks the first installment of our season preview content, which will run for three weeks leading up to the start of the 2016 high school season. We will take a look at all four regions and each classification in those regions separately. Today we begin our coverage with a look at Class AAA teams that compete in Region IV. 

PRESEASON Forecast

The Nitro Wildcats, defending Class AAA state-runners up, will look to return to Charleston for another run at a state title, but will have to contend with the loss of RHP Levi Kelly who has transferred to IMG Academy in Florida. Also gone from Nitro's deep pitching staff of a year ago is LHP Kipp Brewer now applying his craft at West Virginia State. The depth of the talent returning is more than enough however to give the Wildcats the early season nod as the favorites to advance out Region IV.

preseason player of the year

Matt Harrison, OF, Nitro (Class of 2016)
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound right-handed hitter displayed power potential to all fields during a solid round of batting practice at the Super 60 Pro Showcase. The physical Marshall recruit ran a 7.11 60-yard dash on this date, but has posted sub 7.0 times previously. Harrison moves well in the outfield and displayed enough arm strength to man either corner outfield position. His athletic actions and frame will likely also give him the opportunity to see time at first base in the future. As a junior Harrison led Nitro in nearly every offensive category hitting 10 home runs in 35 games while 25 of his 47 hits went for extra bases.

top prospects

[mouse over pics for player names] 

1. Matt Harrison, 2016, OF, Nitro (Marshall)
2. Matt Jewell, 2016, C, Nitro (Wright State)
3. Jacob Bradley, 2016, RHP, Nitro (Marshall)
4. Kirk Jennings, 2017,3B/OF, Cabell Midland
5. Eddie Flores, 2016, 3B/RHP, Nitro
6. Zac McNeel, 2016, RHP, Cabell Midland
7. Chase Burnette, 2016, RHP, Logan
8. Abe Stearns, 2017, RHP/SS, Point Pleasant
9. Noah Short, 2018, RHP/SS, Winfield
10. Ryan Loughry, 2017, RHP, Hurricane

SEASON PREVIEW SCHEDULE

3/5   - Class AAA - Region IV
3/7   - Class AAA - Region III
3/9   - Class AAA - Region II
3/11 - Class AAA - Region I
3/13 - Class AA - Region IV
3/15 - Class AA - Region III
3/17 - Class AA - Region II
3/19 - Class AA - Region I
3/21 - Class AA - Region IV
3/23 - Class AA - Region III
3/25 - Class AA - Region II
3/27 - Class AA - Region I