Preseason Elite Eight Rankings Released
March 27, 2014
By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting
The countdown to the team ranked No. 1 in each classification of the Preseason Elite Eight team rankings is now complete. Following is a look at the top team in each classification as we kick the season into high gear.
class aaa
The Hurricane Redskins sat at No. 1 in the Class AAA state rankings for much of 2013 until their season was cut short by Cabell Midland in an epic 1-0 pitcher's duel. The Redskins return the lions' share of their lineup along with arguably the deepest and most talented pitching staff in the state. Ironically the same team that ended their season one year ago, Cabell Midland, sits at No. 2 in the Preseason "Elite Eight" rankings and could pose a stumbling block again this year.
class aa
The Independence Patriots return a senior laden lineup from a squad that won 19 games in 2014. Region III Preseason Player of the Year Wyatt Adkins leads
a group of five seniors that received all-state or all-conference honors in 2013.
The Patriots lost a heartbreaker to Herbert Hoover in the 2013 AA state semifinals on a walk-off home run. That memory, along with the return of eight starters, should be enough to motivate Independence for another potential run at a state title. Coach Scott Cuthbert likes his team's chances of a deep playoff run, as he should.
class a
A preseason ranking is nothing more than a pat on the back and some motivation to prove the prognosticators correct. For Notre Dame high school the Preseason No. 1 ranking in the state pales in comparison to their ultimate goal, a Class A state title.
The Irish came within one win of the Class A state title game in 2013 and return everyone. With every single player returning from a squad that went 23-11 the biggest concern will be the proverbial bulls eye that will be on their backs this season. Coach Patrick Marozzi will be in charge of seeing that Notre Dame stays focused and working towards a return to Charleston at the end of the 2014 season.
complete rankings for all classes
Season Countdown
+ Updated West Virginia 2016 Player Rankings
+ Updated West Virginia 2015 Player Rankings
+ Updated West Virginia 2014 Player Rankings
