Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Preseason Elite Eight: Top Eight Teams in Each Class (No. 3)

March 21, 2014

By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting

In the spirit of March Madness the first rendition of the Prep Baseball Report Elite Eight Rankings are being released this week. We will be counting up to No. 1 with one new team in each classification being released each day until we unveil the No. 1 team in each. Following is a look at the teams ranked No. 3 in their respective classes.

 

class a:  No. 3 - magnolia

The Blue Eagles graduated four talented seniors from last year's state runner-up team, but bring back enough to be considered the favorite in Region I again this year. RHP/1B Zach Willhoite gives Magnolia an opportunity to win every time he takes the mound and is one of the top hitters in the state. Magnolia will have to develop several arms to go along with Willhoite in order to make a trip back to Charleston.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Zach Willhoite, RHP/1B (Class of 2014)
Grant Cain, C (Class of 2014)
Drew Keller, OF (Class of 2014)
Derrick Blain, OF (Class of 2016)
Chase Miller, OF (Class of 2016)

 

class Aa:  No. 3 - bridgeport

Bridgeport returns 11 players from last year's varsity roster that won the region and advanced to Charleston. A return trip to the final four is a real possibility for the Indians.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Anthony Bonamico, OF/RHP (Class of 2014)
Tyler Skidmore, RHP/1B (Class of 2014)
Greg Smith, SS/2B (Class of 2014)
Hunter Fain, C (Class of 2015)
Zach Hineman, 2B/SS (Class of 2015)
Joseph LaRocca, 3B/2B (Class of 2015)
Hunter Mann, OF (Class of 2015)

 

class aAA:  No. 3 - woodrow wilson

The Flying Eagles got within two wins of a state title in 2013, but ultimately fell to Cabell Midland 4-0 in the semifinals in Charleston. Coach Mark Daniel feels like he has a team capable of making a return trip to states.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Chris Metrick, SS/RHP (Class of 2014, WV Wesleyan recruit)
Josh Rakes, RHP/3B (Class of 2014)
Logan Wriston, OF/RHP (Class of 2014)
Hunter Halstead, 1B (Class of 2015)
Brady Knapp, LHP (Class of 2015)
Brandon Chandler, RHP/3B (Class of 2016)

 

complete preseason elite eight team rankings

 

additional wv news: