+ The Tigers went into last season with just one single returner position-wise and just two pitchers coming back to their pitching staff. That didn't seem to stop them, however, from having a successful season in the southern part of the state, accumulating wins over quality programs like Daphne, McGill-Toolen, Robertsdale, and others on their regular season schedule. After doing well enough in area play to finish as the runner-up, the Tigers traveled on the road to Briarwood Christian in their 1st round matchup and gave the Lions a tough two-game series facing two low-90's arms on the mound. They were, however, defeated and finished with a 20-16 record. This season, the Tigers have plenty of optimism within their program with the majority of last season's production both at the plate and on the mound returning for another season. Starting pitching is believed to be one of their main strengths, with pitchers like LHP Jaxen Schuler (Bishop State CC, 2024), and LHP Landen Walker (Montevallo, 2024) bring back plenty of valuable experience to the staff. Both Schuler and Walker are mid-80's southpaws with good secondary offerings to compliment, and should be a tough 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation. Offensively, SS Quincy Walters (Coastal Alabama-South CC, 2024) is the straw that stirs the drink at the top of their order. He is a contact-oriented left-handed bat with some pop, and plays with bounce up the middle at the shortstop position. C Eli Woody (Coastal Alabama-South CC, 2024) is another heart-of-the-order bat that will provide an immediate boost to the Tigers' offense. Woody is a quality defender behind the plate and should drive in plenty of runs from the right side of the plate offensively. 1B/LHP Aidan Owens (2025) is another returning upperclassmen that is expected to play a two-way role this spring once again. The junior is coming off a sophomore season where he hit .340 in the designated-hitter role last season and will provide some valuable innings on the mound, as well.

+ The Admirals enjoyed yet another strong season in 2023, and the enter the 2024 season as one of the main favorites inside Class 4A after last season's appearance in the Elite 8. Bolserting a strong attack offensively with numerous returners and some key pieces back on the mound with experience, the Admirals are shaping up for another potential deep playoff run this spring. Offensively, they are led by SS/RHP Gatlin Pitts (Samford, 2024) and 1B/LHP Cole Dean (South Alabama, 2025), a pair of top-25 prospects in their resepective classes. Pitts is an explosive athlete and multi-year starter, while Dean transfers in for his junior season and is widely regarded as one of the top hitters in the southern part of the state. Other players like OF Noah Cain (2026), OF Tait Moore (2024), and C Weston Hannaman (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 2025), who also return a strong amount experience at the varsity level. On the mound, RHP/INF Teague Broadhead (Southern Miss, 2024) and RHP/1B Carson Joyner (Louisiana Monroe, 2024) are two seniors who are expected to get a large portion of the innings on the mound, as both have strong fastballs that can reach the upper-80's and low-90's while also being key contributors offensively.

+ The Trojans are looking to build off of last season's success which saw them reach the Class 7A playoffs, but were eliminated in the 1st round to close their season. Daphne has always been a strong program down in the Mobile area, and they return a strong amount of familiar faces to this year's team. OF/RHP Jay Davidson (Huntingdon College, 2024) should be their leader of the team after a breakout junior campaign in 2023, and brings back valuable experience both at the plate and on the mound. SS Cooper Nix (2024), OF Maddox Eady (2025), and INF Tyler Paul (2024) are upperclassmen who should anchor the top of their order, while 1B/RHP Dylan Ackerman (2025) is another returning two-way player who should see large amounts of time at the plate and on the mound. INF/RHP Mason Owens (2025) is another noteworthy returner on the offensive side, while OF Colin Watson (2027) is a talented underclassmen who has a chance to see significant playing time as a freshman and provide valuable contributions.

+ The Pirates are another strong program down in the Mobile area who is notoriously competitive and consistently reaching the playoffs in Class 7A. Looking to continue their streak of playoff appearances in Class 7A in 2024, the Pirates are hoping some fresher faces can produce for this spring in addition to some key returners on both sides of the ball. OF/RHP Nolan Phillips (2024) is regarded as one of the top uncommitted prospects in the 2024 class in AL, and showcased loud tools across the board at our South AL Preseason All-State event in early January. The senior enjoyed a strong junior season hitting in the heart of their order, and should contribute heavily again this spring. C Blake Westry (2025) should also slide into the heart of their order offensively, while INF Bryon Martin (2026), 3B Gavin Rehorn (Stillman College, 2024), OF Rock Gearhart (2025), OF Zach Jones (2025), and OF Miller Humphries (2025) should be key pieces to their lineup, as well. On the mound, look for LHP Miles Drew Johnson (2025), LHP Jerry McDowell (2025), RHP Harrison Cook (2025), and others to throw plenty of meaningful innings this season.

+ The Rams enjoyed a solid season in 2023 posting a winning record and reaching the Class 6A playoffs. The Rams traveled on the road in the 1st round to Hueytown, where they competed in a tight three-games series, but were ultimately defeated to close their season with an 18-15 record. Returning a good amount of production from that team last year, the Rams look ready to sieze the opportunity this season. RHP Eli Driskell (Auburn, 2024) returns as one of the top arms in the Mobile area and will look to lead the pitching staff, while RHP/INF Riley Hall (2025) is another important returning piece for the Rams this spring. SS Slade Sullivan (2024), C Gavin Prewitt (2024), 1B/OF Carson Ratliff (2024), and INF/RHP Trey McDonald (2024) are expected to lead the offense this spring as they all should play vital role for the Rams this season. Other seniors like OF Holden Redding (2024), OF Brayden Slay (2024), OF/LHP Brodie Barrentine (2024) are looking to breakout this season, while LHP/1B Noah Reid (2025) is a junior was great on the mound after being called up to varsity during the season last year. The Rams bolster an impressive group of underclassmen who are very talented and are looking to find a role this spring at the varsity level. RHP/UTL Brody Lambert (2026) started last year as an eighth-grader, while INF Carlos Ortiz (2026), RHP/1B Wyatt Pippen (2026) OF/RHP Riley Wilemon (2026), INF Bryce Turner (2026), RHP/1B Brodie Wilson (2027), C Eli Quinley (2027), and OF/RHP Grayson Finch are hoping to make their mark this spring for the Rams.

+ The Dolphins, who are coming off back-to-back-to-back area championships, were ranked inside the top-10 for the majority of the 2023 season and hosted the 1st round of the playoffs. Getting a tough draw against a scrappy, competitive Shelby County club in the opening round, the Dolphins were ultimately eliminated to close their season with a 23-13 record. Focusing on 2024, the Dolphins return a strong total of six positional starters and six pitchers who all saw time on the mound a season ago. They continue to trend in the right direction, and hope those returning juniors and seniors can help lead this team to a deep playoff run this spring. RHP/INF Connor Gehr (Meridian CC, 2024) is one of the top two-way players in the 2024 class in AL and is coming off a junior senior where he hit .462 in batting average and posted a 5-2 record with a 1.90 ERA and 80 K's on the mound. A returning 1st Team All-State player, Gehr looks poised to lead this team once again. SS/RHP Joseph Stephens (Coastal Alabama-South CC, 2024) brings back tons of varsity experience and has played in 86 career games for the Dolphins going into his senior season. The two-way prospect as 12 saves in his high school career and has swiped 40 stolen bases, as well. RHP/UTL Alex Rippy (2024) threw over 50 innings last year as a junior and accumulated a 3.51 ERA in the process and will be a big piece to their success, while INF/RHP Alex King (Lawson State CC, 2024) also had a strong year hitting .280 at the plate and posted a 2-2 record on the mound. RHP/OF Mac Anderson (Houston, 2024) may be the X-factor of this team, as he possesses a low-90's fastball and is as dominant as anyone when he is in the zone throwing strikes. OF/RHP Jackson Beck (2024) is another important piece for the Dolphins this spring, while RHP/UTL John Luke Stephens (2026) and C/OF Price Stephens (2026) look poised to step into bigger roles as underclassmen this season. UTL/RHP Judson Harris (2027) is a newcomer to the program who has a chance to make a huge impact at the plate and on the mound for the Dolphins. Harris, a top-5 prospect in the 2027 class in AL and prized quarterback recruit, has exciting tools across the board and can work in the mid-80's with his fastball. Looking at a few more players for the Dolphins, RHP/1B Hayden Brazil (2025), OF Nate Perez (2025), INF Tres Moore (2026), and UTL Jacob O'Bryan (2026) are looking to build off of their success last year and provide contributions this spring. 

+ The Hartselle Tigers captured the Class 6A State Championship back in 2022 with one of the most dominant seasons we've seen over the past few seasons, and also reached the Elite 8 in Class 6A a season ago. Being one of the top programs in the state of Alabama, expectations are always high, and this year seems to be no different. The Tigers should be able to generate plenty of offense this season with numerous hitters already signed to play baseball at the collegiate level. Looking at the offense, returning players like OF/RHP Peyton Steele (Alabama, 2024), INF Josey Williamson (Alabama, 2024), INF Cade Miles (Jacksonville State, 2024), C Cam Palahach (Northwest-Shoals CC, 2024), 1B Lawson Williams (Northwest-Shoals CC, 2024), UTL/RHP Brody Leathers (2024), and OF/RHP Landon Blackwood (2024) are all senior returning hitters who have delivered some big swings over the past couple of seasons and will look to lead the offense this season. In addition to these names, others players like OF/RHP Keaton Lance (2025), OF/RHP Cole Miles (2026), and INF/RHP Asher Doepel (2026) are sure to step into important roles this spring and provide some production offensively. On the mound, the Tigers have some experienced returners, but will need some other arms to step up and provide depth to their rotation. RHP Nick Chumley (Lawson State CC, 2024), RHP Jace Meadows (2025), and LHP/OF Andrew Coleman (2024) are a trio of senior pitchers who should throw some important innings on the mound for the Tigers this spring.

+ The Golden Gophers have really made a strong stretch of runs over the past few seasons, including winning over 25 games in their last three seasons and reaching the Sweet 16 in all of those years in the process. They should rely on some newer faces this spring, but Coach Chandler & co. always seem to field a competitive, talented team year in, and year out. The Golden Gophers should be a solid defensive team this spring, and should also feature a better lineup looking at it from top to bottom. C Jarret Kauhn (2025) started nearly every game behind the plate last season as a sophomore and is looking primed to have a breakout junior campaign as one of their more experienced players. The right-hander has good pop from the right side and should drive in a good amount of runs in the middle of their order. OF OJ Sealie (2024) is an all-fields hitter with decent speed from the right side of the plate who should play a large role offensively, while 1B/RHP Baker Davis (2025) is a two-way player who got some experience in the designated hitter role last season as a sophomore. Both of those players should contibute heavily, while UTL Myles Bradberry (2024) is a great teammate and plays the game hard. He's another returning upperclassmen who is a solid all-around player with good speed. 3B Cole Payne (2024) and RHP Tanner Vaughn (2024) are two more senior returners who are looking to have solid seasons, as Payne is a good defender with excellent plate discipline, while Vaughn is a strong option out of their bullpen with movement on all of his pitches. RHP Braden McCrary (2025) has plenty of upside on the both with a mid-80's fastball, and could have a breakout season after logging some meaningful innings on last year's pitching staff. INF/RHP Sam Vaughan (2025) missed the entire 2023 season due to an injury, but this staff thinks he's poised for a stellar junior season and already holds a couple JUCO offers. He should contribute both at the plate and on the mound for the Golden Gophers this spring. A couple of younger names to keep an eye out for this spring are INF Jose Irreaza (2026) and RHP/3B Will Vaughan (2027), both are looking to help out in any way as underclassmen this season. Irreaza is a strong defender, while Vaughan as a strong arm and could help out with depth on the mound this spring.

+ The Leopards are widely known as one of the top programs in the southern part of the state, as they have consistently churned out Division 1 prospects to the next level over the past few season. Competing in their second year in Class 5A in 2024, the Leopards are looking to build off of last season's playoff appearance where they were eliminated by the eventual state champions in three games, and return a strong mix of talented upperclassmen and underclassmen. Offensively, OF Damien Gatson (South Alabama, 2025) is a top-10 prospect in the 2025 class in AL and a multi-year starter who returns to the top of their order, while 1B Alexander Bennett (Central Alabama CC, 2024), OF/RHP Brady Keller (2025), 3B Bryce Rivers (2026), C Noah Blackburn (2025), and OF Carson Cooper (2024) are all experienced returners from last year. INF PJ Brown (2026) is another uber-athletic piece to their offense, and INF Gavin Weinshenker (2024) should also have a big role as a senior, as well. On the mound, RHP Zack McKinion (Coastal Alabama-South CC, 2024) and RHP Walker Seaman (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 2024) are two experience arms who should be at the top of their rotation this spring, in addition to some others.

+ The Makos expect to be very deep on the mound, featuring a pitching staff that returns a total of 12 pitchers who saw time on the mound at the varsity level last spring. That experience, which should be another team strength, should only benefit this year's team, as those players are expected to take another step forward and lead this team. They should also be strong defensively with seven positional starters returning, as well. This year's roster features a strong contingent of juniors and seniors who have helped build this program over the past few seasons, and are ready to take the program to the next step this spring. RHP/3B Tripp Carter (2024) and RHP/OF Rylan Gober (Bishop State CC, 2024) are a pair of two-way seniors who return after strong junior campaigns in 2023. Both are expected to provide high volumes of production both at the plate and on the mound, while C Colton Boyd (2027) served as their starting catcher as an eighth-grader and jumped out to our staff after seeing him multiple times last spring. He's expected to only to continue to get better and see his role increase this spring. RHP/OF Will Watts (2024) is another important piece returning to their rotation, while RHP/INF Tucker West (2024) is another talented returning senior who will be one to watch this spring. Looking at the junior class, the Makos have a good mix of talent throughout this group and expect them to take over at some important spots this spring. Some of those players to watch for this spring are RHP/1B Austin Beck (2025), INF Joel Chandler (2025), 1B Cooper Sanders (2025), and RHP/UTL Zane Rogers (2025). Rounding it out, LHP/1B Logan Kruse (2026) is one of their program's top underclassmen in addition to Boyd, and should provide some depth on the mound for their pitching staff this spring.

+ The Golden Bears have consistently had successful seasons over the past few years and won over 20 games last spring. Competing against three of the other top teams in the Mobile area in Class 6A in their area, they unfortunately were unable to finish in the top-2 in that area last spring. Hopes are high this spring, however, with a good chunk of last year's team returning for another year. INF/RHP Ethan Parnell (Bishop State CC, 2024) is a returning top-of-the-order hitter who has also served as the ace of the pitching staff for the past couple of seasons. The right-hander can fill up the zone with multiple pitches for strikes, and will also be a key piece to their offensive success. SS/RHP Taylor Jordan (2024) is another important part returning this spring who enjoyed a strong junior campaign in 2023. The senior dominates the routine play at shortstop with good skills and will return to the heart of their order while also serving as their closer. C/RHP Riley Fuller (Lawson State CC, 2024) will be counted on to drive in runs once again this spring, as he's another middle-of-the-order returning hitter. He's solid behind the plate defensively and has a chance to throw some meaningful innings on the mound this spring. Rounding out the notable returners, OF/RHP Andrew McDaniel (2025) is a multi-year starter who should hit in the leadoff spot once again for the Golden Bears. The junior is slotted to play a corner outfield spot and serve as their No. 2 in the pitching rotation behind Parnell. 

+ + Being ranked inside the top-5 for the majority of the season in Class 7A in 2023, the Jaguars were considered one of the teams to beat heading into the playoffs. After winning one of the more difficult areas in the state with Hewitt-Trussville, Chelsea, and Oak Mountain, they were able to host the 1st round of the playoffs, and swept James Clemens to advance to the Elite 8. They matched up with Vestavia Hills, who went on to win the Class 7A State Championship, and were eliminated in two games to close their season with a 28-9 record. Looking at this spring, the Jaguars will need some younger players to step in and compete in larger roles, but they certainly have tons of talent scattered throughout their roster. OF Matthew Widra (South Alabama, 2024) is their top returning bat after bursting onto the scene last spring, while RHP CJ Gross (Wallace-Hanceville CC, 2024) will anchor the pitching rotation as the ace after a breakout junior campaign that saw him throw tons of important innings. RHP Blake Patrick (2024) is another fordmidable option returning to the staff, while INF Aiden Berke (2024), and INF James Battersby (2024) are both solid contributors from last year's team as juniors. Looking at some talented underclassmen, INF Rhys Jones (2026) and INF Brock Bradley (2026) are both ranked inside the top-65 in the sophomore class in AL. Jones is an absolute gamer, while Bradley is a talented athlete and a highly sought-after prospect on the gridirion as a quarterback. In the freshman class, the Jaguars are well-represented with INF Connor Greb (2027), C Evan Taylor (2027), and LHP/OF Brodie Bragg (2027) all being ranked inside the top-35. They'll look to some of these younger players to make an impact at the varsity level this spring

+ The Toros appear to once again be one of the top teams in a deep Class 6A field this spring after finishing as the runner-up a season ago. It was a historic run in 2023, and while they lose OF Pierce Dutton and UTL/RHP DJ Eurgil, there are still plenty of talented pieces returning from last year's team and those players are hoping they can lead them back to where they finished last season. C Jack Holley (Georgia State, 2024) is a big offensive piece returning to the heart of their order with a physical presence, but getting him back behind the plate may be even bigger for the Toros. He's an advanced defender with elite arm strength from the crouch, and should be one of their main leaders this spring. OF Caleb Chesser (2025) and 3B/RHP Newton Gardner (2025) are a pair of juniors who should be key pieces to the puzzle this spring, while OF Lakelon Ray (2025), SS Nehemiah Hixon (2025), 1B/RHP Brayden Cooper (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 2024), 1B/RHP Ethan Kick (2024), OF/RHP Gavin Howard (2025), and INF Hayes Miller (2024) are all returning juniors and seniors who played a vital role in last year's success. RHP John Henry Winstead (2024) is another returning arm for the Toros this spring, as he tossed each Game 1 during their playoff run in 2023.

+ The Saints are another consistently strong team in the southern part of the state who are continously making deep playoff runs in Class 4A, including an appearance in the Elite 8 in 2023. They've been led by some talented underclassmen over the past couple of seasons, and with those player returning with another year of experience under their belt, expectations continue to rise in 2024 as they hope they can advance further throughout the playoffs. C John Stowers (Auburn, 2026) is a multi-year starter in the heart of their order, and is regarded as one of the top left-handed hitters in the state with limitless power projection. 3B Edward McLeod, Jr. (Samford, 2025) is another impactful bat returning to the middle of their order and is coming off a strong sophomore season, while SS/RHP Tate Johnston (Auburn, 2026), OF/RHP Taylor O'Dell (2025), and 1B/RHP Brooks McDonald (2025) should be valuable pieces to their offense, as well. RHP Bradley Irish (2025) is another junior who should throw some meaningful innings on the mound, too.

+ The Wildcats will have to replace some key pieces from last year's team that graduated, but there's a group of talented players waiting in the wings to step into bigger roles and lead them to success in 2024. They believe they should be a fairly athletic team with good speed throughout their lineup while also starting pitching has a chance to be a positive for them. LHP Spencer Nicholas (Coastal Alabama-South CC, 2024) returns as the ace of the pitching staff after another big junior campaign and has plenty of innings at the varsity level under his belt. He probably won't "wow" you with overpowering stuff, but he misses bats and changes speeds very well. OF Rylee Pate (Bevill State CC, 2024) and RHP/OF Spencer Johnson (Bevill State CC, 2024) have a chance to be crucial pieces to their offensive success after strong junior seasons. Pate should hit near the top of the order, while Johnson should be behind him in the middle of the order looking to drive him in. RHP/INF Kole Nicholson (2025) is a prospect we got to see in the preseason and we're very impressed with his ability to drive the ball for power. He jumps out with impressive size and physicality, and has a chance to be a primary run-producer for the Wildcats this spring. INF Drew Keller (2025) and C/RHP Camden Barnett (2025) are two more returning juniors who are expected to have breakout junior campaigns, as well. Looking at some more upperclassmen who have a chance to make an impact, LHP/INF Brayden Holman (2024) and RHP Collin Dubose (Stillman College, 2024) are a pair of sophomores with the ability to do so, while RHP/INF Brady Jones (2025) and RHP/INF Tanner Bayles (2025) will also be looked upon for some solid contributions this spring. The Wildcats also feature a strong core of underclassmen, some of which who already have varsity experience from last season. Some freshman and sophomores to watch for this spring are LHP/1B Tate Pettus (2026), RHP/UTL Jashaun Moten (2026), RHP/INF Brooks Mellown (2026), RHP/INF Gibbs White (2027), RHP/INF Ryan Nichols (2027), LHP/OF Dillon Dubose (2027), RHP/OF Bryson Boyington (2027), RHP/INF Colson Mellown (2027), RHP/INF Wilson Patrick (2027), RHP/INF Kamdyn Stines (2027), and INF Levi Fowler (2027).