As the 2019 high school quickly approaches and teams are starting to begin full practice, we will now move onto Class 2A for a brief preview of the top teams and their respective key returners.

Westbrook Christian

The Warriors were eliminated in the State Quarterfinals last year to Mars Hill in Game 3, but return some major firepower headlined by ’21 RHP/OF Samuel Dutton (#2 in ’21 AL Rankings). Dutton recently committed to LSU this summer. It was a busy summer for the RHP, as he was selected to the 15U USA National Team that went on to win a gold medal at the COPABE Pan American Games. He has seen his fastball creep into the low 90’s with plus secondary pitches. Samuel’s brother Andrew Dutton (’20 2B) is also one to keep an eye on this year as well. Andrew attended the Deep South Invite at Auburn this summer. He then went on to commit to Birmingham Southern. The Warriors also return ’19 C/RHP Greysen Robinson, ’19 1B John Ross Morgan and ’20 RHP/1B Brett Vice. Look for Westbrook Christian to make some noise this year in 2A.

G.W. Long

The Rebels ran the table in the 2A State Playoffs last year and eventually swept Mars Hill Bible in the Finals to win their 2^nd straight State Championship and 15^th overall. ’19 RHP/OF Kamryn Faria leads the way for the Rebels. Last year in the Finals, Faria was was 3-6 with a 2B and 3 RBI’s. On the mound, he won Game 1 while turning in 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, and 1 K. He went on to win the MVP during that series. Along with Faria, the Rebels have ’19 OF Slade Simmons returning. In the Finals, Simmons went 3-5 with an RBI in Game 1. G.W. Long definitely has the firepower to win their 3^rd straight State Championship in 2A.

Thorsby

After a run to the State Semifinals last year, the Rebels are poised for another great season. The Rebels swept through their first 3 playoff matchups, but ran out of gas in the semifinals to Mars Hill Bible. Thorsby returns one of their top dogs on the mound in ’19 LHP/1B Trent Jones who has seen his fastball run up to the upper 80’s. They also return a very intriguing prospect in ’21 C/RHP Tanner Jones. In 2018, he saw significant playing time as a freshman on the mound and at the plate. In the latest '21 Player Rankings, Tanner is ranked #35 (#5 C) in his respective class. Look for these two players to lead the Rebels in 2019.

Other Teams to Watch

Phil Campbell

J.U. Blacksher

Falkville

Section

Ariton

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