The high school season is finally upon us after a long off-season, which means the second-annual PBR AL Kickoff Classic is just a few short days away. This event will be hosting 14 of the top Alabama high school programs to kick-off the 2023 high school baseball season. Action will take place at four host sites in the Birmingham, AL area, including Hoover HS, Mountain Brook HS, Spain Park HS, and Vestavia Hills HS on Friday, February 17th and Saturday, February 18th. Each team will play a single game on Friday and a doubleheader on Saturday. We've decided to take an in-depth look at each team that includes a brief preview for the spring, their preseason PBR classification rankings, their 2022 finish & much more.

If you want to see the full schedule for this Friday & Saturday, CLICK HERE.

To purchase tickets to see these teams in action this week, CLICK HERE for Friday tickets ($7) & CLICK HERE for Saturday tickets ($7). A single ticket gets that individual into all four sites (Hoover HS, Mountain Brooks HS, Spain Park HS, Vestavia Hills HS) and is valid for that whole day. 

In addition to this preview, we've also recorded and released an "Around the State" podcast episode that talks about much more ahead of this event. CLICK HERE to listen to the full episode.

 

+ Bob Jones Patriots

Head Coach: Jared Smith
Team Twitter: @BJHSBaseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 8
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 6
2022 Finish: Class 7A Elite 8
Schedule:

• Bob Jones vs. Central-Phenix City (Friday, 6:30 PM, Hoover HS)
• Bob Jones vs. Hoover (Saturday, 10:00 AM, Hoover HS)
• Bob Jones vs. Oxford (Saturday, 12:30 PM, Hoover HS)

+ The Bob Jones Patriots should once again be very solid this spring after sweeping through their area a season ago and reaching the Elite in Class 7A.  With multiple frontline arms returning back and some key offensive pieces back in the lineup, the Patriots look to be a strong contender in the state's largest classification and will look to get off to a good start this weekend. RHP/3B Braden Booth (Mississippi State, 2024) and RHP Sam Mitchell (Alabama, 2023) are the two biggest names returning for the Patriots and will once again anchor their pitching staff. Booth, a Top-5 prospect in the junior class in AL, possesses a dynamic two-way skill set using a low-90's fastball and a gap-to-gap power at the plate, while Mitchell, who is ranked inside the Top-20 in the senior class in AL, is a big 6-foot-6, 210-pounder that has a fastball that operates in upper-80's with solid secondaries to compliment. SS/RHP Nate Mayfield (Coastal Alabama-East CC, 2023), OF/RHP Sammy Vander Hill (Virginia Military Institute, 2023), and OF/RHP CJ Bush (Coastal Alabama-East CC, 2023) are a trio of seniors that were key offensive producers a season ago, while OF/2B Jacob Pearl (2024) will be solid addition to their lineup this spring. In addition to Booth and Mitchell on the mound, LHP Benjamin Arn (2023) and RHP Tanner Hermesch (2025) will also throw meaningful innings on the mound for the Patriots. C/RHP Zack Johnson (2025) is one of their top younger prospects in the program, and will look to make his impact this spring.

+ Central-Phenix City Red Devils

Head Coach: AJ Kehoe
Team Twitter: @CenPC_Baseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 4
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 2
2022 Finish: Class 7A State Champions
Schedule:

• Central-Phenix City vs. Bob Jones (Friday, 6:30 PM, Hoover HS)
• Central-Phenix City vs. Gardendale (Saturday, 11:30 AM, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Central-Phenix City vs. Helena (Saturday, 2:00 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)

+ Central-Phenix City capped off a historic 2022 campaign winning the last two games of the series to capture a Class 7A State Championship a season ago, and will look to get the 2023 season off to a good start this weekend. The Red Devils had a stellar senior class that graduated last spring, but still bring back some key contributors from last year's team and some talented newer faces looking to make their impact at the varsity level this spring. C Colton Wombles (Auburn, 2023) will provide an immediate boost both at the plate and behind the disk in his first season in the Red Devils' program. Wombles, a Top-5 prospect in the senior class in AL, has consistently shown the ability to drive the ball to all parts of the field from the right side of the plate, while also being an elite defender at the catching position with some of the best catch-and-throw ability in the country. OF/RHP Jax Yoxtheimer (Alabama-Birmingham, 2023) returns after earning Class 7A 1st Team All-State Honors a season ago and was named the Class 7A Series MVP for his performance both at the plate and on the mound in Game 3 against Hewitt-Trussville. The left-hander will look to continue to lead the charge offensively while serving as one of their top run-producers in the heart of the lineup. 1B Landon Beaver (Alabama-Birmingham, 2024) and INF Carson Gilley (Southern Union CC, 2023) are two more experienced returners that are expected to have big years offensively this spring, while RHP/3B Hunter Wippert (2024) is a Top-40 prospect in the junior class in AL after playing a large role on the mound with his upper-80's fastball and at the plate. In addition to these returners mentioned above, the Red Devils certainly will rely on some other players for production this spring.

+ Chelsea Hornets

Head Coach: Michael Stallings
Team Twitter: @CHSHornetBBall
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, No. 7
Preseason Ranking: 7A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2022 Finish: Class 6A Elite 8
Schedule:

• Chelsea vs. Mountain Brook (Friday, 4:00 PM, Mountain Brook HS)
• Chelsea vs. Thompson (Saturday, 11:30 AM, Mountain Brook HS)
• Chelsea vs. Hartselle (Saturday, 2:00 PM, Mountain Brook HS)

+ Making the move from Class 6A to Class 7A this spring, the Chelsea Hornets have the makings of being a quality club once again this spring after reaching the Elite 8 a season ago. The Hornets seem to have a fairly deep roster of players for the 2023 season, including seven players that have either signed or committed to programs at the next level. OF Chris McNeill (Gadsden State CC, 2023) is a strong, athletic player who returns to the top of the order after being a catalyst for the Hornets' offense for the past few years. INF Jackson Morgan (Gadsden State CC, 2023) and C Walker Thomas (Gadsden State CC, 2023) are two more seniors headed to play at the college level after their senior seasons and are looking to be counted on as key offensive pieces to this year's lineup. RHP Kaden Heatherly (Montevallo, 2023) should anchor the pitching staff once again this spring after throwing plenty of meaningful innings a season ago, while names like RHP Brandon Ridderhoff (Wartburg, 2023) and RHP Steven Shelton (Marion Military CC, 2023) are sure to be solid options on their pitching staff, as well. OF Kaleb Hester (Mississippi State, 2024), a Top-10 prospect in the junior class in AL, will once again be a primary run-producer for the Hornets after being a key piece in their lineup over the last couple of years. Also looking for big campaigns as juniors this spring are INF/RHP Bryson Morman (2024), INF Jason Neal (2024), and RHP Logan Moller (2024).

+ Gardendale Rockets

Head Coach: Ryan Keedy
Team Twitter: @GdaleHSBaseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 11
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 7
2022 Finish: Class 6A 1st Round
Schedule:

• Gardendale vs. Thompson (Friday, 6:30, Mountain Brook HS)
• Gardendale vs. Vestavia Hills (Saturday, 9:00 AM, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Gardendale vs. Central-Phenix City (Saturday, 11:30 AM, Vestavia Hills HS)

+ The Gardendale Rockets will get the season started off this weekend playing a trio of quality Class 7A programs in this event, two of which who are ranked inside the Top-10 in the Class 7A Preseason Poll. The Rockets are coming off a season where they accumulated 25 wins and reached the Class 6A playoffs in a loaded field in 2022. C/3B Connor Hensley (Gadsden State CC, 2023) will look to make the move to behind the plate after playing third base for the last two seasons, and should one again be one of their top run-producers in the heart of the order. Hensley has a really strong arm from behind the plate and has gap-to-gap pop hitting from the right side of the plate. Another upperclassmen returner that will look to be a force once again in the heart of the order will be 1B Ty McGraw (Troy recruit, 2024), a former PBR Future Gamer from this past summer and Top-20 prospect in the junior class in AL. McGraw has a smooth, yet powerful swing from the left side with power to both gaps offensively. One big pitcher that will look to lead the charge once again in the rotation will be LHP Logan Fitzgerald (2024), who is a long and projectable 6-foot-4, 170-pounder and ranked inside the Top-70 in the junior class in AL. The junior southpaw works mostly in the low-80's with his fastball with excellent command for all of his secondary offerings, and is an elite competitor on the mound that challenges all hitters with his pitches. SS Cooper Jarvis (2024) will provide a much-needed boost to this year's team after missing all of last year's season due to injury after playing a big role during his freshman season. Jarvis, a Top-35 prospect in the junior class in AL, is a natural athlete that has shown the ability to play anywhere on the field defensively while hitting for average from the right side of the plate. One underclassmen the Rockets will rely on for the same type of offensive output he turned in a season ago will be 3B Caiden Combs (Auburn recruit, 2025). Combs is a dynamic prospect with advanced strength and athleticism for his size, and has immense pull-side power hitting from the right side of the plate. Combs, a Top-10 prospect in the sophomore class in AL, is a hard-worker that will no doubt be a key piece to this offense's success this spring. Players like OF/RHP Kyle Norris (2023), INF Bryson Barnes (2023), and others on this roster will to have a big impact this spring for the Rockets, as well.

+ Hartselle Tigers

Head Coach: William Booth
Team Twitter: @HHS_Baseball1
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 14
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 1
2022 Finish: Class 6A State Champions
Schedule:

• Hartselle vs. Oxford (Friday, 6:30, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Hartselle vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 2:00 PM, Mountain Brook HS)
• Hartselle vs. Mountain Brook (Saturday, 4:30 PM, Mountain Brook HS)

+ Coming off one of the more dominating seasons we've seen in recent years, the Hartselle Tigers looked poised once again for another deep playoff run after winning the Class 6A State Championship with a 39-4 record a season ago. Although there is some turnover on the mound, the Tigers' offensive looks to be one of the top groups across the state this spring. After attending this month's PBR Super 60, OF Coleman Mizell (Alabama, 2023) returns for his senior season as the No. 1-ranked player in the state and will look to have the same type of offensive success he experienced last spring. As a junior, Mizell posted .504/.586/.854 to go along with 10 HR's, 18 2B's, 56 RBI's, 25 BB's, and just 19 K's on the season. Another Tiger that attended the PBR Super 60 this month, LHP/OF Jack Smith (Arkansas, 2023) returns for his senior season ranked as the top-ranked southpaw in the state. Smith is a strong 6-foot-3, 215-pounder that has shown the ability to run his fastball up to 94 mph last spring to go along with a quality secondary mix of pitches in his arsenal. He will emerge as their ace on the pitching staff and will see his workload continue to increase this spring. Two more senior returners that will look to help lead the charge offensively this spring are INF/RHP Eli Tidwell (Northeast Shoals CC, 2023) and 1B/RHP Greyson Howard (2023). Tidwell is a table-setter at the the top of the order, while Howard has the ability to generate runs with his power hitting from the right side of the plate. Another player that will look to provide some power hitting in the heart of their order this spring will be OF/RHP Peyton Steele (Alabama, 2024), a Top-15 prospect in the junior class in AL who has served as a primary run-producer for the Tigers ever since his freshman season. Steele was another player on last year's roster that belted double-digit home runs and will be looked upon for the same type of offensive production this spring. Returning to the middle of the infield once again, MIF Josey Williamson (Alabama, 2024) and MIF Cade Miles (Jacksonville State, 2024) are two players that are ranked inside the Top-25 in the junior class in AL. Williamson is one of the top pure hitters in the state regardless of graduation class, while Miles is a consistent hitter in their order and a reliable defensive infielder at shortstop. C Cam Palahach (2024) is another junior returner that does an excellent job behind the plate handling the Tigers' pitching staff. A couple more players that will see their roles and workload increase this spring are RHP Isaac Nicholson (2023) and 1B/RHP Lawson Williams (2024). Nicholson will be a solid option in their pitching rotation after seeing some time on the mound last spring using a mid-80's fastball, while Williams will look to provide some power output this spring hitting from the left side of the plate.

+ Helena Huskies

Head Coach: PJ Guy
Team Twitter: @HelenaHuskiesBB
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 5
Preseason Ranking: 6A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2022 Finish: Class 6A Sweet 16
Schedule:

• Helena vs. Spain Park (Friday, 4:00 PM, Spain Park HS)
• Helena vs. Central-Phenix City (Saturday, 2:00 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Helena vs. Vestavia Hills (Saturday, 4:30 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)

+ The Helena Huskies have consistently been one of the top programs in Class 6A over the past seasons and will look to continue their streak of making runs throughout the playoffs starting this weekend. The Huskies always seem to have tough, hard-nosed teams that play quality competition during the regular season in hopes of preparing themselves for the most important part of their season at the end of the year. After winning their second-consecutive area title last spring, the Huskies reached the Sweet 16 in Class 6A and will look to have another strong season this spring. One of their key pieces returning to their order this spring will 1B Reece Mims (2024), who was named to the All-County 2nd Team as a designated hitter and has immense power hitting from the right side of the plate. Coming off a stellar season where he led the team in multiple offensive categories as a sophomore in a quality lineup, the junior will look to provide the same type of offensive output this spring hitting in the heart of the order and will be asked to be one of their primary run-producers. RHP Logan Barber (2024) is another player for the Huskies who received All-County Honors as Honorable Mention for his efforts on the mound. Pitching some big innings for last year's team as a sophomore, Barber will look to continue to be a quality arm in their pitching rotation this spring. Another pitcher that will throw some big innings this spring will be RHP Colton Willmon (2023) after missing some of last year's season due to injury and coming off of a strong summer. OF Jarret Scott (2025) is another piece offensively that is looking to build off of last season's success after hitting in their order as a freshman. Some more players to watch for this spring for the Huskies are C Ryan Rosener (2023), INF Caleb Higgins (2024), INF Camden Nunley (2023), OF/RHP Hayden Berry (2024), OF Hunter Hale (2024), RHP Brayden Dockery (Auburn, 2026), UTL Samuel Odom (2026), and others that are expected to contribute in a variety of ways season.

+ Hoover Buccaneers

Head Coach: Adam Moseley
Team Twitter: @Hoover_Baseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 5
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 1
2022 Finish: Class 7A 1st Round
Schedule:

• Hoover vs. Hueytown (Friday, 4:00 PM, Hoover HS)
• Hoover vs. Bob Jones (Saturday, 10:00 AM, Hoover HS)
• Hoover vs. Oxford (Saturday, 3:00 PM, Hoover HS)

+ The Hoover Buccaneers come into the 2023 season as one of the top teams in Class 7A with one of their more talented rosters in recent years. The Buccaneers are expected to be fairly deep both at the plate and on the mound with key returners coming back in both spots. After surpassing the 25-win total a season ago, they'll look to advance further throughout the playoffs this spring after reaching the Sweet 16 in Class 7A in 2022. UTL RJ Hamilton (Vanderbilt, 2023) headlines their talented roster and comes back for his senior season with valuable experience as a multi-year starter. Hamilton, a Top-5 ranked prospect in the senior class in AL, has been a catalyst over the past few years for the Buccaneers' offense with elite athleticism and the ability to drive the ball to all parts of the field. RHP Tyler Wilson (Auburn, 2023) is another senior that brings back tons of big innings on the mound over the past couple of seasons, and will look to help lead the charge on the mound this spring using an upper-80's fastball. C/SS Cade Carr (Samford, 2023) has come up for the Buccaneers in huge spots over the years and is a tough, hard-nosed player that can play multiple positions defensively. RHP/OF Samuel Schmidt (Troy, 2023) really emerged as a formidable arm last spring and continued to get better throughout the course of the summer. Schmidt has an upper-80's fastball to go along with a wipeout slider in his arsenal. In addition to Wilson and Schmidt on the mound, RHP Brewer Smith (2023), RHP/SS Colin Rengering (2023), and RHP Mason Blasche (2024) are a trio of upperclassmen right-handers who will be sure to throw big innings this spring for the Buccaneers this spring, as well. C/1B Will Lawrence (Samford, 2023) and OF Andrew Pitts (2024) also return to this year's roster and will look for their roles to expand this spring after seeing quality playing time a season ago. Although this year's team will feature tons of upperclassmen that have valuable experience at the varsity level over the past few years, Hoover has some stellar young prospects looking to make their impact this spring. Some of those underclassmen to watch for this year are 3B/RHP Ma'Kale Holden (Alabama, 2025), INF Jaxson Wood (Tennessee, 2026), and 1B/LHP Will Adams (Alabama, 2026). Look for some other players on this year's team to also play integral roles in addition to these players mentioned.

+ Hueytown Golden Gophers

Head Coach: Billy Chandler
Team Twitter: @GoldenGopherBB
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 8
Preseason Ranking: 6A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2022 Finish: Class 6A Elite 8
Schedule:

• Hueytown vs. Hoover (Friday, 4:00 PM, Hoover HS)
• Hueytown vs. Stanhope Elmore (Saturday, 12:30 PM, Spain Park HS)
• Hueytown vs. Spain Park (Saturday, 3:00 PM, Spain Park HS)

+ The Hueytown Golden Gophers are coming off another deep playoff run a season where reaching the Elite 8 in a loaded field in Class 7A, Although they do experience a bit of roster turnover from a season ago, there are plenty of returning juniors and seniors who will look to build off of last year's success and help lead the way this spring. Looking to take over the reigns of their pitching staff, LHP John Michael Pickens (Shelton State CC, 2023) has been a key pitcher for this program for over the last few years. The southpaw operates with his fastball in the mid-80's with a wipeout slider that works well off of his heater. He consistently pounds the zone with all of his pitches and misses barrels with his arsenal. UTL Aaron Wallace (Gadsden State CC, 2023) is one top offensive producer returning from last year's team, and he will continue to look to lead the charge offensively after a strong junior campaign. The senior has come through for the Golden Gophers in some big moments over the past few seasons, and will look to do the same this spring. Two more seniors who will looked upon to be leaders for this club this spring will be 1B Sylas Amick (2023) and SS Carson Barry (2023). Amick is a power-hitting first baseman that has shown the ability drive the ball to all fields with power and has delivered in some key moments for the Golden Gophers, while Barry returns as their starting shortstop from a season ago and will look to build off of a solid junior campaign. INF Daniel Watkins (2023) is another returning senior that will look to expand his role this spring and be another offensive producer for the Golden Gophers this spring, in addition to some other players on the roster.

+ Mountain Brook Spartans

Head Coach: Lee Gann
Team Twitter: @MB_Baseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 9
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 3
2022 Finish: Class 6A Sweet 16
Schedule:

• Mountain Brook vs. Chelsea (Friday, 4:00 PM, Mountain Brook HS)
• Mountain Brook vs. Thompson (Saturday, 9:00 AM, Mountain Brook HS)
• Mountain Brook vs. Hartselle (Saturday, 4:30 PM, Mountain Brook HS)

+ The Mountain Brook Spartans will be another quality club in a loaded Class 6A field with lots of pieces coming back both at the plate and on the mound. The Spartans were able to reach the Sweet 16 a season ago before being eliminated by the eventual Class 6A State Champion Hartselle Tigers, but played them fairly closely in both games and will look to build off of last year's success. OF/LHP Gabe Young (Jacksonville State, 2023) is a top returning middle-of-the-order hitter who has continued to get better and improve his game over the past few years. Hitting from the left side, the senior has big power to both gaps and can also run his fastball into the mid-to-upper-80's, as well. SS Walker Allen (Snead State CC, 2023) has been the Spartans' shortstop for the past couple of years and will look to have a strong senior season. OF/RHP John Robicheaux (Samford, 2024) returns this spring looking to have the same type of success he experienced a season ago both at the plate and on the mound. During his sophomore season, the right-hander was near the top of their pitching rotation and was also a key offensive contributor, as well. OF Trent Wright (Pearl River CC, 2023) has premium power from the right side and should slide back into the middle of the order. He should be back to full-strength to start the year after suffering an injury in the fall. RHP Jack Thomas Kelly (Wallace-Hanceville CC, 2023) and RHP Charlie Berryman (Snead State CC, 2023) are two solid senior options on the mound with fastball's that work into the upper-80's, while RHP/3B Ford Moffatt (2023) should also throw some meaningful innings. SS James Graphos (2024) is one of the top uncommitted juniors in AL and is expected to have another strong spring after playing an integral role last season as a sophomore. The left-hander has a smooth swing at the plate while also being a reliable infielder up the middle. 1B Drew Bodnar (2024) and SS Wyatt Swanson (2024) are two more juniors to watch for this spring, while 3B/RHP Caleb Barnett (Alabama, 2025) moves in from PA and has a chance to make a big impact this spring.

+ Oxford Yellow Jackets

Head Coach: Wes Brooks
Team Twitter: @OldGoldBB
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 13
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 2
2022 Finish: Class 6A Sweet 16
Schedule:

• Oxford vs. Hartselle (Friday, 6:30 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Oxford vs. Bob Jones (Saturday, 12:30 PM, Hoover HS)
• Oxford vs. Hoover (Saturday, 3:00 PM, Hoover HS)

+ The Oxford Yellow Jackets come into the 2023 season with a roster that looks to be as balanced as it's been over the past few years. After reaching the Sweet 16 a season ago, hopes are high once again this spring to advance even further throughout the Class 6A playoffs. Returning most of their offensive firepower, the Yellow Jackets have three shortstops that can play anywhere on the infield. The first of those is SS Sam Robertson (Auburn, 2023), who is ranked inside the Top-20 in the senior class in AL and one of the top athletes across the state. The senior right-hander has been a staple in their lineup ever since his sophomore season and will look to lead the way in his final year of his high school career. Another talented infielder returning for the Yellow Jackets will be SS/RHP Peyton Watts (Troy, 2023), who is one of the top left-handed hitters in the state. Watts, a Top-25 prospect in the senior class in AL who will also throw some innings on the mound this spring, has come up for the Yellow Jackets in some key situations over the past few years and is expected to be one of their primary leaders in the clubhouse, as well. There aren't many players across the state of AL that increased their stock and made such significant progress over the past six months than SS/RHP Carter Johnson (Alabama, 2024). Johnson, a Top-10 prospect in the junior class in AL, is going to be a big piece for the Yellow Jackets this spring both at the plate and on the mound. Ever since being inserted into the lineup during his freshman season, the junior has been a key offensive producer and a top pitcher in the rotation, as well. Another senior leader that returns to this year's roster after playing an integral role on last year's team will be 1B/LHP Hayes Harrison (Northwest Shoals CC, 2023). Harrison is another key two-way piece for the Yellow Jackets that will once again be slated in the heart of their order this spring, while also being a key arm in their rotation. RHP Drew McCormick (Jacksonville State, 2023) has really come on as of late, and is expected to be near the top of their pitching rotation. OF RJ Brooks (2024) is one of the top uncommitted juniors in the state of AL and is looking for a breakout junior campaign, while players like RHP Jackson Crow (East Mississippi CC, 2023), C Forrest Heacock (2024), OF Nick Richardson (2024), RHP/OF Eli Bozeman (2025), C/RHP Hudson Gilman (2025), and others will be players to watch for the Yellow Jackets.

+ Spain Park Jaguars

Head Coach: Will Smith
Team Twitter: @SPJagBaseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 6
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 9
2022 Finish: Missed 7A Playoffs
Schedule:

• Spain Park vs. Helena (Friday, 4:00 PM, Spain Park HS)
• Spain Park vs. Stanhope Elmore (Saturday, 10:00 AM, Spain Park HS)
• Spain Park vs. Hueytown (Saturday, 3:00 PM, Spain Park HS)

+ The Spain Park Jaguars unfortunately missed out on last year's Class 7A playoffs by being the odd man out and finishing third in their area standings behind Hewitt-Trussville and Vestavia Hills. Their area was one of the more difficult and competitive ones throughout the state with both teams reaching the Final 4 and Hewitt-Trussville making it to the state finals. They do, however, bring back a strong core of returning juniors and seniors that bring back valuable experience playing in the largest classification in the state. 3B Cole Edwards (Auburn, 2023) and OF Jacob Tobias (Lipscomb, 2023) are a pair of power hitters that return to the middle of the Jaguars' order. Both players are ranked inside the Top-35 in the senior class in AL, and will once again look to be their offensive leaders in terms of driving runs in this spring. OF Ryan Cole (2023) will also be a player that the Jaguars will look to generate runs after having a stellar campaign last year as a junior. The right-hander has shown the ability to drive the ball to all fields and will be a quality hitter in the middle of their order once again. MIF Evan Smallwood (Jacksonville State, 2023) has been a key piece to their offense over the past couple of years and will look to have the same impact this spring. Hitting near the top of the order, the right-hander has excellent speed and helps set the table and get on base for the middle of the order to drive him in. C Clay Spencer (2023) and RHP/OF JohnRobert Thompson (2023) are two more senior returners that had a large impact on last year's team. Spencer showed glimpses of power last spring while handling their staff behind the plate, and Thompson delivered some key innings on the mound. A few more players to watch for the Jaguars this spring are OF Matthew Widra (2024), SS James Battersby (2024), and OF Chapman Blevins, in addition to other players on their roster.

+ Stanhope Elmore Mustangs

Head Coach: DK Shuman
Team Twitter: @SE_Baseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 3
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 4
2022 Finish: Class 6A Elite 8
Schedule:

• Stanhope Elmore vs. Vestavia Hills (Friday, 4:00 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Stanhope Elmore vs. Spain Park (Saturday, 10:00 AM, Spain Park HS)
• Stanhope Elmore vs. Hueytown (Saturday, 12:30 PM, Spain Park HS)

+ The Stanhope Elmore Mustangs seemed to get better as the season went on last year and looked like they began to play their best baseball of the season when it counted. After reaching the Elite 8 last spring in Class 6A, the Mustangs look to be one of the more experienced teams across the state in 2023. RHP/SS Zach Stevens (South Alabama, 2023) is a frontline arm that can run his fastball into the low-90's while featuring one of the better secondary arsenals in the state with his primary offering being a wipeout slider. He punched out 84 hitters a season ago while compiling a 2.74 ERA in the process. Stevens is a four-year starter that will also provide some offensive production in their lineup, as well. Another key returning piece for the Mustangs this spring will be LHP/OF Colin Woodham (Jacksonville State, 2023), who led the team in multiple categories on the mound a season ago. The southpaw operates in the low-to-mid-80's with his fastball to go along with excellent pitchability and feel for his secondary offerings. He is also a four-year starter that punched out 91 hitters while compiling a 1.65 ERA. Four-year starter OF Chase Williams (Alabama-Birmingham, 2023) is an athletic, do-it-all type player that will return to the top of the order this spring. Williams has been a big piece to their offense serving as a catalyst in their lineup after hitting .475 in batting average and a 1.160 OPS last year as a junior. Two more senior returners that bring back multiple years of starting experience at the varsity level will be 3B/RHP Colton Walls (Troy, 2023) and RHP/OF Evan Duncan (Gulf Coast CC, 2023). Both of these players return to the heart of the order for the Mustangs and will also be quality options on the mound using upper-80's fastballs. Walls served primarily as their cleanup hitter last spring and hit 7 HR's with a 1.134 OPS to go along with a 1.33 ERA on the mound, while Duncan also belted 7 HR's with a 1.230 OPS and a 1.73 ERA on the mound. A few more notable returners to this year's roster are OF Tevin Landrum (2023), OF/RHP Brodie Cockrell (2023), and INF Hayden Anderson (2026). Landrum is another three-year starter, while Cockrell and Anderson took quality at-bat's offensively last spring. Some other upperclassmen who are expected to make an impact on this year's team will be LHP Winston Person (2023), RHP Matthew Gainey (2023), and C/RHP TJ Lambert (2023). Person is a low-80's southpaw that posted a 1.35 ERA a season ago, while Gainey and newly-added Lambert are expected to take over important roles for the Mustangs. RHP Dylan Dent (2024) is another quality option out of the bullpen that features a mid-80's sinker to go along with a sharp breaking ball. Some younger players for the Mustangs to watch for this spring will be LHP Tyler Woodham (2025), LHP/1B Jackson Stallworth (2025), and OF/RHP Cavarous Ellis (2026).

+ Thompson Warriors

Head Coach: Frankie Perez
Team Twitter: @ThompsonBaseba1
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 5
Preseason Ranking: 7A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2022 Finish: Missed 7A Playoffs
Schedule:

• Thompson vs. Gardendale (Friday, 6:30 PM, Mountain Brook HS)
• Thompson vs. Mountain Brook (Saturday, 9:00 AM, Mountain Brook HS)
• Thompson vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 11:30 AM, Mountain Brook HS)

+ The Thompson Warriors were another talented team, like Spain Park, a season ago that ultimately missed the Class 7A playoffs but still enjoyed a strong season. Returning most of their key pieces, especially on the offensive side, the Warriors will once again look to be in the mix in Class 7A at the end of the year. 1B/RHP Ben Pearman (Snead State CC, 2023) returns with probably the most experience at the varsity level than any player on this roster after playing a key role for the Warriors over the past few seasons. The senior has delivered in some key spots using his power to all parts of the field and will look to do the same once again this spring. OF Drake McBride (Troy, 2024) is a returning offensive leader that will look to have the same type of success that he experienced last year in his sophomore campaign. The right-hander and Top-15 ranked player in the junior class in AL showed plenty of power and will be counted on for more this spring. Moving in this year and expecting to make a big impact, SS Peryn Bland (Troy, 2024) is ranked as one of the top shortstops in the junior class in AL after will certainly be a big piece in this lineup. 1B Tucker Arrington (2024) is another junior that returns after hitting in the middle of the order a season ago as a sophomore. He will be another player for the Warriors who will look to drive in runs consistently this spring. A few more players to watch for that will play integral roles for this year's team will are INF Mac Bowman (Gadsden State CC, 2023) and 3B Miles Mitchell (East Mississippi CC, 2023), RHP Zachary Wyatt (Montevallo, 2023), and RHP Landon Alton (Marion Military CC, 2023).

+ Vestavia Hills Rebels

Head Coach: Jamie Harris
Team Twitter: @1RebelBaseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 5
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 5
2022 Finish: Class 7A Final 4
Schedule:

• Vestavia Hills vs. Stanhope Elmore (Friday, 4:00 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Vestavia Hills vs. Gardendale (Saturday, 9:00 AM, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Vestavia Hills vs. Helena (Saturday, 4:30 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)

+ The Vestavia Hills Rebels really seemed to start to put this together and play their best baseball when it counted at the end of the year last year while reaching the Final 4 in Class 7A. Looking for that same type of success this spring, the Rebels once again look to be a strong club heading into this spring. C Hudson Walburn (Jacksonville State, 2023) is a multi-year starter that brings back plenty of veteran leadership and offensive production to this year's lineup, while OF Christopher Johnston (Auburn, 2023) also has plenty of power hitting from the right side and will look to cap off his high school career with a strong senior season. UTL Jackson Harris (Samford, 2023) will be another senior leader for the Rebels that brings back multiple years of starting experience and will be a key piece in their lineup offensively. 3B/C John Paul Head (Alabama-Birmingham, 2024) is another returning upperclassmen that really emerged as a power threat during last year's season, and will look to be one of their primary run-producers once again this spring. INF Mason Perrigo (Duke, 2024) will be another player who is expected to contribute to their offensive efforts this spring, while other players like OF Grant Downey (2023), SS Will Cox (2023), OF John Martin Richter (2023), and INF William Peerson (2023) will play quality roles as seniors. On the mound, the Rebels seem to have some quality depth throughout their pitching staff and has the makings of being a strong unit. RHP Ryan Vermillion (Jacksonville State, 2023) should be one of their top arms in the rotation, while pitchers like LHP Jable Ramey (Huntingdon, 2023), RHP Aiden Black (2023), LHP Barrett Harper (2023), RHP Matthew Ledbetter (2024), LHP Bruce Littleton (2025), and LHP Chase Rafferty (2025) are all solid options on their staff, as well.

 

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