The high school season is finally upon us after a long off-season, which means the third annual Prep Baseball Alabama 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 2024 high school baseball season. Action will take place at four host sites in the Birmingham, AL area, including Gardendale HS, Hoover HS, Spain Park HS, and Vestavia Hills HS on Friday, February 16th and Saturday, February 17th. 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 classification rankings, their 2023 finish & much more.

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

To purchase GoFan tickets to see these teams in action this week, CLICK HERE for Friday tickets ($8) & CLICK HERE for Saturday tickets ($8). Cash at the gate will be priced $10. A single ticket gets that individual into all four sites (Gardendale HS, Hoover 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 watch 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. 3
2023 Finish: Class 7A Elite 8
Schedule:

• Bob Jones vs. Etowah (Friday, 6:30 PM, Gardendale HS)
• Bob Jones vs. Hartselle (Saturday, 10:00 AM, Hoover HS)
• Bob Jones vs. Central-Phenix City (Saturday, 3:00 PM, Hoover HS)

+ The Patriots have won back-to-back Area 8 Championships and have reached the Elite 8 the last two seasons. Surpassing the 30-win mark a season ago, the Patriots hosted the 1st round of the playoffs against Chelsea and won that series in three games to set up a highly-anticipated matchup against Thompson, who was ranked No. 1 going into the playoffs. In an incredible three-game series, Bob Jones ultimately came up short with the tying and go-ahead runs on base in the bottom of the last inning to close their season with a 36-12 record. The Patriots, who reached the Final 4 in 2018 and finished as the runner-up in 2019, are looking to bust down the door this spring and certainly have the talent to do so on paper. 3B/RHP Braden Booth (Mississippi State, 2024) is one of the more dynamic two-way players in the state and is a multi-year starter both at the plate and on the mound. He affects the game in so many ways, and is once again going to be a huge piece in their success moving forward this season. C Zackary Johnson (Alabama, 2025) is another elite hitter in the heart of the order and does an excellent job handling their arms behind the plate. Johnson, a former PBR Future Games alumni, enjoyed a breakout sophomore season and looks poised for an even bigger spring. UTL Jacob Pearl (Montevallo, 2024) is sort of a swiss army knife who can do multiple things on the field, including playing multiple positions and using his speed and athleticism to affect the game, while 1B/LHP Reece Cato (2024) also delivered some big swings for the Patriots last season, and is looking to do more of the same this year as a returning senior. 3B/RHP Greshman Baker (Bevill State CC, 2024) can absolutely fly on the basepaths, and should either play third base or in the outfield defensively. RHP/3B Tanner Hermesch (2025) and RHP Jack Shaw (2025) are two more upperclassmen who will be relied on heavily on the mound. Both operate in the low-80's and threw a good amount of innings last year, but will see their workload increase in 2024. RHP Gage Wilson (2024) is another solid option in the stable who will provide depth on the mound, while OF/LHP Dillon Adkins (Tennessee, 2025) is a transfer from out of state who is sure to be an impact player on both sides this spring. A top-5 player in the 2025 class in AL, Adkins is a high-contact left-handed bat with good feel for the sweet spot. UTL Myles Hammonds (2025) is another junior who looks due for a breakout season, while Robert Chatmon II (2025) and UTL/RHP Camden Martin (2025) two more juniors to watch for 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. 5
2023 Finish: Class 7A Runner-up
Schedule:

• Central-Phenix City vs. Saraland (Friday, 6:30 PM, Spain Park HS)
• Central-Phenix City vs. Hoover (Saturday, 12:30 PM, Hoover HS)
• Central-Phenix City vs. Bob Jones (Saturday, 3:00 PM, Hoover HS)

+ The Red Devils were ranked inside the top-5 in Class 7A for the entirety of the season in 2023, as they rolled through the regular season while accumulating some noteworthy wins over some of the top programs in the southeast. After winning a difficult area with four quality teams, the Red Devils took series against Daphne, Enterprise, and Smiths Station to reach the Class 7A State Championship series, where they matched up with Vestavia Hills. In what was a thrilling series that came down the Game 3, they were unfortunately eliminated to end their season with an impressive 34-11 record. Looking at this year's team, they should feature a balanced lineup from top to bottom and should boast solid athleticism. 1B Landon Beaver (Alabama-Birmingham, 2024) is one of the top left-handed bats in the state and returns for his third season at the varsity level. The senior has delivered big hits throughout his career and will look to do more of the same this spring as he leads the offense. 3B/RHP Hunter Wippert (Chattahoochee Valley CC, 2024) is a two-way player who also has multiple years of experience at the varsity level. He's shown the ability to run his fastball into the upper-80's and has good pop from the right side of the plate. INF Cason Page (2024) is another returning starter from last year who should provide valuable contributions, while OF Emory Yohn (2025) also returns to the lineup after a strong sophomore season and is regarded as one of the top uncommitted outfielders in the junior class in AL. INF Sam Brown (2025) is a talented newcomer who should find a spot on the infield and hit in the heart of their order, while C Cooper Kehoe (2025) and OF/LHP Briggs Cameron (2025) also look poised for strong seasons as juniors.

+ Chelsea Hornets

Head Coach: Michael Stallings
Team Twitter: @CHSHornetBBall
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 6
Preseason Ranking: 7A "Just Outside the Top-10"
2023 Finish: Class 7A Sweet 16
Schedule:

• Chelsea vs. Helena (Friday, 6:30 PM, Hoover HS)
• Chelsea vs. Etowah (Saturday, 12:30 PM, Gardendale HS)
• Chelsea vs. Gardendale (Saturday, 3:00 PM, Gardendale HS)

+ The Hornets moved up to Class 7A last season and were slotted in one of the toughest areas in the state, regardless of classiciation, with Spain Park, Hewitt-Trussville, and Oak Mountain. They looked to start playing their best baseball down the stretch, and while they didn't have the flashiest record sitting around .500, the finished as the runner-up in that area and traveled on the road to Bob Jones in the 1st round of the playoffs. The Patriots had been one of the hottest teams in Class 7A, and while the Hornets gave them a difficult series pushing it to three games, they were eliminated and closed their season with a 20-20 record. This year, they return four positional starters and five pitchers and will look to be playing well once area play rolls around. RHP Logan Moller (Tennessee Tech, 2024) returns to the pitching staff as the ace, featuring an upper-80's fastball and plenty of experience under his belt after throwing some important innings as a junior a season ago. Offensively, players like INF/RHP Paxton Stallings (2025), OF/LHP Aiden Hughes (2025), C/RHP Cade Mims (2025), and OF/LHP Aiden Craven (2026) return to the lineup after playing big roles last spring and will look to lead the way this spring. RHP Grant Hill (2026) is a top-10 prospect in the sophomore class in AL, and has a chance to throw some big innings on the mound, while LHP Payton Hunsaker (2025) and RHP/INF Branson Hogan (2026) are two more talented arms who should play vital roles this spring. OF Anderson Brooks (2024), INF/RHP Chase Lackey (2025), OF Mack Breazeale (2025), and INF/RHP Jackson Price (2026) are a few more pieces who are expected to see their roles increase this spring, and have the talent to make a sizable impact at the varsity level.

+ Etowah Blue Devils

Head Coach: Blake Bone
Team Twitter: @EtowahBaseball2
Classification, Area No.: Class 4A, Area 14
Preseason Ranking: 4A No. 1
2023 Finish: Class 4A State Champions
Schedule:

• Etowah vs. Bob Jones (Friday, 6:30 PM, Gardendale HS)
• Etowah vs. Gardendale (Saturday, 10:00 AM, Gardendale HS)
• Etowah vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 12:30 PM, Gardendale HS)

+ The Blue Devils enjoyed a historic season last year, and culminated with them being the last team standing in Class 4A and hoisting the Blue Map. After falling in the State Championship series to Mobile Christian the year prior, it seemed they were ready for the task and delivered in the big moments and getting strong pitching during the series. They'll look to repeat this spring, but once again, it won't be easy as there are numerous talented programs in Class 4A all aiming to capture the state title. Although they lost some key contributors last season, including LHP/OF Caleb Freeman to graduation, the Blue Devils still bring back a good amount of starters from last year. Starting at the top, RHP/INF Jameson Scissum (Mississippi State, 2025) is coming off a storybook season after being named the Most Valuable Player in the Class 4A State Championship series last year. Scissum, a former PBR Future Games alumni, possesses an upper-80's fastball and a wipeout slider on the mound and returns as their ace after going 9-1 the past two seasons. He'll also be one of their top hitters in the lineup, as well. INF Slade St. Clair (2024) is another strong returner who posted a batting average of .300 and was second on the team in RBI's with 30. He's a strong defender as well, only committing four errors during last year's season. INF/RHP Baylor Morrison (2027) is one of the top freshman in the state of AL and played a vital role on last year's team as an eighth-grader. He should slide over to play shortstop this spring and contribute heaveily on the offensive side. OF Cash Hayes (2025) and RHP/INF Damon Devine (2025) are two more returning upperclassmen who helped lead the way last season. Hayes was second on the team with an OBP close to the .500 mark, while Devine was their closer and is likely to moving into a starter's role on the rotation. OF Bodie Bennett (2024) and INF Luke Filetti (2024) are expected to see their role expand this season, while RHP/INF Bennett Reaves (2025), and OF/C Connor Dingler (2025) will be major factors in a variety of ways for the Blue Devils this spring. LHP/OF Tracy Gaddis, Jr. (2025) is an impact transfer who should help out on the mound this season and in the outfield, as he possesses a low-to-mid 80's fastball on the mound. Some underclassmen to watch for this spring are C Bradley Pleger (2026), RHP Brock Billingsley (2027), OF/RHP Jayden Overstreet (2027), C Jaxen Morgan (2027), RHP Landon Ward (2027), RHP/1B Cash Burns (2027), C Jayen Kimbrill (2027), RHP/INF Avery Haynes (2027), and INF Owen Bernard (2027).

+ Gardendale Rockets

Head Coach: Ryan Keedy
Team Twitter: @GdaleHSBaseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 11
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 7
2023 Finish: Class 6A Elite 8
Schedule:

• Gardendale vs. Hartselle (Friday, 4:00 PM, Gardendale HS)
• Gardendale vs. Etowah (Saturday, 10:00 AM, Gardendale HS)
• Gardendale vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 3:00 PM, Gardendale HS)

+ The Rockets have really blossomed into one of the more consistent programs over the past few seasons in Class 6A, as they're always reaching the postseason and reaching the later rounds of the playoffs in a very difficult classification. Last season, they advanced to the Elite 8 by beating Pell City and Hazel Green, but were unfortunately eliminated by Cullman in three games to close their season with a 25-13 record. With most of those players from that playoff team coming back, the Rockets look primed to be in the upper echelon of teams in Class 6A this spring. 1B/RHP Ty McGraw (Troy, 2024) brings back multiple years of varsity experience this season, and should drive in tons of runs for the Rockets in the heart of their order. He's one of the top power hitters in the state and also has a great eye at the plate. SS Cooper Jarvis (Gadsden State CC, 2024) is another senior who is expected to once again play a vital role both on and off the field. He's a catalyst and leader for this team and has some sneaky power from the right side of the plate. 3B/RHP Caiden Combs (Auburn, 2025) is another run-producing bat coming back to the heart of their order. Combs, a multi-sport prospect, is a freaky athlete with impressive strength and uses it to hit for tons of power. LHP/OF Logan Fitzgerald (Bishop State CC, 2024) is the unquestioned ace of the pitching staff with tons of innings at the varsity level over the past few years. He's a prototypical southpaw with pitch-ability and throws nothing that stays straight. Looking at some more upperclassmen, C Easton Kleyn (Montevallo, 2024) and OF/RHP Bo Bachtel (Miles College, 2024) are a pair of seniors who should bolster the lineup with Bachtel adding some depth on the mound, while INF Carson Burdette (2025), UTL Adam Yazel (2025), OF Jackson Firestone (2025), C Carter Jenkins (2025), LHP/1B Braden Chapple (2025) and RHP/UTL Rowan Warmack (2025) are all juniors who are expected to contribute heavily in a variety of ways this spring.

+ Hartselle Tigers

Head Coach: William Booth
Team Twitter: @HartselleBSB
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 14
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 3
2023 Finish: Class 6A Elite 8
Schedule:

• Hartselle vs. Gardendale (Friday, 4:00 PM, Gardendale HS)
• Hartselle vs. Bob Jones (Saturday, 10:00 AM, Hoover HS)

+ 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.

+ Helena Huskies

Head Coach: PJ Guy
Team Twitter: @HelenaHuskiesBB
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 5
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 5
2023 Finish: Class 6A Sweet 16
Schedule:

• Helena vs. Chelsea (Friday, 6:30 PM, Hoover HS)
• Helena vs. Oxford (Saturday, 10:00 AM, Spain Park HS)
• Helena vs. Spain Park (Saturday, 12:30 PM, Spain Park HS)

+ Debuting at No. 5 in our preseason poll in Class 6A, we obviously expect the Huskies to have a strong season this year. Bringing back seven positional returners and seven pitchers who saw time on the mound last spring, you have to like the way this season is shaping up if you're a fan of the Huskies. Last year, although entering the playoffs with a 12-18 record, the Huskies were much better than that record reflected, as they played some of the best teams in Alabama throughout the regular season. After winning their area, Helena hosted the 1st round of the playoffs and swept Wetumpka to advance to the Sweet 16, where they would face Saraland. The Huskies, however, were eliminated in two games to close their season with a 14-20 record. This year, expectations continue to rise with a talented and experienced roster coming back for another season. 3B Braydon Kendrick (2024) returns as the leading hitter from last year as a sophomore and is hoping to replicate last year's season with a higher volume of power output this year. OF/LHP Jarret Scott (2025) has been as consistent as they come for the Huskies and has been an everyday starter since his freshman season. Expect him to contribute on both sides of the ball this spring. OF John Martin Williamson (2024) is an elite defender patrolling center field and really made significant strides offensively towards the end of the last year. They're expecting big things from him this season, while RHP Logan Barber (Lawson State CC, 2024) and RHP Brayden Dockery (Auburn, 2026) are a pair of top returning arms from last year's pitching staff. Barber has tons of experience and looks back to full strength after missing some of last year due to injury, while Dockery is a top-15 prospect in 2026 class in AL and has a chance to be a special arm this season. OF/RHP Hayden Berry (2024), SS Caleb Higgins (Lawson State CC, 2024), and 1B Reece Mims (2024) are three more senior returners who are going to be big pieces to their offensive success this season, as well. Looking at some other upperclassmen who are expected to contribute and step into bigger roles this season are RHP/1B Bennett Plowden (2024), INF Ty Stricklin (2024), RHP/3B Carson Acker (2024), C Nick Peters (2025), RHP Austin Acosta (2025), RHP John Englezos (2025), and RHP Brody Butler (2025). All should be important pieces this spring whether it be on the mound or at the plate, and hopes to provide some valuable contributions on both sides of the ball for the Huskies. OF Davis Kelley (2026) and C Samuel Odom (2026) are a pair of sophomores who should compete for playing time on a team that features heavy amount of juniors and seniors. Both are very talented and have a chance to lead this spring, whether it be this spring or over the next couple of years.

+ Hoover Buccaneers

Head Coach: Adam Moseley
Team Twitter: @Hoover_Baseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 5
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 7
2023 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Schedule:

• Hoover vs. Oak Mountain (Friday, 4:00 PM, Hoover HS)
• Hoover vs. Central-Phenix City (Saturday, 12:30 PM, Hoover HS)

+ The Hoover Buccaneers will look to get the season off on the right foot this weekend playing against some talented opponents, but certainly have as much talent as anyone in the field on their roster. Looking at some notable upperclassmen, 3B/RHP Mason Blasche (Samford, 2024) is one of the top two-way players in the state possessing gap-to-gap power from the right side of the plate and and upper-80's fastball. After a breakout junior campaign, the senior will look to lead them once again this spring. LHP/1B Will Adams (Alabama, 2026) really took on a big role last season on the mound pitching in some big games as a freshman, and should only continue to progress this spring with that experience. INF Jaxson Wood (Tennessee, 2026) is another sophomore who saw valuable playing time and possesses the skill set to make a big imapct this spring, while OF Caid Finn (Penscaola State CC, 2024), OF/LHP Andrew Pitts (Southern Union CC, 2024), OF Camdyn Teague (Washington & Lee, 2024) and OF Carter Jackman (2024) should have the outfield covered this spring, as all four players earned valuable time last year as juniors. On the mound, RHP/SS Maxwell Crowder (2026) and RHP William Andre (2025) are two prospects who have seemed to make a jump over the past few months, while RHP/1B Caleb Simpson (2027) is a talented freshman who could see some meaningful innings for the Buccaneers this spring.

+ Oak Mountain Eagles

Head Coach: Derek Irons
Team Twitter: @OMHS_Baseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 6
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 8
2023 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Schedule:

• Oak Mountain vs. Hoover (Friday, 4:00 PM, Hoover HS)

+ The Eagles have consistently churned out next-level prospects over the past few seasons, going back to 3B Davis Gillespie (Southern Miss) and LHP Matthew Heiberger (Alabama) just to name a few. Although Heiberger graduated last season, the Eagles have to be excited with what they have coming back for the 2024 season. Competing in one of the toughest areas in the state against Hewitt-Trussville, Spain Park, and Chelsea, they'll need to be playing their best baseball once the end of the season comes around. SS/RHP Nick McCord (Yale, 2024) is a good place to start, as the senior returns after starting at the shortstop position since his sophomore season. He's expected to once again be their leadoff hitter playing with a high motor and good contact rate at the plate, and should throw significant innings on the mound with a fastball that sits in the upper-80's. 3B/RHP Kevin Jasinski (2024) is another senior returner who possesses the talent to play at the next level. The senior two-way has gap-to-gap pop from the right side of the plate, and should be one of the top-3 arms in the pitching rotation. RHP/SS Bryson Morman (Coastal Alabama-South CC, 2024) and OF Kaleb Hester (2024) are a pair of senior newcomers that have a chance to make a huge impact for the Eagles this spring. Morman is another upper-80's right-handed pitcher who should play one of the infield spots and is very athletic, while Hester has tons of power at the plate and should hit in the middle of their order. C Peyton Parkinson (Gadsden State CC, 2024) and OF Josh Hart (2024) are two more experienced returning seniors that play a vital role on last year's team, as Parkinson was the starting catcher and Hart played outfield and has the speed to impact the game in a variety of ways. 1B Brooks Braswell (2025) returns after logging some quality at-bats as a sophomore last season, and while LHP/OF Owen Edwards (2025) was one of the biggest winners from our preseason events. The two-way left-hander has pitch-ability on the mound with a mid-80's fastball and good speed from the left side of the plate. RHP/INF Gabe Jones (2025) is also coming off a noteworthy performance at one of our preseason events, and possesses electric stuff on the mound with a fastball that has touched 90 mph and a wipeout slider when they're both in the zone. Rounding it out, SS/RHP Xander Hughes (2026), another preseason standout for our staff, is an underclassmen who played a lot as a freshman last season, and has a chance to have a breakout campaign this spring. The right-hander is a top-20 prospect in the 2026 class in AL who should only continue to get better with a live arm on the mound.

+ Oxford Yellow Jackets

Head Coach: Travis Janssen
Team Twitter: @OldGoldBB
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 13
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 1
2023 Finish: Class 6A State Champions
Schedule:

• Oxford vs. Vestavia Hills (Friday, 4:00 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Oxford vs. Vestavia Hills (Friday, 6:30 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Oxford vs. Helena (Saturday, 10:00 AM, Spain Park HS)

+ The Oxford Yellow Jackets completed one of the more dominant seasons we've seen over the past few seasons last year, as they captured the Class 6A State Championship and did it by sweeping every round of the playoffs. While there are some spots to fill this spring for the Yellow Jackets, they still return some big names on the roster and look poised to defend their state title this season. SS/RHP Carter Johnson (Alabama, 2024) is obviously the name that comes to mind when you think of Oxford this spring, as the sweet-swinging shortstop is the top-ranked prospect in Alabama and is ranked No. 4 nationally. He alone is worth the $8 price of admission for this weekend, while other returning players like OF Nick Richardson (South Alabama, 2025), OF/RHP RJ Brooks (Jacksonville State, 2024), C Forrest Heacock (Snead State CC, 2024), C/RHP Hudson Gilman (Jacksonville State, 2025), and OF Tide Gann (2024) are all notable returners who played a big role in last year's state title run. Oxford will also need some newer faces in addition to these returners to step up and assume bigger roles this spring. INF/RHP James Tapley (2025) and INF Reid Maniscalco (2025) are solid overall prospects who have a chance to compete for playing time, while C/SS Rocco Maniscalco (2027) appears to be one of the next big time prospects coming out of this program and should compete for playing time this spring, as well.

+ Saraland Spartans

Head Coach: Brett Boutwell
Team Twitter: @SaralandB
Classification, Area No.: Class 6A, Area 1
Preseason Ranking: 6A No. 4
2023 Finish: Class 6A Elite 8
Schedule:

• Saraland vs. Central-Phenix City (Friday, 6:30 PM, Spain Park HS)
• Saraland vs. Thompson (Saturday, 10:00 AM, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Saraland vs. Thompson (Saturday, 12:30 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)

+ The Spartans enjoyed another deep playoff run in 2023 reaching the Elite 8 before being eliminated by Spanish Fort, who went on to finish as the runner-up in Class 6A, in an incredible three-game series. This year, they'll have to find the pieces to replace LHP Bryson Goff who was their unquestioned ace of the pitching staff, but they seem to have some players who may be unproven at the varsity level, but certainly have the talent to step in and do the job. Offensively, they boast eight returners from last year's lineup and should be able to generate runs at the premium with different players who can do different things to generate scoring. OF Santae McWilliams, Jr. (2025), who also is a football prospect that holds Division 1 offers, is a spark plug hitting at the top of their order and returns after hitting .339 in batting average and swiping 28 bases as a junior. SS Brooks Womble (2024), one of the top uncommitted seniors in the state of AL, will be another leader of their offensive and brings back a .404 batting average with 10 2B's, 5 3B's, 3 HR's, and 34 SB's in 2023. 1B Cam Laffitte (2024) and OF/RHP Jamison Curtis (2024), who signed to play football at Vanderbilt, are two more senior returners who posted a batting average north of the .330 mark last season, while RHP/3B Evan Hilliard (East Mississippi CC, 2024) and RHP/INF Cam Warren (East Mississippi CC, 2024) are two key pieces who have multiple years of starting experience at the varsity level and will help lead the way at the plate and on the mound. Hillard posted an 8-2 record with a 1.83 ERA and 59 K's last season, while Warren went 3-3 on the mound with 44 K's and added 10 2B's and 27 RBI's at the plate. OF Mike Smith (2024) and 3B/RHP Fuller Chisholm (2025) are two more returning upperclassmen who hit over .280 last year and are expecting big things this season. On the mound, RHP Brodie Lloyd (2024) and RHP Daniel Osborne (2024) got experience out of the bullpen last season and need them to have bigger roles this spring order for the Spartans to achieve the success they want to have. Some other upperclassmen who have a chance to be an impact this spring are C Myles Davis (2025), RHP/1B Cooper Henson (2025), RHP/SS John Abston (2025), and RHP Jaxon Roberts (2025), while C Hudson Robbins (2026), RHP Jacob Rowell (2026), and RHP D'tric Butler (2026) are sophomores, but have the talent to make some sort of contributions to this year's team.

+ Spain Park Jaguars

Head Coach: Will Smith
Team Twitter: @SPJagBaseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 6
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 10
2023 Finish: Class 7A Elite 8
Schedule:

• Spain Park vs. Thompson (Friday, 4:00 PM, Spain Park HS)
• Spain Park vs. Helena (Saturday, 12:30 PM, Spain Park HS)

+ 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.

+ Thompson Warriors

Head Coach: Frankie Perez
Team Twitter: @ThompsonBaseba1
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 5
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 1
2023 Finish: Class 7A Final 4
Schedule:

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

+ The Thompson Warriors enter the 2024 season as one of the most talented teams in the state of Alabama with numerous returners back from last year's team that enjoyed a historic season in Class 7A. The Warriors, who finished in the Final 4, were ranked No. 1 in Class 7A for the majority of the season after starting unranked, but assume the No. 1 spot in our preseason poll to kickoff this season. It's a very strong returning senior class with players who played crucial roles during last year's successful season, but come back aiming for the Class 7A State Title in 2024. OF Drake McBride (Troy, 2024) and SS Peryn Bland (Troy, 2024) are a pair of seniors who are ranked inside the top-30 in the 2024 class in AL and delivered quality junior campaigns in 2023. Both possess dynamic skill sets and are super athletic and will look to replicate last season's performance. C Ethan Crook (Southern Union CC, 2024) is a huge piece coming back for the Warriors this spring, and not only for what he does with the right-handed bat. The senior looks to be one of their unquestioned leaders and is an elite-level defender behind the plate. 1B Tucker Arrington (Alabama-Huntsville, 2024) is another senior who should return to the middle of their order and is a strong left-handed bat that is expected to drive in plenty of runs this season. Add in OF D'Marion Terrell (Northwest Florida State CC, 2024) and C/RHP Ma'Kale Holden (Alabama, 2024), who are both newcomers that only improve their roster and are expected to provide big contributions for the Warriors this spring. UTL Bray Smith (Coastal Alabama-South CC, 2024), RHP Carter Thompson (Southern Union CC, 2024), C Wyatt Williams (2026), and RHP/SS Ashton Blair (2026) are some other notable returners who saw significant playing time last season, while RHP/OF Ian Hillary (2025) is also expected to be in the mix this spring for the Warriors.

+ Vestavia Hills Rebels

Head Coach: Jamie Harris
Team Twitter: @1RebelBaseball
Classification, Area No.: Class 7A, Area 5
Preseason Ranking: 7A No. 2
2023 Finish: Class 7A State Champions
Schedule:

• Vestavia Hills vs. Oxford (Friday, 4:00 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)
• Vestavia Hills vs. Oxford (Friday, 6:30 PM, Vestavia Hills HS)

+ The Rebels were as consistent as anyone in Class 7A last spring and were ranked inside the top-5 for the majority of the season. Finishing as the runner-up in the toughest area in Alabama, the Rebels left no doubt who they best team in Class 7A was by defeating Sparkman, Spain Park, Thompson, and Central-Phenix City to claim the Class 7A State Championship. Starting off the season ranked No. 2 in the Class 7A Top-10, the Rebels will look to get off on the right foot in the Prep Baseball Alabama Kickoff Classic coming up this weekend. C/3B John Paul Head (Alabama-Birmingham, 2024) has been a staple in their lineup for the past couple of seasons and assumes an even bigger role this spring as one of the main primary run-producers. OF William Tonsmeire (Southern Miss, 2025) and OF Caden Taylor (Northwest-Shoals CC, 2024) are two more exciting offensive pieces coming back, while INF Mason Perrigo (2024) saw significant playing time last year and is looking to build off of his junior campaign. LHP/1B Bruce Littleton (Southern Miss, 2025) saw some time on the mound as a sophomore in 2023 and will see his workload continue to increase this spring with an upper-80's fastball on the mound. While needing to replace some of last year's graduating seniors, the Rebels boast a strong core of talent in the junior and senior classes. INF Dean Walker (2024), RHP Cannon Cherry (2024), RHP Sam Snowden (2024), RHP Matthew Ledbetter (2024), C Will Bourland (2024), 1B Miles Plugge (2024), and 3B Clark Dickerson (2024) are all senior who are looking to compete for roles and playing time this spring, while OF Carson Mann (2025), C/INF James Lucas (2025), LHP Colin Jones (2025), LHP Chase Rafferty (2025), and C/1B Will Langston (2025) are some talented juniors who are looking to get in the mix this spring and have bright futures ahead. While there's plenty of juniors and seniors on the roster this year, the Rebels feature an exciting class of underclassmen who have the talent to play at the varsity level this spring and hope to make a sizable impact this spring. INF/RHP Gavin Smith (2026) and OF Cross Tonsmeire (2026) are a pair of sophomores who are ranked inside the top-25 in the 2026 class in AL, while INF Charlie Taaffe (2027) is also regarded as one of the top players in his class, as he comes in at No. 10 in the 2027 class in AL. All three have their best days ahead of them and are looking to compete for playing time this season.

 

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