Power Rankings: 4/18/16
April 18, 2016
By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director
As we move closer and closer to state tournament, more and more is revealed about who teams are. We are starting to see some weakness and losing hope on some talented rosters figuring out what it takes to win.
At the Top
Bryant and Conway remain No. 1 and No. 2, they continue to look like the most talented teams overall and with two coaching legends running each program, I don’t see either program under achieving.
New to the Poll
No. 17 Farmington, No. 19. Greenbrier, and No. 20 Lakeside.
No. 17 Farmington is one of the hottest teams in the state Coach Jay Harper has the Cardinals playing well winning 10 in a row. Lead by 2017 RHP Tyler Gregg they appear to be a challenger in the 5A West.
No. 19 Greenbrier: A series split against conference leader Little Rock Christian, has the panthers trending up. A very talented line up that should make some noise in the state tournament.
No. 20 Lakeside: The Rams knocked off Watson Chapel on Friday to grab a share of first place in the very deep 5A south. A team of upperclassmen that will out compete almost anyone. They will lean on 2016 RHP Jon Youngblood in big games, which he has proven he can win.
Falling
Catholic HS falls two spots to No. 5 after a hard fought loss at home against No. 2 Conway.
Little Rock Christian takes a tumble to from No. 4 to No. 13 after two losses last week, one to rival Pulaski Academy. Some instability in a pitching staff was shown last week with 4 games in 5 days, similar what a run to Baum stadium will look with, honestly with the state tournament hosting stiffer competition.
Benton falls to No. 11 after a head scratching 5-1 defeat at the hands of Pine Bluff HS. A group that Benton has handled repeatedly during this senior class time at Benton HS.