By Nathan Rode and Doug Freeman

Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 25 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage:

OF/LHP Riley Greene

Team: Hagerty
Preseason Rank: 16
2016 Record: 23-8
FHSAA Class: 8A
Head Coach: Matt Cleveland 
Playoff Run: State Runner-up
Returning Starters: 7


TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Riley Greene, OF/LHP, 2019 (Florida)
Vaughn Grissom,SS, 2019 (Florida International)
Brian Ellis, OF, 2017 (Uncommitted)
Britt Crawford, 1B/OF, 2017 (Uncommitted)
Steven Markowitz, C, 2017 (Seminole State JC)
Cameron Alba, C/3B, 2017 (Uncommitte)

X-FACTOR
Riley Greene. Just a sophomore, Greene is one of the top prospects in the country and verbally committed to Florida. His upside is best at the plate where he delivers power from the left side. However, he can contribute on the mound as well with a fastball up to 86 mph from a loose, easy arm action.

KEY PLAYERS LOST
LHP Travis Hosterman (Toronto Blue Jays, 11th round)
LHP Joe Sheridan (Central Florida)

OUTLOOK
A consistent contender in Florida, Hagerty has a new coach at the helm for the first time in nearly a decade. Jered Goodwin is now the recruiting coordinator at Florida International and was replaced by Matt Cleveland. A coaching change and the departure of two pitchers—one via the MLB Draft—would be a tough loss for any team, but the Huskies are set up nicely for another playoff run. Seven starters return from a team that finished second in the 8A state tournament. Leading the way offensively will be Greene, who can also get on the mound. Another sophomore is expected to contribute Grissom. Ranked No. 50 in the state, the Florida International recruit is a smooth defender. Ellis was committed to Central Florida, but is back on the recruiting market. He has a lean, athletic frame and a short, quick swing. Along with Greene and Ellis, Crawford returns to anchor the lineup after hitting cleanup in 2016. Pitching will be key for Cleveland’s squad with the loss of Hosterman and Sheridan, but he believes they have the talent to compete. 
  

Make sure to follow @pbrflorida on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the season.

RECENT NEWS