By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

We are less than a week away from opening day of the 2017 season. We continue to preview the teams and players that will shape the race to Championship Week End, on the campus of the University of Arkansas and Baum Stadium. We have previewed 7A through 2A and now turn our attention to 1A baseball.

I am picking Woodlawn to win the 1A State Title. They return 8 starters from last year’s roster, and have added a solid senior catcher to replace their loss. They will be led on the mound by 2018 RHP Will Richardson and 2018 RHP Reece Michaels, both pitchers work in the mid-80s with solid secondary pitches. 2018 MIF Matt Aiken will get the offense started at the top of the lineup for the bears.

The usual suspects of Armorel HS and Taylor HS should find themselves in the mix during the state tournament. Armorel will be led by 2017 C Andrew Lannon (Arkansas State commit). Taylor has an experienced group that is accustomed to being around in mid-May.

Other challengers should be Ouachita and Dierks as they move down a classification as well and have been competitive in 2A the last few season.

Player of the Year: Andrew Lannon- Armorel
Pitcher of the Year: Will Richardson - Woodlawn

Preseason Rankings

1. Woodlawn

2. Taylor

3. Dierks

4. Armorel

5. Hermitage

6. Ouachita

7. South Side Bee Branch

8. Viola

9.Bay

10. Scranton

11. Kirby

12. Nemo Vista

13. Hillcrest

14. Lead Hill

15. Decatur

16. Mulberry

17. Midland

18. Maumelle Charter School

19. Shirley

20. Jasper

 

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