Season Preview: 2A
February 23, 2017
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 3A and now turn our attention to 2A baseball.
This classification is the hardest to get a peg on, due to the reclassification across the state. The traditional powers have either moved up or down, leaving void. Woodlawn and Junction City played in the finals last year. Woodlawn moved to 1A while Junction City moved to 3A.
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2A North |
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2A-2 |
2A-3 |
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Buffalo Island Central |
Palestine Wheatley |
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East Poinsett Co |
McCrory |
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Salem |
Hazen |
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Cotter |
Carlisle |
I expect this regional to play out as seeded. Buffalo Island Central, Palestine Wheatley, East Poinsett County, and McCrory advance to the state tournament out of the 2A North Regional. I expect Palestine Wheatley to win the regional behind 2017 MIF/RHP Will Nash. Nash processes a fastball 84-86 mph with a late breaking ball. He is surrounded by several versatile athletes that should make them a tough out in the state tournament.
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West/Central |
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2A 4 East |
2A 4 West |
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White Co Central |
Lavaca |
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Pangburn |
Hackett |
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Conway Christian |
Danville |
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St. Joseph |
Mountainburg |
This regional has the real possibility to be dominated by the A east with the lower seeds giving the higher seeds from the 4 west a run for their money in a win to advance setting. I expect White Co Central, Pangburn and Conway Christian to advance along with Lavaca to the state tournament. A name to know in this region is 2017 RHP Austin Williams White Co Central, he is coming off a junior campaign where he was select All-State, expect even more out of him in his senior campaign.
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South |
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2A 7E |
2A 7W |
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Parkers Chapel |
Foreman |
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Spring Hill |
Poyen |
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Camden Harmony Grove |
Mountain Pine |
|
Bearden |
Murfreesboro |
The South regional will be very competitive with several comparable teams in the region. I expect Coach Mark Looney to have Parkers Chapel back in the mix in 2017. They may be led by 2019 RHP TJ Bale =, who has shown an advanced feel to pitch. I expect Parkers Chapel, Spring Hill, Camden Harmony Grove and Foreman to advance to the State Tournament.
State Tournament
A very competitive group 1 through 12. I feel Palestine Wheatley has the advantage with Will Nash and will ultimately when the 2A State Championship in 2017. Springhill, Buffalo Island Central, Parkers Chapel and White Co Central are my favorites to challenge.
Player of the Year: Will Nash Palestine Wheatley
Pitcher of the Year: Austin Williams White County Central
Preseason Rankings
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Preseason Rankings |
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1. Palestine Wheatley |
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2. Parkers Chapel |
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3. Springhill |
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4. Buffalo Island Central |
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5. White Co Central |
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6. Pangburn |
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7. Lavaca |
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8. Foreman |
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9.McCrory |
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10. Poyen |
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11. East Poinsett Co |
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12. Hackett |
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13. Camden Harmony Grove |
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14. Conway Christian |
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15. Salem |
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16. Hazen |
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17. Cotter |
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18. Carlisle |
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19. Mountain Pine |
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20. Danville |
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