West Virginia State Tournament: Class A Preview

May 29, 2017

By Greg Williams
West Virginia Executive Director of Scouting

A total of 24 teams began regional play last week and 12 remain as the West Virginia state tournament prepares to kick off on Thursday at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston. Today we preview the four teams that will compete for an opportunity to be crowned Class A state champions for 2017.

+ CLICK HERE to view complete regional Tournament brackets leading to the state tournament

Class A

Ravenswood (22-9)

The Red Devils last appeared in the state tournament in 1999 when they won the Class AA State Title. Ravenswood has the luxury of turning to one of two aces on the mound for their semifinal matchup. Senior Nathan Curtis (7-1, 1 SV, 1.88 ERA, 74 K) is coming off a complete game 16 strikeout performance in the deciding game of the regionals against Buffalo. Junior Chase Swain (5-0, 1.25 ERA, 85 K) is also an option. Swain (.494, 11 2B, 6 HR, 43 RBI) and Curtis (.420, 10 2B, 2 HR, 35 RBI) also lead the Red Devils offense.

Tygarts Valley (19-8)

The Bulldogs were one win away from a trip to the state tournament in 2016. This year they went one step further earning a spot in Charleston by knocking off East Hardy in three games in Region 2. Tygarts Valley will likely turn to senior righty Rece Wamsley (4-2, 1.53 ERA, 61 K) in the semifinals. Freshman Logan George (7-1, 0.82 ERA, 33 K) is also an option. Wamsley, a Fairmont State recruit, also leads the Bulldogs offense (.469, 7 2B, 39 RBI. Fellow Fairmont State recruit, Caleb Riggleman (.420, 8 2B, 4 3B, 1 HR, 31 RBI) has also had a big season at the plate.

Wheeling Central (27-6)

A year removed from their last trip to the state tournament which ended in a 5-4 loss to Wahama in the semifinals, the Maroon Knights are back. Wheeling Central disposed of Tyler Consolidated in Region I in two games, but due to weather those two games took three days to complete (game two was suspended due to weather with the Maroon Knights leading 4-0). Wheeling Central will likely send Farleigh Dickinson recruit Austin Crebs to the mound in the semifinals. Tyler Riedel, who went the distance over two days to pick up the win in the regional is also a candidate to take the mound.

Charleston Catholic (26-7)

The Irish topped Greater Beckley Christian in two games in region play needing extra innings in game one. Junior Brandon Combs has led the Irish all year hitting around .500 all season with four home runs and 51 RBI. Combs will also likely take the mound for Charleston Catholic in the semifinals. On the season the right-hander is 7-0 with a 1.41 ERA. Trae Swisher (46), John Hufford (33), Dominic Martin (28) and Luke McKown (25) have also driven in an eye popping number of runs in a potent Irish offense.

State Tourney schedule

Thursday, June 1 - Appalachian Power Park

Ravenswood vs. Tygarts Valley (4:30pm)
Wheeling Central vs. Charleston Catholic (8:00pm)

Saturday, June 3 - Appalachian Power Park

Class A Championship Game - 10:00AM