By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting

A total of 48 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 AA state champions for 2014. Prep Baseball Report will be in Charleston for all three days to cover the final weekend of play and the crowning of three new champions.

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

Class AA (in bracket order)

Washington (23-4)

The Patriots come into the state tourney riding a 14 game win streak. During the course of the streak the Washington pitching staff has allowed just 30 runs holding opponents to two runs or fewer in 10 of those games. Leading the pitching staff is VMI recruit RHP Jared Silva (7-1/0.81 ERA/43 IP). Robert Cross has had a breakout sophomore season hitting .417 with 27 RBI and 22 runs scored.

Hurricane (27-7)

The Redskins pitching staff has been as dominant if not more so than Washington's setting up what could be a low scoring affair in the semifinals. Junior RHP J.T. Rogoszewski (7-1/ 1.59 ERA) will likely get the start on Friday. The Hurricanes have been led offensively by SS Trey Dawson (.402/ 35 RBI/ 31 Runs). The junior is a WVU commit. For several of the Redskins this will be a 2nd chance at a state title in 2014. Hurricane lost to Huntington by a point in the Class AAA basketball finals this year.

Riverside (19-10)

The Warriors have found their stride at the right time. Riverside is on an eight game win streak since a mid-season stretch that saw them lose seven of 10 games. During the win streak Warriors pitchers have allowed just 16 runs. Leading the staff has been Cam Norris who pitched a 3-hit shutout in the Warriors 1-0 regional title game against George Washington.

Wheeling Park (20-6)

The Patriots will be making their 1st appearance in the state tournament since 1989. 2015 SS/RHP Michael Grove has led the Wheeling Park offense hitting .475 with 25 RBI. The Patriots have won 15 of their past 17 games. Playing a large portion of their schedule against competition from Ohio has allowed the Patriots to fly a bit under the radar. A semifinal match-up with Riverside assures that at least one underdog in the 3A field will be making an appearance in the state title game.

State Tourney schedule

friday, June 6 - Appalachian Power Park

Washington vs. Hurricane (10:00am)
Riverside vs. Wheeling Park (12:45pm)

Saturday, June 7 - Appalachian Power Park

Class AAA Championship Game - 1:00pm