HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL 2008
Top 100 Teams
Compiled by Jeff Simpson
1. AMERICAN HERITAGE HS,
Plantation, Fla. (23-6)
American
Heritage High is a clear-cut choice as the nation’s No. 1 high school team. In
fact, it may arguably have the greatest collection of talent on one high school
team in the last decade—or at least since a Seminole (Fla.) High that featured
first baseman Casey Kotchman went wire-to-wire in 2001, winning 31 straight
games.
The Patriots are loaded at virtually every
position and feature a pair of Aflac All-Americans in senior 1B-LHP Eric
Hosmer and senior C Adrian Nieto. Hosmer (.380,
10 HR), an Arizona State recruit, is the nation’s top-ranked prep hitting
prospect and almost a cinch to be drafted in the first round in June. Nieto
(.376-5-18), one of the top catching prospects in the country and a South
Florida recruit, is also a target in the early rounds of this year’s draft.
As many as seven players could be drafted off
this year’s Patriots club, which would be a record for one high school team. In
addition to Hosmer and Nieto, other Patriot players who will be heavily scouted
this spring include North Carolina State-bound RHP Greg Conver,
a transfer from Miami Northeast High; Florida-bound RHP Juan Carlos
Sulbaran; Jacksonville-bound OF Joey Belviso;
Miami-bound RHP Kevin Youst; and College of Charleston-bound
OF-RHP Austin Yeager.
Not all the talent is concentrated in this
year’s draft class, either, as junior SS Devin Marrero and
sophomore 3B Nick Castellanos, who anchor the left side of the
infield, and are both ranked among the Top 20 prospects nationally in their
respective draft classes.
Conver, Sulbaran, Youst and Yeager will anchor
a deep, prospect-rich pitching staff, but senior LHP Ryan Kahn (10-2, 1.81),
the team’s top winner in 2007, also returns. The versatile and multi-talented
Hosmer (4-1, 0.53), who can run his fastball into the low 90s from the left
side, will again serve as the team’s closer.
While it is extremely tough to run the table
in high school baseball, especially in the competitive Greater Miami area,
American Heritage clearly has the talent to do it.
--JEFF SIMPSON
2. BISHOP GORMAN HS, Las Vegas (35-6-1).
With two straight 4-A state titles under their belt, the Gaels have
their sights set on a national championship in 2008. Though two-way star Taylor
Cole was lost, junior LHP/1B Jeff Malm (8-2, 1.91; .453-4-57),
Arizona-bound RHP Donn Roach (6-2) and USC-bound OF Brandon Garcia
(.466-6-38) will be big contributors in 2008. Other players to watch include
senior OF/P Paul Sewald (5-0, 2.69; .343), senior C John Rickard (.370-5-37),
junior OF Joey Rickard (.437-4-56) and sophomore Neil Lawhorn.
(.477-3-30).
--JEFF SIMPSON
3. H.B. PLANT HS, Tampa (20-6).
The Panthers are loaded at virtually every position in 2007 and should make
a serious run at a national title if things come together. OF Preston Tucker
(.561-10-51), a Florida recruit, leads the offensive attack but there is plenty
of talent surrounding him. OF Mike Lashbrook (.500), C Jared Womack
(.493-6-39), Maryland-bound Logan Welsh, top-ranked junior SS/RHP Mychal
Givens (.400) and sophomore IF Justin Solos (.491) give the
Panthers one of the top offenses in the country. Seniors RHPs David Bergin
and Tyler Stinson have committed to Georgia Southern and Navy,
respectively.
--JEFF SIMPSON
4. WOODROW WILSON HS, Long Beach, Calif. (32-3)
After finishing at or near the top of every national poll in 2007, the
Bruins are primed for another big season in 2008. USC-bound OF/RHP Aaron Hicks
(3-0, 1.12; .370) leads the way and is a potential first-round pick. A pair of
Arizona State recruits, RHP Ray Hanson (9-0, 2.15) and 3B Zach Wilson,
provide quality depth for the Bruins.
--JEFF SIMPSON
5. CYPRESS FAIRBANKS HS, Cypress, Texas (32-7)
The defending 5-A state champions return almost all of the key parts that
led the Bobcats to the state title. Texas-bound OF Robbie Grossman (.415-4-91)
will lead the offense and is a potential early-round draft pick. Returning
all-stater Tommy Collier (11-2, 0.45) will anchor the pitching staff.
--JEFF SIMPSON
6. ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE HS, Washington, D.C. (23-6)
With an amazing nine Division I recruits, the Cadets look primed for a
monster season in 2008. North Carolina-bound OF L.J. Hoes (.488-7-40)
will lead the way offensively and has the potential to go early in the 2008
draft. Aflac All-American LHP Scott Silverstein (5-2, 1.80) has
committed to Virginia and has some of the best upside of any lefthander in the
draft.
--JEFF SIMPSON
7. MOODY HS, Corpus Christi, Texas (39-3)
The defending 4-A state champions return their entire pitching staff from a
team that basically cruised through 2007. Senior LHP Marc Gomez (13-1,
0.48), a Texas-San Antonio recruit, is the No. 1 arm on the staff. He is joined
by Miguel Gonzalez (7-0, 0.31) and Gabriel Morales (9-1, 2.01) to
give the Trojans a very formidable pitching staff. Two juniors, Rudy Flores
(.447-10-41) and Christian Gallegos (.565), lead the offensive attack.
--JEFF SIMPSON
8. DON BOSCO PREP, Ramsey, N.J. (26-2)
After nearly knocking off New Jersey powerhouse Seton Hall Prep in 2007,
the Ironmen are primed to move into the spotlight in 2008. Six seniors have
committed to Division I schools, with potentially more to come. RHP Mike
Dennhardt (9-0, 0.70), a Boston College recruit; Duke-bound LHP Eric
Pfisterer (6-0, 2.10) and Delaware-bound LHP Sam Cerbo lead a
very deep pitching staff. Virginia-bound 3B Steven Proscia (.510-10-46)
leads an offensive attack that returns several players that hit over .400 in
2007.
--JEFF SIMPSON
9. WINTER SPRINGS (Fla.) HS (25-2)
Highlighted by five players that have committed to Central Florida, Winter
Springs is the favorite to win the state 6-A championship in 2008. Central
Florida’s recruits include RHPs Jordan Rasinski (8-1, 0.82), Bryan Brown
(6-0, 0.18) and Anthony Figliolia (1-1, 1.42), who will form one of the
best pitching staffs in the country.
--JEFF SIMPSON
10. WALTON HS, Marietta, Ga. (32-7)
Georgia’s defending 5-A champions are in position to repeat with many of
their key players returning. Headlining the group is 2007 area player of the
year and Georgia Tech-bound RHP Mark Pope (11-3, 1.76, .396 BA, 6 HR).
Pope and senior RHPs Kyle Putkonen (13-1, 2.31) and T.J. Keirns (8-3,
2.20) give Walton one of the nation’s top pitching staffs. Offensively, look
for Pope and senior OFs Ryan Mitzel (.341, 7 HR) and Billy Burns (.409,
4 HR, 25 SB) to carry the load for the Raiders.
--JEFF SIMPSON
11. GEORGETOWN (Texas) HS (31-13)
After an impressive run to the regional finals in 2007, the Eagles are
looking for bigger things in 2008. Texas-bound RHP Taylor Jungmann (13-0,
0.41), the central Texas player of the year who led Rogers High to the Texas
2-A title by going 13-0, 0.41, transferred to Georgetown for his senior year.
He will join another Texas recruit, LHP Andrew McKirahan (8-1, 1.97), to
form one of the nation’s best pitching tandems. A third Texas recruit, OF Morgan
Mickan (.400, 38 RBI), will lead the offense.
--JEFF SIMPSON
12. KELL HS, Marietta, GA (23-7)
Already a team that looked like a sure-fire top 50 team entering 2008, Kell
got a huge boost when Georgia-bound RHP Zeke Spruill, a top pitcher in
the East Cobb youth program, transferred in from Etowah High. Clemson-bound SS Jason
Stolz and Alabama-bound LHP Adam Morgan (3-3, 2.55) join Spruill
and a strong group of underclassmen to make Kell a favorite to win the state
5-A championship in 2008.
--JEFF SIMPSON
13. CYPRESS HS, Anaheim, Calif. (23-6)
Even with the loss of the third overall pick in the 2007 draft, 3B Josh
Vitters, Cypress is not short in talent. Junior SS David Nick (.358-3-29)
has already committed to UCLA and looks like the next in a long line of
talented infielders to come from Cypress. Hawaii-bound RHP/1B Matt Sisto
(10-2, 1.39) and OF Chase Koissan, and Oregon-bound SS Danny Pulfer
give the Centurions one of the deepest lineups in Southern California.
--JEFF SIMPSON
14. ORANGE LUTHERAN HS, Orange, CA (19-8)
If there is one pitching staff in the country that can match No. 1-ranked
American Heritage High, it would be Orange Lutheran. UCLA-bound RHP Gerrit Cole
(3-0, 1.21) looks like a sure first-rounder in June. He joins with
Pepperdine-bound LHP Aaron Gates (1-1, 1.20) and Long Beach State-bound
RHP Brandon Maurer (1-0, 0.54) to give the Lancers a potentially dynamic
pitching staff.
--JEFF SIMPSON
15. BARTLETT HS, Memphis (40-5)
The defending 3-A state champs look primed to repeat with a trio of
Memphis-bound players returning to lead the way. RHP-1B Heath Hatfield (10-1,
2.84; .367-14-59), SS Jacob Wilson (.437-13-59) and C Trey Turner
(.330-2-27) should provide plenty of pop in the batting order. Jon Michael Davis
(8-0, 1.66) will join Hatfield to give Bartlett two very formidable frontline
starters.
--JEFF SIMPSON
16. JUPITER (Fla.) HS (21-6)
After getting knocked out early in the Florida 6-A playoff picture in 2007,
Jupiter should be one of the favorites this year. Aflac All American RHP/OF Jack
Armstrong has committed to Vanderbilt and leads the way on a team
loaded with seniors. Other prominent seniors include Florida-bound OF Tyler
Thompson, Miami-bound RHP Travis Miller and Furman-bound RHP Jordan
Grangard.
--JEFF SIMPSON
17. JAMES RIVER HS, Midlothian, Va. (26-2)
After winning the state 3-A championship last year, James River is in a
good position to repeat with the return of two Wake Forest-bound players: RHP Daniels
Marrs (5-1, 1.87) and OF/LHP Austin Stadler (12-0, 1.18; .493).
--JEFF SIMPSON
18. KLEIN COLLINS HS, Spring, Texas (36-6).
Despite losing several key position players from last year’s state
semifinal team, Klein Collins returns a pair of arms that will put them right
back in the hunt. Both are commited to Texas. RHP Austin DiCharry (10-1, 1.41)
and LHP Sam Stafford (7-1, 1.38) give the Tigers one of the most formidable
starting rotations in the country.
--JEFF SIMPSON
19. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HS, Fairfax, VA (27-4)
In a year where high school baseball is very strong in the Northern
Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland area, Paul VI could be the team to beat
in 2008. Georgia-bound OF Peter Verdin (.458-2-22), East Carolina-bound
3B Brett Bowers (.369-3-29) and Maryland-bound SS Matt Murakami lead
the way offensively. RHP Mike Mitchell (8-1, 1.20) and LHP Drew Shaw
(6-1, 1.90) lead a pitching staff that had a team ERA just over 2.00 in 2007.
--JEFF SIMPSON
20. VISTA MURRIETA HS, Murrieta, Calif. (28-4)
After winning the CIF Southern Section Division II championship in 2007,
the Broncos should be a favorite again with all of their pitching staff
returning. Brian Valenzuela (10-1, 1.23) and Long Beach State-bound SS Derek
Legg (.326-2-20) will lead the charge in 2008.
--JEFF SIMPSON
21. OWASSO (Okla.) HS, (35-3)
Despite the loss of first-round draft pick Peter Kozma and top pitcher Matt
Hoffman to pro ball, Owasso looks like a strong favorite to win its 10th
state title. The Rams have once again reloaded and are led by Wichita
State-bound LHP Brian Flynn (10-1, 1.53) and Ben Kozma (.423),
the younger brother of Peter Kozma.
--JEFF SIMPSON
22. LAKE BRANTLEY HS, Altamonte Springs, Fla. (16-8)
Last year was full of expectations for Lake Brantley, but things started
going downhill when LHP John Gast, a potential first-rounder, was lost for the
year with Tommy John surgery. Despite losing several seniors, Lake Brantley is
still loaded. Florida-recruit Greg Larsen (3-0) and Newberry-bound LHP Josh
Ledford will lead the pitching staff. Offensively, Central
Florida-bound 1B D.J. Hicks (.485), Miami-bound OF Ted Blackman and
top-ranked junior SS Nick Franklin lead the way.
--JEFF SIMPSON
23. APTOS (Calif.) HS (28-5)
With a team loaded with seniors that are headed to play college baseball,
the Mariners may be the top team in Northern California. Cal Poly-bound LHP Kyle
Anderson (.380-8-40, 77 IP/114 K) and Santa Clara-bound RHP Kevin
Eichhorn (7-2, 1.05; .452-6-49) front the pitching staff. Cal
Poly-bound OF Bobby Crocker (.430, 4 HR) and C Jordan Hadlock,
along with Santa Clara-bound 3B Andrew Biancardi (.434-4-43), make up
one of the top offenses in the country.
--JEFF SIMPSON
24. CALVERT HALL HS, Towson, Md. (33-0)
After going through the 2007 season undefeated, the Cardinals look poised
for a repeat in 2008. SS Patrick Blair (.534) leads the offensive
attack, while RHPs Kevin Lingerman (7-0, 1.49) and Mike Dillon (9-0)
lead the pitching staff.
--JEFF SIMPSON
25. CULLMAN (Ala.) HS (48-7)
The state 5-A champions in 2007 look primed for a repeat with almost all of
their parts intact from last year’s squad. The entire pitching staff returns
for the Bearcats and South Alabama-bound OF Matt Drake (.351-7-49) will
pace the offensive attack.
--JEFF SIMPSON
26. SARASOTA (Fla.) HS (29-3)
After winning their eighth state championship in 2007, the Sailers should
once again be one of the favorites to take home another 6-A championship.
Senior SS/RHP Casey Kelly (11-0, 0.24; .344-4-20) is the returning area
player of the year and will anchor the team on the mound and at the plate.
--JEFF SIMPSON
27. CHAPARRAL HS, Scottsdale, Ariz. (25-9)
A perennial power in Arizona, the Firebirds are loaded again with six
players committed to play Division I college baseball. USC-bound LHP Danny
Coulombe (10-2, 1.08) leads the way on the mound, but UC Irvine-bound
RHP Matt Summers is in line to have a big year as well. Summers (.420)
also swings a big bat, and joins Gonzaga-bound SS Ernesto Ortiz (.314)
and OF Royce Bollinger (.392).
--JEFF SIMPSON
28. WESLEYAN HS, Norcross, Ga. (28-6-1)
Traditionally, the power reigns in the larger schools in Georgia. But
Wesleyan has the talent to compete with anyone, despite being only a 2-A
school. Vanderbilt-bound LHP Grayson Garvin leads the way for the
Wolves, who have several other players heading off to play college ball.
Florida State-bound IF James Ramsey (.468), Georgia Tech-bound IF Connor
Winn (.421-12-26) and Georgia-bound OF Kevin Ruiz provide great
depth for the Wolves.
--JEFF SIMPSON
29. FARRAGUT HS, Knoxville, Tenn. (28-11)
Last year was a little bit of a down season for this perennial power, but
several key returnees will set about changing that. Tennessee-bound RHP Matt
Ramsey (6-1), who will double as catcher, leads the way for a very deep
club. Junior two-way players Curt Powell and Cade Stallings both
rank in the Top 100 of the 2009 draft class, while C Michael Williams and
IF Joey Delmonico, both seniors, provide depth.
--JEFF SIMPSON
30. KATY (Texas) HS (32-5)
Katy sat near the top of the national rankings for most of 2007 before
falling to Langham Creek in the state 5-A playoffs. Despite losing several
seniors off last year’s squad, Katy should not fall too hard as they return
arguably the best 2009 class in the country. Four juniors rank in the Top 100
in the 2009 draft class with RHP Keifer Nuncio and C Andrew Stumph
headlining that group.
--JEFF SIMPSON
31. WEST BOCA HS, Boca Raton, Fla. (26-5)
The Bulls are a relatively new program but keep getting stronger every
year. Several key players return from a team that lost in the regional finals
in 2007. Senior LHP/1B Brian Busch (8-0, 0.79; .305-1-22) and senior RHP Sean
Adelman lead the way for the Bulls. Other key contributors include 1B Mason
Mattlin (.374-4-29), RHP Dusty Albanese (4-1, 1.56) and South
Florida-bound RHP Jason Whalen.
--JEFF SIMPSON
32. DAPHNE (Ala.) HS (31-5)
After falling in the second round of the 6-A state tournament last year,
the Trojans are a preseason favorite to take it all in 2008. Auburn-bound LHP Ryan
Hines (8-2, 1.50) and John Blanchette (9-2, 1.40) will lead the
pitching staff. Offensively, senior SS Trey Early (.376-5-34) and senior
C Braxton Grantham (.377-2-22) join with Hines to carry the load.
--JEFF SIMPSON
33. BARBE HS, Lake Charles, La. (35-5)
Although the 2007 season ended earlier than what the Buccaneers would have
liked, Barbe will just reload as usual. Tulane-bound RHP Ryan Doiron (5-4,
1.51; .381-9-46) and a pair of McNeese State recruits, RHP Trey Brown (8-0,
2.22) and SS Josh Lebert, lead the way. A group of talented
underclassmen give Barbe one of the deeper teams in the country.
--JEFF SIMPSON
34. NORTH DAVIDSON HS, Lexington, N.C. (23-9)
After coming within a game of knocking off eventual state champion South
Caldwell in 2007, North Davidson looks like a favorite to win the 4-A title in
2008. With the mid-semester transfer of Louisiana State-bound 2B Tyler Hanover
to team with 2009 North Carolina-bound SS Levi Michael, North Davidson
should have one of the best middle-infield combinations in the country. Wake
Forest-bound LHP Zach White will lead the pitching staff.
--JEFF SIMPSON
35. HIGHLAND PARK HS, Dallas (33-10)
With several Division I players all over the field, the Scots will be one
of the deepest teams in Texas. Baylor-bound IF Joey Hainsfurther,
Arkansas-bound IF Johanthan Perlman (.327-1-10, 3-0, 2.30) and OF Seth
Gardner (.372-4-39) will lead the offensive attack. The top prospect on
the mound is New Mexico State-bound RHP Travis Jones.
--JEFF SIMPSON
36. YUCAIPA (Calif.) HS (20-9)
With a deep and talented pitching staff returning, the Thunderbirds should
produce big things in 2008. Stanford-bound LHP Scott Snodgrass and
Brigham Young-bound RHP Adam Miller (2-0, 2.10, 8 SV) lead the pitching
staff. Junior 3B/RHP Matt Davidson is one of the top players in the 2009
draft class and will give the Thunderbirds huge contributions at the plate and
on the mound.
--JEFF SIMPSON
37. PLEASURE RIDGE PARK, Louisville, Ky. (36-10)
In a very deep year for Kentucky baseball, the Panthers sit at the top of
the pack. A huge offensive attack is led by two-way star Zack Cox (.536-9-50;
7-1, 1.34), an Arkansas recruit who has committed to Arkansas but could be an
early-round pick in this year’s draft. Other key offensive players include OF Eric
Brainer (.475, 7 HR), 2B Zach Osborne (.510) and Luke Brainer
(.420).
--JEFF SIMPSON
38. NICEVILLE (Fla.) HS (22-5)
The combination of Aflac All-American LHP Brett DeVall, who went
8-3, 0.70 at Rutherford High in 2007, and Florida State-bound RHP Austin Wood
(6-2, 1.35) should insure that the Eagles make it further than the first round
of the state 5-A tournament in 2008. Pensacola JC-bound LHP Josh McDorman
(5-0, 1.29) will join up with DeVall and Wood to give the Eagles one of the
state’s top pitching staffs.
--JEFF SIMPSON
39. HOLT HS, Wentzville, Mo. (21-11)
With North Carolina commit RHP/3B Tim Melville (10-1, 0.89; .443, 30
RBIs) leading the way, the Indians quickly become the favorite to win the
Missouri state championship. St. Louis-bound LHP Jim Foster (6-4, 2.64)
will team with Melville to form the top pitching staff in the state.
--JEFF SIMPSON
40. JESUIT HS, New Orleans (30-6)
After winning their 20th state championship in 2007, the Blue
Jays are again one of the favorites to take home the state 5-A title this year.
Junior LHP Jordan Rittiner (10-0, 0.37) leads the way on the mound for
the Blue Jays.
--JEFF SIMPSON
41. THOUSAND OAKS (Calif.) HS (25-5-1)
Three Division 1 recruits lead the way for a Lancers squad that hovered
around the Top 50 for most of 2007. Southern California-bound Chad Smith
(1.77) and Cal Poly-bound RHP Jeff Johnson (6-3, 1.21) lead the pitching
staff, while Utah-bound C Jo Jo Sharrar (.356) anchors the defense.
--JEFF SIMPSON
42. SETON HALL PREP, West Orange, N.J. (32-1)
It was a banner year for the Pirates in 2007 with RHP Rick Porcello earning
national player of the year honors for a team that finished second in the
nation. While many key players are gone from last year’s team, there is still
enough talent to compete with just about anyone. Leading the pitching staff
will be Notre Dame-bound LHP Joe Spano (3-1, 2.85). Junior SS Sean O’Hare
(.391-2-20) leads the offensive attack.
--JEFF SIMPSON
43. ST. IGNATIUS HS, Cleveland, Ohio (23-7)
Despite the loss of third-round pick Derek Dietrich, the Wildcats
have four seniors who have committed to Division I schools. Richmond-bound C Bryan
Conway (.449, 36 RBIs) and The Citadel-bound OF Justin Mackert (.339)
lead the offense, while Miami (Ohio)-bound RHP Matt Rosinski leads the
pitching staff.
--JEFF SIMPSON
44. KILLIAN HS, Miami, (17-12)
In somewhat of a down year for public schools in the Greater Miami area,
Killian looks to have what it takes to make a deep run in the state playoffs.
The Cougars have one of the best pitching staffs in the area with three
lefthanders committed to play college baseball locally. Danny Miranda and
Sam Robinson are both heading to Miami next year, while Mason McVay
is ticketed for Florida International. A second Florida International recruit,
1B Michael Martinez, could end up becoming one of the top offensive
players in Dade County.
--JEFF SIMPSON
45. ST. RITA HS, Chicago (34-7)
After falling in the state quarter-finals in 2007, the Mustangs have all
the pieces needed to make a run at a 4-A championship. Louisville-bound IF/RHP Tony
Zych (.416-4-41; 9-4, 2.19) leads the way along with a strong
supporting class of underclassmen.
--JEFF SIMPSON
46. GODDARD (Kan.) HS (18-2)
Despite an early exit in the 2007 state playoffs, this perennial Kansas
power is the favorite to win the state 6-A title in 2008. A pair of Wichita
State recruits, RHP Dalton Banwart (4-1, 1.38) and IF Logan Watkins
(.352; 4-0, 0.68), lead the way for the Lions.
--JEFF SIMPSON
47. MATER DEI HS, Santa Ana, Calif. (21-9)
A pair of Pac-10 recruits, UCLA-bound SS Tyler Rahmatulla (.346) and
Stanford-bound OF Scott Colton (.436-7-31), lead a team that made it to
the CIF sectional semifinals a year ago. Junior RHP Aaron Northcraft
(9-4, 2.58) leads a pitching staff for a team that has some of the best young
talent in the country. The Monarchs already project as one of the nation’s best
teams in 2009.
--JEFF SIMPSON
48. CARTERSVILLE (Ga.) HS (26-4)
The Hurricanes were unexpectedly bounced in the second round of the 3-A
state tournament in 2008 after residing in the Top 50 for the better part of
2007. This year’s club is expected to compete again for a state championship
with the return of Mississippi-bound C Taylor Hightower, Middle Georgia
JC-bound RHP Tyler Cline and junior OF Donovan Tate, a potential
star, leading the way.
--JEFF SIMPSON
49. CHISTIAN BROTHERS HS, Memphis (40-8)
The reigning Division II state champions look primed for a repeat with
basically their entire team returning. Leading the charge for the Purple Wave
is Memphis-bound OF Drew Martinez (.427, 33 SB), so of former big
leaguer Dave Martinez, and Stephen Thompson (9-1, 2.52).
--JEFF SIMPSON
50. JESUIT HS, Portland (22-7)
Three Division I recruits lead the way for the Crusaders, who finished
fourth in the state 6-A tournament in 2007. Oregon-bound RHP Alex Kuedell
and San Francisco-bound Cameron Love lead the pitching staff, while
Oregon State-bound OF Doug Kincaid, the state’s second-best prospect,
will pace the offense.
--JEFF SIMPSON
51. MT. PLEASANT (Mich.) HS (38-1)
The Warriors cruised through 2007 with one the nation’s best records and
won the Michigan Division 2 state championship. Central Michigan-bound SS/RHP William
Arnold (.438; 9-0) and Michigan-bound RHP Tyler Mills look to
lead the charge for the Warriors in 2008.
--JEFF SIMPSON
52. VALLEY CHRISTIAN HS, San Jose, Calif. (33-4)
The Warriors captured the CIF Division I Central Coast division
championship in 2007 and are the odds-on favorite to repeat in 2008. Santa
Clara-bound RHP Jon Hughes (10-2, 0.97) and UC Davis-bound LHP Anthony
Kupbens lead the pitching staff. Two-time all-state selection and San
Jose State-bound SS Michael Reiling will pace the offensive attack.
--JEFF SIMPSON
53. HEATH HS, Paducah, Ky. (27-11)
A year after falling in the state quarterfinals, the Pirates will be one of
several teams in Kentucky that are expected to have significant years. Two
Kentucky recruits lead the way for the Pirates: RHP Daniel Webb (8-2;
.433-11-46) and OF Chad Wright. (.472-9-32, 60 SB)
--JEFF SIMPSON
54. CATALINA FOOTHILLS HS, Tucson, Ariz. (25-5)
With basically their entire team returning from 2007, the Falcons are
primed for a big 2008 season. RHP/1B Kayvon Bahramzadeh (7-2, 2.13;
.389), Lucas Morales (8-0, 1.35) and Gonzaga-bound Andy Hunter form
one of the best pitching staffs in the state. Southern California-bound SS Ashton
Kent (.442) anchors the offense.
--JEFF SIMPSON
55. AUBURN (Wash.) HS (25-3)
A year after being upset in the state 3-A finals, the Trojans look like the
favorite again to win a state championship. A pair of Washington State
recruits, RHP David Olson (9-0, 1.81; .400, 41 RBIs) and C Kyle Buchanan
will lead the charge for the Trojans.
--JEFF SIMPSON
56. SERRA HS, San Mateo, Calif. (25-6)
After winning a share of the WCAL regular season title, this perennial
power can expect big things again in 2008. UC Santa Barbara-bound IF Ryan
Palermo (.466-6-37) leads the way for a team that has several key
contributors returning from their 2007 squad.
--JEFF SIMPSON
57. CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC HS, Clearwater, Fla. (26-4)
The Marauders won the state 3-A championship in 2007 and have the pieces in
place to repeat. The one thing standing in their way is a possible match-up
with top-ranked American Heritage High. Florida-bound RHP Ryan Weber (11-0,
0.58) should dominate once again, while South Florida-bound SS Sam Mende
(.465, 8 HR) leads a deep and talented lineup.
--JEFF SIMPSON
58. ALONSO HS, Tampa (27-4)
A Top 50 team for almost all of 2007, the Ravens return all but three
seniors from a team that lost in the state 6-A quarter-finals to eventual
champion Sarasota High. Alonso will be without RHP Tommy Toledo, a third-round
pick in the draft, but should still have one of the better pitching staffs in
the state. Florida-bound LHP Alex Panteliodis (11-0) and junior RHP Ray
Delphey (3-1) will pace the Ravens in 2008.
--JEFF SIMPSON
59. LASSITER HS, Marietta, Ga. (13-13)
The Trojans won the state 5-A championship in 2006 but fell on hard times
in 2007 when their Aflac All-American ace RHP Michael Palazzone was lost
for the better part of the year with a sore shoulder. Palazzone, a Georgia
recruit and potential first-rounder, is healthy now and joins a group of
talented young arms in RHPs Kevin Link (2.95), Jake Stephens (1.35)
and Reid Handler (2.41) to give the Trojans one of the best pitching
staffs in the state.
--JEFF SIMPSON
60. CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC HS, San Diego (24-12)
The Dons are an up-and-coming program in Southern California and 2008
should put the program clearly on the baseball map. San Diego State-bound C Chris
Wilson (.385, 45 RBIs) leads an offense that is loaded with talented
underclassmen.
--JEFF SIMPSON
61. MOELLER HS, Cincinnati (27-4)
The Crusaders fell in the state finals in 2007 and will look for four
seniors that have committed to Division I schools to lead the way in 2008.
Marshall-bound LHP Greg Williams (8-0, 0.15) and Ohio State-bound RHP Ross
Oltorik (2-2, 1.79; .385-2-22) lead the way.
--JEFF SIMPSON
62. RUSSELL COUNTY HS, Seale, Ala. (44-11)
The 2005 national champions made it all the way to the state 6-A finals in
2007, before falling to Hillcrest High. This will mark the last year that the
Warriors have any of the four Rasmus brothers at their disposal. Senior C Casey
Rasmus has committed to Okaloosa Walton (Fla.) CC while his twin
brother Cyle, a second baseman, is a Southern Illinois recruit.
Older brothers Colby and Casey were first-round picks. Three other seniors are
scheduled to play college ball next year and a very talented group of
underclassmen are also available.
--JEFF SIMPSON
63. PRAIRIE RIDGE HS, Crystal Lake, Ill. (19-13)
The Wolves failed to win a regional title for the first time in eight
years, but may be Illinois’ most talented team in 2008. Five players have
committed to Division I schools, including Coastal Carolina-bound two-way
talent T.J. Swank. (.420; 3-2, 1.10)
--JEFF SIMPSON
64. THE HUN SCHOOL, Princeton, N.J. (20-4)
With three players heading to Atlantic Coast Conference schools, the
Raiders are one of the top teams in New Jersey. North Carolina-bound RHP Michael
Russo (6-1, 0.94; .470-7-42) and OF John Gianis (.525, 48 SB)
join with Duke-bound RHP David Putnam (7-1, 1.92) to give the Raiders
one of the most talented teams in the northeast.
--JEFF SIMPSON
65. PUNAHOU SCHOOL, Honolulu (29-3)
Expectations are always high when a team has won four straight state
championships; anything less than a state title in 2008 for the Buff N’ Blue
will be considered a disappointment. Returning RHP Jeeter Ishida, the
Gatorade state player of the year, has committed to Arizona State and will lead
the way.
--JEFF SIMPSON
66. COPPELL (Texas) HS (23-6)
Blessed with one of the strongest junior classes in the country, the
Cowboys look like a potential top 10 team in 2009—and could make an impact this
year. RHP/OF Jacob Morris and C Jonathan Walsh both rank in the
Top 25 in the class of 2009, while RHP Chad Kettler ranks in the Top
100. Morris returns to the field after being forced to sit out a year while
transferring from Flower Mound High.
--JEFF SIMPSON
67. RIVERSIDE HS, Greer, S.C. (25-7)
With three state championships in the last five years, the Warriors have
become the class of South Carolina high school baseball. 1B/LHP Michael Roth,
the 3-A state player of the year, has committed to South Carolina and is
the top two-way player in the state.
--JEFF SIMPSON
68. TATES CREEK HS, Lexington, Ky. (26-9)
In a banner year for Kentucky high school baseball, the Commodores have one
of the deepest teams in the area. Louisville-bound RHP/1B Alex Blodgett headlines
this team, but he has a very solid supporting cast in senior RHP Corey Kingsley
(3-3, 2.12), and juniors TJ Mangione (.330, 32 SB), Logan Jackson
(.452-2-30) and Lee Kimbrell (.405).
--JEFF SIMPSON
69. LANGHAM CREEK HS, Houston (34-4)
After being in the top 10 for most of 2007 and knocking out powerhouse Katy
High in the playoffs, Langham Creek was eventually upset by Kingwood High in
the state 5-A playoffs. This year’s Lobo squad lacks depth, but still features
Rice-bound RHP Andrew Benak and Houston-bound IF Cody Morehouse.
--JEFF SIMPSON
70. ROCKY MOUNTIAN HS, Fort Collins, Colo. (20-5)
The defending 5-A state champion Lobos return the core of a team that is a
heavy preseason favorite to win another state championship. SS Andy Burns
(.542-13-43), the state player of the year, and Jake Stewart (.529-6-22)
lead one of the most potent offenses in the country.
--JEFF SIMPSON
71. GEORGE WASHINGTON HS, New York (39-4)
A perennial power in New York City’s Public School Athletic League, the
Trojans look like the team to beat in 2008. OF Fernando Frias and C Jean
Carlos Rodriguez, both seniors, will lead the offense, while junior RHP
Javier Lopez will be the one to watch on the mound.
--JEFF SIMPSON
72. MAIZE (Kan.) HS (15-7)
After missing out on the playoffs for the first
time in eight years, the Eagles appear primed for a big 2008 season with six
seniors who have commitments to play college baseball. Kansas-bound 1B Jake
Marasco (.382) and Kansas State-bound Nick Cocking (.342) will
pace the offense. On the mound, junior RHP Garrett Gould (2-0, 0.70) is
one of the best young pitching prospects in the Midwest and will team up with
Central Missouri-bound RHP Kurtis Schuyler (6-1, 1.47) to form a very
formidable starting rotation.
--JEFF SIMPSON
73. SENECA VALLEY HS, Harmony, Pa. (21-2)
A year after winning the state 4-A title, the Raiders have the ingredients
to repeat with the return of three seniors who have committed to Division I
schools. Leading the way for Seneca Valley will be North Carolina State-bound
RHP Cory Mazzoni (11-0, 1.17; .352-2-24) and Villanova-bound LHP Kyle
Helisek (7-0, 2.19).
--JEFF SIMPSON
74. POWAY (Calif.) HS (25-9)
With four seniors committed to Division I schools, the Titans will look for
their second CIF Division I championship in the last three years.
Stanford-bound RHP Brian Busick and Indiana-bound LHP Drew Leininger
will lead the pitching staff, while Kansas-bound OF Jason Brunansky, son
of 14-year big leaguer Tom Brunansky and an assistant coach with the Titans,
and Indiana-bound 1B Alec Dickerson will lead the offensive attack.
--JEFF SIMPSON
75. PORTSMOUTH (R.I.) HS (22-2)
Portsmouth made its way into the national rankings in 2007, but the
Patriots pulled up short in their bid for a state championship. Three seniors
have committed to Division I schools, including Vanderbilt-bound OF/RHP Ryan
Westmoreland, the state’s top prospects.
--JEFF SIMPSON
76. TUPELO (Miss.) HS (34-5)
With Ole Miss-bound LHP Kyle Thornton (12-2, 1.41; .344-6-34)
leading the way, the Golden Wave looks like the front runner to win the state
5-A championship. There is plenty of depth on a pitching staff that returns
seniors Nathan Flanagan and Joseph Koon, and junior Chris Stratton,
who combined to go 18-3 in 2007. Senior OF Gardner Richey (.357-7-45)
will lead the offense attack.
--JEFF SIMPSON
77. FLORIDA CHRISTIAN HS, Miami (20-7)
After falling to Gulliver Prep in the regional quarter-finals in 2007,
Florida Christian returns four seniors who have committed to Division I
schools. A pair of Miami recruits, OF David Villasuso (.375-11-33) and
IF Nathan Melendres, lead a Patriot offense that should be one of the
best in Dade County.
--JEFF SIMPSON
78. SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR HS, Phoenix (29-6)
Arizona State-bound Zack MacPhee (.455-3-29) and San Diego
State-bound Maverick Laskar (.410-8-35; 8-3, 2.64) lead the charge for
the Eagles, who have titles hopes in their first year of 4-A competition. With
basically their whole team returning from 2007, the Eagles will challenge
Scottsdale’s Chaparral High and Tucson’s Catalina Foothills High for a state
championship.
--JEFF SIMPSON
79. FLANAGAN HS, Pembroke Pines, Fla. (23-8)
After winning state championships in 2005 and 2006, the Falcons came up
short in the state semi-finals in 2007. Miami-bound SS Rolando Gomez (.447,
9 HR) is the team’s top returning talent and should be an early-round draft
pick in June. The pitching staff received a boost when East Tennessee
State-bound Josh Gonzaga (5-0) transferred from Nova High. Gonzaga joins
Florida International-bound LHP R.J. Fondon (10-1, 1.31) to give the
Falcons one of the top pitching staffs in south Florida.
--JEFF SIMPSON
80. BROWNSBURG (Ind.) HS (23-5)
A perennial Indiana power, the Bulldogs have their eyes on a state title in
2008 after a rare disappointing season in 2007. Junior C Tucker Barnhart
(.416-10-39) leads the way offensively, while Indiana State-bound RHP Mark
Conover anchors the pitching staff.
--JEFF SIMPSON
81. SPANISH FORK (Utah) HS (18-8)
The 2006 state 5-A champions are the favorite to win it all in 2008 with
the deepest pitching staff in the state. Junior RHP Brock Duke has
pitched for the U.S. youth national team and will join forces with Brigham
Young-bound RHP Devin Nelson to provide a very solid starting rotation.
--JEFF SIMPSON
82. BEARDEN HS, Knoxville, Tenn. (24-14)
With a trio of senior pitchers heading to college baseball, Bearden looks
primed for a run at the state 3-A championship. Tennesee-bound LHP Hunter Daniel
(13-4, 3.45), East Tennessee State-bound Taylor Gouffon (Most Valuable
Pitcher of the 2007 16-and-under World Wood Bat Association summer
championship) and Milliken-bound Josh Hullet (8-2, career) should form a
very solid rotation.
--JEFF SIMPSON
83. WOODWARD ACADEMY, Atlanta (25-6)
With three seniors committed to Division I programs, the Eagles will
challenge for a state 4-A title in 2008. The Eagles have two-prime prospects:
Georgia Tech-bound C Brandon Miller and Georgia-bound OF Brennan May.
--JEFF SIMPSON
84. CRESPI CARMELITE HS, Encino, Calif. (24-6-1)
The Celts should make a serious run at a CIF sectional championship with
four seniors heading off to play Division I ball. Florida State-bound LHP Sean
Gilmartin (3-0, 10 SV) and all-state IF and Cal State Fullerton-bound Carlos
Lopez are the top two prospects on the team.
--JEFF SIMPSON
85. NORTH AUGUSTA (S.C.) HS (25-7)
After losing in the state 4-A final in 2007, North Augusta may be the
favorite to win it all this season. South Carolina-bound LHP Marty Gantt
(9-3, 1.33, 161 K, 84 IP), a returning state player of the year, and College of
Charleston-bound IF/RHP Austin Stuart will lead the way.
--JEFF SIMPSON
86. FAITH ACADEMY, Mobile, Ala. (26-11)
South Alabama-bound SS Michael Meredith (.412) will anchor the
everyday lineup, while Auburn-bound RHP Steven Upchurch (5-4, 2.21) and Gary
Bishop give Faith Academy two of the best arms in the state. After
falling in the AISA state championship in 2007, Faith Academy looks like a
favorite to win it all in 2008.
--JEFF SIMPSON
87. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS HS, Miami (20-6)
Five Explorer players have signed with Division I colleges and a total of
nine seniors are heading off to play college baseball. Miami-bound 3B Vickash
Ramjit (.383-5-25) is the headliner in the class, which include four
players that are heading to local St. Thomas University.
--JEFF SIMPSON
88. ARLINGTON HEIGHTS HS, Fort Worth, Texas (27-8)
The Yellow Jackets ran through the regular season in 2007, going 16-0 in
conference play before falling in the state tournament. This will mark the
final year that Arlington Heights will have Texas Christian-bound LHP Walker
Kelly at its disposal. Kelly has a career record of 29-0 and is a
potential early-round selection in the 2008 draft.
--JEFF SIMPSON
89. SNOHOMISH (Wash.) HS (22-5)
The Panthers fell just shy of a state 4-A championship in 2007, falling to
Richland High in the final. Washington State-bound LHP Derek Jones and
top-ranked junior LHP Brian Wolfe give the Panthers the pitching to make
another deep playoff run in 2008.
--JEFF SIMPSON
90. TEMECULA VALLEY HS, Temecula, Calif. (10-16)
After a disappointing 10-win 2007 season, the Golden Bears welcome some
talented newcomers that should enable them to turn things around quickly. Two
prominent juniors will lead the way. 3B/RHP Brooks Pounders (.375-5-29),
who has verbally committed to Southern California, and Cal State
Fullerton-bound RHP/OF Tony Calhoun, who did not play in 2007, join a
strong group of underclassmen that could make this one of the top teams in the
country for 2009.
--JEFF SIMPSON
91. LAKE TRAVIS HS, Austin, Texas (26-10)
The Cavaliers look primed to make a deeper playoff run in 2008 after
falling early in the 4-A state tournament chase in 2007. They have one of the
best starting rotations in the state in Arizona-bound LHP Brad Dydalewicz
and Baylor-bound RHP Max Garner and should be very tough to beat in a
best-of-3 format.
--JEFF SIMPSON
92. BLUE SPRINGS (Mo.) HS (25-2)
Fresh off a 4-A state championship over Wentzville Holt High in 2007, Blue
Springs will look to repeat behind Mississippi-bound LHP Kyle Barbeck.
(8-0, 1.41) The loss of RHP Nick Tepesch to Missouri and several other seniors
might knock this team down a bit from last year.
--JEFF SIMPSON
93. MAMAMONECK (N.Y.) HS (21-4)
The Tigers are talented but are one of the youngest teams in the top 100
rankings with only two seniors on the roster. Junior LHPs Sean Hagen (6-1,
1.62) and Matt McGovern (4-1) should make this one of New York’s better
teams for the next two years.
--JEFF SIMPSON
94. NOVA HS, Davie, Fla. (23-6)
The Titans won state championships in 2004 and 2005 and are primed for
another run in 2008. Pitching will be key for Nova, starting with Oregon-bound
RHP Joey Housey. RHP Brent Zimmerman and SS Michael Broad both
rank among the state’s best junior prospects.
--JEFF SIMPSON
95. MIAMI CHRISTIAN HS, Miami (20-9)
An up-and-coming program in the private school sector in Miami, the Victors
are a favorite in the state 2-A playoff picture. Junior RHP Felix Roque is
one of the best prospects in the area and should receive plenty of draft
attention in another year.
--JEFF SIMPSON
96. TEURLINGS CATHOLIC HS, Lafayette, La. (26-6)
Alabama-bound OF Taylor Dugas (.441-6-52) and
Louisiana-Lafayette-bound OF Alex Fuselier lead a high-powered offense.
With traditional power Captain Shreve rebuilding in 2008, Teurlings Catholic is
the favorite to win the state 4-A championship.
--JEFF SIMPSON
97. MADISON ACADEMY, Huntsville, Ala. (32-9)
With three Division I recruits on their roster, the Mustangs are a favorite
to win the state 3-A championship. South Alabama-bound OF Brad Montgomery
(.432-4-37), Vanderbilt-bound LHP Corey Williams (9-2, 1.89) and
Alabama-bound LHP/1B Kelby Deerman lead the way for the Mustangs.
--JEFF SIMPSON
98. MALVERN PREP HS, Malvern, Pa. (24-11)
With two seniors committed to play college ball and a strong group of
underclassmen, the Friars should be one of the better private schools in the
country. Last year’s league MVP, junior LHP Tim Cooney, returns along
with two other highly-rated 2009 prospects: C Mike Lubanski and OF Chris
Gosik.
--JEFF SIMPSON
99. PRESTONWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, Plano, Texas (31-1)
In one of the biggest upsets of the 2007 season, the Lions saw their
perfect 31-0 season come to an end in the state independent-school final at the
hands of Dallas Christian, a team they had beaten soundly twice earlier in the
season. Aflac All-American and Arizona State-bound C/RHP Jordan Swagerty
will once again lead Prestonwood, while a pair of Dallas Baptist recruits, C Cody
Brooks and LHP Trey Frazier, will provide quality depth.
--JEFF SIMPSON
100. WALSH JESUIT HS, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (24-5)
The Warriors have won back-to-back Division II state championships and
should be in the hunt again in 2008. Kent State-bound SS Ross Brunello (.337-5-24)
will pace the offensive attack, while Kent State-bound LHP Brennon Belair
(3-2), sophomore RHP Tyler Skulina (3-0, 1.07) and senior LHP David Starn
(4-1, 2.51) will be stalwarts on the pitching staff.
--JEFF SIMPSON