MaxPreps 2015 Top 100 high school baseball team rankings

Kevin Askeland

Updated February 23, 2015 at 6:50 AM

2015 Preseason High School Baseball Top 10 9,226 views0:53 Video: Top 10 Baseball Teams
See a selection of images from our pro photo shoots with the nation's best teams

The countdown of the MaxPreps Top 10 Preseason National Baseball Rankings is complete with the Longhorns of Lambert gaining the nod as the top team in the nation to start the 2015 season. Now it's time to take a look at the other 90 teams that could make some noise this year.

MaxPreps Top 100 National Baseball Rankings
Photos by MaxPreps photographers/Graphic by Ryan Escobar
1. Lambert (Suwanee, Ga.) - See Preview
2. St. Thomas More (Lafayette, La.) - See Preview
3. JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) - See Preview
4. Park Vista (Lake Worth, Fla.) - See Preview
5. Olympia (Orlando, Fla.) - See Preview
6. Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas) - See Preview
7. College Station (Texas) - See Preview
8. Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.) - See Preview
9. Aliso Niguel (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) - See Preview
10. Winter Haven (Winter Haven, Fla.) - See Preview

11. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
2014 Record: 14-11
Top Returning Players: Logan Allen, LHP, .316, 4-1 pitching record, 0.84 ERA, (South Carolina); Ryan Karstetter, SS/3B, .469, 22 RBI, 4 doubles, (Virginia); Eric Feliz, OF, .294, 6 doubles, 16 RBI, (Notre Dame); Grant Horwitz, C, Junior, .243; Alex Mangome, C, .256, (Northern Kentucky).
Top Newcomers: LT Tolbert, SS/RHP (South Carolina); Danny Blair, OF (South Carolina); Chase Illig, C (College of Charleston); Jason Groome, Junior, LHP (Vanderbilt); Dion Henderson, Junior, LHP (Kentucky); Anthony Holubecki, Junior, RHP (Notre Dame); Kyle Benyo, Senior, OF (Youngstown State); Nick Derr, Junior, 2B/SS (Florida State).
Outlook: IMG Academy has an influx of talent with transfers coming in from all over the East Coast. Topping the list is LT Tolbert, who was the MVP of the Under Armour All-American Game. Coached by former Cincinnati Reds third baseman Chris Sabo, IMG Academy does not participate in the Florida state playoffs, so its worthiness for a national championship will have to be based on the national tournaments it plays in this year. Those include the Hard Nine National Classic in California, the Perfect Game Showdown in Florida and IMG Academy's own National Classic.

12. Huntington Beach (Calif.)
2014 Record: 21-5
Top Returning Players: Daniel Amaral, CF, .406, 6 doubles, UCLA; Noah Davis, RHP, 12-0 record, 41 strikeouts, 1.27 ERA, UC Santa Barbara; Logan Poulesen, 3B/P, Junior, 2-0 record, .280 record, 3 home runs, UCLA; Cooper Moore, 1B, .350, Utah; Hagen Danner, RHP/RF, Sophomore, .444, UCLA; Kyle Coburn, 2B, .250, Senior, Westmont; Tyler Murray, C, .292.
Others: Chad Minato, SS; Brian Rousseau, RHP; Matt Geiger, LHP; Landon Silver, OF (from Westminster Christian).
Outlook: Huntington Beach will play in two of the toughest tournaments in the country, participating in the National High School Invitational in North Carolina and the Boras Tournament in California. According to coach Benji Medure, the Oilers have a solid pitching staff, led by senior Noah Davis with 12 wins last year. They also have one of the state's top junior players in UCLA commit Logan Poulesen.

13. Puyallup (Wash.)
2014 Record: 28-0, Class 4A champion
Top Returning Players: Brendan Illies, C, .398, 26 RBI, North Carolina; Zach Needham, SS, .264, Washington; Owen Breithaupt, CF, .389, Western Nevada JC; Riley Pletcher, LF, Junior, .243.
Others: CJ Krippaehne, OF/1B, Pacific; Tristan Cleek, OF; Griffin Stiffarm, RHP, El Paso JC; Austin Stump, Junior; Christopher Micheles, LHP, Junior, Washington (transfer); Leif Strom, RHP, Western Nevada (transfer); Herbie Good, RHP (transfer).
Outlook: Puyallup has one of the longest winning streaks in the nation after going undefeated at 28-0 with a Class 4A state championship last year. A total of 10 players graduated with five moving on to play Division I baseball. Another player, Luke Heimlich, has also graduated early. Heimlich was the Gatorade State Player of the Year as a junior. Puyallup still looks to be a contender. Four-year starter Brendan Illies is back at catcher and the Vikings have three impact transfers in LHP Christopher Micheles, 6-foot-5 RHP Herbie Good and 6-5 RHP Leif Strom.

14. San Clemente (Calif.)
2014 Record: 22-11
Top Returning Players: Trevor Beard, .311, 28 RBI; Tyler Ankrom, .290; Will Tribucher, .330; Lucas Herbert, .284; Kolby Allard, 6-2 record, 1.32 ERA, 98 Ks; Chris Puckett, P, 3-2 record, 3.59 ERA.
Outlook: In Allard, San Clemente has one of the nation's top pitchers. His presence makes the Tritons a favorite in the Southern Section Division 2 playoffs. San Clemente finished in third place in the Sea View League last year behind Dana Hills and Aliso Niguel. Neither of those teams are in a revamped Sea View League that now includes newcomers Mission Viejo and Trabuco Hills.

15. Farragut (Knoxville, Tenn.)
2014 Record: 35-13, Class 3A champion
Top Returning Players: Duncan Pence, SS, Junior, Tennessee; Chase Fullington, 2B, North Carolina; Patrick Raby, RHP, Vanderbilt; Dylan Pacifico, Junior, RHP; Nico Mascia; Eric Lessig, LHP, Lincoln Memorial; Pete Pratti, RHP, Lincoln Memorial; Austin Bumbalough, RHP, Martin Methodist.
Outlook: The Admirals won their first state championship in three years, but they have now won five state titles in the past seven seasons and nine in the school's history. A tough schedule sets up Farragut for a potential run at a national title. Besides facing some of the top teams in Alabama in early March, Farragut also plays in the National High School Invitational in the latter part of the month. They also face defending Indiana Class 4A champion Noblesville in April. The Admirals have one of the top seniors in the state in Vanderbilt-bound pitcher Patrick Raby while Duncan Pence, a shortstop, is one of the state's top juniors.
Photo by Ralph Thompson

Justin Hooper, De La Salle

16. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
2014 Record: 21-7, California North Coast Section Division I champion
Top Returning Players: Justin Hooper, P/1B, 6-3, 2.04 ERA, 58 strikeouts; Michael McAdoo, OF, .297, 20 RBI; Andrew Schatz, C, .308, 17 RBI; Myles Coston, 2B, .278, 15 RBI; Blake Ogburn, 1B, .351; Kevin Sandri, SS, .281; Cameron Schneider, P, 2-0, 3.87 ERA; Tyler Lonestar, P, 3-0, 3.11 ERA.
Others: Joe Vranesh, OF; Conner Roberts, P; Nick Sparks, LHP.
Outlook: De La Salle has long had one of the nation's top football programs. Now the baseball program makes its stake as one of the nation's best. The defending North Coast Section Division I champions have a tough preseason schedule that includes single games against the top teams in Northern California - Saint Francis (Mountain View), Elk Grove, Serra (San Mateo), St. Mary's (Stockton), Jesuit (Sacramento) and College Park (Pleasant Hill). Expect to a see a matchup between one of the nation's best lefthanders, De La Salle's Justin Hooper, against one of the nation's best righthanders, College Park's Joe DeMers, in that final matchup.

17. Plant (Tampa, Fla.)
2014 Record: 23-6
Top Returning Players: Kyle Tucker, CF, .415, 35 RBI, 9 HR; Cooper Dickens, RF, .326; Carter Leslie, LF, .288; Max Wadsworth, 3B, .186; Nick Cerelli, SS, Jr, .233; Donovan Berry, 2B, .130; Jake Bak, 1B, .275; Ryan Ellis, C, .329; Jake Woodford, P, 10-1 record; Zach Rose, P, 2-1 record; Ben Hiatt, P.
Outlook: The Panthers have one of the nation's top power hitters in Kyle Tucker, who has 20 career home runs heading into his senior season. Plant has a senior-dominated team that won 23 games last season. The pitching staff also looks solid with 10-win pitcher Jake Woodford returning.

18. College Park (Pleasant Hill, Calif.)
2014 Record: 27-3, California North Coast Section Division II champion
Top Returning Players: Willie MacIver, IF, .370; Joe DeMers, P, .371, 12-2 record, 94 Ks; Nick Oar, LF, .359; Trevor Larnach, RF, .436; Chris Brown, P, 11-1 record, 0.78 ERA, 54 Ks.
Outlook: The Falcons have one of the top pitching staffs in the nation, led by Joe DeMers (12-2) and Chris Brown (11-1). With one of those two on the mound, College Park can play with any team in the nation. The Falcons will find out how well they match up when they travel to North Carolina to play in the National High School Invitational.

19. Fayetteville (Ark.)
2014 Record: 30-4, Class 7A runner-up
Top Returning Players: Andy Pagnozzi, RHP/3B, 11-0 record, 97 Ks, Ole Miss; Cody Davenport, CF/RHP, .412, 5 home runs, Central Arkansas; Drew Tyler, SS, .296, 22 RBI, 4 home runs, Arkansas; Walker Powell, RHP/IF, 2-0 record, Southern Mississippi; Grant Koch, C, .340, 4 home runs, Arkansas; John Boushelle, RHP, 2-0 record, Kansas State; Blake Power, OF, .292: Conner Shaw, OF/IF, .311; Ethan King, IF, .324.
Others: Joey Savin, LHP/OF, Jr; Thomas Broyles, OF/LHP, Jr; Tucker Yandell, 1B, Sr.
Outlook: Fayetteville should be in the mix for a state championship this season after falling just short last year with a loss to Bryant in the Class 7A finals. The Bulldogs have won 29 consecutive conference games, but the conference is expected to be extremely tough this year with five potential Division I pitchers in the league. Fayetteville will play in a tournament in Dallas and will also head to the Coach Bob National Invitational, which it won last year. The Bulldogs have two of the state's top players in pitcher Andy Pagnozzi and shortstop Drew Tyler.

20. St. Rita (Chicago)
2014 Record: 37-5, Class 4A runner-up
Top Returning Players: Tyler Halas, P/IF, Tennessee; Shane Peisker, CF, Navy; Marty Bechina, SS, Michigan State; Matt Ryan, LHP, Butler.
Others: Daniel Gleaves, OF, Jr; Mateo Zunica, OF, Jr; Calvin Greenfield, C, Sophomore
Outlook: The Mustangs reached the Class 4A state championship game last year, falling to Providence Catholic in the championship game. However, coach Mike Zunica feels that this year he has a starting lineup that could potentially be the school's best in the past 20 years. Tyler Halas, a Tennessee commit, is the top player for the Mustangs as both a pitcher and infielder.

21. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
2014 Record: 24-5
Top Returning Players: Nick Bennett, LHP, Jr, 4-2, 2.31 ERA, 39 K, 33.1 IP; Grant Macciocchi, RHP, 1.00 ERA, 13 K, 7 IP; Kyle Butz, Jr, IF/OF, .436; Bryan Soth, OF/1B, .364.; Joe Vranesic, RHP
Outlook: The Fighting Crusaders won back-to-back state championships in 2012 and 2013, but lost to eventual champion Jackson in the semifinals. Archbishop Moeller returns a young lineup, but one that contains three of the state's top 24 players in Vranesic, Soth and Macciocchi.

22. Gloucester Catholic (Gloucester City, N.J.)
2014 Record: 25-6
Top Returning Players: Pete Farlow, P/IF, .322; Fran Kinsey, OF, .333; Sean Breen, 2B, .442; Anthony Harrold, 1B, .381, 5 HR; Tre Todd, C; Jake Gillis, 1B/DH, .273; Nick Seccia, 3B, Jr; Tyler Mondile, DH, 6-1 record, Jr; John Murphy, RHP, 8-2 record; Dante Scafidi, LHP; Matt Parr, SS/LHP; Eric Grafton, LHP, Jr.
Others: Eric Becker, RHP, Sr; Alex Krug, OF, Jr, .455; Joe Bobiak, LHP, Sr; Brandon Gray, C/IF, Sr, .273.
Outlook: After winning four straight Non-Public state championships in a row, the Rams fell short last year with a loss to St. John Vianney in the playoffs. Most of the pitching staff returns, including former MaxPreps All-American John Murphy, while 10 of the team's top 12 offensive performers from last year also return.

23. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
2014 Record: 25-5
Top Returning Players: Brandon Wulff, .478, 45 RBI, 13 HR; Cadyn Grenier, SS, .500, 27 RBI; Matt Mitchell, Soph, 7-1 record; Jack Little, P, Jr, 3-1 record; Alex Perron, P, 4-1 record; Matt Hudgins, OF, .317; Austin Cram, 1B, .312; Beau Capanna, Jr., IF, .408; Chase Maddux, P.
Outlook: The Gaels have a new coach in Gino DiMaria. He returns nearly every pitcher on the staff, including sophomore standout Matt Mitchell (7-1 record), veteran Jack Little and Chase Maddux, the son of Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. Bishop Gorman also has the top home run hitter in the state in Wulff while Grenier, the shortstop, is an All-American candidate.

24. DeSoto Central (Southaven, Miss.)
2014 Record: 28-10, Class 6A runner-up
Top Returning Players: Austin Riley, IF/P, .465, 9 HR, 8-3 record, 79 Ks, 1.51 ERA, Mississippi State; Dallas Woolfolk, IF/P, .309, 3 HR, Ole Miss; Keegan James, IF/P, .306, 32 RBI, Mississippi State; Brant Blaylock, OF, Sr, .372, 28 RBI, Mississippi State; Carson Klepzig, C, .267, Ole Miss; Colin Coates, Ut, .310, 5 HR, Hinds CC; Hayden Tapper, 1B, .343; Tre Spann, OF; Spencer Price, Meridian CC.
Outlook: The Jaguars will play in three of the top tournaments in the nation, including the LaGrange Toyota Invitational, the Perfect Game High School Showdown and the National High School Invitational. DeSoto Central has an outstanding senior class with five players headed to either Ole Miss or Mississippi State. Austin Riley, one of the state's top athletes, returns after leading the Jaguars to the Class 6A state championship game last year. Riley batted .465 with an 8-3 pitching record.

25. Killian (Miami)
2014 Record: 25-5
Top Returning Players: Joey Gonzalez, 3B/RHP, .267, Stetson; Freddy Zamora, SS, Soph, .330, 3 HR, Miami; Eddy Demurias, 2B/RHP, .302, 3 HR, 3-0 record, Florida; Keith Stevens, 1B/RHP, .375, 5-2 record, Florida A&M; Eddy Arteaga, Soph, C, .208, Miami; Ryan Guzman, OF, .243; Ryan Granda, LHP, 10-0 record, Jacksonville; Vladimir Nunez, RHP, 4-1 record, Manatee CC.
Others: Sebastian Gonzalez, OF; Frank Follaco, RHP; Herbert Iser, C, Jr, Miami.
Outlook: According to coach Angel Herrera, the Cougars have their best team in his nine seasons at the helm. Eddy Demurias and Joey Gonzalez each hit 90 mph on their fastballs. Killian also has one of the top sophomores in the country in transfer Herbert Iser, who has already committed to the University of Miami.

26. Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.)
2014 Record: 28-7
Top Returning Players: Daino Deas, 2B, .345, Auburn; Trevor Brown, SS, Kennesaw State; Brandon Hill, OF/LHP, .284, 4 HR; Ryne Inman, RHP, 4-0 record, Georgia State; Jake Roberson, RHP, 4-0 record; David Draper, OF, .250, Emory.
Others: Austin Biggar, Georgia; Will Ethridge, Ole Miss; Andy Albright, RHP; Jason Awtrey, OF; Trey Mullee, RHP; Brian Kregel, OF/DH, Jr; Jackson Turnbull, RHP, Jr; Johnathan Whitmer, 1B/C, Jr.
Outlook: Parkview lost one of the nation's top pitchers in Mac Marshall to graduation. The team's top hitter, Isiah Gilliam, also graduated early and was selected in the Major League Baseball Draft. Still, Parkview will likely challenge for a 6A state title with six players on the roster already committed to college programs.

27. Barbe (Lake Charles, La.)
2014 Record: 39-2, Class 5A champion
Top Returning Players: Adam Goree, P, Soph, 12-0 record, 63 Ks, 1.54 ERA, 68 IP; Tyler Booth, 4-0, 19 K, 1.91 ERA; Braden Bethea, 3-0, 21 K, 1.18 ERA; Braden Comeaux, .354, 17 RBI; Shane Selman, .271, 35 RBI; Addison Armand, .373, 29 RBI.
Others: Brant McNeese, 3B/SS; Hunter Feduccia, C; Marshall Alexander, RHP/2B; Kirkland Banks, 3B, Soph; Tanner Littleton, LF, Soph.
Outlook: Despite losing the bulk of last year's team that claimed a Louisiana Class 5A state championship and a MaxPreps Xcellent 25 No. 1 ranking, Barbe still returns a strong pitching staff, led by sophomore standout Adam Goree, who went 12-0 as a freshman. The Buccaneers also return half of the infield in Armand (1B) and Comeaux.

28. Kennesaw Mountain (Kennesaw, Ga.)
2014 Record: 24-8
Top Returning Players: Tyler Stephenson, C, .447, 31 RBI, Georgia Tech; Reggie Pruitt, CF, .480, Vanderbilt; Zach Goodman, P/OF, 0.68 ERA, 58 Ks, Clemson; Ryley Gilliam, P/OF, 101 strikeouts, 0.79 ERA, Clemson; Zach Teem, 3B, .351, 22 RBI; Cole Buffington, 3B/OF, .371, The Citadel; Michael Adkinson, SS; Garrett Blinkhorn, 1B, 17 RBI.
Others: Colin Locurto, P/OF; Tyler Marshall, P; Hampton Clark, OF/P, 26 runs; Daniel Dolensky, Jr, P.
Outlook: The Mustangs fell to Milton in the Class 6A quarterfinals last year, but they return the top five offensive performers from last year as well as the team's top two pitchers. Five Mustangs are headed to play college baseball next season.

29. Horizon (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
2014 Record: 27-7
Top Returning Players: Matt Kroon, 3B, .385; Ben Lewis, Jr, OF, .379; Josh Bristyan, SS, .260; Chris Isbell, P/1B, .338.
Outlook: Horizon finished in the top five in Division I last year and returns four of the team's top players from last year. The Huskies captured their own national invitational last year and return the tournament MVP in Ben Lewis.

30. Rancho Bernardo (San Diego)
2014 Record: 30-5
Top Returning Players: Tora Otsuka, OF, Soph, .312; Calvin Mitchell, OF, Soph, .267; Adam Storch, IF, Soph, .301; Drew Finley, P, 5-0 record.
Others: Kyle Dean, OF (transfer from Poway).
Outlook: Although the Broncos lost one of the nation's top players in Alex Jackson to graduation, they got good news last summer when All-American candidate Kyle Dean transferred from Poway. The Broncos will be a young crew with three potential sophomore starters, however the pitching crew has one of the state's top pitchers in Drew Finley.

31. Walsh Jesuit (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
2014 Record: 26-1
Top Returning Players: Dominic Canzone, RHP/OF/1B, Jr, Ohio State; Ryan Feltner, RHP, Ohio State; Ty Shoaff, LHP, Missouri; Azim Qadri, OF, Ohio State; Blake Jenkins, OF, Bowling Green; Shane Downey, RHP, Marshall; Riley Minorik, SS, Bowling Green; Connor Regan, C, Buffalo; Dominic Mittiga, 3B/1B; Nick Deleone, LF.
Others: Cade Pipoly, SS, Soph; Jace Burke, IF/RHP, Soph; Brendan Regan, IF/RHP, Soph; Zach Pipoly, RHP/1B, Junior; Chris Shorter, OF, Junior; Dan Mendenhall, C, Jr; Mac Shinaberry, C/OF, Jr; Collin Marks, C/2B, Jr.
Outlook: The Warriors won the first 26 games of last year before falling in the early rounds of the postseason. Walsh Jesuit has a ton of talent returning, including Ohio State-bound Dominic Canzone, Azim Qadri and Ryan Feltner. The Warriors have eight players headed to play college ball next year.

32. Elk Grove (Calif.)
2014 Record: 27-6
Top Returning Players: Nick Madrigal, SS, .421, Oregon State; Dylan Carlson, Jr, 1B/LHP, .315, Cal State Fullerton; Carlos Moseley, 2B, .307; Ryan Robards, Jr, OF/RHP; Ty Madrigal, OF/LHP, 4-2, 3.10 ERA; Chris Martin, LHP, 6-0, 0.87 ERA; Austin Del Chiaro, Jr, OF/RHP, 7-1, 1.34 ERA.
Outlook: The Thundering Herd begin the season as the top team in the Sac-Joaquin Section due to the return of two of the team's top pitchers and a starting lineup that returns five starters. Elk Grove will play three of the top teams in the Central Coast Section in early March and will face De La Salle later in the month. Elk Grove also will make another appearance in the Boras Classic in April.

33. Freeman (Richmond, Va.)
2014 Record: 26-2, Class 5A runner-up
Top Returning Players: Danny Lynch, LHP, Virginia; Logan Harvey, C, Wake Forest; Eric O'Brien, RHP; Ethan Payne, OF; Travis Stackow, IF; JT Bellotti, IF.
Others: Luis Barrios, RHP, Soph; Andrew Oostdyk, RHP; Andrew Mullen, OF; Coby Sale, IF, Jr; Jake Gerkin, OF, Jr.
Outlook: Freeman didn't lose last year until the Class 5A championship game when it fell to Hickory. Expect the Rebels to be in the thick of the 5A race in Virginia this year thanks to the return of their top pitcher, Danny Lynch, and Wake Forest-bound catcher Logan Harvey.

34. North Florida Christian (Tallahassee, Fla.)
2014 Record: 26-4, Class 3A champion
Top Returning Players: Cole Sands, RHP/3B, .410, 5-1 record; Landon Seymour, SS, .369; Cole Ragans, LHP, 5-1 record; Logan Dungey, 2B/SS, .277.
Outlook: Winners of two state championships in the past four seasons, including last year, the Eagles figure to still field a strong pitching staff with Cole Sands and Cole Ragans each returning from five-win seasons as juniors. The Eagles begin the season with a 19-game win streak.

35. Wando (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.)
2014 Record: 19-11
Top Returning Players: Kep Brown, OF; Noah Locascio, C/1B; Tyler Ackard, 1B/3B; Harrison Smith, RHP.
Outlook: Wando returns the top player in the state in Kep Brown, according to Perfect Game. Three other members of the team also rank among the state's top seniors. Wando reached the semifinals of the lower state Class 4A finals before falling to eventual state champion Sumter and West Ashley.

36. Rockwall-Heath (Rockwall, Texas)
2014 Record: 34-9
Top Returning Players: Tyler Ivey, P, District Pitcher of the Year; Tyler Pinkston, P, All-District; Clayton Rasbeary, OF, All-District; Colten Maples, 3B; Ryne Randle, SS, Newcomer of the Year.
Outlook: Three years removed from a state championship, the Hawks won 34 games last year and reached the Class 5A regional semifinals. Realignment keeps Rockwall-Heath in Class 5A this year and makes the Hawks a favorite to challenge for the state title once again. The team has three returning all-district players, including the district pitcher of the year in Tyler Ivey.

37. St. Xavier (Louisville, Ky.)
2014 Record: 27-10, Division 1 champion
Top Returning Players: Cameron Revelette, RHP, 8-1, 2.07 ERA, 45 K; JD Mundt, LHP/1B, 4-2, 2.44 ERA, 42 K; Josh Finerty, RHP, 2-0, 1.37 ERA; Scott Spurlock, RHP, 3-2, 2.29 ERA; Grant Wessling, RHP; Avery Lane, RHP, .351, 21 RBI; Trent Revelette, OF, .238; Brandon Blaser, IF, .253; Aaron Grammer, OF, .227; Trace Amshoff, OF, .212; Dalton Dedas, C, Jr, .250.
Others: Adam Elliott, LHP, Jr; Brian O'Neil, RHP; Alex Hood, RHP, Jr; Eric Hasselwander, RHP, Jr; Daniel Fischer, RHP, Jr; Sam Porta, RHP, Jr; Nick Nelson, IF, Jr; Kurt Ramser, OF, Jr; Sam Hedges, OF, Soph.
Outlook: With four pitchers returning from last year's state championship team as well as 15 other players who were members of last year's squad, St. Xavier begins the season as the top-ranked team in Kentucky. The pitching staff is extremely deep with 12 players capable of taking the mound.

38. Hickory (Chesapeake, Va.)
2014 Record: 22-4, Class 5A champion
Top Returning Players: Connor Eason, LHP/1B; Stephen Polansky, OF/C; Michael Polansky, 3B, Soph; Ryan Bergland, Jr., OF.
Outlook: Winners of the Class 5A state championship, Hickory still has key pieces of the puzzle returning in the Polansky brothers, Stephen and Michael, along with pitcher Connor Eason, who is ranked as the No. 4 player in the state by Perfect Game.
Photo by Jim Ricketts

Eric Cole, Carroll

39. Carroll (Southlake, Texas)
2014 Record: 34-6
Top Returning Players: Eric Cole, OF, .418, 32 RBI; Ben Leeper, P, 11-1, 106 Ks; Nic Motley, C, .333, 4 HR, 22 RBI.
Outlook: The Dragons have posted back-to-back 34-win seasons and they reached the Class 5A regional semifinals last year before falling to eventual champion Flower Mound. Carroll returns one of the state's top pitchers in Ben Leeper, who won 11 games as a junior.

40. Mosley (Lynn Haven, Fla.)
2014 Record: 26-4
Top Returning Players: Clay Causey, .365, SS; Brendan Fox, C/2B, .395; JJ Bleday, LHP/OF, Vanderbilt; Sean Maddox, 1B, .286; Dillon Brown, 3B, .264; Jimmy Nolan, OF, .258, Thomas College; Ben Peters, RHP, Huntington College.
Outlook: The Dolphins fell to Clay in the state quarterfinals, but five starters return from last year's team that won 26 games. Mosley should be in contention for a Class 5A state championship.

41. Langham Creek (Houston)
2014 Record: 31-6
Top Returning Players: Tyler Rand, OF/RHP, .284, Texas; Mikey Hoehner, C, .234; John Michael Sopher, 2B, Jr, .319; Jarrod Wells, SS; Blake Joiner, 3B, .268; Kyle Finkenstaedt, OF, .341; Zach Sweet, SS, .405.
Others: Tylor Fischer, RHP, Soph; Gabriel Flores jr, RHP; Ronald Parham, OF (North Carolina transfer).
Outlook: The Lobos will have to rely on some of their underclassmen to fill out the pitching staff, but the rest of the lineup appears solid, led by Texas commit Tyler Rand in the outfield. Coach Armando Sedeno says that he has great confidence in the team's offense and defense.

42. Mesquite (Gilbert, Ariz.)
2014 Record: 23-12, Division I runner-up
Top Returning Players: Cole Valletta, OF, .365, 30 RBI, 9 HR; Josh Webster, UT, .340, 22 RBI; Nick Daley, OF, .320, 15 RBI; Parker Holland, MIF, Jr, .321, 18 RBI; Carson Burton, 1B, Jr, .295, 15 RBI; Alex Murrieta, MIF, Sr.
Others: Noah Cordova, P/OF; Bayle Perez, P; Cobe Karhoff, P, Jr.
Outlook: Mesquite came up just short last year in winning a state championship, falling to Hamilton in the Division I finals. However most of the starting lineup returns intact. The Wildcats have one of the state's top outfielders in Cole Valletta, who belted nine home runs last year.

43. Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.)
2014 Record: 33-3-1
Top Returning Players: Karl Kauffmann, RHP/3B, Jr; Dustin Renfroe, RHP/2B; Nick Plummer, OF; Robert Iacobelli, C.
Outlook: The Warriors were cruising toward a potential state championship last year, but fell to West Bloomfield and did not advance to the state tournament. Still, Brother Rice returns two of the state's top players in potential MLB Draft pick Nick Plummer in the outfield and junior RHP Karl Kauffmann.

44. Pelham (Ala.)
2014 Record: 24-12
Top Returning Players: Hunter Stovall, C; Sam Finnerty, OF; Connor Radcliff, RHP; Hunter Orr, RHP; Cole Whitman, LHP.
Outlook: Pelham is always in the mix for a Class 6A state championship and this could be a good year for the Panthers, who already have wins over last year's 5A runner-up Cullman and last year's 6A runner-up Sparkman. Pelham has two of the state's top players in outfielder Sam Finnerty and catcher Hunter Stovall.

45. Cosby (Midlothian, Va.)
2014 Record: 21-2
Top Returning Players: Matthew Pita, SS/OF; Jake Huggins, 1B/RHP; Christian Hague, Jr., RHP/1B.
Outlook: The Titans won the first 21 games of the season before losing to Western Branch, the eventual 6A state champion, and Chantilly. Two of the team's top pitchers from last year return along with the team's shortstop, Matthew Pita.

46. Joliet Catholic Academy (Ill.)
2014 Record: 28-8
Top Returning Players: Nick Dalesandro, P/C, .409, 28 RBI, 7-1 record, Purdue; Mitch Boe, SS, .384, Iowa; Dany Ehrsam, P, 4 wins; Drake Fellows, P, Jr, 6-1, 0.68 ERA, Vanderbilt; Mike Quiram, 3B.
Outlook: Joliet Catholic Academy could challenge for the Class 3A championship thanks to a solid pitching staff that includes one of the top juniors in the state in Drake Fellows and the state's top senior player Nick Dalesandro.

47. Rye (N.Y.)
2014 Record: 23-5
Top Returning Players: George Kirby, RHP; Tim DeGraw, OF/SS.
Outlook: The Garnets play at the Class A level in New York, but they return two all-state players in Kirby and DeGraw. Rye reached the Class A championship game last year.

48. Flora (Columbia, S.C.)
2014 Record: 25-4, Class 3A champion
Top Returning Players: Donald Gillespie, 3B; Will Taks, IF; Josh Hernandez, C.
Outlook: Flora has won three straight Class 3A state championships, something no other South Carolina 3A team has ever done. While Flora has lost several all-state players to graduation, it still has one of the state's top infielders in fifth-year starter Donald Gillespie.

49. Pearland (Texas)
2014 Record: 37-6
Top Returning Players: Ryan Diaz, CF, All-District; Tyler Kimball, 2B, All-District; Jacob Almendarez, RF; Stephen McBroom, P, All-District; Brendon Owens, P; Brady Basso, P, Jr., All-State.
Outlook: Pearland reached the Class 5A Final Four last year, falling to Flower Mound in the semifinals. The Oilers return four all-district players from that team, including all-state pitcher Brady Basso.

50. Jackson Prep (Miss.)
2014 Record: 33-4, MAIS AAA I champion
Top Returning Players: Noah Hughes, P, 11-1 record; Parker Caracci, P, 7-1 record; Nick Elrod, P, 6-0 record; Gene Wood, IF, .596, 6 home runs; Jake Mangum, OF, .446; Trace Lovertich, OF, .360.
Outlook: Winners of the MAIS AAA Division I championship last year, Jackson Prep returns nearly every starter from that team, including most of the pitching staff. A total of 30 wins return from last year's team that won 33 games, including 11 from Noah Hughes.

51. Madison (Vienna, Va.)
2014 Record: 21-3
Top Returning Players: John DeFazio, RHP/3B, Virginia Tech; Brian Eckert, LHP, Radford; Owen Socher, OF, William and Mary; Pete Nielsen, SS/RHP, Jr; Matt Favero, LHP/1B, Jr; Jimmy Goldsmith, 1B/OF, Jr; Jordan Ebersole, OF, Jr; Kyle Hayes, C, Jr; David McGuire, RHP, Sr, Francis Marion; Carlo Alfano, 3B/RHP, Jr; Jack Kidd, OF/RHP, Soph; Nick Conforti, 2B/SS, Soph; Daniel Gerke, LHP/1B, Soph; Kevin Benson, OF, Sr; Zach Silverman, OF, Sr.
Others: Colin Casey, Jr, C/OF/3B (transfer from Georgetown Prep); Peter Freck, Soph, OF/RHP; Joey Goldsmith, C/3B, Soph; Kullen Kritsky, Jr, 2B; Kyle Novak, Fr, 2B/SS/RHP; Noz Honda, RHP, Jr; Matt Pillaman, RHP/IF, Jr.
Outlook: Madison reached the semifinals of the region tournament before falling to McLean. Many of those players return, including four players headed to play college ball.

52. Washington (New York City)
2014 Record: 20-3
Top Returning Players: Wesley Rodriguez, RHP/3B; Joel Torres, RHP; Francisco Urena, RHP, Jr; Porfirio Brito, LHP; Steven Molina, RHP, Jr; Aneuris Zapete, RHP, Jr; Leonel De Larosa, RHP; Juan De La Cruz, IF; Rami Sanchez, OF; Kelvin Tapia, 1B/3B/RHP, Jr; Kendrick Morales, 1B/3B, Jr; Joshua Cuevas, IF, Jr; Michael Garcia, IF, Jr; Ronald Puente, IF/C/OF; Kelvin Puello, OF; Andrew Estrella, IF, Jr; Leandy Castro Cabrera, OF.
Outlook: According to longtime coach Steve Mandl, the Trojans have one of the deepest, most talented teams the school has had in a long time. There are plenty of strong arms on the staff, led by one of the nation's best two-way players in Wesley Rodriguez. The team's regular third baseman, Rodriguez also hits 95 mph with his fastball.

53. Sparkman (Harvest, Ala.)
2014 Record: 36-15, Class 6A runner-up
Top Returning Players: Brock Anderson, Jr, P; Jarod Howell, Soph., C.
Outlook: Sparkman lost in the Class 6A state championship game last year, but it returns two of the top young players in the state in pitcher Brock Anderson and catcher Jarod Howell. The two earned all-state honorable mention honors last year.

54. Gainesville (Ga.)
2014 Record: 27-8
Top Returning Players: Michael Curry, C/P, 4-1 record; Sam Carpenter, Jr., P, 2-1 record; Caleb Whitenton, P, 4-0 record; Brandon Sewell, OF, .310; Luke Maddox, OF, .364.
Outlook: Although MLB Draft pick Michael Gettys is gone, the Red Elephants are still a team to contend with in Georgia thanks to a strong pitching staff that includes highly regarded Michael Curry, who is also one of the state's top catchers.

55. Clovis (Calif.)
2014 Record: 33-5, California Central Section Division I champion
Top Returning Players: Tevin Mitchell, SS, UC Santa Barbara; Preston Mott, LHP; Dakota Stilson, DH; Tyler Osmer, RF.
Others: Zac Whittaker, LHP.
Outlook: The defending Central Section Division I champions will miss MLB Draft picks Jacob Gatewood and McCarthy Tatum, however the Cougars still have two of the section's top players in Mitchell and Mott. Pitching will be the strength of the team, according to coach James Patrick.

56. Atascocita (Humble, Texas)
2014 Record: 31-9-1
Top Returning Players: Joshua Martinez, OF; Alerick Soularie, Ut, Soph; Garrett Park, RHP; Anthony Pagano, UT/LHP; Joseph Anderson, IF; Mitchell Johnson, OF/RHP; Jonathan Higginbotham, UT.
Outlook: The Eagles reached the Class 5A Final Four, falling to Reagan (San Antonio) in the semifinals. Atascocita returns six starters from last year's team and will compete in District 16-6A with the likes of The Woodlands and College Park.
Photo by Steve Hampton

Jake Higginbotham, Buford

57. Buford (Ga.)
2014 Record: 29-5
Top Returning Players: Jake Higginbotham, LHP, .417, 9-0 record, 124 strikeouts, 0.54 ERA, Clemson; Joey Bart, C, .455, 8 home runs, 12 doubles, 50 RBI; Conner Bennett, RHP, 6-2 record, 73 strikeouts, 1.49 ERA, West Virginia; Keyton Gibson, RHP, Georgia Tech; Kevin Coulter, RHP, 10-1, 1.28 ERA, Mercer; Nick Wilhite, OF, Jr, .444, Georgia Tech; Austin Wilhite, SS, Jr, Georgia Tech.
Others: Caleb Moore, OF/LHP; Brandon Marsh, OF, Jr; Griffin Jolliff, 3B/RHP, Jr; Connor Cohea, C; Jordan Perlotte, 1B; Chase Hunter, RHP, Sr; Freeman Edwards, 2B; Justin Glover, LHP, Jr, Georgia; Dillon Lancaster, IF, Jr; Clay Dickie, RHP, Jr.
Outlook: Long a football powerhouse, Buford could have one of the top baseball teams in Georgia this year. Most of the pitching staff returns, including Clemson-bound Jake Higginbotham, West Virginia commit Conner Bennett and Mercer recruit Kevin Coulter. Those three combined for 25 wins last year.

58. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.)
2014 Record: 30-3, Division I champion
Top Returning Players: Zach Pederson, RHP, 12-0, 2.42 ERA, Yavapi CC; Jake Wong, RHP, 3-1, 2.17 ERA, Grand Canyon; Zane Strand, RHP, Jr, 6-0, 2.52 ERA; Cameron Cruz, OF, Sr, .303; Nick Brueser, OF/1B, Soph, .361; Chandler Reynard, IF, .355, South Mountain CC.
Others: Logan Boyer, C, Jr, .429, San Diego State; Nick Ohanian, RHP; Casey Woodward, 1B/DH, .364; Drew Swift, IF, Soph.
Outlook: The pitching staff will be the strength for the defending state champions as only one player graduated. Zach Pederson is the top returning pitcher with a 12-0 record. Hamilton will have to find position players from among the returning lettermen. However, coach Mike Woods expects the Huskies to challenge for another state title.

59. Charlotte Christian (N.C.)
2014 Record: 31-4, NCISAA 3A champions
Top Returning Players: Bailey Lewis, OF, .385; Joshua Hall, OF, .368; Reece Hampton, OF, .421; Ross Kemp, P, 1-0, 2.13 ERA; Dillon Carpenter, 1B, .277; John Turley, IF, .299; Jackson Kowar, P, 10-1, 131 strikeouts.
Outlook: The Class 3A Independent Schools champion returns its top pitcher from last year in Jackson Kowar and three talented outfielders.

60. Westminster Christian (St. Louis)
2014 Record: 31-5, Class 4 champion
Top Returning Players: Benjamin Sems, 2B, Jr, 21 RBI; Luke Matheny, P, 6-2, 1.88 ERA, 73 K.
Others: Jake Matheny, C
Outlook: The Class 4 champions graduated 12 seniors from last year, but the Matheny family is keeping Westminster Christian stocked with talent. The sons of St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, Luke will be one of the team's top pitchers while Jake will do the catching. Expect a number of sophomores and juniors to compete for playing time.

61. Coppell (Texas)
2014 Record: 21-13-1
Top Returning Players: Jensen Elliott, RHP, 7-5 record; Shane Steiger, OF, Jr, .378; Cole Solomon, C, Jr; Ray Gaither, 3B, Jr, .337; Daniel Jones, OF, .356; Charles King, RHP, Jr; Ty Manning, Jr, 2B; Hayden Kettler, DH, Jr.
Outlook: After facing the likes of Flower Mound and Marcus in District 5-5A last year, the Cowboys move to District 7-6A in 2015 where Bell and Carroll (Southlake) will provide much of the competition. Coppell finished third in District 5-5A last year and fell in the second round of the 5A playoffs. However, much of that lineup returns including six starters.

62. Spring-Ford (Royersford, Pa.)
2014 Record: 20-8
Top Returning Players: Bret Clarke, P; Connor Klemann, SS/2B; Ryan Markey, SS/2B; Cam Simmons, OF/P; Mike Fuhrmeister, C; Zack Zoller, OF; Zach Wedemeyer, 1B; Zach Smiley, 3B/DH
Others: Matt Yost, P
Outlook: The Rams advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals last year, losing to eventual champion LaSalle. A number of players return from that squad, including almost the entire infield.

63. Flanagan (Pembroke Pines, Fla.)
2014 Record: 23-2
Top Returning Players: Gentry Fortuno, RHP, 10-1, 1.04 ERA, 76 strikeouts; Eric Rivera, OF, Jr, .426, 3 HR; Miguel Presno, C, .391, 13 RBI.
Outlook: Flanagan's strengths should be hitting and team speed in 2015, as most of the pitching staff has graduated from a team that reached the regional finals. The lone returning starter is a good one, however, in All-American candidate Gentry Fortuno.

64. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.)
2014 Record: 24-7
Top Returning Players: Kris Bubic, LHP/OF, .342, 8-2 record; Tommy Hudson, 1B, .254, 2-0, 0.81 ERA; Joe Cahn, C/OF, .306; Brooks Allen, 3B, .216; Max Werner, 2B, .254.
Outlook: The Monarchs play in one of the toughest leagues in the nation in the West Catholic Athletic League. The Monarchs won the league title last year and return five starters from that club, including top pitcher Kris Bubic.

65. La Cueva (Albuquerque, N.M.)
2014 Record: 26-3, Class 5A champion
Top Returning Players: Caleb McAlister, 1B/RHP, .426, 27 RBI; Jacob Turcotte, 3B/RHP, .297, 23 RBI; Austin Bell, OF, .359, 31 RBI, New Mexico; Andrew Pratt, C, .458, 8 HR, 38 RBI, New Mexico; Jesse Becton, OF, .392, 3 HR, New Mexico JC; Scott Ingle, 2B, .342.
Outlook: The Bears will need to develop a pitching staff, as over 90 percent of the team's starts from last season have graduated. The offense is still sound, however, with six starters returning, including two who are committed to New Mexico.

66. Providence (Charlotte, N.C.)
2014 Record: 26-6
Top Returning Players: Andrew Moritz, OF, .455, 13 doubles, UNC-Greenville; Josh Hiatt, SS/P, .321, 9 pitching wins, North Carolina; Andrew Fishel, C, .278, Ohio State; Austin Leonard, P, 5-0, 0.91 ERA; Trevor Rhyne, 1B, .432, Catawba; Jake Holtzapple, 3B, Jr, UNC-Greenville.
Outlook: The Panthers reached the Class 4A semifinals, falling to eventual state champion West Forsyth in two games. Providence brings back six starters from last season, including five who will play college baseball next season.

67. Flower Mound (Texas)
2014 Record: 34-12-1, Class 5A champion
Top Returning Players: Sean Wymer, RHP/1B, 4-1, 1.93 ERA, .388, TCU; Noah Hill, C/2B, .308, 19 RBI, BYU; Casey Jacobsen, SS, .286, BYU; Skyler Cox, LF, Jr, .326; Jameson Hannah, RF, .282, DBU.
Others: Sean Holehouse, 2B/3B; Deron Arnold, OF; Parker Scott, LHP/1B, Jr; Parker Murphy, RHP; Chad Paris, OF; Eric Jeon, RHP; Caleb Kilian, RHP, Jr, Texas Tech; Nick Thornquist, C, Jr; Derek Wells, RHP, Jr.
Outlook: The defending state champions got hot during the playoffs, defeating Carroll (Southlake), Marcus, Pearland and Reagan (San Antonio) in the final four rounds. The Jaguars figure to be in contention again this year, although they are now in a very tough district along with Marcus and the three Plano schools. The lineup includes five players who have committed to Division I programs.

68. Carl Albert (Midwest City, Okla.)
2014 Record: 38-4, Class 5A champion
Top Returning Players: Kadell Nguyen, .367; Cory Zangari, C, .500, 11 home runs; Riley Cabral, .364, 15 doubles.
Outlook: The three-time defending state champions have not won fewer than 31 games since 2008. A heavy home-run hitting team, the Titans have another big-time hitter in Cory Zangari, who belted 11 round trippers as a junior.

69. Pleasant Grove (Utah)
2014 Record: 23-10, Class 4A runner-up
Top Returning Players: Easton Walker, P, .424, 9-0 record; Ben Eldredge, 2B, .333; Chase Merrell, 1B, .365; Payton Henry, C, .414; Zach Peterson, P/OF, .316.
Outlook: The Vikings return perhaps the top player in the state in Easton Walker, who batted .424 and was 9-0 on the mound. Pleasant Grove also returns four other starters from a team that reached the Class 4A championship game last year.

70. Pensacola Catholic (Fla.)
2014 Record: 25-5, Class 4A runner-up
Top Returning Players: Carl Gindl, OF, Soph, .438, 20 RBI; Zane Gill, P, 5-0, 53 Ks, 1.28 ERA, Duke; Evans Bozeman, 1B/P, .300, 5 HR, 4-2 record, 62 Ks, 1.75 ERA, East Carolina; Brandon Lockridge, SS, Sr, .358, Troy; Jimmy Richardson, C, Jr, .333; Donovan Benoit, 2B/P, Soph.
Others: Anthony Union, P/OF/1B, Sr; Hayes Durant, C/3B, Jr; Harrison Carroll, OF, Sr; Evan Floyd, P, Jr; Matthew Estrada, OF/P, Soph; Thomas Christine, IF, Jr.
Outlook: After earning a MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National No. 1 ranking in 2013, Pensacola Catholic nearly won another Class 4A state title in 2014, falling in the championship game. The Crusaders expect another strong showing as the pitching staff is nine deep with three pitchers throwing in the high 80s/low 90s. The defense should also be strong.

71. Liberty (Peoria, Ariz.)
2014 Record: 22-11
Top Returning Players: Tyler Wyatt, P, .472, 6-3, Grand Canyon; Rudy Karre, IF, .370, Kansas; Cody Hulbert, OF, Jr, .356; Nick Hamilton, OF, Soph, .313; Kyler Murphy, C/OF, .276.
Outlook: Liberty finished in the top five in the state last year and it returns one of the state's top players in Tyler Wyatt, who was a standout at the plate and on the mound.

72. Christian Brothers (Memphis, Tenn.)
2014 Record: 33-8
Top Returning Players: Walker Grisanti, OF, Vanderbilt; James Muse, RHP, Memphis; Colin Kilgore, RHP, Memphis.
Outlook: The Purple Wave have won two state titles in the past four years and posted 33 wins last season. Pitching will be the key as Christian Brothers returns two of the state's top pitching prospects in Muse and Kilgore.

73. Rocky Mountain (Fort Collins, Colo.)
2014 Record: 21-5, Class 5A champion
Top Returning Players: Cole Anderson, .494, 14 doubles; Garrett Hammer, .417.
Outlook: Rocky Mountain has had one of the top programs in Colorado for most of the decade. Although a number of top players have graduated from last year's Class 4A state championship team, the Lobos always find a way to reload.

74. Gulliver Prep (Miami)
2014 Record: 21-9
Top Returning Players: Oscar Marchena, IF; Brian Nido, OF; Stephan Alonso, DH; Justin Fernandez, LHP; German Marcos, LHP/1B; Davis Brown, RHP.
Outlook: The Raiders reached the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs and return seven of the top 10 offensive performers from that team along with six of the top pitchers.

75. Edmond North (Okla.)
2014 Record: 23-15
Top Returning Players: Jonathan Davis, C, Arkansas-Little Rock; Aaron Garner, OF; Michael Hansen, RHP.
Outlook: Winners of the 2012 state championship, the Huskies have averaged 25 wins over the past three seasons and should compete for the Class 6A state championship in 2015.

76. Blue Valley (Stilwell, Kan.)
2014 Record: 17-7, Class 6A champion
Top Returning Players: Ryan Cyr, P, 5-2 record, 57 Ks, 1.79 ERA, Mississippi State; Tanner Fox, P/SS, Jr, 6-1 record, 49 Ks, 2.60 ERA, Kansas State; Will Brennan, Jr, 2-1 record, 24 Ks, Kansas State.
Others: AJ Johnson, Jr, OF; Brock Mason, 2B; Justin Smith, Jr, MI; Gunner Halter, Jr, Kansas State.
Outlook: Blue Valley came on late in the season in 2014 to win the Class 6A championship. Coach Matt Ortman expects another dogfight in Class 6A this year, but he likes his team's chances. Pitching depth is the key for the Tigers, who field one of the state's best hurlers in Mississippi State-bound Ryan Cyr.

77. Reservoir (Fulton, Md.)
2014 Record: 22-2, Class 3A champion
Top Returning Players: Cody Morris, P/1B, 8-1 record, 89 strikeouts, 0.80 ERA, .356, South Carolina; Jack Barry, P/3B, 8-0 record, 35 strikeouts, 1.84 ERA, .460; Tony Grabow, P, 3-0 record, 25 strikeouts, 0.50 ERA; Joey Janush, IF, .400.
Others: Drew Stone, OF, .388; Jon Mierzwa, P/IF, .326.
Outlook: Reservoir won the Class 3A state championship last year with mostly a junior crew. The group included state player of the year Cody Morris, who is headed to South Carolina. Six starters return from last year, including 19 wins from the pitching staff.

78. Omaha Westside (Neb.)
2014 Record: 34-3, Class A champion
Top Returning Players: Will Patterson, DH/2B; Alex Nielsen, C/3B; Matt Waldron, RHP/SS; Mike Waldron, RHP/2B; Paul Romero, IF; Mitchell Hagan, 1B, Jr.
Outlook: Although Omaha Westside lost three all-state outfielders from last year's Class A state championship team, the Waldron brothers, Matt and Mike, both return after earning all-state honors themselves. Coach Bob Greco notes that the team's goal is always to win state and that the Warriors have a good nucleus to make a run at it this year.

79. Terre Haute North Vigo (Ind.)
2014 Record: 25-8, Class 4A runner-up
Top Returning Players: T.J. Collett, C, .524, 17 HR; Cody Maloon, OF, .310; Brett Herndon, OF, .275; Greg Hannum, P, 4-1 record, 1.69 ERA; Brandon Taylor, P, 4-0 record.
Outlook: After finishing second in the Class 4A state playoffs last year, the Patriots could be poised to win it all in 2015. Besides returning two key members of the pitching staff in Hannum and Taylor, the Patriots have one of the nation's top young power hitters in catcher T.J. Collett, who belted 17 home runs last year.

80. Lake Mary (Fla.)
2014 Record: 12-13
Top Returning Players: Brendan Rodgers, SS, .397, 8 HR; John Radetsky, 3B, .275; Braden Rollins, OF/RHP, .286, 4-2 record; Jacob Corso, 1B, .295.
Outlook: Lake Mary did not advance to the state tournament last year, but the Rams have the nation's top prospect in the lineup in shortstop Brendan Rodgers. A key for Lake Mary will be the pitching staff, which loses just one starter from last year's staff.

81. Calallen (Corpus Christi, Texas)
2014 Record: 32-6
Top Returning Players: Dylan Duarte, P/1B, Sr, All-District; Chase Whetsel, OF, All-District; Ricky Arevalo, P/C, Jr, All-District; Nathan Rabe, OF, Jr; Reece Barrett, 3B/1B, Jr; Andrew Gonzalez, Jr, SS, All-District; Kyle Hill, P, All-District.
Outlook: The Wildcats have won an average of 32 games a season since winning their last state championship in 2008. The club returns a strong pitching staff from last year's 32-win team, including all-district picks Dylan Duarte, Kyle Hill and Ricky Arevalo.
Photo by Mark Jones

Alejo Lopez, Greenway

82. Greenway (Phoenix)
2014 Record: 29-4, Division II champion
Top Returning Players: Zach McLeod, .429, P/OF, Grand Canyon; Alejo Lopez, .430, 6 home runs, SS, Arizona State; Cody Fisher, Ut, .300; Kona Quiggle, OF, Jr, .321; Bryce Mackey, Ut, Jr, .389.
Others: Justin Freeman, OF/P
Outlook: Winners of the Division II championship last year, Greenway has averaged 30 wins the past two seasons. Five of the team's top offensive performers return, led by Arizona State-bound Alejo Lopez, one of the state's top shortstop.

83. Bishop Amat (La Puente, Calif.)
2014 Record: 21-11, Southern Section Division 3 champion
Top Returning Players: Adryan Ramirez, 2B, Jr, .317; Sergio Robles, OF, .424; Jayson Gonzalez, 3B, Soph; Isaac Archer, P, 8-0 record.
Outlook: Several of the top juniors from last year's Southern Section championship team have transferred and long-time head coach Andy Nieto is also gone. However the Lancers have a long history of winning section titles.

84. Bryant (Ark.)
2014 Record: 32-2, Class 7A champion
Top Returning Players: Blaine Knight, P, 11-0; Drew Tipton, .385, 47 runs.
Outlook: The winners of the Class 7A championship last year, Bryant will have to find a replacement for state player of the year Trevor Ezel. However, the pitching staff looks solid again with returning starter Blaine Knight, who won 11 games last year. Bryant has won three state championships in the past five seasons.

85. Tualatin (Ore.)
2014 Record: 25-6-1
Top Returning Players: Jacob Bennett, P/IF, 9-1 record, 101 strikeouts, 0.35 ERA, .402, 19 RBI, Oregon; Karter Cook, P/1B, 10-3 record, 77 strikeouts, 1.14 ERA, Air Force; Nathan Senger, IF/P, Jr, 5-1 record, 0.75 ERA, .368; Chase Anderson, CF, Jr, .397, 31 SB; Tanner Marsh, IF, .253, Corbin; Trevor Riese, Ut, Sr, .315.
Others: Chris Fishback, OF, Jr; Calder Fettig, OF, Jr; Jesse Chick, P/OF, Jr.
Outlook: Tualatin has two of the best pitchers in school history, according to coach Adam Strachan. Jacob Bennett won nine games last year and is headed to Oregon while Karter Cook won 10 games and will play at Air Force. Strachan hopes to fill a couple of holes in the lineup and compete for a league title and a state championship.

86. Malvern Prep (Pa.)
2014 Record: 27-9
Top Returning Players: Chris Butera, RHP/OF, .256, 5-2 record, 1.19 ERA, Lehigh; Tim Quinn, 1B, .352, George Mason; Mark Gentilotti, 3B, .259, Delaware; Clay Koniencki, C, .271, Monmouth; David Rodgers, SS, .327; Brendan Inglis, LHP, 8-1 record, 1.05 ERA, Lehigh; Parker Abate, CF, Misercordia College.
Others: Shane Muntz, RHP/C, Virginia Tech, Soph; Ryan Hegarty, RHP, 2-0, 0.36 ERA; Jake Mullan, MIF, Jr, .286; Shane Metzger, OF, Franklin and Marshall.
Outlook: Malvern Prep does not participate in the state championships, but it returns 15 seniors from a team that won a fourth-straight conference championship and captured its second independent school state championship in the past three seasons. Eight Malvern Prep players are headed to play ball at the college level.

87. Chiles (Tallahassee, Fla.)
2014 Record: 23-7
Top Returning Players: Bowden Francis, RHP, 6-0, 1.42 ERA; Stephen Jones, RHP, 2-0 record, 2.26 ERA, Samford; Conner Dunbar, SS, .241, High Point; Jake Taddeo, OF/RHP, .380, 3 HR; Preston Kolke, OF; Josh Mclanahan, OF, Jr, .378.
Others: Alec Elsbernd, 1B/RHP; Mabry Taylor, RHP; Reggie Purdy, 2B; Parker Waltz, C; Richard Sorrenti, RHP/C/3B, Jr; Tate Hagan, LHP/OF, Jr; Weston Dudley, C, Jr; Tucker Criswell, 3B, Jr; Jake Hunkiar, RHP, Jr; Harry Francis, RHP, Soph.
Outlook: Chiles has played in the 7A region finals five out of the past six years, winning three titles. The Timberwolves have depth in the pitching staff with Bowden Francis back after an undefeated season as a junior. The outfield should be one of the best in the state with returning starters Jake Taddeo and Josh Mclanahan back.

88. Buchanan (Clovis, Calif.)
2014 Record: 25-8, California Central Section Division I runner-up
Top Returning Players: Conner Loeprich, RHP; Grant Gambrell, RHP, Jr; Ross Dodds, 3B.
Outlook: The Bears are always in contention for the Division I championship in the Central Section in California. Buchanan came up just short of a section title last year, falling to Clovis in the finals. Buchanan has averaged 25 wins a season for the past six years.

89. King's Ridge Christian (Alpharetta, Ga.)
2014 Record: 28-4, Class A Private champion
Top Returning Players: Brandt Stallings, OF, .545, 41 RBI, 10 HR, Georgia Tech; Connor Burns, OF, .534, 35 RBI, 7 HR; Austin Higginbothan, P, 10-1 record, 1.62 ERA, 82 strikeouts, Austin Peay; Adam Moore, 3B, .366, Mercer; Cullen Monette, 3B/1B; Lawson Hill, C; Kyle Brnovich, 2B/P.
Others: Tarez Miller, SS, Georgia Southern
Outlook: While King's Ridge Christian might be one of the smallest schools in the Top 100 rankings, it has some outstanding talent. Brandt Stallings might be one of the top power hitters in the country after hitting 10 home runs last year. He's headed to Georgia Tech. Austin Higginbotham, headed for Austin Peay, leads the pitching staff with 10 wins from last year.

90. Christian Brothers (St. Louis)
2014 Record: 21-11
Top Returning Players: Jacob Hausman, RHP, Soph; Matt Vierling, OF/RHP, Notre Dame; Marcos Martinez, SS/OF; Shane Melbrod, 3B, Xavier; Ryan Deering, 1B; Stephen Haring, OF, Xavier; Cole Miller, RHP; Benjamin Nobs, C; Clayton Risch, OF.
Outlook: Five years removed from their state championship team of 2010, the Cadets could be in the hunt again thanks to the return of three of the state's top players in Vierling, Melbrod and Martinez.

91. Chicago Mt. Carmel
2014 Record: 32-8
Top Returning Players: Josh Stowers, OF, Louisville; Ako Thomas, 2B/SS, Michigan; Malik Carpenter, 1B, Chicago State; Bailey Egan, C; Nelson Munoz, RHP; Jeremy Houston, Jr, SS, Indiana; Brandon Sanchez, Jr, OF; Cameron Hupe, RHP, Soph; Zion Pettigrew, SS/3B, Soph.
Outlook: The state champion in 2013, the Caravan have averaged 28 wins a year for the past six seasons. They could make a run at another state title in 2015 with the return of potential all-state players like Stowers and Thomas.

92. Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs, Fla.)
2014 Record: 16-7
Top Returning Players: Harrison Ray, OF, Jr, Vanderbilt; Luis Olivier, C, Jr; Paxton Rigby, 1B, Jr; Brice Tucker, LHP, Central Florida; Jimmy Hartley, LHP, Belmont Abbey; Trey Van Der Weide, LHP, USC Upstate; Kyle Cross, RHP, South Florida; Trent Blum, RHP, St. Petersburg; Mike Ruff, RHP, Jr; Casey Sutherland, RHP, Davidson.
Outlook: The winners of the 2013 Class 8A state championship, Lake Brantley could be in the running again this year. The team sports seven players who will compete at the next level, including Vanderbilt commit Harrison Ray.

93. Cullman (Ala.)
2014 Record: 42-12, Class 5A runner-up
Top Returning Players: Maison Goodwin, OF/LHP; Sam Huser, RHP/3B; Drake Hollingsworth, C; Jesse Scott, LHP; Branch Knight, RHP; Owen Lovell, OF, .436, 29 doubles, 14 home runs, 64 RBI.
Outlook: Cullman was the runner-up in Class 5A last year, but it returns three of the team's top pitchers from last year along with one of the nation's top sophomores in Owen Lovell, who hit an astounding 29 doubles as a freshman.

94. Alexander (Laredo, Texas)
2014 Record: 28-4
Top Returning Players: Felipe Rodriguez, C, .366; Jerry Avila, IF, .361; Mario Garcia, Jr., .311; Sergio Macias, IF, Jr, .389; Damien Rodriguez, 1B/DH, .317; Aldo Buendia, Jr, IF, .283; Pablo Ortiz, P, 9-2 record; Alan Campero, SS, .372, 9-1, 0.75 ERA.
Outlook: The Bulldogs reached the regional semifinals before losing to the eventual runner-up. Seven of the top nine offensive performers from last year return along with the top two pitchers in Campero and Ortiz.

95. Saint Francis (Mountain View, Calif.)
2014 Record: 26-5
Top Returning Players: Jeremy Ydens, OF, Jr, .333, UCLA; Conor Thane, IF, .268; Andrew Carter, P, 2-1 record; Giuseppe Benedetti, IF/RHP, Jr; Andrew Martinez, IF, Jr, Washington; Alexii Sigona, OF, Jr; Kevin Glajchen, C, Jr.
Outlook: The Lancers are traditionally in the mix in the Central Coast Section, averaging 25 wins a season over the past six seasons with a section championship in 2013. Saint Francis also has several players heading to Pac-12 schools, including outfielder Jeremy Ydens.

96. Bay City Western (Auburn, Mich.)
2014 Record: 38-7, Division 1 champion
Top Returning Players: Carson Eby, C, .395, 41 RBI, 28 doubles; Jason Clark, P/2B, 10-2 record, 1.30 ERA.
Outlook: Winners of two straight Division I state championships, the Warriors could make it three in a row. Bay City Western returns two of the top players from last year's team in Eby and Clark, each of whom earned all-area honors.

97. Aquinas (Overland Park, Kan.)
2014 Record: 21-4, Class 5A champion
Top Returning Players: Garrett Hutson, RHP/SS; Riley Pint, Jr, RHP/3B
Outlook: With the top-ranked junior in the country in pitcher Riley Pint (as determined by Perfect Game), Aquinas has an excellent shot at repeating as the Class 5A state champion.

98. Loyalsock Township (Williamsport, Pa.)
2014 Record: 23-5, Class 2A champion
Top Returning Players: Kyle Datres, SS/RHP; Jake Glavin, RHP/3B; Jimmy Webb, OF.
Outlook: Winners of two consecutive Class 2A championships, Loyalsock Township will see how it stacks up against some of the top teams in the country this year when it participates in the National High School Invitational in North Carolina.

99. Poly Prep Country Day (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
2014 Record: 25-3-1
Top Returning Players: Isaiah Russell, 2B, .353; Andrew Ehrenberg, RHP, 8-0, 40 Ks; Daniel Bakst, Jr., SS, .321; Anthony Prato, Jr., OF, .456; Nick Storz, RHP, Soph, 7-1 record; Pat DeMarco, OF, Soph, .284.
Outlook: The Blue Devils won their fourth-straight NYAISAA championship and also claimed their seventh straight Ivy Prep League championship despite fielding a fairly young team. Of the top six returning players from last year, four of them are underclassmen.

100. Key West (Fla.)
2014 Record: 26-4-1
Top Returning Players: Greg Veliz, SS/RHP, Jr., .434, 11 doubles, 3 HR, 8-0 record; Christopher Varela, C, .310; Hunter Sellers, 3B/RHP, Jr, .342; Anthony Henriquez, 2B, .370; Jay Feathers, RHP, 5-0; Brandon Presley, LHP, 5-2 record, 1.72 ERA.
Outlook: The Conchs reached the quarterfinals of the Class 4A state championships before falling to North Broward Prep. Key West returns 18 of the pitching wins from last year, including eight from junior Greg Veliz, who was one of the top returning hitters on the team. Five of the top eight hitters from last year return.wens, P; Brady Basso, P, Jr., All-State.
Outlook: Pearland reached the Class 5A Final Four last year, falling to Flower Mound in the semifinals. The Oilers return four all-district players from that team, including all-state pitcher Brady Basso.

50. Jackson Prep (Miss.)
2014 Record: 33-4, MAIS AAA I champion
Top Returning Players: Noah Hughes, P, 11-1 record; Parker Caracci, P, 7-1 record; Nick Elrod, P, 6-0 record; Gene Wood, IF, .596, 6 home runs; Jake Mangum, OF, .446; Trace Lovertich, OF, .360.
Outlook: Winners of the MAIS AAA Division I championship last year, Jackson Prep returns nearly every starter from that team, including most of the pitching staff. A total of 30 wins return from last year's team that won 33 games, including 11 from Noah Hughes.

51. Madison (Vienna, Va.)
2014 Record: 21-3
Top Returning Players: John DeFazio, RHP/3B, Virginia Tech; Brian Eckert, LHP, Radford; Owen Socher, OF, William and Mary; Pete Nielsen, SS/RHP, Jr; Matt Favero, LHP/1B, Jr; Jimmy Goldsmith, 1B/OF, Jr; Jordan Ebersole, OF, Jr; Kyle Hayes, C, Jr; David McGuire, RHP, Sr, Francis Marion; Carlo Alfano, 3B/RHP, Jr; Jack Kidd, OF/RHP, Soph; Nick Conforti, 2B/SS, Soph; Daniel Gerke, LHP/1B, Soph; Kevin Benson, OF, Sr; Zach Silverman, OF, Sr.
Others: Colin Casey, Jr, C/OF/3B (transfer from Georgetown Prep); Peter Freck, Soph, OF/RHP; Joey Goldsmith, C/3B, Soph; Kullen Kritsky, Jr, 2B; Kyle Novak, Fr, 2B/SS/RHP; Noz Honda, RHP, Jr; Matt Pillaman, RHP/IF, Jr.
Outlook: Madison reached the semifinals of the region tournament before falling to McLean. Many of those players return, including four players headed to play college ball.

52. Washington (New York City)
2014 Record: 20-3
Top Returning Players: Wesley Rodriguez, RHP/3B; Joel Torres, RHP; Francisco Urena, RHP, Jr; Porfirio Brito, LHP; Steven Molina, RHP, Jr; Aneuris Zapete, RHP, Jr; Leonel De Larosa, RHP; Juan De La Cruz, IF; Rami Sanchez, OF; Kelvin Tapia, 1B/3B/RHP, Jr; Kendrick Morales, 1B/3B, Jr; Joshua Cuevas, IF, Jr; Michael Garcia, IF, Jr; Ronald Puente, IF/C/OF; Kelvin Puello, OF; Andrew Estrella, IF, Jr; Leandy Castro Cabrera, OF.
Outlook: According to longtime coach Steve Mandl, the Trojans have one of the deepest, most talented teams the school has had in a long time. There are plenty of strong arms on the staff, led by one of the nation's best two-way players in Wesley Rodriguez. The team's regular third baseman, Rodriguez also hits 95 mph with his fastball.

53. Sparkman (Harvest, Ala.)
2014 Record: 36-15, Class 6A runner-up
Top Returning Players: Brock Anderson, Jr, P; Jarod Howell, Soph., C.
Outlook: Sparkman lost in the Class 6A state championship game last year, but it returns two of the top young players in the state in pitcher Brock Anderson and catcher Jarod Howell. The two earned all-state honorable mention honors last year.

54. Gainesville (Ga.)
2014 Record: 27-8
Top Returning Players: Michael Curry, C/P, 4-1 record; Sam Carpenter, Jr., P, 2-1 record; Caleb Whitenton, P, 4-0 record; Brandon Sewell, OF, .310; Luke Maddox, OF, .364.
Outlook: Although MLB Draft pick Michael Gettys is gone, the Red Elephants are still a team to contend with in Georgia thanks to a strong pitching staff that includes highly regarded Michael Curry, who is also one of the state's top catchers.

55. Clovis (Calif.)
2014 Record: 33-5, California Central Section Division I champion
Top Returning Players: Tevin Mitchell, SS, UC Santa Barbara; Preston Mott, LHP; Dakota Stilson, DH; Tyler Osmer, RF.
Others: Zac Whittaker, LHP.
Outlook: The defending Central Section Division I champions will miss MLB Draft picks Jacob Gatewood and McCarthy Tatum, however the Cougars still have two of the section's top players in Mitchell and Mott. Pitching will be the strength of the team, according to coach James Patrick.

56. Atascocita (Humble, Texas)
2014 Record: 31-9-1
Top Returning Players: Joshua Martinez, OF; Alerick Soularie, Ut, Soph; Garrett Park, RHP; Anthony Pagano, UT/LHP; Joseph Anderson, IF; Mitchell Johnson, OF/RHP; Jonathan Higginbotham, UT.
Outlook: The Eagles reached the Class 5A Final Four, falling to Reagan (San Antonio) in the semifinals. Atascocita returns six starters from last year's team and will compete in District 16-6A with the likes of The Woodlands and College Park.
Photo by Steve Hampton

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