Charlotte Observer preseason coverage

Kirk Morgan is another one at Mallard Creek that should be one to keep an eye on. 10th grader with a sweet swing and a great arm too.
Lots of talent at the Hough tryouts from what I have heard (and saw a little, too). They will be young with no senior class, but there are plenty of talented soph's and juniors, with some talented freshman that should help stock the JV team. A sufficient number of quality arms will be the issue, as will be the case with most teams from what I have been reading.

 

Posts on this thread and one initiated as "I MECK PREDICTIONS" almost are at a consensus that Mallard Creek is a pre season favorite. It would be cool if Mr. Wertz did a piece that included the MC coach's take. And then a follow up with the coaches of the other contenders would excite many of us.
Sounds like a lot of work and if this suggestion is too much, we understand. But our ideas were solicited.
Thanks,

 

What about SW4A and MEGA? CISAA? Outside of the QC? Loving this in depth I-Meck talk.

 

Other schools to look at...

I know Marvin Ridge will be strong again this year. Catholic is returning all 9 starters so they should have every opportunity to go deep into the playoffs.

 

Cuthbertson HS

Down in Union County and the Rocky River Conference, Cuthbertson HS will have all starters back for another run at State. As a second year school, Cuthbertson had no seniors last year on the roster. The only 2 seniors are Peter Hendel (LHP-UNC) and Preston Morrison (RHP-TCU). The returning juniors are Cameron Tekker (RHP - UVa), JD Long (SS - WCU), John Mangum (C - 2011 Louisville Slugger Pre-Season High School All-American team), and Brian Donovan (LHP). The Sophmores also played an integral part in the success of Cuthbertson's 23 - 4 run last year. Andrew Hendel (LHP), Drake Zupcic(Util.), Austin Pierce (Inf), and Brandon Fallick (OF). Last year the team made it to the third round of the state play-offs.
Easton Sports National 2011 Pre-season HS poll has Cuthbertson ranked as #10 in the nation! At the Hot Stove, Cuthbertson was up for Team of the Year, Peter Hendel won pitcher of the Year, and Head Coach Travis Little walked away with Coach of the Year honors.
1st scrimmage is this Saturday and we can't wait. Should be a fun season against the likes of Piedmont, West Stanley, Weddington, and Marvin Ridge.

 

Many will be glad to see Drake Zupcic's name on the roster. Has he fully recovered from last year's bad injury?
Great kid and can play almost any position. He definitely will help Cuth.

 

I have heard the Drake has recovered and will hopefully stay that way through the season!

 

Langston, thanks so much for the coverage. Your time and effort and all your work is much appreciated.

I know there are some very talented teams in the Charlotte area and all the coverage of those teams is great, but I would like to mention a team a little west of that area. South Caldwell HS! They had a few players from last years team graduate, but they have a solid group of returners and a number of juniors coming up that have been together for a long time and were undefeated last year during the JV season, aswell as making a deep run in the JV legion state tourney. Spencer Greer (Jr. LHP) will be one of the better pitchers in the area and will be tough to beat. They also return Senior pitchers Jacob Hatton and Travis Cook. Other top returning players include OF Blake Johnson, who has signed with Lenoir-Rhyne, 1B David Evans, and Soph. 3B Gage Parham.

With the returning guys I mentioned and the talented Junior group coming up, look for this team to do very well and make a deep run in the playoffs.

 

I believe this years IMECK will be some of the best baseball to watch. Several teams are bringing back alot of Seniors (Hopewell, Mooresville) while others lost alot last year. Pitching Depth and Bats will be the key. ALot of teams have great defense in the field but not as strong on the bump. With the opening of Hough High North Meck saw alot of potential Varsity players heading out for the new school. Hopewell did as well but were lucky to have a strong Senior Class (Russell, Strickland, Auten, Conley and Hammond). Hough will be young but do have some great arms that I believe will develop throughout the year, (Piedmont-Jr, Gragilla-Soph, Dueitt-Soph) - all big kids with lots of potential - a total of i believe i heard 10 potential pitchers that can hit the mound. May be your sleeper team, Look out for them next year for sure.
All I can say is bring on some Great Baseball!!

 

I agree with Sports Fanatic, this conference is going to be crazy. From the North Meck side, we are going to be very very young but believe that they will learn and still be dangerous to face, just like any other team in this conference on any night, late in the season. Will be fun!