Teams to watch out for in 2007....

I know everyone is talking about South Caldwell and Bumgardner and Poovey winning the states in 4A automatically next year....but who could be some surprises to overtake them or do real well next year?

In the 3A level, I like the Glenn Bobcats next year, they are loaded with pitching with recent state gamer Josh Weaver(88-92 mph), recent WFU commitment Eli Robins(LHP), and Kasey Smith.

In the 4A level, I believe the West Forsyth Titans are going to be loaded with talent....Stamper, Sapp, Holt....the only question is is whether or not theyre pitching with McBride, Holt, and Jarvis can get the job done.....

What about a team like the East Forsyth Eagles? Sure, they didnt make the playoffs this year, but they have possibly the best returning junior in the state in Tyler Hanover, as well as centerfielder and closing pitcher Kenny Swab(88-91 mph). The starting pitching staff includes rising junior Ryan Dull(great fastball, smooth delivery, plus breaking ball), and senior Zack Truesdale(good movement on fastball, plus breaking ball, gets ground balls). They have 7 starters returning, can they get compete?

 

One of Coach Parham's number one stories is how they won it in 82 and thought they were a shoe-in in 83 and got beat because they took someone lightly... South Caldwell is not automatic, odds on favorite is a more safe description.

Who can give them a run? If memory serves AC Reynolds returns alot and there are always some quality loaded teams in Charlotte... and Scotland Co is still the State Champions until they can't defend it anymore... To be the team, you got to beat the team.

All that being said, I want dibs on SCHS State Champions shirts... You know NFL teams design Super Bowl CHampion shirts for both teams in the game, think NCHSAA could do that one?

 

The biggest battle SC will have to overcome next year is a disease that can attack anyone.....and has destroyed many of teams. It doesn't matter the quality of character, talent or chemistry. It can creep up on your team before it's too late to change.

The signs of this disease can be spotted before the first game. Are your seniors signed early? Are your seniors discussing the colleges they will be attending during practice? Are they going on weekends to visit their school? Are they wearing their college's hats? These are the telltale signs

It's called Senioritis...beware...it can destroy a team

 

SC

As a member of the South Caldwell baseball team.. I do not believe this disease will affect us. I have known these guys all my life...if anything, we will pull together more next year and go for the state title!

 

I don't believe it will either, but I didn't think it would affect South Meck last year or the year before. West Henderson a couple of years ago. Even Charlotte Christian last year (they did get it turned around).

It's not something that you try to do. It's not something that you want to do....it just happens. The one thing that can prevent this is great senior leadership. The type of player that is not afraid to get in anyone's face.

Belive me, the teams I mentioned did not think it was going to happen to them

 

yes, south caldwell is the favorites, but a lot of times the favorites dont win.....who will be the underdog to take on the championship next year

 

well i actually would take SouthWest Guilford if it would be from the Piedmont Triad 3A conf. They only lose pitcher Jonathan Smith next year, and went farther in the playoffs then Glenn. Glenn doesn't seem to have the offensive prowl of a year ago, when they were eliminated. Also as a huge follower of Winston area Baseball i just don't see East being the cinderella story. Yes they do have a few talented players but it takes 9 guys a heck of a pitchin staff, and some strong reserves to win a State Championship. But unfortunatley for us Winston-Salem guys, i dont see any of our schools bringing home a title

 

A few that I believe will be tough next year....


1A-Princeton-They won the conference last year and only lose 1 senior. A few names to listen for are Colin Parker(LHP,OF), Kyle Harmon(RHP), and Daniel Gerrell(C). I know they have some other solid seniors as well, and JR RHP Ryan Daughtry is good as well I hear.


3A-Northern Nash-If they can find someone solid to replace Campbell signee Bryan Braswell behind the plate, this team will be strong. Rising senior Zach Woodley and rising sophomore lefthander Tyler Joyner will lead a solid pitching staff. Daniel Moore, Jason Gay, Thomas Sykes, Desaray Rosser, and Justin Shannonhouse will all be tough outs at the plate.


3A-South Granville-Chris Luck, Pratt Maynard, and Jeff May are all big time players, and would make any team competitive. South Granville will be much more experienced this year, as they lose only 1 starter. Rising junior Keith Goodwin and rising sophomore Josh Darroch(sp?) are solid players as well.

 

2A - Back to Back champs North Lenoir have to be the favorite again

 

I agree both Northern and South Granville should be very tough teams and hopefully they will play this year in the regular season since Granville ended their season last year in the first round of the playoffs even when Northern only allowed one hit.