Top Contenders for the State Championship

Who would everyone say are the top 5 contenders for the state title in 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A?

Here are my predictions:
1A: North Brunswick, North Moore, and Cherryville... (Sorry don't know enough 1A teams to put 5 of them)
2A: Forbush, West Stanly, West Stokes, and East Rutherford
3A: West Rowan, Southern Alamance, Enka, North Buncombe, and Weddington
4A: Butler, North Davidson, Hopewell, Central Cabarrus, and South View

just some thoughts... interested in seeing everyone's opinions.

 

if amy glenn can increase her pitch count by playoff time
watch out for rosman in 1a
when she is on the mound she is just dominant

 

State Champ hopes

Make Rosman the favorite if Glenn is close to 100% also add TC Roberson to list in 3a, piching is the key and Hudson can beat anyone.. TC plays in a tough league and that will help in the playoffs too bad only one can go to the state.

 

Playoff keys

Here's the thing, fans. In the Far West there are a number of teams with one strong pitcher, but few have two. These teams are all capable, with some timely hitting and solid defense, of advancing to through the playoffs and into the Final Four. However, do they possess the two common denominators that most often contribute to landing teams the coveted state championship title? Pitching depth and senior leadership are the keys. Given that here's how I'd handicap their chances:

4A - Very good pitching (Junior Trifon and Freshman Huntley) and young team, Reynolds is a year away, though, mostly because they have to get by both South Caldwell and Alexander Central. Possible, but unlikely.
3A - Up to this point, NB's Ali Manns has been the dominant pitcher in the mountains and even today's 1-0 loss to TCR only put a slight dent in her reputation. She's the only playoff caliber pitcher they have. However, they have three very good seniors (Ali, Hannah Webb and Melody Edmunds) who has each had outstanding seasons and has consistently stepped up when called on. TCR is a different, and much better, team today than three weeks ago when they lost to NB, Enka and Erwin within about ten days. This is a much more confident squad primarily because of, you guessed it, solid pitching (Courtney Hudson) and outstanding senior leadership (Trisha Schwartz). Besides, if you have a catcher who can pick runners off at first from her knees and allows maybe one pass ball per game, you have a serious weapon. That's just what Schwartz did today. As for pitching depth, don't discount Lucretia Butler, a sophomore who was their #1 last year and has experience to pitch at this level if called upon. Enka has a very athletic lineup, usually hit well and speed to boot. And pitching? Katie Blankenship will always hold up her end of the deal, but their number two, Amber Banks, while having recently thrived against lower tier opponents, has not had to face the pressures of HS playoffs. They have solid seniors, but no one who appears to be a clear leader on the field. Beside that, Tim Miller's teams are always less vocal than others. No songs, cheers and chants going on in that dugout.
2A - If Owen had another pitcher to go along with Sarah Burnette, they would stand a good chance, that is if they could get past Forbush. This team has a little of everything, except pitching depth. They have a good leader in the Davis kid, good speed in spots and some power (especially Burnette). However, their achilles tendon will be their youth. When the JV pitcher gets there to spell Sarah next year, they will have a solid staff (along with Mallory Padgett) and an excellent defense. Owen's a year away. West Henderson's Shannon Harris is the most improved player in the conference. Her consistent job on the mound has kept them in games time and again. Sam Keppel at second is the best all-around position player in the conference with excellent speed, a great glove and she hits for a high average. (However, next year watch out for Madison's star-in-the-making freshman, Rebecca Huff. She has all the same tools as Sam.) Still, the well pretty much runs dry after those Shannon and Sam. The Far West's biggest enigma, however, is Pisgah. A key injury here and there along with subpar performances by their FOUR pitchers has left them resembling a windsock on a calm day. However, here's the rub on them - if the Bears can pull it together the next two weeks, they might pull it out the hat. On paper, at least, they have it all: experienced seniors, speed, fielding and the potential for outstanding pitching depth.
1A - Coming off that injury is going to make hoeing that row awfully difficult. She appears physically stronger than last year and her competitive drive is stronger than most kids. If any one team, in any one division, can advance on the shoulders of one pitcher, it might actually be Rosman. Amy's travel team experience should have allowed her to face better competition, for the most part, than she will encounter in the 1A playoffs. Plus, that group of girls from Rosman are a bunch of winners having already won a state championship in volleyball and advanced to the state semi-finals in basketball. Anytime you hae Ashton Barton (catcher) involved, you have a game on your hands. Maybe, just maybe.

The last few weeks of the seaon should be fun. Good luck to all.

 

I don't think Alexander will make there normal playoff run this season. It looks like there not going to win the conference which means more time on the road were they have struggled this season. Second the schedule the Cougars have pplayed this seaon will not have them as game ready as they have been in past years. With losses to ACR, Central Cabbraus, Ashe County, and South Caldwell things will be tough for the Central this season.




GOD BLESS AMERICA AND HER TROOPS

 

4A is defintely been my interest all the time.
Don't count on Butler to win this year..
Hopewell has my prayers for winning. Those two twins Ervin are amazing. They deserve it defintely. Butler's strong...but lately they've been playing too many 2 or 3rd string players, which caused them to lose before..by not playing their 1st string players. Too many errors by 3rd string.

 

St. Stephens should definitely be in the running for 3A along with East Lincoln.

 

Fastpitch_HITTER
Welcome to TBR.

I'd like to know more about your opinion of our, (Butler) playing second and third string, and how you feel they hurt us.
We have a pretty good record and iHigh has us ranked kind of high also.
You also need to consider this, we lose ten seniors this year and have started the build for the future by getting playing time for the underclassmen where we safely can.
I see that you are from Mint Hill, I have had the pleasure of meeting many TBR folks at games and tournaments this season, if you happen to come to one of our games please stop by and say Hello. Im the Assistant JV coach.
Thanks
Ray

 

I have to agree with softball4ever on the 3A and we need to add one to the list: St Stephens, North Bumcombe and East Lincoln in this order! All have core players, quality pitchers, aggressive hitters with speed and play great defense!

 

Dawgfan... are you Mr. Threatt? Or who?

Referring to Varsity, Butler played mostly 2nd or 3rd string players, and I'm pretty sure this was the game they lost..against NorthWest.