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Some districts have started -- some start this week -- others next week.....before we're into this thing knee deep, let's recap the "pre-season". Anyone want to pick a top 10 (give or take a few) in DFW before the newspapers do? Remember -- this is for fun!!! Smile

1. Allen -- won tough ToC in Frisco without their ace.
2. Mesquite Poteet -- they do everything well - can they beat Kershaw in district?
3. HP -- has thrown together a very nice record. Their ace has been nearly untouchable -- and they have a "basher"! What do you guys think of the new infield? Still a launching pad in HP?
4. FM -- top-notch victory over Woodlands. Kids in new positions are gelling.
5. Keller -- won HP event -- starting to reach first little peak as district starts?
6. Arlington Martin -- should probably ranked be nearer the top -- impressive group
7. Denton Liberty Christian -- great showings against the publics -- afraid of no one!

Others that have made an impression (no indepth analysis included):

8. Rockwall, Jesuit, Midlothian, Plano East, Marcus
9. McK North, Justin NW, Coppell, Mansfield
10. Greenhill 7th graders (inside joke)

Bring it on guys! And all this "ranking" stuff is dedicated to Ken. Smile

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Before you can mention Rockwall with the big boys
they have to get better defensely and get some key hits in pressure situations.Pitching has been outstanding from top to bottom. If you recall our run from last year we didn't look like the 2nd best team in the state at this time last year.
I have seen several teams play this year and the best team to date is South Garland.They have a strong senior class and have some kids they can flat out fly.They take small ball to a new level.
Clemente21 -- you're right -- SG should have been included in the list, without question -- I forget them at times because I've never seen them play.

Swingdoc -- this is more of a glance at tournament play -- Mansfield will cruise when their aces pitch. They struggle a little when Walton and Cahoon aren't on the hill. Of course, that is the purpose of these tourneys, eh? I expect them to compile a near-perfect district record.

H&U -- I would expect no less from you. Smile

Oh -- and there should be no suggestion that this paints a picture of late April.
Clemente21, I agree with you 100% about the defensive play at Rockwall. Also, there have been several base running malfunctions over the pre-season that have me scratching my head. I know Coach Payne is working on that issue.

Also, don't forget about a kid named Noah Morganti on the Allen squad as far as pitchers go. He played with my son a couple of years ago and is a flat out hoss. This is his first year on varsity because Allen has like 1000 kids in their baseball program Big Grin, but he is someone to be reckoned with. A real hard thrower and competitor. One of the greatest young men (and his family) I have been around in all the years I've been coaching. He got two wins over the weekend in the TofC tournament. Just my two cents worth!
Coppell will be very tough to beat. They play great defense, hit the ball well and have some great pitching.

HP is a great team, look for them to dominate in their district. Their infield plays SLOW and it's still a launching pad.

Liberty Christian is just flat out playing baseball. Hunter Nolen has 5 or 6 dingers already and their pitching, while not overpowering, have just been getting the job done. They have 3 sets of brothers playing on that team, and they play like a family. Look for them to go a long way in TAPPS.

Marcus can not be overlooked. They can hit the ball 1-9 and are deep in arms. In fact, they are my pick to win thier district over Allen.

Mansfield and Weatherford are both really top notch teams and again, can not be overlooked. I figure Mansfield to win their district and Weatherford to be biting on their tails.

Arlington Heights will be very tough in 4A, lots of talent on their squad.

And, while nobody mentions SLC, Grapevine or Colleyville, I have a feeling all three will be very tough in 5-5A. I have also heard that Haltom is playing very good baseball right now.

Man, is there some talent in North Texas or what?
Last edited by KellerDad
KD -- your bias is showing Smile

Coppell and CNS are both excellent teams. I think their 2-3 pitchers will need to step up once district play begins (I think it already has for Coppell, not sure about CNS). Coppell won on a walk-off by their 2B -- way to go Chris! I picked Coppell to go far when we discussed teams in the preseason but they didn't wow me in an early tournament -- despite beating us. When we played CNS, they were in the 2nd game of the day -- I think they have played well lately. They did beat Martin in that tourney. The top of their order is strong and they are well-coached.

SLC, Grapevine, and CHHS "seem" inconsistent until now --- but that's not meant to be a slap at them -- just the impression I get from reviewing linescores, etc. -- no real info there.

Now that most tournaments are behind us -- the lineups and pitching rotations will stabilize.
It appears that Rowlett is not what it once was. They apparently are beating the lower end of the spectrum, but can't put anything together against the better teams. Only hearsay, but I heard base running is not good and hitting is sketchy. Defense seems to be ok except for the outfield and pitching is really suspect. With all this in mind are they a contender for the 3rd spot in 11-5A?

It doesn't look good for the Eagles this season. nono
quote:
Originally posted by Panther Dad:
KD -- your bias is showing Smile


SLC, Grapevine, and CHHS "seem" inconsistent until now --- but that's not meant to be a slap at them -- just the impression I get from reviewing linescores, etc. -- no real info there.

Now that most tournaments are behind us -- the lineups and pitching rotations will stabilize.


I think it's hard to predict based on these tournaments and non district play without actually seeing these teams play.

Most teams are using either Johnny Alstaff as thier pitchers or using JV Pitchers to get thru these tournaments.

Heck, the parents at Keller are still wondering what our lineup will be come Tuesday night, and who is going to be pitching on Friday. Still a very fluid situation over here. I think a lot of schools are in that boat this year.

And PD, I don't have a bias. Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin
quote:
Originally posted by 11-5A Fan:
It appears that Rowlett is not what it once was. They apparently are beating the lower end of the spectrum, but can't put anything together against the better teams. Only hearsay, but I heard base running is not good and hitting is sketchy. Defense seems to be ok except for the outfield and pitching is really suspect. With all this in mind are they a contender for the 3rd spot in 11-5A?

It doesn't look good for the Eagles this season. nono


Rowlett appeared to be a good squad when Keller faced them Saturday. They also dressed like 40 players, so who knows exactly how many are on thier Varsity roster, and how many were playing that day.

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