Three weeks until spring sports begin. I thought it was a good time to put togther preseason rankings. Let me know what you think. Rhinofighter always does a great job with the rankings. My rankings are based on last season's results and the returners coming back.
1A Pre-Season Rankings
#1 Montesano-There is a lot to be excited about in Monte. They bring back a bunch of talent led by WSU signee & pitcher Layne Brunner. Catcher Tucker Ibabao, Infielder Shad Rogers and Outfielder Elliott Mendenhall are all returning 1st teamers from the Evergreen league.
#2 Naches Valley-They have been to the Final Four five out of the last 6 seasons. They reload every year. They bring back some quality arms in Koleman Johns, Cam Walker, and Ben Wells. Expect to see them in Yakima in late May.
#3 Kalama- They've made it to Yakima 3 out of the last 5 years. They look to be the most experienced team in the Trico League. Power arm Austin Lien and team leader Tanner Vossen will attempt to lead the Chinooks to their 6th straight league title.
#4 Meridian-Looking to make it back to Yakima for the 4th straight season in 2013. They will be well coached like always and much more experienced this season led by their arms on the mound Richter & Brockman.
#5 Chewelah-The will be favorite to win the NEA led by returning 1st team all leaguers Caleb Weibe and Derek Smith. High expectations for the Cougars.
#6 Toledo-They will attempt to knock off Kalama at the top of the Trico League. They are led by LHP (UW Signee) Mack Gaul. If they can give Gaul some run support and get some other guys to step up they have a decent shot of making it to Yakima.
#7 Hoquiam-They went on a nice run last season before losing a close game to Meridian in the Regional final. They bring back their ace on the mound, Sammy Lowder. They also bring back a very experienced and talented catcher in Ronnie Espedal.
#8 Cashmere-Defending State Champs. They have been in Yakima 3 out of the last 4 years. They graduated much of last year's team, but they have re-loaded before. I would not bet against them. Good programs win.
#9 Royal-Great season in 2012. Lost a tough game to eventual state champs (Cashmere) in the first round of state. They bring back a solid core in Montoya (catcher), Christiansen, and Wescott. Look for them to win the SCAC East.
#10 Cascade-They have finished in 2nd place in the Caribou Trail League behind Cashmere the last 3 seasons. The Kodiaks bring back a lot of talent and must feel that this is the year they can knock off the defending champs. They return one 1st teamer and three 2nd teamers.
1A Pre-Season Rankings
#1 Montesano-There is a lot to be excited about in Monte. They bring back a bunch of talent led by WSU signee & pitcher Layne Brunner. Catcher Tucker Ibabao, Infielder Shad Rogers and Outfielder Elliott Mendenhall are all returning 1st teamers from the Evergreen league.
#2 Naches Valley-They have been to the Final Four five out of the last 6 seasons. They reload every year. They bring back some quality arms in Koleman Johns, Cam Walker, and Ben Wells. Expect to see them in Yakima in late May.
#3 Kalama- They've made it to Yakima 3 out of the last 5 years. They look to be the most experienced team in the Trico League. Power arm Austin Lien and team leader Tanner Vossen will attempt to lead the Chinooks to their 6th straight league title.
#4 Meridian-Looking to make it back to Yakima for the 4th straight season in 2013. They will be well coached like always and much more experienced this season led by their arms on the mound Richter & Brockman.
#5 Chewelah-The will be favorite to win the NEA led by returning 1st team all leaguers Caleb Weibe and Derek Smith. High expectations for the Cougars.
#6 Toledo-They will attempt to knock off Kalama at the top of the Trico League. They are led by LHP (UW Signee) Mack Gaul. If they can give Gaul some run support and get some other guys to step up they have a decent shot of making it to Yakima.
#7 Hoquiam-They went on a nice run last season before losing a close game to Meridian in the Regional final. They bring back their ace on the mound, Sammy Lowder. They also bring back a very experienced and talented catcher in Ronnie Espedal.
#8 Cashmere-Defending State Champs. They have been in Yakima 3 out of the last 4 years. They graduated much of last year's team, but they have re-loaded before. I would not bet against them. Good programs win.
#9 Royal-Great season in 2012. Lost a tough game to eventual state champs (Cashmere) in the first round of state. They bring back a solid core in Montoya (catcher), Christiansen, and Wescott. Look for them to win the SCAC East.
#10 Cascade-They have finished in 2nd place in the Caribou Trail League behind Cashmere the last 3 seasons. The Kodiaks bring back a lot of talent and must feel that this is the year they can knock off the defending champs. They return one 1st teamer and three 2nd teamers.