SBLive Super 7 baseball rankings: Teams gear up for conference season
Week 2 featured some great matchups from ranked teams in different classifications, and we had the 3rd Annual Southwest Sporting Goods Classic at UCA and UALR that featured 10 future University of Arkansas players and many other players that will play at the next level. Conference play begins this week across every classification with some big-time matchups.
SB Live Class 6A Super 7 Rankings
1. Springdale Har-Ber 6-0
2. Bentonville West 7-0
3. Bentonville 3-1
4. Rogers 4-1
5. Rogers Heritage 5-0
6. Conway 4-2
7. Bryant 3-4
Analysis: The 6A-West continues to impress early in the season with four teams undefeated in non-conference play and Fort Smith Southside sitting at 5-1. It all changes this week as conference play gets underway with Har-Ber taking on Bentonville and Bentonville West taking on Fayetteville. Rogers Heritage continues to find ways to win, and this could be the year the War Eagles take the next step under former Razorback catcher Brian Walker. Bryant struggled a bit this week in the Southwest Sporting Goods Classic getting mercy ruled by Batesville 13-1. The Hornets are still figuring out a few pieces, but Bryant head caoch Travis Queck feels they will be better as the season progresses.
SB Live Class 5A Super 7 Rankings
1. Van Buren 5-0
2. Benton 6-0
3. Batesville 4-0
4. Jonesboro 4-2
5. Little Rock Christian 5-1
6. Sheridan 4-1
7. Hot Springs Lakeside 6-1
Analysis: The weather cancelled some much-anticipated games last week making this week’s rankings similar to last week. Van Buren won its only contest in impressive fashion. Benton continues to impress with pitching and defense being the cornerstone of their undefeated start. Batesville defeated Bryant 13-1 on a big stage Wednesday at UALR. Ty Rush is hitting .714 on the season for the Pioneers. Little Rock Christian was on the cusp in the preseason rankings and with a win over Sheridan, they make their debut a No. 5. The 5A-South frontrunners hold down the last two spots with Sheridan and HS Lakeside.
SB Live Class 4A Super 7 Rankings
1. Valley View 5-0
2. Lonoke 7-1
3. Magnolia 4-1
4. Pulaski Academy 5-1
5. Brookland 4-1
6. Morrilton 4-0
7. Farmington 3-3
Analysis: Valley View finally gave up some runs to Class 5A Greene County Tech but still have only allowed 8 runs through 5 games. Lonoke opened conference play with a split versus Robinson to which Robinson head coach Isaac Dulaney said, “Lonoke is unbelievable.” The Jackrabbits have a stable of young arms that will only get better. Pulaski Academy looks to challenge Lonoke for the 4A-5 conference title with talented arms and a veteran lineup. Magnolia opened conference play with a win as did Brookland. The Bearcats had Batesville on the ropes before losing a close battle 7-6. Morrilton has a name to remember in Luke Carner and Devil Dogs head coach Matt Long always has his team playing well come April. Farmington finally gets to play Class 4A competition with conference play starting and Nashville is first team out this week having dropped a few games to out of state competition.
SB Live Class 3A Super 7 Rankings
1. Harding Academy 4-2
2. Ashdown 8-0
3. Walnut Ridge 3-0
4. Camden Harmony Grove 5-0
5. West Fork 4-1
6. Manila 4-0
7. Bergman 4-1
Analysis: Harding Academy was on spring break last week and will be back in action with three games on the slate this week including traveling to 4A No. 1 Valley View Thursday. Ashdown is the first team in the state with eight wins and the Panthers have no signs of slowing down. Walnut Ridge kicked off their season with a 1-0 win over rival Gosnell. Camden Harmony Grove opened up conference play with a 12-3 win over Rison. West Fork is now 4-0 in conference and right on their heels is upstart Bergman who swept Elkins last week making a statement that they intend to challenge for a 3A-1 title. Manila will look to challenge Walnut Ridge once again for the 3A-2 title as they are off to a hot start at 4-0.
SB Live Class 2A Super 7 Rankings
1. Woodlawn 4-1
2. McCrory 2-3
3. Horatio 5-2
4. Parkers Chapel 3-0
5. Murfreesboro 2-2
6. Rector 2-0
7. Carlisle 2-3
Analysis: Woodlawn made a statement that its repeat or bust in 2022 winning their first four games by a score of 58-5. McCrory played up in classification this week dropping close games to Brookland and Baptist Prep. Horatio’s only loss was to Class 3A Ashdown. Murfreesboro is getting their feet wet before conference play as they look to make a run. White County Central was the surprise team in 2A going 3-0 and defeating 4A Southside 13-1. Parkers Chapel looked solid all week going 3-0 and Carlisle while losing both games to 5A Maumelle and Beebe looked like they belonged on the field and will be a tough out for 2A teams.
SB Live Class 1A Super 7 Rankings
1. Izard County 3-0
2. West Side Greers Ferry 1-0
3. Taylor 4-1
4. Mount Ida 3-0
5. Ouachita 4-3
6. Viola 1-1
7. Nemo Vista 1-1
Analysis: We have our first No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup of the season as Izard County and West Side will do battle on Monday after both team shutout Norfork to open their respective seasons last week. Taylor dropped their first contest of the season to Lakeside (La.) but are back in conference play this week looking to get back on a winning streak. Ouachita should be ready for conference play having played more games than any other Class 1A team. Mount Ida continued their winning ways as they beat Jessieville and Magnet Cove last week by a combined 17 runs. Viola and Nemo Vista split their games last week and will look to get in plenty of work before spring break.
