SBLive Arkansas Super 7 baseball rankings (May 2)
Postseason play is here for the lower classifications and playoff seeding in 5A and 6A will be determined over the next two weeks. Several teams claimed conference championships last week, some for the first time in a decade.
6A
1. Rogers (23-2)
2. Cabot (17-5)
3. Conway (19-6)
4. Springdale Har-Ber (22-6)
5. Bryant (17-6)
6. Bentonville (17-10)
7. Rogers Heritage (20-8)
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Fayetteville (18-8) LR Catholic (15-7)
Rogers: The Mounties removed all doubt they are the best team in 6A with a three-game sweep of Rogers heritage this past week. Rogers added two shutouts to their season total in game one and three. They have clinched the conference title and top seed for next week’s state tournament in Cabot. Rogers wraps up the regular season against Southside this week.
Cabot: The Panthers got a superb pitching performance from Aden Velasquez in a 4-0 win over Bryant. Cabot can clinch a share of the conference title with wins against Jonesboro and North Little Rock this week.
Conway: Conway bounced back nicely this week with wins over Jonesboro and Central. Sophomore Thomas Ford got the complete game shutout win over Central. The offense came alive scoring 11 runs against the Tigers. The Wampus Cats bid for a conference title likely ended on Monday with a 7-4 at Catholic. The Rockets scored six runs in the sixth inning and held on for the win.
Springdale Har-Ber: The Wildcats have clinched a bye in the state tournament thanks to a sweep of Bentonville West last week. Ross Felder got the complete game shutout in game one and racked up 10 strikeouts while walking one batter. Jeff Zachry supplied the offense with a two-run home run. Zachry had two doubles in the second win over the Wolverines and Luke Cornelison hit a solo homerun. Gavin Moore pitched six solid innings to get the win on the mound. Braden Sprague homered in a 7-5 win over Broken Arrow over the weekend.
Bryant: The Hornets have a little work to do to clinch the three seed in next week’s state tournament as they hold a one game lead over Catholic going into the week. North Little Rock should not be a problem, but Conway comes to Saline County on Friday. Conway won the first game 5-3.
Bentonville: The Tigers had their bye week on the conference schedule but picked up a couple of wins over Salina High School from Kansas and Alma. They wrap up conference play with a three-game series against Springdale. They can finish anywhere from third to fifth depending on the outcome of their series coupled with how Fayetteville and Heritage fair this week.
Rogers Heritage: It was a rough week for the War Eagles, but they will bounce back. Dillon Askew held Rogers scoreless for 6.2 innings before giving up the game winning single. Heritage wraps up their regular season against Northside this week.
5A
1. Valley View (22-3)
2. Little Rock Christian (24-2)
3. Maumelle (17-7)
4. Arkansas High (17-4)
5. Greenwood (18-5)
6. Greene County Tech (18-5)
7. Greenbrier (17-7)
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Benton (15-7), Batesville (16-7)
Valley View: Seventeen straight wins for the Blazers after their sweep of Paragould gave them their fifth consecutive conference title and first in 5A. Their last conference series is with a Searcy Lions team that will be playing for their playoff lives. Josh Allison has turned this program into a machine.
Little Rock Christian: Any other year and the Warriors would be the top-ranked team in 5A. They still have a shot to claim that spot and a 5A conference championship this week against Maumelle. Reece Tarini continued his quest for pitcher of the year honors with a 16-strikeout performance against Jacksonville this past week. Cade Bowman continues to be one of the toughest outs in 5A with a .520 batting average.
Maumelle: The Hornets have been preparing for nine weeks for this Tuesday’s doubleheader against Little Rock Christian. Tag Andrew and Peyton Lee have over 150 strikeouts combined on the season with a chance to lead the Hornets to their first conference championship this week. Coach Chris Foor scheduled the toughest non-conference schedule imaginable to have his team ready for the next two weeks.
Arkansas High: The Razorbacks were upset by White Hall in the first game of their conference series but rebounded with a 7-0 win against the Bulldogs on Friday. Ty Waid tossed a three-hit shutout and Ryan Wardlaw went 2 for 4 with three runs batted in to lead the offense. The Razorbacks are one win away from clinching the 5A South championship. They conclude conference play against Pine Bluff this week.
Greenwood: The Bulldogs did their part to set up a winner-take-all series with Greenbrier this week. They swept a pesky Alma team that scored a few more runs that coach Brandon Brewer expected, but his team put up 24 runs in the sweep to leave no doubt. Coach Brewer still has his team focused on the big picture with an undefeated conference season just two games away.
Greene County Tech: The Golden Eagles control their playoff destiny this week. It can be assumed that they will make the state tournament, but their seeding will be determined after their series with Marion this week. A loss to Searcy this past week kept GCT from clinching a playoff berth.
Greenbrier: The Panthers can still win the 5A West, but it is a little tougher since they dropped the second game of their doubleheader with Mountain Home. Carson Zachary was stellar once again in the 11-1 win over the Bombers tossing another complete game and striking out nine while only walking one hitter. Cody Kennon and Ty Ruby had a double each in the win while Paxton Flagg added a triple to lead the offense.
4A
1. Lonoke (23-2)
2. Robinson (21-9)
3. Stuttgart (15-4)
4. Brookland (17-11)
5. Nashville (17-6)
6. Pocahontas (12-6)
7. Morrilton (15-9)
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Ashdown (13-11), Clarksville (17-5)
Lonoke: The Jackrabbits launched four home runs in a 14-2 win over Bauxite. Cutter Colvert had two homers while Cole Spears and Drake Aycock had one apiece. Steele Eaves went six strong innings striking out 11. He did have some uncharacteristic command issues allowing four walks. Lonoke kept rolling in game two against Bauxite, winning 14-1. Razorback commit Tripp Sullivan went six innings striking out 14 and walking 5 hitters. Jaxson Ingles and Steele Eaves led the offense with a double each. Cutter Colvert went 3 for 4 with five runs batted in.
Robinson: The Senators went 4-0 last week, winning games with pitching and offense. Freshman Logan Eichler took a perfect game into the sixth inning against Episcopal before a swinging bunt broke it up. Eichler finished with a complete game one-hitter in the 8-0 win. The Senators let their offense do the talking by scoring 34 runs in a series sweep of Mills. Jackson Ward had a homerun and Driftin Ladd went 3 for 5 with four runs batted in against Batesville on Friday. Ladd had the game winning hit to make the final score 12-11 over the Pioneers.
Stuttgart: The good news is Stuttgart won the 4A-8 conference and will be the No. 1 seed in the 4A South regional tournament at Dequeen. They will take on a tough Magnolia team in the first round. The bad news is they have lost two games in the last two weeks to teams they should not have lost to. Monticello beat Stuttgart 7-0 to end the regular season. The Diamond Birds had already clinched the conference crown and Monticello needed to win to qualify for regionals so it could have just been an off night with a team playing for the postseason.
Brookland: It was a good week for the Bearcats. They won the 4A-3 district tournament, and they avenged an early loss to Pocahontas in the championship game, winning 12-4. Weston Spier tossed a complete game shutout in the semi-final 5-0 win over Highland. In the championship, Dax Webb, Cade Collins, Jake Reece, and Griffin Duvall all collected multiple hits for the Bearcats.
Nashville: Going into the week, the Scrappers knew what needed to be done to win the 4A-7 conference. They took care of business with an 11-10 win over Camden Fairview then clinched the title with a 6-3 win over Ashdown. While this team may not be the caliber of coach Kyle Slayton’s championship teams, they are in a familiar spot as conference champions with a Monticello standing between them and a berth in the state tournament. The last time the state tournament was hosted by Lonoke, Nashville would go on to win the first of three straight state titles. They are hoping history repeats itself six years later.
Pocahontas: Jackson Privett pitched the Redskins into the regional tournament with a 3-2 win over Jonesboro Westside. The Little Rock Trojans commit wanted the ball in his hand with the season on the line and he delivered. They will take on Heber Springs in the 4A East regional tournament this week at Robinson. With the season on the line once again, my money is on Privett getting the nod.
Morrilton: Morrilton ran into a hot Clarksville team in the finals of the 4A-4 district tournament, losing 7-5 to the Panthers. Caden Meeler was not as sharp as his previous starts this season but based on his body of work this season, he will bounce back. Morrilton was last in the state tournament in 2019. They lost in the first round of the regional tournament in each of the last two seasons. The Devil Dogs will take on Shiloh Christian in the first round on Thursday at Gravette.
3A
1. Harding Academy (19-7)
2. Elkins (22-3)
3. Camden Harmony Grove (23-6)
4. Genoa Central (17-1)
5. Melbourne (16-2)
6. Booneville (15-7)
7. Rose Bud (16-9)
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Walnut Ridge (18-10), Gosnell (20-8)
Harding Academy: The Wildcats won another district tournament championship this past week. In a 21-1 win over Bald Knob, the Wildcats scored 13 runs in the third inning and pounded out 16 hits in the game. Kade Smith was 4 for 5 with eight runs batted in, three doubles and a triple. Levi Lang got the win on the mound striking out six allowing one hit. In the district tournament champions win over Rose Bud, Smith went five strong innings on 50 pitches, 45 of which were strikes. Levi Land and Kaynan Harris had a triple and a homerun each.
Elkins: The Elks checked another box this week with a 5-1 win over West Fork in the district tournament championship game. Dizzy dean went five strong innings striking out seven and allowing just two hits to get the win on the mound. Zanuel Martin went 2 for 3 and Aden Williams, Landon Martin, and Jeven Bell driving in runs. This was the third straight district championship for the Elks.
Camden Harmony Grove: The Hornets completed an undefeated conference season with a 5-0 win over McGehee last week. Braden Brown tossed a complete game four hit shutout with eight strikeouts. Caleb Johnson hit his fifth homerun of the season and knocked in a couple runs. The Hornets will play either Prescott or Fouke in the regional tournament at Genoa Central this week.
Genoa Central: Speaking of the Dragons, they will be the No. 1 seed when they host the regional tournament this week after defeating Bismarck last night in the district championship game. The Dragons also avenged their only loss of the season with a 10-0 win over Prescott in the semi-finals.
Melbourne: The Bearcatz won the rubber match against Walnut Ridge to claim the district tournament championship and the top seed in this week’s regional tournament. Tuckerman will host the Region 2 tournament this week.
Booneville: The Bearcats dropped their semifinal game to rival Danville and will be the three seed in the regional tournament at Valley Springs this week. They did defeat Paris in the consolation game. Dax Goff hit a milestone this week with his 100th run batted in for his career.
Rose Bud: The Ramblers will host the Region 3 tournament this week and will be the 2nd seed from the 3A-6 conference for the second year in a row. Rece Hipp was 2 for 3 in the championship game. In the 4-2 win over Pangburn, Russ Martin went six innings with nine strikeouts and seven walks. He also added a double on offense.
2A
1. Woodlawn (24-3)
2. Carlisle (19-6)
3. Episcopal (13-7)
4. SS Bee Branch (21-7)
5. Mansfield (18-4)
6. Greenland (19-4)
7. Horatio (20-9)
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Bigelow (8-3), Riverside (19-6)
Woodlawn: The Bears have won 14 straight games, all since spring break. They finished a perfect 12-0 on conference play four games clear of Ouachita. Their only 2A loss this season was to Horatio, and it was a one run ballgame. The Bears have a shot at their sixth title in seven years.
Carlisle: The Bison have not missed a step since spring, winning 12 straight games. Coincidentally, their last loss was the same day as Woodlawn’s last loss. A 16-0 win over rival Hazen was the cherry on top to a successful regular season. Coach Steven Tew has his players focused on what is next, not what they have done.
Episcopal: If your 12-game winning streak had to come to an end, then it is good it came at the hands over 4A No. 2 Robinson. Freshman Logan Eichler kept the Wildcats off balance all night taking a perfect game into the sixth inning. Episcopal has proven over the past six weeks they belong in the state title conversation.
SS Bee Branch: The Hornets took care of business last week winning another district tournament championship. Counting the regular season, Southside went 13-0 against conference opponents. We could see them matched up with Episcopal in the regional championship.
Mansfield: The Tigers checked another box with a district tournament championship last week. The defeated Lavaca by one run for the second time in as many weeks. They will take on Lifeway Christian in the opening round of the regional tournament.
Greenland: The Pirates made a statement last week winning their district tournament. They scored 36 runs in two games including 20 in the championship game against Cotter. The 20-3 win left no doubt they are the top team in 2A-1. I like their depth and staying power over the next two weeks.
Horatio: The Lions did not have a district tournament last week but played a couple of games against Dierks and Mineral Springs. They lost a 2-0 decision to Dierks and defeated Mineral Springs 9-8. They will take on Rison in the opening round of the 2A South regional tournament this week.
1A
1. Taylor (17-4)
2. Viola (16-7)
3. West Side (16-4)
4. Mount Ida (12-7)
5. Norfork (14-4)
6. St. Joseph (11-5)
7. Scranton (13-6)
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Armorel (12-2). Wonderview (14-6), Midland (14-7)
Taylor: The Tigers had a nice 10-0 tune-up win over Bearden to complete an undefeated conference season. They take an 11-game winning streak into the regional tournament where they are the heavy favorite.
Viola: The Longhorns caused more confusion last week by winning the district championship. Viola had lost to West Side 10-1 the week before but, the Longhorns defeated the Eagles 6-3 in the district championship game to take the top seed for the regional tournament. They will take on Crowley’s Ridge Academy in the first round.
West Side: The Eagles defeated Norfork in the semi-finals 8-7 before dropping the championship game to Viola 6-3. They will take on Marked Tree in the opening round of regionals on Thursday.
Mount Ida: The Lions proved an early season loss to Mineral Springs was an exception, not the rule, with an emphatic 14-2 win in the district championship game. They will take on Bearden in the opening round of regionals on Thursday.
Norfork: The 'party crashers' have had a rough two weeks. After a 10-0 start, they are 4-4 over the last eight games including two losses to conference foe West Side. Coach Ethan Davis knows his team has the right mix of experience and talent to make a run the next two weeks.
St. Joseph: The Bulldogs may be the hottest team in 1A next to Taylor. They defeated Wonderview 12-7 last night to win the district tournament championship. Keaton Storie got the win on the mound for St. Joes.
Scranton: The Rockets’ red glare is shining bright after an easy district tournament championship. They defeated Mulberry and Ozark Catholic by a combined score of 22-2 with both games ending via mercy rule. They will take on Alpena in the opening round of the regional tournament on Thursday.
