Looking at the scope of Alabama high school baseball overall, we are essentially a few games past the midway point of the 2022 season. Looking back at each team’s play so far, who should be considered as the midseason state title favorite in each classification?
7A – Auburn
While an argument can be made for a few other teams, it’s still hard to pick against defending state champion Auburn as the favorite.
Having lost only three games this season, the Tigers have one of the top pitching staffs in Class 7A led by senior Ryan Olson (4-0, 1.81 ERA, 43:8 K:BB), as well as a lineup that holds a combined .312 batting average. There is, however, a slim gap between the Tigers and two to three other teams, Auburn has some tough games coming up, mainly against 7A-Area 4 opponents Central-Phenix City and Smiths Station.
6A – Hartselle
A case could be made that the No. 1 overall team in Alabama high school baseball at the moment is Hartselle.
The 2021 6A runner up, the Tigers have lost only one game to an in-state opponent this season (Auburn), with the other two losses coming to two of the top teams in Florida and Georgia, IMG Academy and Houston County. Owning impressive wins over Auburn and Hoover as well, Hartselle can easily be considered as the favorite in 6A.
5A – Shelby County
Looking at Class 5A so far, there are simply few teams who have been more impressive than Shelby County.
Having lost only one game this season entering the week, the Wildcats have gotten phenomenal play offensively, averaging 10.3 runs per game, while also holding a combined .349 team batting average. Shelby County has looked dominant at times so far this season, and appears to be showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
4A – Mobile Christian
In an Alabama classification that also features two other worthy teams in Gordo and Oneonta, it’s still hard to pick against defending state champion Mobile Christian.
Owning a 13-3 record as of Sunday, March 27, the Leopards have yet to lose a game against a Class 4A opponent, while also holding impressive wins over teams such as Smiths Station, Spanish Fort, and more. The Leopards still have a few challenging games upcoming on their schedule in the coming weeks, but Mobile Christian will certainly be considered as the favorite in almost matchup in Class 4A.
3A – Opp
Class 3A, you could argue, is one of the toughest classifications to pick a favorite from at this point, with anywhere from four to five teams having an excellent case. Looking at that group however, Opp is likely the team with the best argument to be considered the favorite.
After a slow start to the season, the Bobcats have won 11 straight dating to late February, with each of their losses coming via close contests, one of which was to 5A favorite Shelby County. Led by an offense that averages 10.4 runs per game, Opp has also gotten strong play on the mound from pitchers Benjamin Spurlin and Tanner Hall in particular, two of the top pitchers in Class 3A so far this season.
2A – Long
Taking a look at Class 2A so far, you could make an excellent argument that Long is the clear favorite up to this point.
Having yet to lose a game to a Class 2A opponent, the Rebels own a few impressive wins over out-of-state teams such as Early County and Denmark from Georgia, as well as Eufaula and Houston Academy from in-state. Entering the week on a win streak as well, Long has showed no signs of slowing down anytime soon, but do have a tricky series upcoming early next month with Ariton.
1A – Bayshore Christian
Class 1A has a few teams that you could choose from, such as Lindsay Lane Christian, Millry, and Appalachian. However, the midseason favorite to win the state title has to be Bayshore Christian.
The Eagles are averaging an impressive 9.2 runs per game so far this season, led by a lineup that has many impact juniors and seniors including Mikael Bryant, John Malone, Streed Crooms, and Cooper Schultze. Owning multiple blowout wins so far this season, you simply won’t find a 1A team more impressive than Bayshore Christian.
AISA 3A – Pike Liberal Arts
While Glenwood is not far behind the Patriots, defending AISA 3A state champion Pike Liberal Arts is the midseason title favorite here.
A team that owns impressive wins over teams both in and out of the state of Alabama, the Patriots have looked dominant at times this season. Speaking of the Gators as well, it certainly feels like the AISA 3A state title will be decided between Pike Liberal Arts and Glenwood when they likely meet in the playoffs.
AISA 2A – Macon-East
AISA 2A has a few teams that you could make an argument for here, but none have impressed more up to this point than the Knights.
Averaging almost 10 runs per game this season, Macon-East is batting a combined .369 as a team, led by one of the top hitters in Alabama high school baseball, junior Jabe Boroff (.621 through 19 games). It won’t be easy, considering some of the other teams in AISA 2A, but the Knights certainly feel like the favorite at this point.
AISA 1A – Jackson
One of the top overall teams in the AISA, you could make a convincing argument that Jackson is the favorite here.
Ending last week with a 6-5 record, the 2021 AISA 1A runner-up Eagles have looked impressive at times this season, emerging as the state title favorite in the process. However, if Jackson wants to win state, they will likely have to top defending champion Pickens.
