The weather might not show it, but spring is nearly here and baseball has begun. Teams are opening their seasons in subpar conditions, trying to pick up a confidence-boosting debut win or a hard-earned nonconference victory in windy, cold weather.
But even if the weather were late-April perfection, the early season always provides a unique set of challenges and questions.
St. John’s has begun its quest for another WCAC championship by taking on some of the best teams Baltimore has to offer. Riverdale Baptist has a roster restocked with talent, and the Crusaders are already working their way through what should be an arduous 42-game schedule.
In Virginia, Fairfax County again has a bevy of contenders. Who has the talent to make it to the state playoffs and, once there, beat a southern opponent? Patriot, one of the state’s best last year, has to rebuild after nine players graduated.
The Cadets, Crusaders, Cougars and Pioneers start the year in our top 10. Can they replicate last year’s success and finish the season there?
Note: All records are from last season.
1. Riverdale Baptist (30-1) Last year’s final ranking: 1
Coming off a dominant season, the Crusaders have a loaded roster headlined by senior infielder Jose Rivera.
2. St. John’s (24-7) LR: 2
Coach Mark Gibbs’s team will be looking for its fifth straight WCAC title.
3. Riverside (24-4) LR: NR
Paul VI transfer Tyler Casagrande, an Arizona signee, should strengthen a team that made it to last year’s Virginia 3A final.
4. DeMatha (23-10) LR: 4
The WCAC runner-up lost three players to transfers but has some young talent ready to step in.
5. Oakton (19-8) LR: 5
The Cougars emerged as arguably the best team in Northern Virginia last season, making it to the 6A state semifinals.
6. Patriot (21-4) LR: 6
The Prince William County power will look to get back to the Virginia 6A semifinals, where last year it fell to Cox.
7. Madison (22-3) LR: 10
Last year’s season included an 18-game winning streak for the Warhawks but ended in the Virginia 6A North semifinals.
8. Northwest (19-4) LR: 3
The defending Maryland 4A state champion will open its season Wednesday against 3A champion Poolesville.
9. Lake Braddock (14-9) LR: NR
The Bruins are looking to contend in Virginia with an experienced roster that features 10 seniors.
10. Severna Park (30-3) LR: NR
Led by senior Kody Milton, a Maryland signee, the Falcons will look to return to the Maryland 4A state playoffs.
On the bubble: Poolesville (18-3), Briar Woods (20-7), Spalding (21-8), Chesapeake (20-3)