HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Preseason Red River Diamond Dozen team and TRN Top 10 rankings
The TRN Top 10 is subjective and represents a team’s relevance in its district and regional playoffs. However, unlike the football version, head-to-head matchups may be weighted more since it’s not uncommon for teams in lower classifications to beat those in higher. But if a team in a higher classification doesn’t project as well in its district or region, then an opponent it may have a win against could be ranked higher.
BASEBALL TRN TOP 10
1. Holliday – The Eagles get the nod here despite graduating two-time Red River Diamond Dozen MVP Peyton Marchand and several other starters. Expectations are always high on the diamond in Holliday, and 2024 is no different. The Eagles went undefeated in District 7-3A last season, which is no small feat. It will be tough to repeat that effort with four returning starters, but the core here is solid.
2. Jacksboro – The Tigers may have more returning talent than anyone in District 7-3A, including all-state performers Lando Belcher and Jackson McComis. They look like the biggest threat to the Eagles’ chances of defending their 7-3A title.
More: HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: Preseason Red River Diamond Dozen and TRN Top 10 rankings
3. Windthorst – The Trojans have solid senior leadership and talented young arms that picked up invaluable varsity experience last season. This program is always ready to contend for a district title and deep playoff run.
4. Rider – The Raiders are always one of the most talented teams in the area, but their postseason projections are never as positive because of playing in Class 5A. Expect them to be in the thick of the District 5-5A playoff conversation and at least a tough out in the postseason as always.
5. WFHS – The Coyotes’ run to the regional semifinals was one of the biggest stories of the 2022-23 school year. It sparked memories of yesteryear and was arguably the program’s greatest playoff run ever. It was pitching that carried the Coyotes, and they will rely heavily on those arms again. Finding consistent production at the plate is the challenge.
6. Iowa Park – The Hawks experienced a down year by their lofty standards, finishing fourth in District 7-3A. In comes one of the area’s most respected coaches in Scot Green to take over the program. But it’s hard to project the Hawks higher than third in the district to start the season.
7. Burkburnett – Just behind the team Green left for Iowa Park, the Bulldogs could be too low on this list. There’s seven returning starters ready to make a major impact and push for the district title and deep playoff run. Blake Welch is now at the helm of the program and has plenty of experience in his own right.
8. Bowie – Two years ago, it was the Jackrabbits leaving us in awe of a memorable run to the regional finals. Just a couple of players from that run remain with the team, and the Rabbits are breaking in a new coach. But Jason McCoy has earned our respect as one of the best young coaches in the area.
9. Seymour – It was McCoy who managed the Panthers to a playoff win last season. With six returning starters, the Panthers could find similar success under new coach Clinton Selman. They profile as the biggest threat to Windthorst in District 9-2A.
10. Henrietta – There are going to be more worthy teams than postseason berths available in District 7-3A. The Bearcats were young last season with several freshmen in the starting lineup. Coach Scott Broussard has the skins on the wall to make us believe this program will make some significant strides.
BASEBALL PRESEASON DIAMOND DOZEN
Here are 12 players firmly on the TRN’s watch list entering the 2024 season. Players are listed in alphabetical order.
Riley Akins, Sr., Burkburnett – Akins was District 7-4A Co-MVP a year ago, batting .386 but making a bigger difference on the mound with a 1.10 ERA.
Grant Cox, Sr., Holliday – Cox is going to play a big role with his bat and arm this season. He batted .417 in 2024, smacking 13 doubles with an area-best 39 RBIs.
Owen Hooper, Sr., Rider – Hooper gives the Raiders a reliable backstop for their pitching staff. He was an all-state performer with a .392 batting average and 30 RBIs.
Kaleem Howard, Sr., Jacksboro – Howard is a two-time RRDD Defensive Player of the Year. He can cover a lot of territory in center field and is a threat on base, too.
Troy Kesey, Sr., Bowie – Kesey was a standout on Bowie’s regional final team two years ago and was among the area’s leaders in home runs with five.
Brayden Loyd, Jr., Seymour – Loyd established himself as one of the area’s top hitters last season, batting .435 with 26 RBIs.
Jackson McComis, Sr., Jacksboro – McComis was an all-state performer last season, batting .400 and driving in 26 runs.
TJ McCraw, Sr., WFHS – McCraw was the Coyotes’ ace in 2024 and leads a pitching staff that will be counted on heavily if the team is to repeat last year’s memorable playoff run. He led the area with 101 strikeouts.
Conner Schreiber, So., Windthorst – Schreiber had a phenomenal freshman campaign, earning RRDD Pitcher of the Year. He had a 1.35 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 57 innings.
Kolby Teakell, Sr., Windthorst – Teakell is expected to lead the Trojans at the plate after batting .450 with 51 runs scored and 38 RBIs.
Cooper Turner, Sr., Holliday – Turner has been an important arm for the Eagles the past two seasons, posting a 2.31 ERA with 82 RBIs in 57.1 innings last year. But he also made more noise with his bat, notching a .451 average with an area-best 16 doubles.
Blake Vanderburg, Sr., WFHS – Vanderburg was phenomenal during the Coyotes’ postseason run, lowering his ERA by nearly two runs compared to the regular season. He had a 3.13 ERA and will team with McCraw to make this a memorable final season for the Old High program.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Wichita Falls 2024 area baseball season preview
