Pre-Season Softball Rankings

Eack week I will rank the local high school softball teams from Lake City to Palatka, here is the first installment.

Pre-Season Rankings

1. Mandarin (26-3)
Despite the loss of numerous starters, Mandarin head coach Natalie Gonzalez looks to lead the Mustangs to back-to-back district and conference titles and back to the 6A State Final Four. With a good core of young players plus a few returning players the Mustangs are easily the team to beat in the area.

2. Fletcher (20-8)
Christina Flores squad reached new heights last season qualifying for the state playoffs for the first time since 2005. Unfortunately five of the eight losses came at the hands of Mandarin, two in the regular season, one in the Gateway Conference title game, one in the District 1-6A title game and one in the second round of the state playoffs.

3. Eagle’s View (18-12)
It doesn’t get much better for Willie Evans, after two consecutive trips to the state finals, Evans finally brought home Eagle’s View their first state championship last season. The nucleus of the team returns along with a demanding schedule, which should help the Warriors get back to Plant City.

4. Providence (26-4)
Steve Callahan has taken the Stallions program to new heights including their first ever playoff appearance two years ago (second round) and last season to the Class 1A State Championship game. Callahan should get their again with several starters returning including Katie Sambito.

5. Baker County (24-4)
Baker County’s run to the Class 4A title game was definitely one of the surprising stories of the season considering the Wildcats had only made five playoff appearances prior. From 1995-2002, the Wildcats made the playoffs five of eight years, yet never won a playoff game. The return of Ashley Holton and Ashley Curry plus several other starters should help Baker County make another deep playoff run.

6. Stanton (20-6)
A loss to eventual Final Four participant Baker County in the first round of the playoffs should serve as motivation for the Blue Devils post season run this season. A supporting cast that features Brittany Fowler, Kat Ammons and Sam Poarch will anchor a talented squad that has have enough firepower to make a deep playoff run.

Honorable Mention:
Clay, Bartram Trail, Bishop Snyder, West Nassau, Keystone Heights, Bolles, Orange Park, Ridgeview, Menendez, Ponte Vedra, Fleming Island, Bishop Kenny, St. Augustine