Championship07 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 17, 2019 8:36 am
Gallia- I agree with several posters in that Faro is the top OVC pitcher and probably tops in the southeast district. That being said I think they win 2-0; 3-1 with him on the mound and lose 10-3 with him not on the mound. Their offense wasn't great last year and losing a couple to graduation doesn't help matters.
Rock Hill- I believe RH returns the most talented roster in OVC. Their big question mark is can they replace Lewis on the mound. They can hit with anyone but it will be up to Smith, Hankins and Blankenship to get guys out.
Ironton- should bolster a decent lineup but I don't see them lining up a whole lot of pitching. My guess is Salyers will be their Ace which leaves their Fielding suspect at best.
South Point- Pointers lose a good chunk of guys off the district finals run. Including their top 2 pitchers. They do return a solid core however. Top of their lineup will hit and Blackwell will be in the discussion with Faro as the top pitcher in the league but they'll have to find some pitching behind him.
Coal Grove- CG for the 2nd straight year lose a good deal to graduation. Harmon and Matney will have to play really well for them to challenge for OVC.
Fairland- look for the dragons to improve a great deal under new head man Michael Hill. They return a majority of their guys with a decent group coming up. Sowards is an all district caliber player and they have quite a few athletes around him.
Chesapeake- one key for Peake is Browning playing or not. He's a great athlete but do the guys welcome him back after bailing on them last year. Losing Depriest and Hansen also hurts them a good deal. Coach Davis does a solid job getting his guys prepared and creating depth in his roster. I look for them to improve as the season goes on behind Dearth, Eddy and co.
Portsmouth- very young team last year that improved as the season went on. Their pitching is their Achilles heal however and with a league that has notable Ace's they may struggle.
My mid February prediction:
1. Rock Hill 12-2district final appearance
2. Gallia- 10-4 district semis
3. South Point- 9-5 district semis
4. Chesapeake 8-6 sectional finals
5. Fairland- 6-8 sectional finals
6. Ironton 6-8 sectional semis
7. Portsmouth 2-12 sectional semis
8 Coal Grove 1-13 sectional semis