[643DP]

Here’s my top 10:

1. Harrison Co. – Seven returning starters return form their State Tournament team last year. Lost their best pitcher to graduation, but I’m sure Mac will have someone step-up.

2. Bourbon Co. – Returns eight starters and will have the best freshman in the 10th region. Based on last year performance, Bourbon deserves this high ranking after winning the strong 40th district. The 40th will be strong again this year with a top 5 Regional team staying home again for Regions.

3. Montgomery Co. - Also, seven returning starters. This will be, by far, Coach Combs most experienced team. Pitching has potential to be above average with five to six kids in their rotation.

4. Campbell Co. – Return two solid pitchers from last year. I’m not as familiar with the Northern teams, but I do know that the 37th and 40th District are by far the toughest to advance from to reach Regional.

5. George Rogers Clark – Lost most of their production in Barker and Bennett form last year. GRC will be good again this year, coaching alone will make them good. I’ve put them at #5 until they show me they have the offense and pitching to move up.

6. Scott High – Return most or their starters from their runner- up regional finish last year. Pitching is the question.

7. Bishop Brossart - Don’t know much about them this year.

8. Silver Grove

9. Mason Co.

10. Nicholas Co

I agree, Harrison will be the team to beat, but the loss of Martin to graduation will be hard to replace. He won a lot of big games for Harrison last year. They have a very talented Jr. class that I'm sure will be ready for the challenge.

I may be a bit of a homer here, but I think Montgomery has the best chance to knock Harrison of their thrown. Your exactly right about Montgomery's pitching staff. They should be able to go 5 to 6 deep with out much of a drop off at all and all 6 will throw in the low to mid 80's. Montgomery has a couple bats to replace, but they seemed to do a good job this past summer replacing them. If Montgomery can make it out of the tough 40th District I like their chances at making a run at the 10th Region.

Like you, I'm not as familiar with the Northern schools, but you can bet Campbell, Scott or Bossart will be a tough out in the Region.

Bourbon has basically everyone back, plus they will get quality inning's form left handed freshman Chase Mullins.

GRC has a lot to replace in Barker and Bennett, but Coach Allison will have them ready to play come District time. I can't recall his name, but GRC has a freshman that is a hitting machine and yes, against Varisty pitching.

With GRC, Bourbon and Montgomery the 40th District will be very interesting again this year. Winning head to head games during regular season will be most important come seeding time in the 40th. One seed will more than likely get to play Paris in the 1st game of District making for an easy road to Region.