Region 4 baseball outlook
It’s been called 5A’s super region in other sports, and Region 4 looks to be a powerhouse league in baseball.
Super region might be pushing it a little too far though in regards to baseball because it’s way too early to tell if Region 4 is the state’s toughest region. The league certainly has my respect, and you can tell if you look at our most recent Top 20. We won’t truly know how the league stacks up with the others until the state tournament.
We do start finding out how Region 4 teams match-up with each other as league play begins today in frigid conditions. Here’s how the teams were picked to finish by the league’s coaches:
1. Lone Peak. The Knights are the team to beat in 5A thanks to a lineup that’s expected to put up big numbers. Lone Peak returns seven starters, including standouts such as Dillon Robinson, Jacob Hannemann, Jed Goeckeritz, Brayden Matheson and Michael Draper. The Knights haven’t put up numbers like teams such as Alta so far this season, but it’s probably just a matter of time. Lone Peak has pitched well and played solid defense in four wins. Pitcher Keyan Norman was dominant against Lehi last week.
2. Pleasant Grove. Surprised? I am. I’ve been ranking Alta and Jordan ahead of PG, mostly because the Hawks and Beetdiggers are still undefeated. The Vikings showed that they can play in the preseason though. Colby Croft is one of the state’s top catchers and Jordan Esteban has been smashing the ball. He has six doubles, two triples and a home run in six games. Calder Bonnett and Mitch Dahl are two quality pitchers, and sophomore Drew Valez is a solid up-and-coming hurler. Outfielder Steve Rockhill and infielder Keaton Secretan are returning starters.
3. Alta. 65-7. That’s how bad the Hawks outscored their first five opponents. The schedule gets much tougher, starting today, with a game against Jordan. Alta will certainly be region and state contenders with a lineup that features superstar shortstop Kavin Keyes, outfielder Bobby Pappin, second baseman Christian Snuffer and utility player Ryan Relf. Pappin has three extra-base hits, including a homer so for this season. Josh Tracy leads the team with three doubles. Pitching is a question mark for the Hawks, who are counting on sophomore Brittan Wren to throw well.
4. Jordan. I’ll be stunned if the Beetdiggers finish this low in the region standings. The Beetdiggers are just a nightmare for opposing pitchers. Players such as Kelton Caldwell, Reggie Jones, Parker Terry, Kyle Anderson, Cory Hunt and Clay Kinahan form a potent lineup. Caldwell and Terry have already hit two home runs. The Beetdiggers’ offense gets a lot of attention, but they also have a deep pitching staff. They return nine players with varsity pitching experience.
5. American Fork. The Cavemen aren’t returning much experience, but they have become a quality program in the last few years so you can’t count them out in this tough league. Ben Beddes, Ryan Pitcher, Kyle Hall and Aaron Hill are expected to lead the team. Scott Andrus, Jake Blackhurst and Tyler Flinders have each shown to have home run power in the preseason.
6. Brighton. There’s been a lot of Brighton talk by our commenters in various stories. Can the Bengals break through in this tough region? They have some talent with players such as Brian Essig, Cole Butcher, Troy Hamblin and Matt Olsen returning. They were up-and-down in the preseason, scoring 22 runs in wins over Fremont and Kearns. They scored a total of one run in losses to Cyprus and Riverton. Inconsistency won’t get it done in this league.
7. Hillcrest. The Huskies have a young lineup and will likely have a tough time competing in Region 4. They do return some quality players in Tanner Kemp, Chris Hackworth, Manny Leon and Marcus Jones. Hillcrest’s top two pitchers are back, and it has the potential to steal some wins in league play.
Team to beat: Lone Peak. I think it’s a four-team race for the region championship, but I give the nod to the Knights.
Sleeper team: Brighton. The Bengals will find some consistency and be in the mix for a state tournament berth.
It’s early and cold, but do you have any thoughts on Region 4 baseball?