A big 3 day weekend of high school baseball is upon us. Big matchups across the nation will give us a first look at some of our top 50 teams as well as give some teams the early edge as best in their states.
Here is a rundown of what is going on this weekend. In-depth previews as well as updates throughout the weekend will be featured in our High School News and Notes Blog.
Stephen Richardson Memorial Tournament (Louisiana)
The three-day 28 team tournament in the Baton Rouge area features some of the best teams and prospects in the state, notably Baton Rouge Catholic and Barbe. Parkview Baptist, with two of the top 2012 pitchers in the state look to make their claim as the top team in the state.
Oxford (Alabama) Tournament
A dozen players from Perfect Game 2011, 2012, and 2013 rankings will play in the Oxford/Jacksonville area Friday and Saturday. Defending 6A champion Auburn, Russell County, Cullman, and host Oxford are just a few of the teams competing.
Texas Tournaments
The Rock Hardball Classic in Round Rock kicked off Thursday morning with Brenham vs. Round Rock, which was our National High School Game of Week. The recap of that game, along with video of Round Rock LHP Travis Evans will be available. Also, in that tournament will be Southlake Carroll RHP John Curtiss, a top 2011 draft prospect.
Dallas Jesuit and OF Josh Bell will also be in the Austin area for their first games of the season competing in the Centex Hardball Tournament along with Tomball, Temple, and 13 other teams.
The Woodlands Highlander Varsity Classic will be headlined by the host team, featuring RHP Bryan Brickhouse and defending 5A champion Carroll (Corpus Christi), who return lots of talent from a year ago.
Petal (MS) @ Sumrall (MS)
The state’s top two teams in 2010 look to be very strong again in 2011. The two rivals face off in an early season tilt that will give one team the upper hand in the best team in Mississippi argument.
Gulliver (FL)
A very talented team that should compete for the Florida 3A title, they will be tested this weekend with a Thursday matchup vs. American Heritage and Saturday vs. Westminster Christian.
California
The state kicks off this weekend, and a number of top teams square off. Two of the top 2012 prospects in the nation will be in opposing dugouts as Valencia, led by 3B Trey Williams (pictured above), travels to Harvard Westlake and top 2012 RHP Lucas Giolito.
The Mike Hazlett Tournament has been going strong since 1982, and 2011 looks like another top field of teams with defending PG National Champion Archbishop Mitty, along with Wilcox, Palo Alto, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara. The Mitty vs. Palo Alto matchup Monday night is the tournament highlight.
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