This became one of the toughest years yet to make decisions throughout these rankings as there were hundreds of teams that were worthy of recognition, but only 50 could make the cut. A lot of the teams within the Top 50 had the chance to play one another, as teams get more willing to travel to parts of the country for good games and it helps them take shape for the most part. These rankings are not just indicative or full of 50 state champions, as some had a strong enough regular season or playoff run in a tough state that made them worthy of their national ranking, while others earned their way in by winning a coveted state title. While some will be ranked ahead of those without a state title, it is important to note that a number of items were taken into account when evaluating where teams should slot inside the Top 50. The Top 10 teams have a more in-depth look into their resume and season as a whole, while 11-50 have their biggest accomplishments and signature wins highlighted. It has been a really exciting year, and as we move more and more toward normal schedules across the country and continue to expand our High School Showdowns to new regions, it should only continue to get better and we will get the opportunity to see, evaluate, and promote an abundance of new programs.
1. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (Orchard Lake, Mich.) | Record: 44-0 | Preseason Rank: 4
This was a brutally difficult decision when it came down to who to select as the top team in this year’s rankings, which crowns that team a National Champion, but when looking at the fact that St. Mary’s does have one of the most talented rosters in the entire country, led by a potential first-rounder in Brock Porter, and they didn’t lose a single game while playing 44 in the span of just 11 weeks, it’s hard to argue against that. They now sit at 87-1 over the last two seasons and have won 66 in a row with an extremely talented outgoing senior class. They’re very deserving.
2. Stoneman Douglas (Parkland, Fla.) | Record: 30-2 | Preseason Rank: 3
Douglas is the other team that made a National Champion decision extremely difficult and in just about any other year, they would seemingly cruise into winning it. They finished the year with a 30-2 record, losing both games by only a single run, and won their second consecutive 7A State Championship in Florida, a feat in itself, but also went up to the NHSI and won that with four straight wins, three of which were dominant. It’s a loaded roster as well and they made it through a gauntlet schedule with just two small blemishes that put them at No. 2.
3. Providence (Charlotte, N.C.) | Record: 34-0 | Preseason Rank: 36
There were high expectations for this team but to predict that they’d go 34-0 and outscore opponents 291 to 53 would have been tough. They finished off one of the most impressive seasons in the state in recent memory with an extra-inning win that earned them the 4A Title, the state’s highest classification state title, and the duo of Eli Jerzembeck and Michael Forret were spectacular in the final 2 games combining for 24 strikeouts which pushed Jerzembeck’s total for the year to an astonishing 195 in just 87 innings against just 14 walks and 13 wins.
4. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) | Record: 29-4 | Preseason Rank: 5
This roster was as talented as any coming into the season and they survived through a pretty difficult schedule including a good showing at the NHSI. They finished the year with Arizona’s 6A State Title and had multiple wins over preseason ranked Chaparral (Ariz.) and state-runner up Chandler (Ariz.) as well as wins over American Fork (Utah) and Buford (Ga.). Touted draft prospect Gavin Turley was also named the Arizona State Player of the Year by Perfect Game.
5. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) | Record: 23-2 | Preseason Rank: 2
IMG doesn’t play in a classification in the state of Florida due to the way their program is set up but they more than make up for it by traveling the country and putting together what is one of the toughest high school schedules you’ll find. They won the PG High School Showdown, doing so in dominant fashion, and racked up wins against multiple state champions, Jesuit (Fla.), Doral Academy (Fla.) and Hartselle (Ala.). Their only losses on the year came to Brother Rice (Ill.) and Miami Christian (Fla.), which are both nationally ranked teams in this released Final Top 50.
6. Sinton (Sinton, Texas) | Record: 36-1 | Preseason Rank: NR
Going 36-1 in any state in any year is an insanely impressive feat but when you do it in the state of Texas, there’s certainly something to be said about it. They won the 4A State Title, which is two levels below the gauntlet of 6A, but this roster would have no problem competing at any of the levels. Blake Mitchell fits the mold of a first rounder for next year while the senior class they had this year is one for the history books for this program. Their lone loss of the season came against a talented Tuloso-Midway team in an early spring tournament, and they closed the year beating a storied Argyle program in dominant fashion in the title game.
7. North Oconee (Bogart, Ga.) | Record: 39-1 | Preseason Rank: NR
It was a similar story for North Oconee this year as they lost their lone game of the season very early in the spring and went on to win 36 in a row, finishing the year 39-1 and winning Georgia’s 4A State Title. This is an extremely impressive roster made up of a ton of power arms that kept opposing teams to under 2 runs per game, but the offense is explosive too as they scored just under 400 runs in their 40 games. They had to go through some of the classes’ best programs through the spring and didn’t look one bit phased, earning being Georgia’s top team for 2022.
8. Hartselle (Hartselle, Ala.) | Record: 39-4 | Preseason Rank: NR
After one of their best seasons ever as a program, this team is deserving of a lofty ranking, and they certainly made that known right away. They closed the year on a 24-game win streak and racked up a ton of really impressive wins throughout the year to make this one of the best resumes in the southeast region, and the country. They had strong wins against: Hoover (Ala.), North Broward Prep (Fla.), East Forsyth (N.C.), Russellville (Ala.) and Auburn (Ala.) before 8 straight wins on their way to winning Alabama’s 6A State Title.
9. JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) | Record: 25-11 | Preseason Rank: 8
The gauntlet that is playing in Southern California is very real so while JSerra might not hold the same kind of crazy record as some others in the Top 10, they are deserving of this ranking. After starting the year poorly, as bad as 6-9 at one point, they won 19 of their last 21 games which included finishing second in the Trinity League, earning runner-up at the Boras Classic and going on to win the Southern Section Division I title. This program has no shortage of history with big leaguers in their alumni, but this was their first CIF SS title and their resume was as good as any.
10. Southlake Carroll (Southlake, Texas) | Record: 34-8 | Preseason Rank: 9
They came into the year as our top-ranked team in the always talent-rich state of Texas and stumbled a couple different times during the regular season, but their talent prevailed in the end as they closed the year with 16 straight wins including an undefeated run in the playoffs on their way to the Texas 6A State Title, the top in the state. Their resume also included good wins over Chaparral (Ariz.), JSerra (Calif.), Rockwall-Heath (Texas), Marcus (Texas), Keller (Texas) and Ridge Point (Texas) and Reagan (Texas) in the Final 4.
11. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) | Record: 24-5 | Preseason Rank: 14
New Jersey Non-Public A State Champion. Signature wins over Buford (Ga.), Bergen Catholic (N.J.), The Hun (N.J.), St Joseph Regional (N.J.), Seton Hall Prep (N.J.), St Augustine Prep (N.J.).
12. Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) | Record: 25-5 | Preseason Rank: 1
Trinity League Champion. Signature wins over Huntington Beach (Calif.), Yucaipa (Calif.), Southlake Carroll (Texas), JSerra (Calif.), Hanover (Va.), Basic (Nev.), Notre Dame SO (Calif.).
13. Northwest Rankin (Brandon, Miss.) | Record: 34-3 | Preseason Rank: NR
Mississippi 6A State Champion. Signature wins over Madison Central (Miss.), Hoover (Ala.), Desoto Central (Miss.).
14. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) | Record: 35-7 | Preseason Rank: 7
Nevada 5A State Runner-Up. Signature wins over Shadow Ridge (Nev.), Basic (Nev.), Reno (Nev.), Centennial (Nev.), Mountain Ridge (Ariz.).
15. Berkeley Prep (Tampa, Fla.) | Record: 28-4 | Preseason Rank: 38
Florida 3A State Runner-Up. Signature wins over Bartram Trail (Fla.), Tampa Jesuit (Fla.), Calvary Christian (Fla.), Lakeland Christian (Fla.), St Ignatius (Oh.).
16. Tampa Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.) | Record: 24-8 | Preseason Rank: 12
Florida 5A State Champion. Signature wins over Plant (Fla.), Venice (Fla.), Calvary Christian (Fla.), Naples (Fla.), Eau Gallie (Fla.).
17. Pope (Marietta, Ga.) | Record: 33-7 | Preseason Rank: NR
Georgia 6A State Champion. Signature wins over Lassiter (Ga.), Allatoona (Ga.), Buford (Ga.).
18. Combine Academy (Lincolnton, N.C.) | Record: 31-7 | Preseason Rank: 13
PG Gulf Coast High School Showdown Champion. Signature wins over Farragut (Tenn.), Next Level Academy (Ala.), The Burlington School (N.C.).
19. Sumrall (Sumrall, Miss.) | Record: 35-1 | Preseason Rank: NR
Mississippi 4A State Champion. Signature wins over Vancleave (Miss.), Germantown (Miss.), Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Miss.), Pontotoc (Miss.).
20. Central Phenix (Phenix City, Ala.) | Record: 30-10 | Preseason Rank: NR
Alabama 7A State Champion + PG High School Showdown Champion. Signature wins over Bob Jones (Ala.), Oxford (Ala.), Loganville (Ga.), Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.), Auburn (Ala.).
21. Jackson Prep (Jackson, Miss.) | Record: 31-7 | Preseason Rank: 27
Mississippi MAIS 6A State Champion. Signature wins over Desoto Central (Miss.), Northpoint Christian (Miss.), Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Miss.), Jackson Academy (Miss.).
22. Calvary Christian (Clearwater, Fla.) | Record: 26-2 | Preseason Rank: 19
Florida 3A Regional Semifinalist. Signature wins over Lakeland Christian (Fla.), St Ignatius (Oh.), Dunedin (Fla.), Venice (Fla.), Berkeley Prep (Fla.).
23. Randleman (Randleman, N.C.) | Record: 33-1 | Preseason Rank: NR
North Carolina 2A State Champion. Signature wins over East Rutherford (N.C.), St John’s (D.C.), Whiteville (N.C.).
24. West Monroe (West Monroe, La.) | Record: 33-4 | Preseason Rank: NR
Louisiana 5A State Champion. Signature wins over Neville (La.), Ruston (La.), Sam Houston (La.), Dutchtown (La.), St Amant (La.).
25. Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach, Calif.) | Record: 25-9 | Preseason Rank: 15
SoCal Division I Champion. Signature wins over JSerra (Calif.), Hamilton (Ariz.), Yucaipa (Calif.), Foothill (Calif.), Villa Park (Calif.).
26. Hanover (Mechanicsville, Va.) | Record: 23-2 | Preseason Rank: 28
Virginia Class 4 State Champion. Signature wins over The First Academy (Fla.), Independence (Va.), Jefferson Forest (Va.), James Wood (Va.).
27. Rockwall-Heath (Rockwall, Texas) | Record: 32-7 | Preseason Rank: 37
Texas 6A State Semifinalist. Signature wins over Keller (Texas), Rockwall (Texas), Lubbock Cooper (Texas), Oak Ridge (Texas), Lake Ridge (Texas).
28. Owasso (Owasso, Okla.) | Record: 31-8 | Preseason Rank: NR
Oklahoma 6A State Champion. Signature wins over George Jenkins (Fla.), Jenks (Okla.), Deer Creek (Okla.), Stillwater (Okla.), Edmond Santa Fe (Okla.).
29. Barbe (Lake Charles, La.) | Record: 36-4 | Preseason Rank: 10
Louisiana 5A Regional Finalist. Signature wins over Sam Houston (La.), Sulpur (La.), Comeaux (La.), Parkway (La.).
30. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) | Record: 27-6 | Preseason Rank: NR
California North Coast Division I Champion + Northern California Division I Champion. Signature wins over Elk Grove (Calif.), Saint Francis (Calif.), Faith Lutheran (Nev.), Foothill (Calif.).
31. Brother Rice (Chicago, Ill.) | Record: 36-6 | Preseason Rank: NR
Illinois 4A State Third Place. Signature wins over IMG Academy (Fla.), Montverde Academy (Fla.), Baylor (Tenn.), Trinity (Ky.), Mt Carmel (Ill.), St Laurence (Ill.), Marist (Ill.), Andrean (Ind.).
32. Reagan (San Antonio, Texas) | Record: 33-7-1 | Preseason Rank: NR
Texas 6A State Runner-Up. Signature wins over Clark (Texas), Brandeis (Texas), Smithson Valley (Texas), Lake Travis (Texas), Rockwall-Heath (Texas).
33. Woodstock (Woodstock, Ga.) | Record: 33-7 | Preseason Rank: NR
Georgia 7A State Champion. Signature wins over Lambert (Ga.), North Paulding (Ga.), Cherokee (Ga.), Etowah (Ga.), North Cobb (Ga.), Parkview (Ga.).
34. Lake Travis (Austin, Texas) | Record: 34-7-3 | Preseason Rank: 17
Texas 6A Regional Finalist. Signature wins over Pearland (Texas), Southlake Carroll (Texas), Westlake (Texas), Johnson (Texas), Clark (Texas).
35. Stockdale (Bakersfield, Calif.) | Record: 26-5 | Preseason Rank: NR
California Central Section Division I Champion. Signature wins over Liberty (Calif.), Frontier (Calif.), Bakersfield Christian (Calif.), San Joaquin Memorial (Calif.).
36. Edwardsville (Edwardsville, Ill.) | Record: 36-4 | Preseason Rank: NR
Illinois 4A State Champion. Signature wins over Huntley (Ill.), Liberty North (Mo.), Liberty (Mo.), Belleville East (Ill.), Howell (Mo.), Brother Rice (Ill.), Mundelein (Ill.).
37. Basic (Henderson, Nev.) | Record: 31-10 | Preseason Rank: NR
Nevada 5A State Champion. Signature wins over Shadow Ridge (Nev.), Legend (Colo.), The First Academy (Fla.), Bishop Gorman (Nev.).
38. Doral Academy (Doral, Fla.) | Record: 25-4-1 | Preseason Rank: NR
Florida 6A State Champion. Signature wins over Miami Christian (Fla.), Houston County (Ga.), Dwyer (Fla.), Sickles (Fla.), Pace (Fla.).
39. Villa Park (Villa Park, Calif.) | Record: 28-6 | Preseason Rank: NR
Boras Classic Champion + SoCal Division I Semifinalist. Signature wins over Foothill (Calif.), Huntington Beach (Calif.), Notre Dame (Calif.), JSerra (Calif.), Cypress (Calif.), Stockdale (Calif.).
40. Charlotte Christian (Charlotte, N.C.) | Record: 30-3 | Preseason Rank: 43
North Carolina NCISAA 4A State Champion. Signature wins over Lexington (S.C.), East Forsyth (N.C.), Metrolina Christian Academy (N.C.).
41. Hewitt-Trussville (Trussville, Ala.) | Record: 31-6-1 | Preseason Rank: NR
Alabama 7A State Runner-Up. Signature wins over Mt Paran Christian (Ga.), Hoover (Ala.), Vestavia Hills (Ala.).
42. Mason (Mason, Ohio) | Record: 27-5 | Preseason Rank: NR
Ohio Division I State Semifinalist. Signature wins over Fishers (Ind.), Walsh Jesuit (Oh.), Archbishop Moeller (Oh.), Lebanon (Oh.).
43. Miami Christian (Miami, Fla.) | Record: 29-3 | Preseason Rank: NR
Florida 2A State Champion. Signature wins over Dwyer (Fla.), IMG Academy (Fla.), Foundation Academy (Fla.), North Florida Christian (Fla.).
44. Houston County (Warner Robins, Ga.) | Record: 28-6 | Preseason Rank: 22
Georgia 6A Regional Finalist + PG High School Showdown Runner-Up. Signature wins over Hartselle (Ala.), Madison Central (Miss.), Tampa Jesuit (Fla.), Mosley (Fla.), Mater Lakes (Fla.).
45. Georgetown (Georgetown, Texas) | Record: 34-7 | Preseason Rank: NR
Texas 5A State Champion. Signature wins over Boerne (Texas), Smithson Valley (Texas), Prosper (Texas), Westlake (Texas), Ray (Texas), Friendswood (Texas).
46. St John’s Country Day (Orange Park, Fla.) | Record: 23-5 | Preseason Rank: NR
Florida 2A Regional Finalist. Signature wins over Madison Central (Miss.), Houston County (Ga.), Trinity Christian Academy (Fla.), Servite (Calif.), Don Bosco Prep (N.J.), Hungtington Beach (Calif.), Bartram Trail (Fla.).
47. Liberty North (Liberty, Mo.) | Record: 33-7 | Preseason Rank: NR
Missouri Class 6 State Champion. Signature wins over Liberty (Mo.), Howell (Mo.), Raymore-Peculiar (Mo.), Blue Springs South (Mo.).
48. West Linn (West Linn, Ore.) | Record: 26-4 | Preseason Rank: NR
Oregon 6A State Champion. Signature wins over Mountainside (Ore.), Lakeridge (Ore.), Canby (Ore.).
49. St Xavier (Louisville, Ky.) | Record: 34-10 | Preseason Rank: NR
Kentucky State Champion. Signature wins over Brother Rice (Ill.), Trinity (Ky.), Carrollton (Ga.), Silver Creek (Ind.), South Palding (Ga.), McCracken County (Ky.), Russell County (Ky.).
50. Archbishop Spalding (Severn, Md.) | Record: 29-4 | Preseason Rank: NR
Maryland MIAA Class A State Champion. Signature wins over Cape Henry Collegiate (Va.), Cape Henlopen (Del.), St John’s (D.C.), John Carroll (Md.).