Greater Neuse River 4-A

Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts or predictions on the soon to be here season?

 

Good conference

Smithfield Selma should be pretty good. I think this is a four team race. With Knightdale possibly taking a step up to compete with the top four teams. Smithfield Selma , Garner , Clayton and East Wake will battle for this one. Knightdale could spoil it for one of these teams. Im not sure about West Johnston? Sorry but I dont have alot of information on them this year somebody help me out on that one. Southeast Raleigh and Holly Springs should struggle in this conference imo.

 

Based on returning talenting from last year SSS, while going to be young with less than a handfull of Seniors, and Garner look to be the front runners.

 

WJ

West Johnston no longer has catcher Jonathan McLamb (he's now at Pitt CC I do believe). I think they may drop a notch, but they still have Kris Richards, a very good SS.

 

I agree, Richards is a top notch player. Great range and a great arm and he swings it very well. West Johnston returns pitcher Doug Furlong and they have a very good sophomore in Dupree, who could take over the catching duties this season.

Garner will be solid returning their top two pitchers in lefty Will Medlin and Zach Howell. They had some key losses to graduation, but seemed to have solid replacements for them in the summer league this year.

Clayton returns a solid nucleus of players from last year's team including centerfielder Jeffrey Joyner, lefthand pitcher/of TJ Holloman, and 1B Patrick Reynolds.

East Wake graduated 9 or 10 seniors last year, including both of their top pitchers. They also have a new coach this year.

SSS lost 5 key seniors to graduation but return a solid nucleus in sophomore lefty Tate Parrish, sophomore ss/of Dylan Brown, and 1B/C Bryant "Boomer" Noteboom. Those three will anchor the the Spartan lineup this year. They will have a solid Tuesday-Friday rotation in Parrish and senior righthander Will Stephenson. Lefty Mark Samosky, returns in his relief role this year where he excelled with 4 wins last season. Leadoff hitter Josh Holloman returns a solid bat to the lineup as does catcher Matt Evans.

Knightdale returns their top pitcher and have solid coaching in Joey Worley. Like Knightdale, Holly Springs is a very young program in only their second year and will be much improved this year under coach Rod Whitesell. Southeast seems to have different players each year, but always seem to have a couple of good hitters and a solid pitcher.

 

SSS

Smithfield-Selma is a program that has really shot up in recent years. I recall when SSS was normally a league doormat, but not anymore.

 

MIke Joyner has consistently had a strong program at SSS. HAs had quality players and is an excellent coach. Also a fine man...