High school baseball: Wayne still the team to beat in 1A

After losing six talented and experienced seniors, Wayne High wasn't supposed to win another region championship or contend for another state title this season.

But with the state 1A baseball tournament set to begin today in Spanish Fork, guess who's once again the team to beat?

It's Wayne, which fought through a loaded Region 20 to capture a league title. The Badgers enter the state tournament on a seven-game winning streak and look fully capable of winning a fourth straight state baseball title.

"Wayne's the champ and until they get knocked off they're the team to beat," said West Ridge first-year coach Jamie Keefer.

The difference in this state tournament compared to the last two though is that the rest of the field actually has a shot at knocking off the Badgers. Wayne is a quality ballclub, but not quite as dominant as it was when building a 57-game winning streak from 2006 until earlier this season.

"I think we're playing our best baseball right now," said Wayne coach Scott Ellett. "Our pitching arms are in good shape, our confidence is better than it's ever been. We're feeling pretty good, but we realize there are a lot of good teams out there."

There are no pushovers competing in the state quarterfinals today. There should be some exciting contests in Spanish Fork as each quarterfinal team features a solid No. 1 pitcher capable of beating anyone.

West Ridge, with James Bright on the mound, opens the day facing Piute, which features three good starting pitchers. The Thunderbirds had to defeat Dugway in a play-in game on Monday in order to face the Eagles today.

Defending champ Wayne, with ace Colin Anderson on the bump, faces Green River at noon. An intriguing contest follows with Region 18 champion Tintic and pitcher Bowdy Steele, one of 1A's best players, facing ICS and No. 1 starter Brock Christiansen. The day ends with what could be the best game of the quarterfinals with Tabiona's Robbie Giles going against Panguitch's Brooks Leach.

"This year is going to be a great year," Keefer said. "It's wide open."

While each of the teams in the tournament features a quality starter, the key to winning it all is having more than one pitcher. The tournament is single elimination with the semifinals and championship being played later in the week at Utah Valley University.

Quality pitching depth is a strength for Wayne, West Ridge and Piute. West Ridge, with starters Bright and Will Gilbert, looks to have its best shot at winning the state title in several years. The Eagles won the Region 17 championship, sweeping second-place Tabiona.

1A baseball quarterfinals

Today in Spanish Fork

Piute vs. West Ridge, 10 a.m.

Green River vs. Wayne, noon

ICS vs. Tintic, 2:30 p.m.

Panguitch vs. Tabiona, 4:30 p.m.Heady

e-mail: aaragon@desnews.com