[LCHSbulldogsalum]

I just want to mention a couple things and I'll leave it up to you experts to dispute, as I am just a casual fan with no dog, or "dawg, lol" in the fight in any way.
I love high school baseball in every way up to and including the disputes that come from this forum. It seems that on these cold winter days it's enough to get ones blood flowing enough to warm you up and look forward to the smell of a baseball field.
Now here is my take and again I'm just judging by the 30 some games I got to see last year with the majority of them being 57th, 58th districts.
I feel that Paintsville is overall the most talented team in the 15th and potentially talent alone maybe top 10 in the state.
They have a few flaws as does every team but with a year more experience and the return of 2 of the top 10 players in the region (Phelps, Miller) I "BELIEVE" they are the team to beat in the region.
Now I seen an earlier post that LC has beaten Paintsville 3 of 4. I won't argue that bc it's a proven fact, but can we go 1 step further and say that of those 3 wins that LC was pitching Wallen, who clearly had P'villes number but is no longer there bc of graduation. So this year you can throw those 3 wins away. The district tourney win last year that LC beat Pville, the game was won by COACHING. Feltner is a tremendous baseball mind, found a weakness and exploited it ( 4 consecutive bunt base hits). This was a ball game that could've went either way and then when the bunts happened Pville fell apart. Now not using that as an excuse bc that was brilliant by LC coaching and that's why they played the game. Congrats to LC on the win.
However what I want to address is this. IMO LC does not have 1 pitcher that has the dominant ability that Wallen had. They have some really good arms in (Bailey, Cantrell, Salyers, and I'll even say the young Bowens kid). However I just don't see any of these players that would be even a number 3 on the P'ville pitching staff. How could you justify putting any of them ahead of (Rice, Miller, or Daniels maybe not even Phelps). Again just my opinion.
Now JC I'll address. A great team with a tremendous coaching staff. I think they have the best catcher in the region in Gamble. They are loaded with young strong arms. Not sure of all the names with the exception of Blanton. I feel JC weakness is gonna be a leader in the clubhouse as I "BELIEVE" they are a fairly young team with graduating 8 seniors. I also think they are gonna be "somewhat" weaker in the field bc of losing a few starters. Now they have one of the best young SS I have ever seen but he can't play 3rd and SS both that's a fact. Shawn will figure it out this we know bc he has proven it year after year. I think it's gonna be a fun and exciting year and I can't wait for it to start. It's gonna be interesting to see how it all plays out with LC going to the 60th.
Let the debates begin. Again I have not said anything bad nor negative about any team as I have no reason to root for nor against any of these teams, I have just stated what I have witnessed with my own eyes and I believe in my heart.
1. Paintsville
2. JC
3. LC
4. Belfry
5. AC/ PCC

Before last season, Wallen wasn't considered "dominant" either. He blossomed. LC has a kid that is better than Wallen was as a Junior in Austin Bailey. Kid threw low 80s as a freshman, pitched extremely well last year as the #2, beating Logan (WV) who was a top 5 AAA school there. I can see him being as dominant as anyone in the 15th. Just my opinion though.

Paintsville has potentially the best talent on the field....IF THEY STAY HEALTHY. Seems every year someone goes down for a long period of time. Maybe it's where they play 2-3 sports and their body gets worn down by the time baseball come around. Who knows.

But, to me, the rankings are clear cut in the preseason:

1. JC
2a. LC
2b. P-ville

After those two, you have Belfry or Prestonsburg. Allen Central was good last year, but they fired their coach for what reason? Yeah, we know the reason. hh: