Player Power Poll

Oxford’s shortstop and pitcher Judd Edwards is one of 2 Yellow Jackets to make the list.

 

In each edition of the Sports Report, I unveil a new Power Poll equipped with who I think are the top 10 teams - pound for pound - in the area.  On a related note, I figured a list of the top ten players in the area could start a pretty interesting debate. 

 

The list below is based solely on my observations of games in the last couple years.  If you have any thoughts, send them in to contactus@highschoolgameday.com.  We’d love to know what you think.

 

1.  Tyler Stovall-Hokes Bluff-Senior-Pitcher-There’s really not much debate about the top spot even though there’s some outstanding talent in the Highschoolgameday/Sports Report coverage area.  Tyler has made it look easy over the past four years with a devastating fastball and increasing knowledge of the game of baseball.  Some predict that Stovall will be selected in the first round of the MLB draft this spring.  While I don’t know if that will happen, it’s certain he’s one of the most dominant pitchers this state has ever seen.  He already surpassed the all-time strike-out record and is one win away from eclipsing the all-time win mark.

 

2.  Caleb Bowen-Saks-Senior-Catcher-This is where things get a little interesting.  The group behind Stovall is extremely tight.  To loosen up the gap between two and three, I chose Caleb Bowen because it’s hard to find a catcher with his type of skill.  About the only chance a runner has is a pitcher’s slow delivery.  Without a great jump, Caleb will get the best of the match-up.  Although he’s struggled at the plate early this season, Bowen has an outstanding stick to go along with his arm and footwork behind the plate.

 

3.  Brian Wheeler-Childersburg-Senior-Centerfielder-Hailing from Childersburg High School, Zealous Wheeler, Brian’s older brother, was drafted last year by the Milwaukee Brewers and proceeded to hit .300 in his first year with the organization.  You know how it goes; the younger brother is always touted as being the better of the two.  While he may have a long way to go, Brian is already well on his way.  The reigning Class 4A Player of the Year hit .471 last season and drove in 74 runs.  On defense, you may not find a better center-fielder in the state.  He covers just about every blade of grass.  

 

4.  Adam Purdy-Pell City-Senior-Pitcher-The lefty is one of three local products, all of which are in the top five of this list [Stovall, Bowen and Purdy] heading to the Plains next year to play for Auburn. That’s if they don’t get drafted.  Standing 6’ 4” is certainly an advantage.  Standing 6’ 4” and throwing in the low 90’s consistently in high school is down-right unfair.  Purdy has been a dominant arm for the Pell City Panthers over the last few years.  Although his earned run average may be a little higher than some on this list, it should be noted that he’s playing against 6A talent.  Still, he’s managed to hold down an E.R.A of 2.25 throughout the last two seasons.

 

5.  Saxon Butler-Oxford-Senior-First Baseman-There may be a better hitter within the state’s borders, but he’s probably not having a better year than this imposing senior from Oxford High School.  Yet to play an area game, Butler has already tallied more than 12 homeruns this season.  Opposing coaches fear him.  His coach says he’s the best he’s ever had the opportunity to teach.  Gaining attention and offers by the week, Butler is a man of his word and says he’s sticking to his prior commitment to a junior college in the Panhandle. 

 

6.  Dustin Dunn-Gadsden City-Senior-Infielder-Standing a shade below 5 feet 8 inches tall, Dustin Dunn doesn’t look like your typical prospect.  What he lacks in height he makes up for with guts and ability.  The Gadsden City Titans infielder is one of the most respected players throughout the area.  As a rising junior Dunn was selected to play in the North-South All-Star game.

 

7.  Judd Edwards-Oxford-Junior-Shortstop-Highly underrated, much like his older brother Jake, Judd is an incredible baseball player.  He’s got good pop in his bat and equally impressive hands in the field.  He’s also provided some sturdy help on the mound early in the season.  Still a junior, this young man has another year to grow.  By the way, his brother Jake wasn’t highly sought after coming out of high school.  After two years at Shelton State he moved on to Tennessee Tech, where he finished his first year tied for the team lead in wins [5]. 

 

8.  Tank Watts-Etowah-Senior-First Baseman-Every list deserves a bruiser.  For this one, we have Tank Watts.  An imposing figure standing 6’ 1” and weighing in at 215 pounds, Watts packs the punch you would expect.  A two-time all-state performer for Southside, Watts entered the Attalla school district for his final campaign in high school.  He fit right in.  Through 11 games of the season, he led the team in batting average and RBI’s.

 

9.  Ethan Vineyard-Alexandria-Shortstop-Junior-Only the second junior to make the list, Ethan Vineyard is a typical gamer.  If you need the little things done, he’s got you covered.  If you need leadership by example, he’s the guy for you.  If you need a solid lead-off hitter, he’s about as good as they come.  You can’t underestimate what type of kid this is until you are around him.  Any ball-club would benefit tremendously from Ethan.

 

10.  Michael Hollis-Cleburne County-Senior-Pitcher-He may not have the perfect size.  He may not hit 90 on the radar gun.  But Michael Hollis is a pitcher.  Ask any coach in the area who they think is the most underrated hurler and most will tell you about Hollis.  As part of the one-two punch in Heflin this season, the senior will be looked towards for leadership.

 

Notables:  Kip Cash-Ranburne-Senior-Infielder-As a sophomore he helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2A state title meanwhile being selected as an all-state honorable mention.  Chase Horn and Mark Patterson-Clay County-Senior-Pitchers-Both guys are incredible.  While Mark may not have the heat Chase has, both have been extremely effective and should give their team great confidence come playoff time.  Chandler Tyree-Oxford-Senior-Catcher-Could be getting overlooked this year because of the monster numbers being put up by his teammate.  But don’t mistake his talent.  Joey Estes-Jacksonville-Senior-Third Baseman-He’s been a run producing machine for Jacksonville over the last couple years.  Adds some much needed pop to the Golden Eagles lineup.

 

Chad Barnett

Editor

Highschoolgameday

Article continued below...

Your E-mail

Member name register

Password forgot password?