Liam RooneyTallahassee Democrat
Show Caption
The Big Bend baseball season has provided nothing short of pure excitement so far.
With upsets, statement wins and plenty of runs, the 2024 season has provided entertainment on the diamonds around the area. As we enter the second leg of the season, some area programs are hoping early season trends continue, while other programs are hoping to turn fortunes around.
As the season rolls on and the play, and temperatures, heat up, these are the teams setting the early pace in the area.
Welcome to the third Big Bend Preps baseball power rankings.
2nd edition: Major shakeup, new look top 10 highlight second Big Bend Preps Baseball Power Rankings
Stats, records and schedules are pulled from both MaxPreps and Gamechanger
1. Chiles (6-2)
Previous Ranking: 2
The Timberwolves reclaim the top spot, ranking as not only one of the best teams in the Big Bend but in the state. Ranked as the 11th-best team in Florida by MaxPreps, the Timberwolves have made an early mark this season with some impressive wins over Lincoln, Bucholz and Lewisburg, the top-ranked team in Mississippi. Chiles is getting contributions from the top to the bottom of the lineup, with Davis Avera hitting .375 and recording 11 RBI, and Will McDonald hitting .333 and recording four RBI in an impressive start to the year.
2. Lincoln (4-6)
Previous Ranking: 1
The Trojans slip one spot down to second. Following a massive win over the nation's top-ranked team Stoneman Douglas, Licnoln has dropped two straight as it aims to find consistency. Even with the losses, it's clear Lincoln is one of the top teams in the state and can compete with anyone. The play of senior Myles Bailey and freshman Chase Fuller has been the key for Lincoln, with Bailey hitting .296 and recording four RBI, and Fuller hitting .321 and recording five RBI.
3. North Florida Christian (6-3-2)
Previous Ranking: 3
Staying put at third, North Florida Christian is showcasing its potential early on this season as it aims to make another deep run into the postseason. With a couple of ties due to daylight issues, the Eagles are one of the area's top teams and have beaten Chiles already this season. Ashton Gainer has been electric to start the year, hitting .514 and recording 7 RBI on 37 at-bats this year. Alongside Gainer, the play of pitcher Garrett Workman has been a huge boost for the Eagles, as Workman holds a 1.17 ERA and has struck out 36 batters.
4. Madison County (5-3)
Previous Ranking: 5
The Cowboys are rising, up one spot in the rankings after back-to-back wins over Wakulla and Suwannee. After a three-game losing streak, the Cowboys have bounced back in a big way and are showcasing some real talent on Boot Hill. Evan Lago and Mason Plain have been two catalysts for Madison County early on, with Lago hitting .400 and recording five RBI, and Plain hitting .375 and recording six RBI.
5. Wakulla (8-2-1)
Previous Ranking: 4
The War Eagles drop one spot following a tie with North Florida Christian and a loss to Madison County after picking up big wins over Suwannee and Leon. Wakulla's Gavin Estep and Will Chipman have been one of the area's top pitching duos, with Estep posting two wins in four appearances and holding a .49 ERA while recording 15 strikeouts, and Chipman holding a 4-0 record in six appearances, holding a .89 ERA with 18 strikeouts.
6. Aucilla Christian (8-1)
Previous Ranking: 6
The Warriors remain sixth in the rankings, continuing its five-game win streak by picking up wins over Wewahitchka and Hamilton County, Aucilla Christian's only loss of the season remains the 4-0 one to Madison County. Tucker Wiles and Trey Roberts have been consistent threats for the Warriors, with Wiles recording 10 RBI, including one homerun to go along with his .333 batting average, and Roberts has soared, hitting .520 and recording eight RBI.
7. Maclay (5-2-1)
Previous Ranking: 7
The Marauders stay put at seven, winning two straight games following a 6-6 tie with Florida High. Senior Cole Lewis has been a strong veteran presence for the young Marauders squad, hitting .471, recording 10 RBI and scoring nine runs on eight hits. The play of young players like Beau Beshears and Henry Richardson has also given Maclay a huge boost, and players to watch for the future.
8. Leon (5-6)
Previous Ranking: 8
The Lions remain in the eighth spot after picking up wins over Lake Wales and Sante Fe Catholic before two losses to McKeel Academy and Niceville. It's been an up-and-down start to the season for Leon, but players like seniors Phillip Garcia and Jay Campbell have provided a boost for the Lions, with Garcia hitting .467 with eight RBI, and Campbell hitting .364 with 10 RBI to lead the Lions.
9. Florida High (4-6-1)
Previous Ranking: 9
The Seminoles stay put, coming in ranked ninth for the second straight power ranking. Snapping a three-game losing streak with a 15-5 win over Rickards, Florida High is looking to use the win as momentum as it aims to get back to .500. Junior Caleb Thomas has provided a spark for the Seminoles, hitting .419 and recording a team-high eight RBI.
10. St. John Paul II (6-4)
Previous Ranking: 10
The Panthers remain ranked at 10 and have picked up three straight victories. Beating Rocky Bayou Christian, Grace Christian Academy and FAMU DRS, JPII has gathered some momentum heading into the second leg of the season. Senior Peyton Latimer has given the Panthers some solid contributions, recording seven RBI while holding a .323 batting average.
Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney
