Billingsley Bears

Class 1A

Coach

Jason Mattox

Last year

Lost in first round of state playoffs

Returning starters

Garrett Price (senior, center field/shortstop/pitcher), Dalton Acreman (senior, shortstop/pitcher), Justin Snow (senior, first base/pitcher), Matt Prebula (senior, third base)

New faces

Tyler McLean (senior, second base), Hunter Sanders (junior, right field/first base), Thomas Nichols (sophomore, center field, shortstop), Kendall Elrod (sophomore, catcher), Jarrett Acreman (sophomore, outfield), Garrett Harrell (sophomore, right field), Tyler Powell (sophomore, second base), Dalton Davis (sophomore, left field)

Outlook

Coach Mattox likes his mix of seniors and underclassmen (seven sophomores are likely to have prominent roles). “We’ve got youth, but we’ve got experience, too,” he said.

Chilton County Tigers

Class 5A

Coach

Josey Shannon

Last year

Advanced to semifinal round of state playoffs

Returning starters

Cameron Cummings (senior, center field/pitcher), Evan Moatts (senior, right field/pitcher), Blake Teel (senior, third base/pitcher), J.D. Minor (junior, shortstop), Tyler Crowson (senior, second base), Trenton Bishop (junior, first base), Craig Headley (senior, catcher)

New faces

Beau Wade (junior, catcher), J.P. Ratliff (junior, pitcher), Tyler Maddox (junior, pitcher), Garren Minor (sophomore, utility), Joe Mosley (junior, outfield), Grant Deavers (sophomore, outfield/pitcher)

Outlook

With many important contributors returning from last year’s squad—which advanced all the way to the semifinal round of the state tournament and handed three-time state champion Spanish Fort its only playoff loss in three years—expectations are understandably high. But coach Shannon wants his team focused on fundamentals. “We want to hit the baseball, and we’re going to play good defense. We have to find three or four guys that can toe the rubber and compete on the mound and throw strikes.”

Isabella Mustangs

Class 2A

Coach

Ryan Ellison

Last year

Failed to make playoffs

Returning starters

Tyler Smith (sophomore, center field), Jacob Carroll (sophomore, third base/infield), Travis Williams (senior, pitcher), Aaron Ratliff (senior, first base), Andrew Smith (senior, outfield), Trey Calfee (senior, infield), Mason Pate (senior, outfield)

New faces

Hunter Smith (senior, shortstop), Scotty Underwood (sophomore, catcher), Tyler Roper (sophomore, pitcher), Brandon Chapman (junior, pitcher)

Outlook

In his second season at the helm, coach Ellison thinks the Mustangs are making strides. “I think our talent level is deeper,” he said. “We have a few more options in different areas. I think our guys have got accustomed to how we play. I think, overall, it could be a better year.”