Sweet Sixteen Preseason Poll

[CFBall]

This is my opinion on the Preseason Sweet 16 Poll, as with every new year, some teams will surprise us and others will not live up to the hype. Alot of hs programs consistently .................win and are worthy of Sweet 16 status. Check these out and post Your 16 and Honorable Mention List:

Hopewell
West Rowan
Butler
Indian Land
Alexander Central
Forbush
Central Cabarrus
North Meck
Providence
South Caldwell
East Rutherford
West Stanly
Weddington
St. Stephens
Cherryville
Myers Park

Will be in the poll, sooner or ....perhaps in the Final Poll ??

East Lincoln, McDowell, NW Cabarrus, Charlotte Latin, Maiden, Ashbrook, Robinson(could be a huge surprise) and Lake Norman (new schools always surprise me)

Whats your opinion! Sorry but wanted to know other what You Guys think!!

[CometFan]

I made it over here CFBall. I think you covered most of teams that may be in the sweet sixteen. At any rate, we will have an exciting softball season. Let the games begin!!!

[The "O"]

Providence should be ranked higher maybe???... If I am NOT mistaken they beat North Meck last season 2-1 and Indian Land too 1-0... Have alot of seasoned players this season as well as returners I hear! Go Lady panthers...

[CFBall]

CometFan, welcome and its good to hear from you! Your knowledge of the game and the people involved, adds to any discussion we might entertain here or at the Field. And Big O, i know those results and top 10 or so could very well be Number 1 when its all said and Done. WHo are some of Providence's Non Conference opponents for this year? Good luck to the Panthers in 2003

[Dawgfan]

Pretty good call CF. But I think I would put MP up there close to Providence. They have a new and talented coach and O'Conner has been working as hard as anyone.

[CFBall]

Yep and heard she is GOOOOOD and I am looking forward to viewing a practice or two before the season begins as with alot of other hs teams in our area. Who is the kid that plays SS for them.......is it the kid from the matthew cobras? I am not sure with some of their Names, faces or hs teams' they play for?????

[perfectgame]

Preseason 16

1. Hopewell
2. Butler
3. Forbush
4. Myers Park
5. Central Cabarrus
6. West Rowan
7. Providence
8. Alexander Central
9. South Caldwell
10. North Meck
11. Indian Land
12. Weddington
13. West Stanly
14. East Lincoln
15. Charlotte Catholic
16. East Rutherford

Honorable mention: South Meck, , Robinson, Northwest Cabarrus, Independence

[fastpitch_mama]

Looks like a pretty good preseason poll to me. Hey CF Ball! It took me a while to find this place, but I'm glad I did.

[CFBall]

Fastpitch-Mama is now in the house...............so glad you find it and its about TIME. LOL..........missed you today but know you have priorities......Great workout with 14,16 and 18s.....and the gangs wanted to Know where's Coach.....FP-mama! T/TH @ GWU and Sunday @SHS or GWU 2-5pm(weather permitting otherwise at GWU). Have a great week and do honor us more with Your presence!

[Braves]

Originally posted by perfectgame
Honorable mention: South Meck

Yea..I hope we can crack the 16 this year.

I have a question? Is anybody familiar with Becky Mathews at Myers Park? I have known her since she was 10 yo. I haven't been able to follow her the last 2 years and am interested how she is doing.

[F-PITCH]

Sweet 16 looks good except 2 teams need to be in there.
Robinson and Northwest Cabarrus.:D :)

[CFBall]

Northwest Cabarrus/Robinson......what does their Non-conference schedules look like? Thanks ........and curious about Lake Norman's ?

[sballfan]

Northwest Cabarrus (NPC 3-A) non-conference schedule includes:
.
Davie County (4A)
Butler (4A)
Central Cabarrus (4A)
J.M. Robinson (3A)
Mt. Pleasant (2A)
West Stanley (?a)
South Caldwell (?A)
East Rutherfordton (?A)

Pretty tough, but NWC returns ALL, BUT 2 outfielders and catcher

[CFBall]

sballfan, Thank You for the information and I am impressed with non-conference schedule NW has lined up! I knew they had scheduled East Rutherford(2A) but adding the remaining, SC(4A),WS(2A),Butler and the others, You Do have an outstanding schedule!! TUFFFFFFFF ......................and know you are excited and anxious for the battles to begin! Good Luck and we will see you soon! Do post the schedule here or show your website to obtain schedule/location/times, as other would like to know! Welocme Aboard!

[F-PITCH]

CFBALL, Lake Norman isn't going to be that great this year. We have the pitching and catching but not the defense or offense.We might finish 4th in the conference. Also South Iredell will not have a team this year.

[CFBall]

F-PITCH, Sad news about SIHS softball and as for Lake Norman, good luck and hope you guys come together as a solid team in 2003.

[TarheelTitan]

1. 4A Hopewell (Learned How To Win The Big Ones Last Year!)
2. 4A Butler (Can Bowen Pull Off What Ervin Did Last Season?)
3. 2A Forbush (2 Pitchers - Both Ready For Next Battle With Owen)
4. 4A South Caldwell (Only Graduated RF - Loaded With Seniors)
5. 3A West Rowan (Sophmore Pitcher - 8 Starters Return)
6. 4A Independence (Lewis Over Small (Prov.) 4-0 In Opener)
7. 2A Owen (Awesome JV & Hudson Give McElrath Another Shot)
8. 4A Myers Park (O'Connor Rising Star)
9. 3A Enka (Soph. Blankenship Helps Miller Carry On Tradition)
10. 3A East Lincoln (Winning In Playoffs No Longer A Surprise)
11. 4A North Davidson (New "Best Coach" Moniker)
12. 3A Weddington
13. 2A West Stanly
14. 3A St. Stephens
15. 2A Charlotte Catholic
16. 4A Central Cabarrus (Transfer From Indy)

Honorable Mention: Alexander Central, Cherryville, Pisgah, Rosman, Maiden, North Meck, Providence

Updated February 20, 2003

[softball4ever]

Here are my opinions on the sweet sixteen. I may be off on a few, but from what I know and what I have gathered this is how I think it will be. I think the top contenders for 4A will be Hopewell, Butler, South Caldwell, CC, and Myers Park. O'Connor has been working really hard and is a great pitcher. For 3A I think West Rowan, St. Stephens, East Lincoln, Robinson, Weddington, and NW Cabarrus. For 2A I think East Rutherford and Forbush. For 1A I think Cherryville and Maiden will do well.

Hopewell
Butler
West Rowan
CC
Myers Park
South Caldwell
St Stephens
Forbush
Providence
AC
Robinson
NW Cabarrus
Weddington
East Rutherford
Maiden
Cherryville

[CFBall]

softball4ever, nice looking sweet sixteen poll and do message me sooon......as we cut your talk abit short last time! Contiune your work and have a great year!:D

[softball4ever]

Do You Think We Could Do a Top 5 For Each One?....1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A?

[CFBall]

softball4ever, you lead the way......start a topic Top 5 in Each Classification(work it the way YOU prefer) in 2003 season! Wonderful topic and would love to hear others opinions on this!

[titanfan]

I think TarheelTitan is pretty much on the money with the list except I would have to put Indian Land in the slot where Enka is. East Lncoln might need to jump up a little also, I think they are a little underrated.

[CFBall]

The Official Sweet 16 should be released soon as will Players to Watch list! Let's just Pray for some..:sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[scfan]

I can't come up with 5 for all classifcations because I don't know enough about some of those teams not in 3a or 4a. Here are my picks in no particular order.

4a
Butler
South Caldwell
Hopewell
Providence
Central Cabarrus??

3a
East Lincoln
St. Stephens
West Rowan
NW Cabarrus

2a
Forbush
East Ruthford
West Stanley

[rams12bb]

I usually stay away from most of the predictions, but everyone seems to forget about Ashe. Their pitcher gives them the opportunity to be one of the top teams in 2A. The gave Forbush 3 of their toughest games last year with 2 of them being extra innings.

[fastpitchpro]

I have seen South Caldwell play several times. Although they may run the table on the non-conference opponents and do very well in conference, they do not have a strong enough pitcher, solid enough defense and hitters to make very much noise. They break down this way. The only hitters they have are the Prichard, Adams and Anderson. After those three , there is a drastic falloff. defensively , they are not pressed to hard because of there non-conference schedule and when the pressure is on, I have seen them fall apart. The pitcher is a fine athlete and great girl, but a 55 mph fastball can only go so far. Yes, she is a pitcher and not a thrower, but the overall lack of ability to throw something by a hitter will come into play down the road. Souith may be 24-0 going into the playsffs, but Hibriten, West Caldwell, freedom, watauga, AC reynolds, and etc do not offer many challenges to any worthy opponents. Stay away from the three hitters I named and South will not score a run on any quality High school pitcher.

[CFBall]

Thanks for your insight on SC! I have also seen them play and agree with you on the scouting report you provided us. Why would they schedule such cupcakes and think seriously about going deep in the playoffs:confused: :confused: .

Dont Adams, Anderson and Pritchard play BB......they had better get the priorities straight when its time to decide on college Ball, BB or SB? fastpitchpro, it is so nice to have you join us and you are a valuable asset to this board and to the sport itself! I will talk with you soooooon and have a great day!:jump:

[xx00xx00xx00xx00]

I think picking apart South isnt the righy way to go. I have heard that the pitchers have worked all winter and have improved greatly, Both Winebarger and Reid have picked up new pitches and shouldnt be underestimated. And they didnt schedule just cupcakes they had a tournament schedule as there first game against Forbush, Hopwell, and Butler ( i think), but was rained out. Those arent too much of cupcakes it seems to me. Yes they have 3 Varsity players who are out with Basketball (anderson , pritchard, and ford) but they will return shortly. They have worked hard on there hitting and defense. In my opinioin they have one of the best defensive teams around. But they do have some problems to work out, such as working uder pressure, but they are not to be underestimated this year.

Another thing, i dont think that Alexander should be underestimated this year either.. althought Sherrill has resigned..you cant forget his assistant coaches havent.


:invasion:


RIP- Tiffany

[fastpitchpro]

I was just stating the facts as I know them. The games you have scheduled are cupcakes and this past saturday was a scrimmage. I was just stating the facts surrounding the team. I hope South wins the state, but let's get real with the schedule. The pitcher, Winebarger, works as hard as anyone in the business. No doubt about her love and dedication to this fact, but a 55-57 mph fastball is the same whether you have heart of a lion or your are the tinman out there throwing. She is a very good pitcher, not thrower, but this is not in the league with Bowen, Small, CC's pitcher, or the twins at Hopewell. I will go back to the fact that South does not play very well under pressure and against worthy opponents. What was their records against teams with winning records in 4A play?? Something like 2-4. Alexander should be tough with the assistants like Donny Pennell. He has the burden of the program on his shoulders and some of the most talented players in the program's history in the dugout. It may be the most talented team in the history of the school. the NW 4A is wide open with quality teams in Mcdowell and AC Reynolds too.

[scfan]

Hey guys I'll give you a little info on South Caldwell. As far as schedual I have a copy here for this year. They play A very good St. Stephens team once, Providence once, East Lincoln at least 3 times maybe 4 including the Easter tournament, Lake Norman who has a good pitcher and Alexander twice. And they did have 3 good scrimmage games set with Hopewell, Forbush, and Davie co. That is not an easy schedual. They do have to play W. Caldwell and Hibriten (a county thing) but those are their only 2 easy non-conference games.
As for weak hitters I don't know where that comes from they are one of the best in the state when you figure from top to bottom. I looked up their stats from last year and their top 5 hitters went like this Anderson .500 with 3 homeruns, Adams .439 1homerun, Benfield ..404 1 homerun, Austin .325, and Pritchard .315 with 3 homeruns. and I know for a fact that a few of the other girls really came on strong this summer. Admittedly Mecimoer had their number in 2 out of three games but that is nothing to be ashamed of she did that to a lot of people.
As for defense I'll put these girls against anyone. I've seen a lot of teams and this defense is very very good. and for the pitching it is not overpowering but is very good. As for speed even Crystal Cox only threw 57 or 58 so speed is not everything.
I know the coaches keep hoping that people think SC has only 3 girls who can hit because that will make it a lot easier for them
Good luck to everyone hope to get to see some games soon

[CFBall]

Great discussion guys......we need a NW4A Thread, as it appears we have alot of interested fans who Know this conference and its players! Its one of the best female conference in the state year in and out! Thanks and welcome to all NWC area softball fans!

[slingit]

Sorry but you couldnt have beaten Indian Land because we have never played Providence in softball. Dont underestimate the small SC school things are looking pretty well as we have been doing pretty well against some of the top 4a schools in scrimmages that ranks high on your ratings. Good Luck to everyone and may all have safe seasons,;) ;)

[CFBall]

slingit, welcome and just had you OLD Poster from the cht.com in mind(see new thread)! What got you started on Providence...quote it as i am lost.....but shoot.......Lets hear it from Indian Land and do check your PM soon (below)!! Again welcome and invite others from your area to join In :jump: :jump:

[slingit]

Cfball O had posted that Providence had beaten IL I was just clearing up the matter.:D

[CFBall]

I see .............earlier post! Have you guys got to play any games this week and if so do post or should we start an Indian Land Thread:cool:

[slingit]

Lost to Hopewell 5-0 yesterday. It wasnt that bad considering that are pitcher is hurt and we pitched a ninth grader that will probably play JV. We will get 6 players today since the basketball team lost. I would like to know more about an IL thread, not sure I know what youre talking about. Just starting another thread or is there something else youre talking about.
Have a great day.

[CFBall]

slingit, hope you and others will post IL Softball Stuff on the new Thread.......TBRs aims to please! Hope to see you again soon and we wish IL the best for 2003!

[EnkaJet04]

AC Reynolds looks to be greatly improved this year so they might end up being a force in the 4a division. Pisgah should be right up there on everybody's 2a list. They have 4 starting pitchers. Two seniors and two juniors. They can also hit. Good defense. Owen might be weaker than originally thought. They lost their starting pitcher who moved last week to TC Roberson (3a). But, don't count out the talent they still have.

[CFBall]

JetFan, thanks for your insight on the wnc hs softball and i hope to be in black mtn friday for the owen game against st stephens!

Hey dawgfan........western nc softball moving to the rim with all our great charlottle teams/players/fans/posters!;)

[EnkaJet04]

CFBall, I should be there as well. I know a lot of the players on Owen's team and I like to talk to a few of the dads. Hopefully their sophomore pitcher Sarah Burnette will be back and ready to pitch.

[CFBall]

Sorry i missed the game but action changed locally, due to the weather but did Burnette pitch? We are planning on been Up there the 13th for RSC game and what did the dads have to say about the teams...... Its great see the talent and know they are just proud!!;)

[EnkaJet04]

I posted a reply on the Owen game under the high school scores not sure which thread to post on so I will answer back on this one as well. Sarah did not start the game but she did come in to pitch in the 6th but too late to change the outcome. Owen hit the ball very well and St. Stephens is a fun team to watch. Looks to be very well coached. I really do like the catcher even if she is going against the norm by being lefthanded. Glad to see that not everything is set in stone.

[CFBall]

Thanks and just i am abit slow to read all the post! SSHS team is a special bunch of talented players and hope they come together and go deep in the playoffs; them or RSCentral in that conference! The Indians catcher, Emily Forbes is one of the better catchers you will see......even though she just Throws abit different.......Got you love this all around player from the 2004 Class.

:banana: :jump: :jump:

[Softballn08]

I have to agree Emily is a great player... she not only plays well but she has a great attitude, good luck to Emily and St. Stephens this year. :p

[CFBall]

Looks like the charlotte observer has abandoned their "Sweet 16" Softball poll..............now the State has a Poll!!!! I emailed the charlotte.com folks and we will see! IL is a top 3 team for sure, but would like to see their opinions in writing too.....;) Good luck and to your teams (SSHS):)

[titanfan]

When we got our Sweet16 baner last year Langston said that it was the last one. I think he has decided to only have Sweet16 for football and basketball.

[CFBall]

Typical and the norm .....................................its about the $$$$!! We will work through it all, just wait and see!