Dirty Dozen: USJ baseball jumps up to No. 1
Losing six starters would have an effect on almost any team, but the University School of Jackson baseball team seems to have just reloaded.
After losing players like Ryan Rolison (Ole Miss) and Logan Carey (Alabama) among others, the Bruins were expected to struggle at the start of the season. Through the first six games, they are 6-0.
The first 10 days of the high school baseball season has shaken the Dirty Dozen up greatly with no team staying in the same spot as last week.
There is also a new team in the rankings with McNairy Central, which was unbeaten in its first seven games.
1. USJ (D2-A) (6-0) – Losing the majority of the starting lineup hasn’t seemed to affect the Bruins. They are off to a hot start with wins over A, AA and AAA schools along with two Alabama teams. Results: Beat Madison, Lexington, Hardin County, Gallatin, Russell County (Ala.), Lake Hamilton (Ala.). Last week: No. 5.
2. Peabody (14-A) (3-0) – The Golden Tide has picked up wins in each of its first three games, including a win over the team that beat it in the region title game. Results: Beat North Side, South Side, Gibson County. Last week: No. 4.
3. Riverside (15-A) (4-0) – The Panthers are already 3-0 in District 15-A play, and they have a win over the defending state champions. Results: Beat Adamsville (twice), Marshall County, Scotts Hill. Last week: No. 11.
4. Chester County (14-AA) (3-0) – The Eagles have wins in each of their first three games of this season. They open the district schedule on Monday against McNairy Central. Results: Beat Liberty, Milan, South Gibson. Last week: No. 7.
5. Scotts Hill (15-A) (1-1) – The Lions split their first two games, and they have a chance to avenge that loss to Riverside this week. Results: Beat McKenzie; Lost to Riverside. Last week: No. 1.
6. Jackson Christian (15-A) (4-3) – No one can say the Eagles play a light schedule. They went down to Mississippi and took three losses, but they are 3-0 when playing in the state of Tennessee. Results: Beat Lake Cormorant (Miss.), Lexington, Middleton (twice); Lost to Germantown, Houston and Grenada (Miss.) Last week: No. 2.
7. McNairy Central (14-AA) (6-1-1) – The Bobcats were undefeated in their first seven games before taking a loss Tuesday night. Results: Beat Huntingdon, South Gibson, North Side, Middleton, Batesville (Ark.), Hamilton (Ala.); Lost to Fairhope (Ala); Tied TCA. Last week: Not ranked.
8. Huntingdon (13-A) (4-1) – The Mustangs are off to a hot start, including a 12-0 win over Dresden to open district play. They play in the L.H. Ladd Memorial Tournament this weekend in Union City. Results: Beat South Side, Hardin County, TCA, Dresden; Lost to McNairy Central. Last week: No. 10.
9. Lexington (14-AA) (4-2) – The Tigers have four wins against quality teams, but they took a loss to USJ when they no-hit the Bruins. Results: Beat Hardin County (twice), Milan, TCA; Lost to Jackson Christian, USJ. Last week: No. 6.
10. Gibson County (14-A) (3-1) – After a 3-0 start, the Pioneers took their first loss on Monday against district foe Peabody. Results: Beat Obion County, West Carroll (twice); Lost to Peabody. Last week: No. 9.
11. Milan (13-AA) (3-2) – The Bulldogs have been inconsistent in the first two weeks of the season with two losses coming against teams from District 14-AA. They play in the L.H. Ladd Memorial Tournament this weekend. Results: Beat Liberty, South Side, North Side; Lost to Chester County, Lexington. Last week: No. 3.
12. McKenzie (13-A) (2-1) – The Rebels' lone loss in the first 10 games is against the defending Class A state champions. Results: Beat Clarksburg, Westview; Lost to Scotts Hill. Last week: No. 8.
Dropped out: Dresden (0-1).
Teams eligible for the Dirty Dozen rankings are those who represent schools from The Jackson Sun’s 13-county circulation area: Madison, Gibson, Henderson, Chester, Hardeman, Haywood, Crockett, Weakley, Carroll, Benton, Decatur, McNairy and Hardin.
Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.