By MATT PIKE
The Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association released it's first rankings of the season with several area teams among the top 10 in their classes.
In Class 1, Rock Port is ranked #5 with a record of 5-1. The Blue Jays are off to a good start to the season, looking to return to the state tournament after winning Class 1 District 16 last season, but falling in the first round of the Class 1 tournament to Faith Christian Academy. Meadville received votes in Class 1, but was unranked.
Maysville is ranked #6 in Class 2. The Wolverines are 7-3 on the season, looking to win Class 2 District 16 for a fifth consecutive season, most recently falling in the quarterfinals of the Class 2 tournament to Tipton last season.
In Class 3, two KCI Conference foes rank right near the bottom of the top 10. Mid-Buchanan comes in at #8 on the polls. The Dragons are 5-1 to start the season and look to bounce back to win the district this season, after a second place finish last season in Class 3 District 16. Meanwhile, West Platte is ranked #9. The Blue Jays are 6-1 on the young season aiming to win Class 3 District 16 for a second year in a row, defeating Mid-Buchanan last season, but falling in the quarterfinals of the Class 3 tournament.
The Benton Cardinals are ranked #6 in the Class 4. The Cardinals are 7-3 on the season, looking to win Class 3 District 16 for a third consecutive year, and hoping to bounce back after falling in the Class 4 state tournament to eventual state champion Chillicothe in the first round, one season after second place finish in Class 4. The Hornets are ranked #3 in Class 4 with an 8-1 record.
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