Patriots favored in Central; Knights’ aim is power SDJA

2016 EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL – LEAGUE PREDICTIONS

CENTRAL LEAGUE
By Bill Dickens
© EastCountySports.com

Christian (9-7, 1-0) – Despite a lackluster preseason record, Christian appears geared to make a serious run for the Central League championship. The Patriots raced out of the gate with a 4-2 victory over Clairemont in eight innings to take the early lead. This is a team that can swing the bat. Arizona State bound ZACH HOGUIESSON has hammered three home runs including the 2-run home run game-winner in the eighth frame to decide the outcome on Wednesday (Apr. 13). This is a team that includes Stanford bound KYLE STOWERS who picked up his 4^thsave in this game. Not to be overlooked is pitcher-first baseman JOHN GERSHOW (4-2).
Coronado (15-4, 2-0) –The Islanders certainly have the makeup not to be overlooked.
Clairemont (11-7, 0-2) – The Chieftains have the ability to battle for the top spot.
Serra (10-5, 1-1) – The Conquistadors are the dark horse in the run for the league crown.
Lincoln (7-8, 0-1) – The Hornets have one of the better teams in recent years but don’t figure to have the muscle to climb up the ladder.

OCEAN LEAGUE
By Bill Dickens
© EastCountySports.com

San Diego Jewish Academy (9-3) – The San Diego Jewish Academy Lions are used to making the playoffs and there’s no reason to think they won’t do it again this year. Capturing the Ocean League title should be hardly a challenge.
Foothills Christian (4-6) – The Knights will probably grab a second place finish even though Foothills Christian is about as inconsistent as a team can be.
Army-Navy (1-4) – When the Warriors get a chance to play they’re not all that bad. Once they are on the field they have a chance to come out on top, but their schedule is limited.
Rock Academy (1-5) – So far this season the Warriors games have consisted of competition in the Lions Tournament so who knows how good they are.