What a crazy, mixed-up world Class 3 District 11 is.
The top seed employs four sophomores regularly and entered the year without its ace. The defending champ is third. The only state-ranked team in the bunch is seeded second and the two most traditional powers in the field? Well, they’re Nos. 5 and 6.
Who are those teams? Find out after the jump.
Republic is seeded first on the strength of an unbeaten run through the field. They take on Aurora in less than 90 minutes out at Willard. The Tigers are a good bet to win it all, though not a lock.
That’s because No. 2 Cassville is No. 9 in the latest state poll. The Wildcats have accumulated a good record this season and their 11-1 loss to Republic recently is certainly – and I want to make this absolutely clear – no indication of good they are. Cassville plays No. 7 Reeds Spring at 5 p.m. today.
Among the quality wins the Wildcats have picked up this year is a 4-3 win over Carl Junction. CJ is ranked 8th and beat Republic in the Tigers’ season opener. What Republic got last week from Cassville was far from their best shot. If those two were to meet in the title game, it would bear no resemblance to their first meeting.
Monett is third and – should they survive their game with No. 6 Branson at 7:30 p.m. tonight - would give Cassville a stiff challenge. The Cubs, in fact, own a victory over the ‘Cats this season, 9-8 back on March 25. But Branson will be a salty first-round test for Monett.
The Pirates, though down a bit this season, are traditionally strong, fundamentally sound and have good pitching. Branson can make one claim nobody else in the state can so far – They beat the Forsyth Panthers this season.
Bolivar and Willard play the other first round game today at 2:30 – right after the Republic-Aurora matchup. The Tigers will look to get a boost from standout senior Tyler Hartley and make full use of home field advantage to upset the Liberators and get a shot at No. 1 Republic.
This is a pretty good district, from top to bottom. I think any of the top six seeds are more than capable of winning. Thought Republic is the top seed and went unbeaten against these teams, they are not a lock. They must continue to hit the ball well and limit errors in the field if they hope to advance to the playoffs.
Keep an eye on the skies today. They will be blue and sunny and it might be the last time you see that for a few days. Forecasts call for severe weather to return tomorrow and rain is possible from Tuesday through Thursday. The biggest challenge for all involved might be getting the games in.
We’re now 70 minutes from first pitch. Hope to see you at the game. If you can’t make it, keep an eye on www.republicmonews.com for a game story and stay tuned to Tiger Blog for analysis and commentary.
–Jeff
