The 2007 2-A state runner-up is ranked second in the preseason in the first Associated Press baseball poll of the season.
Reigning 2-A state champion Bishop England sits atop the poll. Region III-2A is also represented in the preseason poll by Emerald at No. 4 and Batesburg-Leesville at No. 7.
“A lot of (the ranking) probably came from last year - the winner and the state runner-up,” Mid-Carolina coach Clyde Livingston said. “A lot of times they look at that, but some of the other teams were moved around some. If somebody has a dominating pitcher, that means a lot.”
The Rebels finished last season second in Region III-2A behind perennial power Emerald. The Vikings cruised to an undefeated region record, but were upset by Mid-Carolina in the Upper State finals. The Rebels stunned Emerald twice in the same night in Greenwood to claim the Upper State title and advance to the 2-A state championship.
Mid-Carolina shut out the Vikings' potent offense for 19 consecutive innings, largely behind the arms of underclassmen pitchers Cody Page and Krishawn Holley.
The Rebels will have to replace most of their starting lineup, including their entire infield and All-State players Robert Lake, C.J. Hentz and Cornelius Wadsworth.
“We've got some good people coming back, but we lost some key people,” Livingston said. “Everyone knows who we lost, and they came through for us, but we had some underclassmen that came through as well. A lot of guys got playing time. For now, (the poll), and for the entire season, that doesn't make a whole lot of difference.”
The Rebels have had an outstanding turnout this season for tryouts. According to Livingston, 24 boys came out for the varsity team, with another 40-50 trying to make the JV squad.
“I've been real pleased with the tryouts,” Livingston said. “Everyone has worked hard and we're looking pretty good right now. We've had good weather, and we've been trying to do as much as we can on the field. We've had good numbers, and you should be able to find some players that want to play out of that.”
Mid-Carolina begins its preseason slate Feb. 12 when it hosts Fairfield Central. The Rebels will have four scheduled games and a tournament before opening up their regular season March 3. Livingston plans to spend that time learning about his team.
“We're going try to continue on with the success we had last year,” Livingston said. “You've got to look at the players you have, and you have to play the game that goes along with them. We've got four scrimmages, so we get a chance to get a good look at what we've got before we start playing.”
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