The 1A state baseball tournament, which begins in Spanish Fork today, seemingly offers something for everyone in the classification's passionate fan base.
There's a clear-cut favorite to win the tournament in Wayne, winners of 48 straight games and the two-time defending 1A champions. There's a feel-good, underdog story in Valley, which is returning to the state tournament after winning just a couple of times the previous two seasons.
There are also intriguing quarterfinal matchups that will likely be decided in the late innings, with Valley playing Region 17 champion St. Joseph, Green River facing Panguitch and Dugway taking on West Ridge. Wayne begins defense of its state title against Tabiona in the first game today at 10 a.m.
"I think if you're a 1A baseball nut it's going to be a pretty exciting day," said Green River coach Greg Parsons. "Other than Wayne, I think 1A is pretty evenly matched this year. I think it's going to be an interesting day."
No one doubts that it will take a monumental, probably close to perfect effort to defeat the Badgers this week. Wayne is led by six seniors, five of whom are four-year starters in Carson Bray, Jordan Ellett, Lance Peterson, Tyce Peterson and Trevor Taylor. Marcus Manzanares is also a senior, and his play is just as important to the team's success as the other five seniors.
With a 48-game winning streak under their belts, the Badgers are supremely confident that they'll win another state title this week. They're healthy, and they know what it takes to win games on a big stage.
"We're set to compete for it," said Wayne coach Scott Ellett. "We feel good about things. There are a number of teams that can win the state trophy; it's just the team that plays the best will do it."
Valley is the surprise team in the state tournament. The Buffaloes struggled the last two seasons, but bounced back strong this year and took third place in the always tough Region 15. Valley, led by ace pitcher Paul Kesling, will give St. Joseph all it can handle today.
"Valley is a good team," Ellett said. "They've surprised lot of people, but they're not a surprise anymore. I wouldn't count them out at all."
The best quarterfinal game today could be the last one when Panguitch plays Green River. The Bobcats have two quality hurlers they can throw at the Pirates in Brooks Leach and Trevor Peterson. Green River will obviously counter with ace pitcher Brennan Bigelow.
"I'm going to do what ICS did a couple of years ago and ride him (Bigelow) until his arm falls off," Parsons joked.
Panguitch beat Green River 3-0 in mid-August. The Dugway-West Ridge game is also a rematch of game played during the regular season. The Mustangs beat the Eagles 15-10 in early September.
Quarterfinals
At Spanish Fork Baseball Complex
Wayne vs. Tabiona, 10 a.m.
Dugway vs. West Ridge, 12:30 p.m.
St. Joseph vs. Valley, 3 p.m.
Panguitch vs. Green River, 5:30 p.m.
E-mail: aaragon@desnews.com