Boaz, Etowah top Gadsden area high school baseball top 5 for week of March 20

With the high school baseball season in full swing finally, Gadsden area teams have started to separate themselves from the pack.

Each week, the Gadsden Times will rank the top five teams in the area, which is one of the strongest in the state with defending Class 4A champion Etowah and Class 5A runner ups Sardis, and their area foe Boaz who made it to the semifinals.

The high school baseball season got started in mid-February but some teams, for a variety of reasons, took a few weeks to get to full strength between weather and basketball wrapping up as March began.

Here's the top-5 teams, regardless of class in the Gadsden area, for results through March 19:

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1. Boaz (12-2)

Why: Boaz is one of the top teams in the state, especially in Class 5A and right now when Tyler Pierce steps on the mound, it's hard to argue that as he has allowed one hit in his last two appearances.

2. Etowah (9-8)

Why: While the record doesn't show it, the Blue Devils are still one of the top teams in the state in their title defense. They get credit here for a tough schedule that has seen them play some of the top teams in the state, and in neighboring states.

3. Sardis 10-6

Why: Sardis has had a slower start to the season than maybe some expected but it is in part due to a tough schedule. Recently, though, it has started to peak and with a veteran lineup, that could be dangerous for opponents.

4. Collinsville 13-2

Why: No one can argue with the results, the Panthers struck out on a tough schedule but Ernie Willingham's young team has stepped up to the challenge with two losses on the year, one to Class 6A Benjamin Russell. A win over Etowah is the cherry on top for their resumé right now.

5. Westbrook Christian (6-5)

Why: The Warriors have the best losses of the teams in this range, which outside of a loss to Glencoe saw them lose to Class 5A and 6A opponents. That's balanced by the wins over some of the top teams in Class 5A, seeing this squad punch well above their weight class.

Other teams considered: Cherokee County, Glencoe, Hokes Bluff, Southside

Maxwell Donaldson covers high school sports and Jacksonville State athletics for the Gadsden Times. Find him on Twitter/X @_Max_Donaldson and contact him at MDonaldson@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Gadsden area high school baseball top 5 for week of March 20