Tuscola continues to rise in WNC high school baseball power rankings Week 9
Nearly every team in this week's power rankings sits in a new spot, but they all are still chasing No. 1 Roberson.
This week is sure to bring plenty of upsets among the top 10 teams, with many of them facing off against each other, including the top three teams.
Here are the Western North Carolina high school baseball power rankings for Week 9.
1. Roberson (15-4)
The Rams continue to challenge themselves in the hopes of repeating last year's state championship. In an open week from conference play, Roberson went on the road to face Parkview (Ga.) and Science Hill (Tenn.), splitting the two games.
Last week: No. 1. This week: vs. McDowell (Tuesday), at McDowell (Thursday), vs. No. 3 West Henderson (Saturday)
2. Tuscola (15-4)
The Mountaineers continue their climb up the WNC rankings, jumping up to No. 2 this week after sophomore pitcher Amos Rich shut down then-No. 4 Reynolds. This week brings West Henderson with a chance at the Mountain 7 Conference crown.
Last week: No. 3. This week: vs No. 3 West Henderson (Tuesday), at No. 3 West Henderson (Thursday)
3. West Henderson (16-2)
The Falcons swept Franklin this week, needing a big day from senior Truitt Manuel (11 strikeouts, game-winning RBI) in a 3-1 victory Thursday. West Henderson closes its season with five games against teams in this week's top four of the power rankings.
Last week: No. 2. This week: at No. 2 Tuscola (Tuesday), vs. No. 2 Tuscola (Thursday), at No. 1 Roberson (Saturday)
4. North Henderson (14-5)
Sophomore Peyton Maybin threw a complete game two-hitter to shut down previously undefeated R-S Central, helping the Knights' extend their winning streak to nine games.
Last week: No. 7. This week: vs. No. 9 Pisgah (Tuesday), vs. East Rutherford (Thursday), at No. 9 Pisgah (Friday)
5. Hayesville (12-2)
It took a walk-off win over Towns County (Ga.) to extend its win streak to 12 games. The Yellow Jackets' spot atop the Smoky Mountain Conference will be challenged this week against Robbinsville.
Last week: No. 6. This week: vs. No. 6 Robbinsville (Monday), vs. Andrews (Thursday), at No. 6 Robbinsville (Friday)
6. Robbinsville (10-3)
Senior Ethan Orr helped lead Robbinsville to a clean week with three RBIs and a home run Tuesday and 11 strikeouts on the mound Friday. The Black Knights now square off with Hayesville for first in the conference.
Last week: No. 8. This week: at No. 5 Hayesville (Monday), vs. No. 5 Hayesville (Friday)
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7. Reynolds (10-7)
The Rockets lost on the road to North Buncombe and No. 2 Tuscola. To bounce back, Reynolds will have to play streaking Enka, winner of seven straight, and two 17-1 teams in East Rutherford and R-S Central.
Last week: No. 4. This week: at Enka (Tuesday), vs. East Rutherford (Wednesday), vs. Enka (Friday), at R-S Central (Saturday)
8. Asheville Christian Academy (9-7)
Seniors Seth Coxie and Chip Hoornstra combined to lead the Lions to two wins last week, with Coxie driving in three runs on Thursday and Hoornstra bringing home six on Saturday.
Last week: No. 9. This week: vs. Lakeway Christian Academy (Tenn.) (Monday), at Hickory Grove Christian (Thursday)
9. Pisgah (9-6)
The Bears have won four of five, including a series split with No. 2 Tuscola. Next up is a series with No. 4 North Henderson that could shake up the conference outlook.
Last week: Unranked. This week: at No. 4 North Henderson (Tuesday), vs. No. 4 North Henderson (Friday)
10. Asheville High (10-8)
As winners of five straight, the Cougars have turned around their early season woes. They've had the best offense in Mountain Athletic Conference play with 81 runs scored.
Last week: Unranked. This week: vs. Franklin (Tuesday), at North Lincoln (Wednesday), vs. Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (Thursday)
Evan Gerike is the high school sports reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times. Email him at egerike@citizentimes.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanGerike. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC high school baseball power rankings for Week 9
