SBLive’s Top 25 in Georgia high school baseball: Out-of-state losses likely to only make Buford stronger

The previously undefeated Wolves lose to top teams from New Jersey, California and Arizona, but they're still the top team in Georgia.

Riley Stanford photo by Jamie Spaar

Buford went undefeated in the regular season last year before being upset in the playoffs by Pope.

This season the Wolves will enter the playoffs with at least three losses, all to stiff out-of-state competition, but will still be the favorite to emerge as 6A state champion and remain ranked No. 1 in Georgia.

1. Buford: 20-3

Last week: 1

Buford traveled to North Carolina to play in a USA Baseball tournament that hosted some of the best teams in the country. Buford took on Don Bosco Prep (New Jersey), Servite (California) and Hamilton (Arizona) and went 0-3 in those three games, but the Wolves are still the clear No. 1 team in Georgia.

2. North Oconee: 23-1

Last week: 2

After a sweep of Jefferson in a three-game series, North Oconee extended its win streak to 20 games. 

3. Mount Paran: 21-2

Last week: 3

Mount Paran took the week off and will play on the road Thursday at Christian Heritage and Friday at Walker.

4. Houston County: 17-4

Last week: 4

A sweep of Valdosta and a win over a tough Jones County team makes four wins in a row for the Bears.

5. Allatoona: 22-2

Last week: 6

Allatoona traveled down to Florida and went 2-1 versus some tough competition in the Sunshine State.

6. Parkview: 16-6

Last week: 7

Parkview traveled down to Florida for its spring break and came back with a record of 2-1.

7. Benedictine: 16-2

Last week: 8

Benedictine went 2-1 last week, defeating New Hampstead 15-0 and Jenkins 18-0. The loss came against Vidalia, which ended the Cadets' 17-game win streak.

8. Etowah: 20-4

Last week: 9

Etowah went 2-1 last week with a loss to North Paulding, but a big win over Valdosta and a wild 26-17 victory over Sandy Creek.

9. Marist: 15-4

Last week: 12

Marist had a shutout win over ranked opponent Loganville and a blowout win over Collins Hill last week. 

10. Pace Academy: 17-3

Last week: 10

Pace Academy went 3-0 last week with two wins against region opponents, and improved its win streak to six games.

11. Wesleyan: 18-4

Last week: 11

Wesleyan swept Mount Vernon in a three-game series and scored 44 runs in those three wins.

12. Cherokee: 18-6

Last week: 14

Cherokee’s 11-0 victory over Creekview improved its region record to 8-1.

13. Loganville: 18-6

Last week: 5

Loganville put an end to its three-game losing streak with a win over region opponent Jackson County.

14. Woodstock: 18-6

Last week: 18

Woodstock has taken down Sequoyah, Alpharetta, River Ridge and Walton during its seven-game win streak.

15. Denmark: 19-6

Last week: 21

Denmark has three straight series wins against Gainesville, South Forsyth and West Forsyth, plus a single win over Forsyth Central.

16. Pope: 18-6

Last week: 22

Pope has been one of the hottest teams in the state of late. Its recent win over Harrison pushed the Greyhounds' win streak to 10.

17. Lovett: 18-4

Last week: 15

Lovett lost to Greater Atlanta Christian, ending its 10-game win streak.

18. Lassiter: 16-8

Last week: 13

Lassiter lost two straight games, one to East Coweta and the other to Mountain View, to end its four-game win streak.

21. Cartersville: 17-5

Last week: 20

Cartersville went 4-1 last week with wins over Calhoun (2), Sandy Creek and Locust Grove and a loss to North Paulding.

19. Savannah Christian: 18-4

Last week: 16

Savannah Christian’s 10-game win streak was snapped by Effingham County.

20. Pierce County: 17-2

Last week: 19

Pierce County’s four-game win streak came to an end after falling to Lowndes 9-6.

22. Pike County: 22-2

Last week: 25

Pike County got a huge win over Calhoun, extending the Pirates' win streak to 12.

23. Lowndes: 18-4

Last week: unranked

Lowndes is back in the Top 25 after winning 12 straight, including wins over Tift County, Lee County, Pierce County, Fitzgerald and Ponte Vedra (Florida).

24. Greater Atlanta Christian: 18-6

Last week: unranked

Greater Atlanta Christian debuts in the Top 25 after winning 14 straight, including a 5-3 win Friday over Lovett.

25. South Paulding: 18-4

Last week: 24

South Paulding’s eight-game win streak was snapped after its loss to St. Xavier (Kentucky).