FIELDER’S CHOICES: Called up for a shot at redemption

If the baseball and softball playoffs are anywhere near as unpredictable as the basketball postseason, we’re in for a wild ride.

I’ve been in hibernation since I came to you with humble picks for the state basketball tournaments.

Why, you ask?

After picking half of the state hoops champions incorrectly, the guys at NevadaPreps sent me to the minors. I’ve been taking some practice swings predicting Peccole Little League games, and trying to work out of my slump.

My confidence is quickly returning.

Let me know your predictions in the comments section. Here are mine:

BASEBALL
Sunset Region

Can anyone remember a time when one league was as good at the top as this year’s Southwest?

Either the Gaels or Mountain Lions could win the region, but the loser will be a tough out in the state play-in game, anyway. Both teams are after more than just a region title.

I like Sierra Vista’s chances in a regional setting because of how deep its pitching staff is; five guys who have thrown more than 17 innings have ERAs under 1.80.
Champion: Sierra Vista
Runner-up: Bishop Gorman
Darkhorse: Cimarron-Memorial

Sunrise Region

This could be the Rams’ year to win it all, but that doesn’t make the path there any easier. Las Vegas showed last week it can beat Rancho, which may have to beat Green Valley and the Wildcats to make it to state.

The Gators have been scoring runs in bunches all season, but once again, it will come down to pitching over the long haul.

For that reason, I’m still making Rancho the team to beat.
Champion: Rancho
Runner-up: Green Valley
Darkhorse: Las Vegas

Class 3A Southern League

Jack LaMarca has been tearing the cover off the ball all season, and he’s got good stuff on the mound. Throw in power hitters Tanner Howell and Nate Hafen, and the Eagles’ lineup has become scary in a hurry.

And Boulder City swept Virgin Valley just last week.
Champion: Boulder City
Runner-up: Virgin Valley

Class 2A Southern League

Three teams are capable of winning state, and only two will go.

Each team has an impressive No. 1 starter: Matt McAndrews (Needles), Garrett Gosse (The Meadows) and Andre Prosise (Laughlin).

Needles, though, has the most depth, and that should carry the Mustangs to the No. 1 seed for state.
Champion: Needles
Runner-up: The Meadows
Darkhorse: Laughlin

Class 1A Southern Region

Tonopah and Indian Springs have shown improvement since early in the season, but Pahranagat has looked strong since the start of the season.
Champion: Pahranagat Valley
Runner-up: Tonopah
Darkhorse: Indian Springs

SOFTBALL
Sunset Region

It’s been a topsy-turvy season, and either Palo Verde or Centennial has what it takes to come out on top.

Palo Verde’s Melissa McCormick and Centennial’s Taylor Huntly are fantastic pitchers, and should help make this bracket fun to watch.
Champion: Palo Verde
Runner-up: Centennial
Darkhorse: Cimarron-Memorial

Sunrise Region

The Cougars have had a breakout year with their holdover players and some help from Henderson International, and I think they’re ready for the big stage.
Champion: Coronado
Runner-up: Silverado
Darkhorse: Foothill

Class 3A Southern League

Karlee Koopman is only a junior, so this pick will stay in place for at least another year.
Champion: Boulder City
Runner-up: Virgin Valley

Class 2A Southern League

I haven’t learned many things in my three years as a prognosticator, but one of them is this: The team from California has won four straight Nevada state titles.
Champion: Needles
Runner-up: Lincoln County
Darkhorse: Calvary Chapel

Class 1A Southern League

Each of these three teams has the pieces to win it, but the Panthers get a slight edge over the Muckers because, well, they had a freshman throw a perfect game.
Champion: Pahranagat Valley
Runner-up: Tonopah
Darkhorse: Indian Springs