FIELDER’S CHOICES: My final picks … this year

It’s that time of year again — the one we’ve been waiting for all spring.

And no, I don’t mean my graduation party. You’re stuck with me again next year.

It’s time to find out whether Bishop Gorman can extend its baseball dynasty to six straight Class 4A state titles, and whether we can do what Reno couldn’t last year — avoid snow.

I had some sense rattled into my brain when I was hit in the head with a softball at Bishop Manogue last year, and I’m eager to pass along my wisdom.

BASEBALL
Class 4A

Rancho pushed Gorman to the limit last year, and I predict more of the same this season.

Only this time, the Rams leave with the hardware. (Now you can’t say I pick Gorman every time).

The glory days of Marty Barrett and Mike Maddux (whoever they were) have given way to the glory days of Zak Qualls and Eric Holdren. Front-line pitching carries the Rams to the title.

Final: Rancho tops Gorman

Class 3A

It’s true that my good friend, the 3A Southern League, has only three teams.

But the team that emerged is pretty solid.

Boulder City has a more potent lineup than anyone from the North, and that will lift the Eagles to the state title.

Final: Boulder City over Lowry

Class 2A

Needles has been on a mission to reclaim the throne after it fell short of a three-peat last season.

So far, so good.

The Meadows appears to have all the pieces to win state, but Nevada’s Mustangs are 1-3 against California’s Mustangs, losing badly three times.

Final: Needles over The Meadows

Class 1A

You don’t often see pitching at the 1A level like Pahranagat Valley has. But, then, you might not often see 1A baseball, either.

Kade Wadsworth, Tyler Higbee and the rest of the Panthers will complete a second consecutive sweep of state titles in football, basketball and baseball.

Final: Pahranagat Valley over Mineral County

SOFTBALL
Class 4A

While I was scratching my head at how Spanish Springs didn’t even make the Northern finals, teams from Las Vegas were busy doing cartwheels.

It wasn’t quite the earth-shattering news in Reno as when Boise State’s football team lost there, but it may have been close. And it did open the door for a wide open field.

Any of these teams could win it. When in doubt, go with the best pitcher: Melissa McCormick.

Final: Palo Verde over Centennial

Class 3A

Elko and Churchill County have moved down from 4A, so this year’s field looks tougher than last year.

But junior pitcher Karlee Koopman still gives the Eagles the edge. Boulder City is a battle-tested team that will know what to expect.

Don’t expect this pick to change anytime soon, either.

Final: Boulder City over Churchill County

Class 2A

There’s nothing better in 2A girls sports than the Lynx-Mustangs rivalry, and we’ll get more of the same when it counts most.

Lincoln County’s K.C. Jensen has been pretty-near perfect most of the postseason, but the team from California is capable of winning its fifth straight Nevada state title.

I had to literally flip a coin on this one.

Final: Lincoln County over Needles

Class 1A

Pahranagat Valley not reaching state was a shocker, but it also showed how far Indian Springs has come.

Brandi Bryl and Heather Thormahlen are ready to put the Thunderbirds in the record books.

Final: Indian Springs over Wells