The defending state champion will start the season rated first in two of the four classes in the preseason ratings by the Minnesota Baseball Coaches Association.
Esko is the leader in Class 2A and East Ridge is on top in Class 4A after winning their respective classes.
Fairmont, which placed third in the state tournament last year, is ranked second behind Esko in the 2A poll. Luverne received consideration.
Lyle/Pacelli, last year’s Class 1A runner-up, leads that class. No. 2 Fosston won last year’s 3A title.
Mahtomedi is rated first in Class 3A after placing second in last year’s state tournament. Defending champion New Prague is ranked fifth.
Jackson County Central is scheduled to open its schedule Thursday, April 4 with a 4 p.m. doubleheader vs. Class 2A No. 2 Fairmont at Wacker Field.
Martin County West’s season opener is slated for Tuesday, April 9 vs. Mankato Loyola at Fox Lake Sports Complex in Welcome.
Here are the complete ratings:
Class 1A
1. Lyle/Pacelli
2. Fosston
3. South Ridge
4. New York Mills
5. New Ulm Cathedral
6. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa
7. Parkers Prairie
8. New Life Academy
9. Sacred Heart
10. Sleepy Eye
Class 2A
1. Esko
2. Fairmont
3. Perham
4. Foley
5. Belle Plaine
6. Cannon Falls
7. Holy Family Catholic
8. Duluth Marshall
9. Zumbrota-Mazeppa
10. St. Agnes
Class 3A
1. Mahtomedi
2. Benilde-St. Margaret’s
3. St. Thomas Academy
4. Monticello
5. New Prague
6. Grand Rapids
7. Northfield
8. Mankato West
9. Rocori
10. Mankato East
Class 4A
1. East Ridge
2. Stillwater
3. Minnetonka
4. Cretin-Derham Hall
5. Mounds View
6. Wayzata
7. Rosemount
8. Woodbury
9. Shakopee
10. Edina