Midlands softball Top 10 rankings and first look at playoff picture for local teams
The high school softball season across South Carolina is winding down. To help you keep up everything, The State is offering its weekly Midlands Top 10 power rankings. Records are as of April 16.
1. Lexington (16-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
The Wildcats were idle this past week due to spring break.
2. Swansea (12-1-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
The Tigers were idle this past week due to spring break.
3. White Knoll (14-5)
Last Week’s Ranking: 3
The Timberwolves were idle this past week due to spring break.
4. Gray Collegiate (13-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
The War Eagles were idle this past week due to spring break.
5. Gilbert (12-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: 5
The Indians were idle this past week due to spring break.
6. Lugoff-Elgin (14-6)
Last Week’s Ranking: 6
The Demons were idle this past week due to spring break.
7. Chapin (10-6)
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
The Eagles were idle this past week due to spring break.
8. Blythewood (11-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
The Bengals were idle last week due to spring break.
9. Irmo (9-2-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
The Yellow Jackets were idle last week due to spring break.
10. Westwood (9-5)
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
The Redhawks were idle last week due to spring break.
Top games this week
Gilbert at Swansea, 7 pm Tuesday; Swansea at Gilbert, 5 pm Friday: The top two teams in Region 5-3A will battle for the region lead. Swansea has one region loss to Strom Thurmond. The Indians are undefeated.
Lexington at White Knoll, 5:30 pm Tuesday: The Wildcats won the first meeting and could wrap up the region with another win against the Timberwolves.
Lugoff-Elgin at A.C. Flora, 5:45 pm Tuesday: The teams meet for the first time this season. The defending state champion Demons can take control of the region lead but the Falcons hope to make it a three-team race with Irmo.
The playoff picture for Midlands teams
——Class 5A——
Region 4: Blythewood is undefeated and looks to be in good shape to win the region. Spring Valley and Ridge View must win a couple of games to secure a playoff spot. Rock Hill and Northwestern are at the bottom currently.
Region 5: Lexington can win the region with a win over White Knoll this week. The Timberwolves and Chapin are in a good position to make the playoffs as well. Dutch Fork and River Bluff are vying for the final spot.
——Class 4A——
Region 4: Defending state champion Lugoff-Elgin is undefeated, but A.C. Flora and Irmo are right behind at 4-1 in the region. The Demons still play both teams. Flora did defeat Irmo once already, but they play again. Westwood is looking good for at least a playoff berth. Dreher and Richland Northeast will need help to make the playoffs.
Region 5: North Augusta has already clinched the region. Airport currently trails Aiken and South Aiken but can claim a playoff spot with a win over Midland Valley.
——Class 3A——
Region 4: Fairfield Central, Keenan, Lower Richland and Mid-Carolina all will be playing for playoff seedings over the next two weeks.
Region 5: Gilbert and Swansea will play for first place in the region this coming week. Swansea has one loss to Strom Thurmond, while the Indians are undefeated in the region. Strom Thurmond also has one loss and they split with the Tigers. They play Gilbert on Wednesday of this week and Monday next week. Brookland-Cayce is unlikely to make the playoffs.
Region 6: Camden and Marlboro County still have a chance to win the region. They will play twice the last week of the season.
——Class 2A——
Region 3: Gray Collegiate and Saluda are in the playoffs, with the War Eagles having the inside edge for the region title. Batesburg-Leesville, Columbia, Eau Claire and Newberry will have a chance to qualify.
Region 5: Pelion can earn a home playoff game with a couple of wins this week.