Midlands softball Top 10 rankings and final look at playoff picture for local teams

The high school baseball season across South Carolina is winding down to the final week of regular season. To help you keep up with everything, The State is offering its weekly Midlands Top 10 power rankings. Records are as of April 23.

1. Lexington (19-1)

Last Week’s Ranking: 1

The Wildcats had to go to extra innings to earn a win over White Knoll early in the week. They also knocked off Spring Valley in a non-region contest.

2. Gilbert (15-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 5

The Indians split a pair of games with Swansea and defeated Strom Thurmond to give them the inside track to the region title.

3. Swansea (13-2-1)

Last Week’s Ranking: 2

The Tigers split a pair of games with Gilbert last week.

4. White Knoll (15-7)

Last Week’s Ranking: 2

The Timberwolves went 1-2 on the week with losses to Lexington and Chapin. They split two games with Chapin this season.

5. Chapin (14-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 7

The Eagles won three games last week over Dutch Fork, A.C. Flora and White Knoll.

6. Gray Collegiate (17-4)

Last Week’s Ranking: 4

The War Eagles claimed the region title with two wins over Newberry. They also earned wins over Oceanside Collegiate and Legion Collegiate but dropped a decision to Summerville.

7. Lugoff-Elgin (16-7)

Last Week’s Ranking: 6

The Demons won the region title with a couple of wins over A.C. Flora. They dropped a non-region decision to Summerville.

8. Blythewood (15-4)

Last Week’s Ranking: 8

The Bengals earned wins over Spring Valley, Dutch Fork and Ridge View.

9. Irmo (12-2-1)

Last Week’s Ranking: 9

The Yellow Jackets clinched second in the region with one-run wins over Westwood and A.C. Flora.

10. Westwood (10-7)

Last Week’s Ranking: 10

The Redhawks lost to Irmo but defeated Providence in a non-region game.

Top Games this week

Marlboro County at Camden: Two teams play Tuesday and Thursday with the winner claiming the Region 6-3A title.

Dutch Fork at Lexington: The Wildcats can claim the region title outright with a win Tuesday. They are currently on a four-game winning streak after dropping its only run of the season.

Strom Thurmond at Gilbert: The Indians will claim the top spot in the region with a win Monday. A Strom Thurmond win will make it a 3-way tie for the top spot.

The playoff picture for Midlands Teams

——Class 5A——

Region 4: Blythewood has secured the region title and No. 1 seed. Spring Valley will finish second and have a first-round game at home. Ridge View still has a chance to qualify for the postseason.

Region 5: Lexington is assured of at least a tie for the region title, and one win this week gives the Wildcats the title outright. White Knoll and Chapin will be in the postseason with Dutch Fork and River Bluff vying for the final spot.

——Class 4A——

Region 4: Defending state champion Lugoff-Elgin has secured the No. 1 spot in the region with Irmo claiming the No, 2 spot. A.C. Flora and Westwood are likely the last two teams from the region 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 final week of the season.

Region 5: Gilbert has the inside track to win the region. A win over Strom Thurmond will give them the top spot and Swansea will finish second. Strom Thurmond is likely the No. 3 seed with Fox Creek the No. 4 seed.

Region 6: Camden and Marlboro County still have a chance to win the region. They will play twice in the final week of the season.

——Class 2A——

Region 3: Gray Collegiate has won the region and Saluda is the likely No. 2 seed. Batesburg-Leesville, and Newberry will also qualify for a spot in the postseason.

Region 5: Pelion finished the region slate undefeated and will be the No. 1 seed.

This story was originally published April 25, 2022 at 12:00 PM.