When you have won four consecutive Class AA state championships, more than once while reloading, it’s probably not unusual to find yourself ranked in the preseason as the state’s top team. And such is the case for Bridgeport in the first MetroNews Power Rankings for the 2018 season.

 

The rankings are based on the votes of 10 radio broadcasters and sports writers from across West Virginia. Coach Robert Shields’ Indians received all 10 first place votes in the poll.

 

One other Big 10 Conference team is in the standings. Elkins comes in at impressive No. 4 ranking. The rest of the top five sees Logan at No. 2, Wayne at No. 3 and Chapmanville at No. 5.

 

Two other Big 10 teams did make it into the “also receiving votes” category with one just missing out on the top 10. Lincoln finished with 14 points, which was just behind No. 10 Winfield’s 17 points. Fairmont Senior was also listed, receiving two points.

 

Bridgeport is coming off another 30-win season along with the state championship. Last year, the Tribe finished 31-7 despite playing what was arguably the toughest ‘AA’ slate in West Virginia.

 

Click HERE to see the rankings in all three classifications.

 

While being listed as the state’s top Class AA team, the Indians also received recognition as the best team in the state regardless of Class. That designation comes from the Web site MaxPreps.com, which ran a story entitled “Best High School Baseball Team in Each State.”

 

The statement in the story reads “The Indians (31-7) won their fourth straight Class AA state championship last year with an easy 14-3 win over Weir in the championship game. Gone is state Player of the Year Drew Hefner, but All-State pitcher Brayden Lesher returns.”

 

Click HERE to see the story. Each team’s top team is listed.

 

Although the baseball season has already started, Bridgeport typically starts late. The Indians open their defense of the state championship March 29 with a visit to Clarksburg Liberty. The first home game is set for April 3 against Grafton.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Brayden Lesher, who was the winner in the Class AA state title game last year, while Coach Robert Shields is shown below. Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.