The Georgia High School Association has announced that opening day of the 2020 season will commence on Feb. 10. Programs were allowed to begin practicing in an official capacity on Jan. 13, meaning it's time for the PBR Georgia staff to break down the high school baseball scene in the state in the countdown to the first pitch thrown in 2019.Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2019 spring season, touching on programs spanning multiple state classifications, counting down the official PBR Georgia Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Our Preseason Power 25 rankings coverage starts today.

Team: Mountain View
Preseason Rank: 11
2019 Record: 20-12
Region: 6-7A 
2019 Region Finish: 3rd
GHSA Classification: 7A
Head Coach: Jason Johnson
Playoff Run: 1st Round
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 6

X-Factor
Tremendous team chemistry and increased depth on pitching staff. Mountain View lost their ace RHP Gavin Collyer, who turned pro after being drafted in the 12th round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers. However, they have SS/RHP Garrett Spikes (2020; Georgia) and LHP/OF Kenny Mallory (2021; Vanderbilt) back. Spikes and Mallory will combine to form one of the most devstating front line pitching staffs in the entire state. But it does not stop there. Right-handed pitchers Justin Manus (2020), Max Gault (2021), and John Mattson (2020) are also back and will see increased time on the mound. Even more impressive, Coach Jason Johnson welcomes six new arms to the roster, who will help bolster the rotation and bullpen.

Although Coach Johnson only listed six returning starters, that number is a bit misleading. The Bears return 11 players who started at one point or another during the 2019 season. This experience will go a long way in 2020. This group of juniors and seniors are familiar with each other and have been competing at a high level on varsity.

Outlook
Mountain View looks to have improved as a team in every facet of the game, from the pitching staff to the defensive side, to a stronger offensive output, to increased depth. As we mentioned the X-Factor, the pitching staff will have two dominant pitchers in Spikes and Mallory, but these two may have an even greater impact on the offensive side of things. We at PBR Georgia regard Spikes as one of the top left-handed hitters in the 2020 class as well as one of the most projectable position players. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound left-handed hitter has plenty of room to add to his athletically built frame, and already carries a considerable amount of strength and power.

Garrett Spikes

Mallory, may have even more projection in his broad, athletic 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame. Also a left-handed hitter, he has a strong hit tool and creates leverage in his swing as he drives balls with strong hands and wrists. His athleticism plays extremely well throughout his game, showing the ability to turn on fastballs in a hurry.

Kenny Mallory

The depth of the offense will be aided by a strong group of returning juniors and seniors, in addition to a number of juniors who will be making their first appearances at the varsity level. Coach Johnson expects his entire lineup, from top to bottom, to be able to make contributions all season long. There looks to be little, if any, holes on the offensive or defensive side of things.

The bullpen will be heavily improved with the likes of RHP Micah Ledford (2021) and RHP Wyatt Fooks (2022) entering the fray. Ledford was one of the standout performers at our Fall Upperclas games back in November. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder has a strong, sturdy frame, and will only add more with time. Ledford worked his sinking fastball up to 85 mph, and showed good feel for a 12/6 curveball, throwing the pitch for a high volume of strikes. He will certainly have the opportunity to be a part of the pitching staff. The lone sophomore on staff, Fooks, may be in store for a breakout season. The 6-foot, 180-pound right-handed pitcher already operates in the mid-80s and will be a useful pitcher this spring.

Micah Ledford

The Bears have the depth and team chemistry to make some noise in 7A this year. After last year's first round exit, the Bears will be hungry. A massive obstacle standing in their way in region, is one of the nation's best teams, North Gwinnett. Mountain View has the pieces to compete, and should set up some intense games when the two meet.

Make sure to follow @PBRGeorgia on Twitter for the most-up-to-date coverage throughout the 2020 season.

Find more information on the 2020 Bears below:

+ Full Schedule
+ Team Website
+ Team Twitter

Preseason Power 25 Countdown