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By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting

A total of 48 teams began regional play last week and 12 remain as the West Virginia state tournament prepares to kick off on Thursday at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston. Today we preview the four teams that will compete for an opportunity to be crowned Class AA state champions for 2014. Prep Baseball Report will be in Charleston for all three days to cover the final weekend of play and the crowning of three new champions.

+ CLICK HERE to view complete regional Tournament brackets leading to the state tournament

Class AA

Oak Glen (17-17)

For the first time in the 52 years Oak Glen High School has been in existence, the Golden Bears are heading to the state tournament. In order to do so they had to get by perennial state participant Farimont State.

Catcher Pat Reardon is the the lone senior that has seen considerable playing time giving indication this might be a trip that Oak Glen could make again in the near future. 

Chapmanville Regional (29-5)

The Tigers return to Charleston a year removed from a semifinal loss to Notre Dame. 2014 2nd-Team All-State selection Tristan Thompson leads the offense and could very well toe the rubber in game one. Sophomore catcher Chris Bailey is also an option on the mound for Chapmanville. The 2014 Honorable Mention All-State selection had a very solid showing the the state semifinals last year as a freshman. 

Bridgeport (34-3)

The Indians graduated eight seniors from last year's state championship run, but a deep roster allowed them to reload and real off 35 wins in making a return trip to Charleston. The depth is apparent as nearly every member on the Bridgeport roster has made significant contributions during the course of the season. Junior shortstop Dante Bonamico ignites a talented offensive lineup while junior lefty Logan Smith is the staff ace. Smith was the starter, and winning pitcher in last year's state title game.

pikeview (24-5)

The Panthers, like Oak Glen, make their first appearance in the state tournament in school history. A young roster two years ago, has grown up together over the past two years and put it all together in 2015. Senior 1B/LHP Austin Cordell, a 1st Team All-State selection in 2014 and junior OF/RHP Carter Shrewsbury are just two of seven regulars hitting .320 or better in the PikeView lineup.

Junior Levi Nash (10-1, 1.02 ERA, 96 K) and sophomore Jacob Hamon (8-3, 2.16 ERA, 56 K) give the Panthers a formidable 1-2 puch on the mound. Cordell gives PikeView the luxury of going three deep with a 5-1 record and 2.12 ERA with 67 strikeouts. 

State Tourney schedule

friday, June 5 - Appalachian Power Park

Oak Glen vs. Chapmanville Regional (10:00am)
Bridgeport vs. PikeView (1:00pm)

Saturday, June 6 - Appalachian Power Park

Class AA Championship Game - 1:00pm