No, it’s not the Red Sox playing North Carolina. This week’s No. 1 vs. No. 3 two-game series in the CIF Central Section will match Buchanan of Clovis vs. Clovis North of Fresno.
It will be a No. 1 vs. No. 3 matchup between Buchanan and Clovis North in a two-game series this week. And unless No. 2 Redondo can beat newly-crowned Boras Classic state champ Mira Costa twice this week, the CIF Central Section may be where this year’s State Team of the Year will be from. Congrats also to this week’s newcomers: Elk Grove, Valencia and Jesuit.
Note: There are not going to be separate free and premium posts for new rankings this season in any sport. All new and final rankings will be for Gold Club members only. This also is a great time to sign up for our Gold Club to see all of our great content, including just published 20,000 word feature on the 50 greatest football teams in state history (basketball coming soon). Our yearly rate has gone up, but you can now get it for just $9.99 to check it out for three months. For details, CLICK HERE.
(After games of Saturday, May 7)
(Previous ranking in parentheses)
1. (1) BUCHANAN (CLOVIS) 25-1
Cory Williams ripped a walkoff two-run homer to lift the Bears past previous No. 7 Clovis 3-1 last Thursday that also completed a two-game sweep of the series. Hunter Reinke tossed a three-hitter for head coach Tom Donald’s squad, which topped the Cougars 8-0 earlier in the week. All was not good for Buchanan, however, as ace pitcher Grant Gambrell was scratched from his start scheduled for the first game of the week. Kyle McKinney stepped up and pitched very well in the shutout, but if Gambrell can’t go in the upcoming CIF Central Section playoffs that would be a big blow to the Bears’ title hopes. This week, Buchanan’s schedule remains very tough with a two-game set against fast-rising Clovis North. This week, the Broncos were moved up to No. 3 in the state in anticipation of the matchup.
