By Nick Gerhardt
Our latest poll for Class C didn’t see any seismic shifts, but we did get a better glimpse of the top teams.
Courtland faced a tall task in facing Class B Jordan at the Charlie Larca Invitational with the Brewers coming away with a 14-2 win. The Cubs bounced back to down Green Isle and the Cold Spring Springers. Courtland remained at No. 1, like the Cubs have all season.
Glencoe has continued to impress and has settled into the No. 2 slot. Le Sueur followed, like it did in the last poll, at No. 3, but the Braves got a partner there with Windom. The Pirates have set sail on an impressive season and jumped to the No. 3 spot from the No. 8 ranking in the previous poll.
Waterville moved down a spot to No. 5 despite getting counted in all four polls this time. Clearwater dropped a spot as well to No. 6. Spring Hill, which tied with New York Mills in the previous rankings, claimed the No. 7 spot this time and the Millers followed at No. 8.
The Pierz Lakers picked up lefty ace Ryan Chmielewski from Foley this season and has helped them to seven consecutive wins and the No. 9 ranking.
Morris held down the No. 10 spot once again with Leavenworth entering the top 10 for the first time.
Brandon Johnson — Detroit Lakes Ligers
Playoffs are on the horizon, and we’re about to embark on our favorite time of the year! In the first year of this new Class C, we have seen teams come and go from the rankings, but at this point of the year, the teams that have remained consistent have shown their resilience, while other shooting stars have fizzled out and disappeared. At the end of the day, we have to show up and play the game, and anyone can beat anyone, and that is what makes all of this so much fun!
1. Courtland Cubs (17-2)
Consistent dominance has been a hallmark of their season. All season they have been setting the standard for Class C baseball, indicating that their strong performance is not a fleeting phenomenon but a reflection of deep talent. At this point one thing is left to prove, and that is us pollsters have gotten one thing right since the preseason: The Cubs are the team to beat in Class C.
2. Glencoe Brewers (16-5)
The Glencoe Brewers should they secure a state berth, the home-field advantage could be a a big benefit. Their consistent performance in one of the toughest leagues in Class C shows their strength.
3. Clearwater River Cats (20-7)
The Clearwater River Cats have demonstrated the ability to secure wins regardless of class, on their way to being the first Class C team to 20 wins. A team that gets it done in all aspects of the game and consistently shows up ready out of the gate. These River Cats should be considered as one of the clear contenders to a state title.
4. Windom Pirates (14-1)
The Pirates continue to show their balanced strength, with top-notch pitching and hitting throughout the lineup.
5. Le Sueur Braves (12-3)
Maintaining a steady potent offense, frequently putting up a ton of runs. Opposing teams will have to find themselves in high-scoring contests against Le Sueur to have a chance. It could make them vulnerable in low-scoring, tight tournament games where pitching and defense often dictate outcomes. However, the Braves appear poised for a deep postseason run.
6. Waterville Indians (12-4-1)
The Waterville Indians have significant team depth and resilience, qualities that are invaluable in postseason play. Another team looking to show they’re contenders as we wrap up the regular season and head to playoffs.
7. Spring Hill Chargers (12-3)
The Spring Hill Chargers are fueled by a potent offense that has consistently put up a lot of runs.
8. New York Mills Millers (10-3)
The New York Mills Millers are a team with consistent offense and have the arm talent needed in tournament play. The Millers have established a clear stranglehold on Region 11, solidifying their position as the team to beat in the Hi-10 this year.
9. Morris Eagles (12-0)
The Morris Eagles, despite their undefeated status, are still looking for some signature wins. Their undefeated record, combined with emerging talent, positions them as a potentially underestimated powerhouse.
10. Pierz Lakers (8-1)
The Pierz Lakers are a deep squad with a state-ready makeup with just talent. They’re a team hitting its stride at a crucial point in the season.
AJ Hadley — Elrosa Saints
1. Courtland Cubs (19-2) — Went 2-1 in a tough Jordan tourney, only falling to the hosts and wins over Green Isle and Cold Spring. A matchup with Leavenworth this week to see where the Orioles stand. (Previous #1)
2. Glencoe Brewers (17-5) — Back to Back losses versus Brownton and Delano in early July, but a chance for redemption versus the Bruins to end the season. (Previous #2)
3. Le Sueur Braves (13-3) — Only losses to Class A Burnsville and Victoria, and Class B Jordan. End the schedule with Shakopee and Jordan. (Previous #4)
4. Pierz Lakers (9-1) — The schedule might be light, the lineup and bullpen are not. Double digit run machines. (Previous #9)
5. Waterville Indians (13-4-1) — Maintaining their position in the top 5, a couple of tests to end the regular season. (previous #3)
6. Windom Pirates (15-1) — Here comes the Pirates up the rankings. Winners of their last nine, only loss to Fairmont. (previous #8)
7. Clearwater River Cats (20-7) — Winners of their last 13 of 15. Region 1 is theirs for the taking. (Previous #6)
8. Spring Hill (12-3) — Super Chargers prep for the SCL North Playoffs this weekend. Had won six in a row before a 5-3 loss to St. Martin. (previous #5)
9. New York Mills Millers (10-3) — Bluffton seems to be their only hang up on the year. Steady team ready for Region 11. (Previous #7)
10. Brownton Bruins (13-5) — Heard some early season chatter about these guys early in the season. Had won five in a row, including over Glencoe, before a slip up versus New Germany (previous Unranked)
John Anderson — Litchfield Blues
As we round into mid-July, the Minnesota amateur baseball regular season is starting to wind down — and to be honest, there hasn’t been a ton of movement since our last rankings in June. The top dogs have mostly held firm, with Courtland continuing to pace the pack. Will the newly re-aligned regions shake things up? Will someone finally land a punch on the Cubs? We’ll find out soon — the next two to three weeks will tell us a lot. One quick note: in true mid-summer brain fog, I left Waterville off the last rankings entirely. Rookie mistake. They’re very much back in the mix this time around.
1. Courtland Cubs
2. Glencoe Brewers
3. Pierz Lakers
4. Le Sueur Braves
5. Waterville Indians
6. Windom Pirates
7. New York Mills Millers
8. Spring Hill Chargers
9. Brownton Bruins
10. Marshall A’s
Chad Knutson — Heron Lake Lakers
1. Courtland Cubs (19-2) — Had a 12-game winning streak until losing to Jordan in their tourney, beat Cold Spring Springers for the consolation championship. Best team in C until someone proves otherwise, big game with Leavenworth coming up.
2. Windom Pirates (15-1) — First Nite League Champs and Region 10 top seed. Pitching and defense has been outstanding. Also hitting very well throughout the lineup. They have not given up more than three runs a game, beside their lone loss to Fairmont 5-2.
3. Glencoe Brewers (17-5) — Only one loss in the tough Crow River Valley League to Brownton 5-4 and a tight 2-1 win over Cologne. Playing some really good ball and can beat you multiple ways.
4. Waterville Indians (13-4-1) — Clinched the 13/60 title and have been getting the offense clicking lately. Dangerous lineup and close out games well.
5. Clearwater River Cats (20-7) — Play a big schedule and know how to win. They have fun playing and competing with each other. A team that can make strong playoff push.
6. Le Sueur Braves (12-4) — Just lost to Gaylord 5-3. Their offense puts up big numbers, you will have to pitch extremely well to knock them off. In a tough Region 7 with Glencoe, Brownton and Cologne to contend with.
7. Leavenworth Orioles (14-4) — Second place in Tomahawk, very good team, big game coming up with Courtland Wednesday, lost 9-2 first time around, can they prove they can play with the top dog?
8. New York Mills Millers (10-3) — Only losses are to a good Bluffton team twice and have beat Perham twice. Perennial contender. Urbank, Perham and Deer Creek are the teams looking to knock them off.
8. Spring Hill Chargers (12-3) — Lead the Stearns County, beat Elrosa twice and just lost a tight one to a good St. Martin team. Fun team to watch compete and they have the jug and don’t wanna give it back.
9. Morris Eagles (12-2) — Undefeated in Land O’ Ducks and just played some great teams in the Charlie Larca Tournament in Jordan, beat Red Wing. Top team in their region. Can Minneota, Dumont or Clinton beat them as Morris beat all three by close margins?
10. Pierz Lakers (9-1) — One league game remaining. Beat Pierz Brewers and St. Wendel. Lost to a good Opole team early in the year.
Honorable Mention
Blue Earth Pirates, Urbank Bombers, Marshall A’s, Jackson Bulls, Cannon Falls Bears, Veseli Warriors, Elrosa Saints and St. Wendel Saints.
Class C rankings (As of July 16)(Pts)(Previous)
1. Courtland Cubs (40)(1)
2. Glencoe Brewers (35)(2)
3. Windom Pirates (26)(8)
3. Le Sueur Braves (26)(3)
5. Waterville Indians (24)(4)
6. Clearwater River Cats (18)(5)
7. Spring Hill Chargers (13)(T6)
8. New York Mills Millers (12)(T6)
9. Pierz Lakers (10)(9)
10. Leavenworth Orioles (4)(NR)
Also receiving votes: Brownton Bruins, Marshall A’s, Blue Earth Pirates, Urbank Bombers, Jackson Bulls, Cannon Falls Bears, Veseli Warriors, Elrosa Saints and St. Wendel Saints.
