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SPOTLIGHT

2026 Power Rankings: Howard County Varsity Baseball

Here are CSZ's rankings of all 13 Howard County Varsity Baseball teams for this season. Each team's 2025 record is included inside the parentheses.

1. Reservoir (20-2)

The Gators enjoyed an incredible 2025 season that they will look to extend into 2026. Reservoir posted its best record since 2011 and boasted some of the best players in the county last year. They will miss Howard County Pitcher of the Year Gavin Metrick and his 0.24 ERA and the team’s pitching depth will be challenged to rise up to his level of play. That staff held opposing teams to three or fewer runs in a county leading 15 games. The lineup’s firepower should still get plenty of wins even if the pitching takes a step back.

2. Centennial (12-5)

The Eagles maintained fantastic momentum throughout last season. They outslugged nearly every other lineup and did not need an elite pitching staff to reach a top record. Their lack of reliance on pitching suggests that they have an even higher ceiling. Fortunate batted ball luck could propel them past other county rivals and could even be the difference between making the playoff run that did not materialize last year.

3. Glenelg (14-5)

The Gladiators did not stick out as the best lineup or pitching staff, but combined the two to become an elite squad. The offense gave the pitchers plenty of cushion that they would ultimately not need. Glenelg controlled the mound all season with fewer than four runs in 14 of their games. With shakeups across every county roster, the Gladiators could surge their way into the best record.

4. River Hill (18-5)

The Hawks have one of the most consistent teams in the county. Their powerhouse program stayed true to that resume last year, scoring double-digit runs in 11 games. With the lineup’s success and the pitching staff’s solidity, River Hill’s only goal will be earning a place at the top of the standings. They scored 0 runs in three losses to Reservoir, Glenelg and Centennial. While they did beat the Eagles and Gladiators in their second matchups, beating the best should be the objective of their season.

5. Long Reach (15-5)

The Lightning have the highest profile roster change of any county team. The Los Angeles Dodgers selected their star shortstop Aidan West in the fourth round of last year’s MLB draft. They will need younger hitters to step up to fill his role, which will be critical for keeping the Lightning toward the top of the standings.

6. Marriotts Ridge (10-12)

The Mustangs took a step forward from their 2024 season but still have room to grow. The team’s ceiling proved lower than expected because of key matchups throughout the season. Marriotts Ridge had a 6-2 record against lower teams in the county standings. The challenge arrived when they matched up against the county’s strongest lineups and deepest pitching staffs, going 3-9 in those regular-season games. The pitching staff has the most work to do if the Mustangs are going to pull off upsets in 2026.

7. Atholton (10-11)

The Raiders rode a late-season surge into a playoff win last year. Their quality of opponent gave a better look into how Atholton needs to improve in 2026. The Raiders recorded no wins against any county teams with a better record, except for a win over 10-12 Marriotts Ridge. They only held those stronger squads to fewer than eight runs in just two games. Atholton will need to find ways to match up against county competition and out-of-county opponents, who won all four games against the Raiders last season.

8. Howard (9-9)

The Lions need to prove the truth of their 2025 season’s two halves. Howard won its first six games and had a 7-1 record through April 9. That domination would not last as the Lions finished in a 2-7 slump, dropping their only playoff game right after. The hitting of those first eight games, which featured six games of double-digit runs, will need to last longer than a few weeks if Howard is going to take the next step.

9. Mt. Hebron (8-10)

The Vikings enter 2026 with momentum after winning five of their last seven games to close 2025. They did benefit from an easier schedule in that stretch, facing Hammond and Wilde Lake twice, but securing those wins still deserves credit. The lineup did not provide the punch for a full season of consistency. In their losses last year, the Vikings averaged 2.3 runs per game, giving a clear path to improvement for 2026.

10. Hammond (2-14)

The Golden Bears struggled to synchronize their offense and pitching. They also suffered from poor luck in the form of a 0-4 record in one-run games. Hammond should see a few more wins this season, but the team’s ceiling could rise even higher with pitching development success.

11. Oakland Mills (2-14)

The Scorpions lead the last three teams on this list, owing to their wins over both last year. Oakland Mills struggled on both sides of the ball but still took a step forward after a winless 2024 campaign. The secret ingredient this year could be offense. The Scorpions recorded both of their wins when they scored at least five runs.

12. Wilde Lake (2-15)

The Wildecats are in a similar boat with Guilford Park, searching for offense to keep games competitive against county rivals. Wilde Lake scored a season high of seven runs in three separate games. They went 1-2 in those, losing two 8-7 games. Raising the offense’s floor could open a path to staying in games.

13. Guilford Park (0-18)

The Panthers are still searching for their first win as a program. Pitching will be a key priority after allowing double-digit runs in 17 of their 18 games last season.

Baseball ⚾

Marriotts Ridge is riding high after a 10-0 rout of Glenelg on Saturday.

Their next test will be today against the county’s best team last season in Reservoir, who is already off to a strong start with a win of their own.

Girls’ Lacrosse 🥍

Guilford Park outlasted Calverton in a 5-4 defensive duel.

The Panthers won their first game of the season for the first time in program history.

They could match their 2025 regular-season win total tonight, facing Atholton.

Boys’ Lacrosse 🥍

Mt. Hebron recorded the second biggest win in the county last weekend at +15, beating Long Reach 16-1.

The Vikings will try to maintain that momentum today against Winters Mill in the only county lacrosse game of the day.

Softball 🥎

On Saturday, Marriotts Ridge and Long Reach scored 19 runs to start their seasons.

Today at 4:00, they will face off to prove who has the best offense in the county.

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