VYPE's Preseason Baseball Top 20 -- No. 9 Barbers Hill Eagles

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No. 9

The Barbers Hill Eagles

It All Starts with Long

Fell to Nederland in the First Round

By Matt Malatesta

After reaching the playoffs in new coach David  Denny's first season last year, Barbers Hill could be considered the new power of Class 4A. Having one of the top MLB  pitching prospects toeing the rubber for your squad doesn't hurt either.

Grayson Long is a rangy 6-foot-5 righty, who has signed to play for Texas A&M for years to come. That's if he doesn't take the professional route first.

"It's tough not to think about the future because I'm at Barbers Hill right now and that's my main focus," Long said. "As a team we feel that we really can win state. As an individual, I am going for first-team all-state but you really can't predict anything like that."

With six seniors having three years of varsity experience bodes well for the Eagles' nest as well. Kyle Leggett, Christian Thames and Kody  Thompson will complement Long on the bump, while Tyler Beasley will manage the staff behind the plate.

The sticks will be led by Kody Thompson, Blake Bonnin and Tyler Newcomb.

"I really like our chemistry and baseball isn't about one player, it's about team," Long said. "That's what it takes to do big things."