For now, we’ll call this a working list of team previews, as I’m still gathering the preview forms from the county’s coaches.

But, since the season is underway and we have a broadcast Friday, let’s post what we have. I’ll add the others as they come in:

Greater Neuse River 4A
Clayton Comets
Head Coach: Adam Morrison
Last season’s record: 13-11
Players to watch
Dominic Pegues, Sr., Guilford College commit; Redick Kent, Sr., Paul D. Camp CC commit; Logan Howland, Sr., Belmont Abbey commit; Braden Soles, Sr., Southeastern CC commit; Joseph Konen, Sr., Rockingham CC commit; Cam Royal, Sr., Barton College football commit; Cam Bryant, Jr.; Owen Fitzsimmons, Jr., and Jennings Dunlap, Soph.
From the coach
With eight seniors (many of whom are committed) and nine juniors, the Comets are a deep team offensively and on the mound. The program looks to change the culture with a new coaching staff and higher standards. (Our goals are) a top-three finish in the conference, 15+ wins (only done twice in the last 10 years) and a deep playoff run

Cleveland Rams
Head Coach: Jamie Lee
Last season’s record: 8-14
Players to watch
Zak Stear, Sr., 2B, Brunswick Community commit and 2023 Johnston County Easter Tournament MVP; Brooks Moore, Jr., OF/P, GNRC All Conference and Team MVP last year; Seth Pennica, Soph., C, starting catcher as a freshman; Jack Dalton, Jr., P/1B; Caleb Lynn, Fr., P/CF; All the tools for a bright future and No. 2 ranked Freshman in N.C. by PBR
From the coach
We are coming off a season where we started five sophomores and a freshman after a large group of seniors graduated the year before and they struggled against 4A pitching at the end of the season last year. Cleveland is the two-time defending Johnston County Easter Invitational Champions. We are looking to improve on the disappointment from the end of the season last year.

Quad County 3A
West Johnston High School
Head Coach: Derrick Bracey
Last season’s record: 14-8
Players to watch
Kolby Jarman, Jr., 6’3″ 210 lb; LHP topping out at 88 mph; Jackson Hood, Jr., 5’11’ 170 lbs, runs a 6.8 60-yard dash and has recently committed to UNCW and Dean Capelletti, Soph., 6’3″ 180 lbs., RHP topping out at 86 mph

Smithfield Selma High School
Head Coach: Cole Bray
Last season’s record: 2-16
Players to watch
Wade Swain, Sr., P/1B; Hunter Higgins, Sr., 3B; EJ Stridiron, Jr., SS/P and Cayden Gregory, Fr., C.
From the coach
This season, we are looking to stay competitive and pull off some conference wins with our senior group leading the way. As our team is young we are working hard with JV and underclassmen to be able to take on important roles over the next couple years.

Neuse Six
North Johnston High School
Head Coach: Brian Ford
Last season’s record: 18-7
Players to watch
Gavin Syverson (12) CF, RHP; Seth Scott (10) C; Tyler Coates (10) 1B, RHP and Jackson King (11) SS, RHP
From the coach
We will be a fairly young team with a lot of upside. Hopefully our pitching staff will keep us in contests. Hitting wise, we will get better as the year progresses. We will be a fun team that is capable of competing for a conference championship.

Charter Schools
ALA-Johnston Patriots
Head Coach: Gabe Brown
Last season’s record: First varsity season
Players to watch
Cash Tolley – Fr., C/RHP, Cash has good size and projectable tools. He was the leading hitter on the 2023 team as an eighth grader; Peyton McMahon, Soph., LHP/OF, McMahon is expected to lead the starting rotation. He is a crafty lefty that stays in the zone with all three of his pitches; Robby Boswell, Fr., SS, Robby comes in as a freshman and shores up the middle infield. He’s an athletic freshman with good size and offers some pop at the plate as well.
From the coach
I’m excited for the challenge this season as we are playing a varsity schedule with a team made up of all ninth and 10th graders. We look forward to competing each week and laying the foundation for success.