Preview of AV-CTL Div. 4

Despite being the smallest division in the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League, Division 4 has been known to be the most competitive. The Buchanan brothers have established winning programs at Andale and Wellington; Clearwater is on the rise; and Collegiate is in the middle of a dynasty. Augusta brings a winning pedigree after dropping down and Circle has been competitive in year's past and is headed in the right direction under coach Jason Stucky.

This season has all the ingredients of another hyper-competitive year in Division 4. Can Collegiate win yet another league title? Can Clearwater or Andale take the Spartans down? Will the defense at Wellington, the speed at Augusta and new system at Circle be enough to surprise this season?

Here is everything you need know entering the 2012-2013 season for Division 4 of the AV-CTL.
    

  
1. Collegiate Spartans (Full Team Preview)
When your program has won five state titles, you're judged year-in and year-out on whether or not you can win a state title. This team has a chance. Class 4A appears loaded this season, but there's no reason why Collegiate can't make it to Salina. I think Kemmer will become an elite scorer this season and the Spartans finish with no more than two losses in the regular season.

2. Clearwater Indians (Full Team Preview)
It could be argued Clearwater feasted on a soft schedule last season. You wouldn't be wrong, but this is a talented team with one of the best trio's around in Becker, Frickey and Reibenspies. I expect the Indians to take the next step in Clevenger's third season and improve on last season's win total somewhere around 15-16 wins.
   
3. Andale Indians (Full Team Preview)
The defense alone under Buchanan, a defensive disciple, makes Andale a lock for a winning season. The Indians should clean up on the weaker Ark Valley teams, but might not have enough offense to compete with the elite teams. I'm calling for at least 12 wins and probably upwards of that in the regular season and another strong push for a berth to the Class 4A tournament.
 
4. Augusta Orioles (Full Team Preview)
The size issue will be too much to overcome for this team to contend with the best, but Augusta should carve out a niche as a tough out. It's tough to read how this team will do, but there are enough winnable games on the schedule for the Orioles to finish with their fourth consecutive winning season - but it will be right around the .500 mark.

5. Wellington Crusaders (Full Team Preview)
Wellington once again figures to be solid defensively, but how its depth works with its offense will tell how far this team will go. Good performances in the Kingman and Chaparral tournaments will help make a push for .500, but playing in a division with three quality teams will likely cap the Crusaders' ceiling around there.

6. Circle Thunderbirds (Full Team Preview)
Circle wasn't as far away from a .500 season as it looked last year. Things are headed in the right direction under Stucky, but he needs more time to establish his system and get things in order before the Thunderbirds are ready to compete. He gives Circle instant credibility though and I wouldn't be surprised if they squeak one or two they shouldn't and escape the bottom of the league standings.