Off one of the best seasons in decades, the Pioneer basketball team has set the bar high for team success this year at Warren County High School.

Knocking the 23-win Pioneers off their perch as the best WCHS team will be tough, but there are three teams capable of doing it. In fact, this could be a huge spring for all local teams.

Let’s set the bar on expected win totals for the spring, but first a few ground rules. I’m going to list the potential over/under, where people can guess if the team will finish above or below the total. These are also guesses for just the regular season.

WCHS baseball
O/U: 19.5 wins

Trice Powers has a packed schedule, with the potential to play over 30 games. The Pioneers are coming off a 20-win season and return enough pitching (Tyler Hollingsworth, Trevor Collins and Brooks Helton) that should be able to keep Warren County in games as the new coach tinkers with his defense and batting order.
I have a good feeling about the Pioneers, so I’m going with OVER 19.5 wins for the Pioneers.

WCHS softball
O/U: 14.5 wins

Don’t think I’m sleeping on the Lady Pioneers, last year’s District 6AAA regular season champions. If the win total for the Warren County girls is lower on the diamond than the Pioneers, it may only be because of fewer games.

Ashton Whiles may be the best all-around player in the district, and she leads a potent junior group which has won at every level. The Lady Pioneers are set up for sustained success in the coming years, so I think they’ll go OVER 14.5 wins this season.

WCHS soccer
O/U: 9.5 wins

Matt Jackson has five straight CTC titles on his resume, but middle school success hasn’t been a predictor for excellent high school teams for whatever reason. Still, he brings back a roster he knows well, including many Pioneers who contributed to a region run last year.

Jackson has 15 games on the slate in the regular season to get to double-digit wins. I’m going to say the Pioneers finish under 10 wins (the schedule is daunting), but I think they win the district tournament. Speaking of championships though. . .

Spring team titles
O/U: 5.5

Here’s a special bonus category which ties in the WCMS baseball, softball and soccer teams. Counting the regular season and tournament, the six teams mentioned have 12 chances to win either CTC or District 6AAA crowns.

I think it’s going to be a great spring for Warren County, so I’m going with at least six championships.
Let’s hope I’m right.