The South Carolina Baseball Coaches Association released its preseason rankings for the 2026 season, and Lancaster County teams were heavily represented.

Indian Land, coming off a historic run to the Upper State championship series, was ranked No. 2 in Class 5A Division II, trailing only Berkeley. The Warriors hold the highest preseason ranking among Upper State programs.

In Class 2A, Andrew Jackson is projected to take a step forward after last season, earning the No. 7 preseason ranking. Buford followed closely behind the Volunteers at No. 8.

Teams are scheduled to take the field late next month, with regular-season play beginning in early March.

SCBCA Preseason Rankings Class 5A Division I 1. James Island; 2. Dorman; 3. Lexington; 4. Blythewood; 5. Boiling Springs; 6. River Bluff; 7. Fort Dorchester; 8. Mauldin; 9. Dutch Fork. 10. (tie) Stratford, JL Mann Class 5A Division II 1. Berkeley; 2. Indian Land; 3. Eastside; 4. Catawba Ridge; 5. Chapin; 6. North Myrtle Beach; 7. St. James; 8. Fort Mill; 9. Lugoff-Elgin; 10. (tie) Hillcrest, West Florence Class 4A 1. Airport; 2. AC Flora; 3. Seneca; 4. Fountain Inn; 5. Daniel; 6. North Augusta; 7. Gilbert; 8. Hartsville; 9. Wren; 10. Camden Class 3A 1. Southside Christian; 2. Oceanside Collegiate; 3. Hanahan; 4. Chapman; 5. St. Joseph’s; 6. Waccamaw; 7. Christ Church; 8. Aynor; 9. Crescent; 10. Fox Creek Class 2A 1. Batesburg-Leesville; 2. Atlantic Collegiate; 3. Clinton; 4. Philip Simmons; 5. Cheraw; 6. East Clarendon; 7. Andrew Jackson; 8. Buford; 9. Mid-Carolina; 10. Landrum Class A 1. Johnsonville; 2. Lewisville; 3. Latta; 4. Lake View; 5. Lamar; 6. Abbeville; 7. McBee; 8.

January 26, 2026 | Lancaster News, The (SC)
Author/Byline: STAFF REPORTS | Section: Sports