This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
After winning its first baseball title in 17 years, Pleasant Grove is considered the No. 18 team in all the land, according to USA Today.
The Vikings capped off their 27-3 season last year with the Class 5A title, which propelled them to No. 5 in USA Today's final rankings — an incredible milestone for a program residing in a cold-weather state.
Back again this year is All-Tribune honoree and BYU commit Payton Henry, who batted .527 with 46 RBIs, 11 doubles and nine home runs. From his catcher position, he recorded a fielding percentage of .991, committing only two errors the entire season. He also recorded 13 strikeouts, with a 1-1 record, as a fastball closer.
Add Bub Wilde, Logan Hooley and Derek Wall to the equation, and it's easy to understand the Vikings preseason position.
Pleasant Grove opens the season on March 18 in the Red Rock Classic, with a doubleheader against Cedar, at 2:30 p.m., and defending Class 4A Spanish Fork in the 7:30 nightcap.
— Trevor Phibbs
Twitter: @trevorphibbs