The final Mahoning Matters Super 7 high school baseball poll has been released, and Youngstown Cardinal Mooney emerges as the clear leader after a season that combined consistency with dominance. The Cardinals posted a 24-4 record and outscored opponents by an average of five runs per game, a testament to both pitching depth and offensive firepower.
A Season Defined by Dominance
Cardinal Mooney’s journey to the top was punctuated by a run to the Division IV state tournament, where they fell 12-7 to Sandusky Perkins. Despite the loss, the semifinal appearance cemented their status as one of the state’s elite programs and underscored the team’s ability to compete on the biggest stage.
Finishing second in the rankings, the Poland Bulldogs captured the Northeast 8 Conference title and closed the year with a 19-7 record. Their success was built on a strong defensive core and a lineup that clicked when it mattered most, culminating in sectional and district championships.
Conference and Regional Highlights
Lakeview secured the No. 3 spot after capturing a district championship with a 6-3 victory over the Triway Titans. The Bulldogs finished the season at 20-8, a record that reflects both resilience and the ability to thrive under pressure in postseason play.
LaBrae earned the fourth position after winning a district title with an 8-3 win over Springfield Tigers. The Vikings’ run ended in the regional round with a 9-6 setback to Lake Center Christian, but the campaign remains one of the most successful in recent program history.
Canfield Cardinals rounded out the top five with a 21-8 final record, a mark that highlights their steady progression throughout the season and a deep run that kept them among the state’s most consistent teams.
Maplewood and McDonald also featured prominently in the rankings. Maplewood claimed a Division VII district title and finished 17-10-1, while McDonald’s Blue Devils concluded the year at 17-6, earning the No. 7 spot in the poll.