Fremont's up and down season ends sour

Fremont's 7-8 record was good enough to garner it the third seed in Region 1, but a 17-1 loss to Alta in the first round showed there's still work to do. The Silver Wolves recovered well in the consolation bracket, going to 11 innings against Riverton before losing 6-4. Fremont will miss graduating senior Preston Akre, a player who made a difference both on the mound and at the plate. Sophomore Taylor Kranendonk had a good year, though, and should be Fremont's ace next year.

Despite poor showing, making the playoffs a win for Layton

Layton limped in the playoffs this year, losing five of its last six, and ended up losing both of its games against Jordan and Lone Peak. Coach Robert Ferneau still showed tremendous improvement with the squad, however, considering the Lancers won only one game all of last year. Layton's bullpen will be more experienced next year, with Logan Greenhalgh and Caleb Harrop returning.

Weber takes step back with missed postseason

Weber's seven-game winless stretch in the regular season sunk the team this year, causing the Warriors to miss the postseason by only one win. The team is still young, though, and will have difference makers returning in 2013. Second baseman Cooper Roylance will lead the squad next year, and Nate Kelly will try to anchor a depleted bullpen.

Northridge finishes 2012 winless

Northridge had a year no coach would envy, losing several key players to injury and lacking the depth to compete in Region 1. The Knights didn't win a game all year and will enter 2013 on a 31-game losing streak. Third baseman Kevin Seely could be a bright spot on this team at the plate next year, though, and sophomore Branden Petersen could be a solid pitcher if he gets more run support.

Roy barely misses postseason after play-in loss

The Royals missed the postseason for the second straight year after losing a play-in game against Box Elder 7-4. Coach Eric Jones had a young squad this year and still was able to get them valuable experience for a deeper run next year. Pitcher Garrett Bowman will return to lead the team next year, and outfielder Grady Hansen has the potential to be one of the best hitters in 4A in 2013.

Bonneville has disappointing year after last year's run

The Lakers, to put it lightly, had a down year. Bonneville won only four games this year coming off a season in which it went 20-8 and made a deep run in the playoffs. Coach Trevor Howell lost a lot of good players and did his best with the remainder, giving playing time to a mix of sophomores and freshmen. Pitcher Will Heward should have a better season next year, though many of the Lakers' best hitters will be graduating.

Clearfield exceeds expectations with playoff appearance

The Falcons made the playoffs for the first time since 2007 this year, falling in two games to Salem Hills and Olympus. Still, making the postseason is a huge success for a team that won just three games in 2011. Coach Justin Abbott benefited greatly from the Falcons' move to 4A and will have some exciting players returning next year. Pitcher Cameron Facer seemed to get better with each game this year, and Clay Holcombe should be a leader with his batting.

Ogden's losing woes continue in 3A

While many of Ogden's other teams profited from the move to 3A, the baseball team still has some work to do. Ogden finished 3-9 in region and 8-11 overall this year and missed the postseason for the 12th straight year. With additional run support, Brian Saunders should improve on his 4-5 record on the mound in 2013, and J.J. Stein has the potential to be one of the best hitters in 3A.

— Nicholas J. Pappas