By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The Helena High School baseball team is rolling through the 2017 season using a combination of impressive pitching and stellar offense and now, the team is starting to receive some attention nationally.

MaxPreps, a national website which focuses on information, recruiting, news, video and discussion about high school sports, has Helena ranked No. 1 nationally in its latest computer rankings released on April 4. The rankings are updated every Tuesday and Friday.

Recently, Helena raised eyebrows the week of March 29, by reeling off seven straight wins while competing against eight other quality opponents to win the 2017 Buccaneer Classic in Hoover.

During the Buccaneer Classic, Helena’s offense exploded in the tournament going off for 63 runs, 61 hits, 16 doubles, seven home runs and one triple on their way to taking down Spain Park 10-3, Hartselle 8-0, Montgomery Central 11-0, Spanish Fort 2-1, Moody 18-2, Hartselle 10-6 and host Hoover 4-2 to improve their overall record to 23-4.

The MaxPreps national computer rankings are compiled by utilizing the huge number of game results stored in the MaxPreps database, according to the site. Generally, the more a team wins the higher the ranking, but the system takes into account quality wins (against other highly ranked opponents) and strength of schedule.

The computer rankings do not poll coaches, sportswriters or fans.

Helena is the only team from the state of Alabama ranked nationally in the top 10. A team from the state of Alabama with the next highest ranking is Hoover at No. 16. The Huskies are 3-0 this season against the Buccaneers.

For more information or to view the rankings, visit Maxpreps.com/rankings/baseball/1/national.htm.