First Posted: 3/30/2015
BASEBALL CAPSULES
The information was supplied by the coaches. Any school not listed, the information was not provided by the school.
WESTERN BUCKEYE LEAGUE
Bath
COACH: Brian Jesko
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 6th, 84-54
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 21-9 (4-5 WBL) (district finals)
DIVISION: II
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *P/INF Jared Davis (Sr.); *DH/1B Cam Jenkins (Sr.); *OF Luke Niebel (Sr.); *OF Tyler Stahr (Sr.); C/OF Dylan Burkholder (Jr.); *P/INF Cam Clark (Jr.); *P/INF Andrew Renner (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P/OF Chase Clark (Jr.); 1B/DH Andrew Jordan (Jr.); P Logan Magrum (Soph.); P Bo Gross (Soph.); C Kaden Sullivan (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Gone are the big four pitchers of Colin Gossard, Taren Sullivan, Hunter Weiss and Eric Jordan. Hoping to fill some of the pitching spots will be Jared Davis, Cam Clark (1.94 ERA) and Andrew Renner (1.00). The lineup graduated .432 hitter Eric Heffner. The top returning hitter is Cam Clark, who hit .337. The defense will be solid. The Wildcats must hit until the pitching staff finds its way.
Defiance
COACH: Tom Held
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 17th year (612-138)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 23-6 (7-2 WBL) (district finals)
DIVISION: II
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *CF Wes Detter (Sr.); *1B/C/DH Tyler Weaver (Sr.); *2B/SS/P Boo Sierra (Sr.); *OF Jimmy Bauer (Sr.); *C Gage Cordray (Sr.); *P Michael Hendricks (Sr.); *P/SS Shay Smiddy (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: OF Brice Rankin (Sr.); 3B Alec Rivers (Sr.); INF Ty Castillo (Sr.); OF Kris Gordon (Sr.); INF/P Connor Stykemain (Jr.); P Abram Smith (Jr.); C Jacob Jimenez (Jr.); P Charlie Gordon (Soph.); P/OF Braden Frederick (Soph.); OF Bryce Borton (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Gone from last year is ace Austin Hancock (8-1, 0.94 ERA), who is pitching for Olney. But, as usual, the Bulldogs have two pitchers ready to step into the top spots in the rotation. Hendricks (committed to Miami) was 0-1 with a 1.65 ERA. Smiddy (committed to Louisville) was 6-2 with a 1.84. Weaver hit .437, while Smiddy hit .379. The infield will be young, but the Bulldogs will rely on a strong pitching staff. Defiance won the state ACME crown and that group will help make the Bulldogs WBL and state tournament contenders again.
Elida
COACH: Todd Grapner
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 4th, 26-54
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 12-17 (1-8 WBL)
DIVISION: II
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *OF/P Adam Purdy (Sr.); *C/INF/P Travis Watkins (Sr.); *INF Jared Blymyer (Sr.); *INF/P Garrett Brinkman (Sr.); *INF/P Josh Bull (Jr.); *OF/P Austin Morrison (Jr.); *C Logan Alexander (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: INF Patrick Brockert (Sr.); INF Derek Snider (Jr.); INF/P Dylan Holcomb (Jr.); OF Cam Moore (Jr.); OF Owen Anderson (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Elida returns seven starters and five of those can take the mound to give the Bulldogs a deep staff. Purdy, Watkins, Brinkman, Bull and Morrison will all take the mound. Purdy was a preseason second team all-state selection at outfielder by Prep Baseball Report/J.J. Huddle. The Bulldogs’ defense and the consistency of the staff will be the biggest keys to getting back over the .500 mark.
Kenton
COACH: Matt Dudek
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-14 (1-8 WBL)
DIVISION: II
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *1B/P Seth Conover (Sr.); *C/OF/P Travis Downing (Sr.); *SS/P Trevor Downing (Sr.); *OF/P Brandon Hottman (Sr.); *OF/P Luke Jackson (Sr.); *OF Conner Jones (Sr.); *OF/1B/P Tristan Reichelderfer (Sr.); 2B-SS Trey Reichelderfer (Jr.); C/3B Dalton Kessler (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: OF/C/INF Will Hoppe; OF/SS/P Luke Nichols.
TEAM OUTLOOK: Matt Dudek takes over the Wildcats’ program and has nine veterans on the roster. Of that group, six will take the mound. Leading the way will be OF/1B/P Tristan Reichelderfer.
Ottawa-Glandorf
COACH: Nick Miller
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 9th (122-68)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 19-8 (8-1 WBL champions) DIVISION: III
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *Brad Croy (Sr.); *Ben Deitering (Sr.); *Chandler Kersh (Sr.); *Brent Ellerbrock (Sr.); *Austin Williams (Jr.); *Ryan Mass (Sr.); *Austin Verhoff (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Noah Recker (Jr.); Jordan Diemer (Jr.); Logan Balbaugh (Soph.); Herm Recker (Jr.); Connor Blossom (Jr.); Austin Horstman (Fr.); Chase Schieber (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: 2B/P Croy, who is headed to Bowling Green, was a preseason first team all-state choice by Prep Baseball Report/J.J. Huddle. The Titans will lean on Croy and the seven veterans because overall the team is young. A key will be how quickly the pitching jells.
Shawnee
COACH: Jimmy Morris
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 14-12 (6-3 WBL)
DIVISION: II
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 1B/P Logan Spieles (Sr.); C William Kleffner (Sr.); SS/P Trevor Anderson (Sr.); UTIL/P Chase Wilder (Sr.); OF/P Logan Dearfoss (Sr.); OF/P Alex Lehman (Sr.); OF/P Justin Peace (Sr.); 2B/P Jake Sevitz (Jr.); 3B/P Taylor Fickel (Sr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: 3B/P Jordan Tavarnak (Jr.); OF/P Blake Casady (Jr.); 1B/P Tyler Hall (Soph.); 1B Jacob Hixenbaugh (Jr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Former Lima Locos player and coach Jimmy Morris takes over at Shawnee. The Wright State product is expecting good things from the hitters. He returns nine veteran players, including shortstop Anderson and catcher Kleffner. Playing solid defense and getting consistent pitching will be the key areas.
Van Wert
COACH: Charlie Witten
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 18th (153-235)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 11-14 (2-7 WBL)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: P/OF Brant Henry (Sr.); OF Bryan Mills (Sr.); P/3B Ethan Williams (Sr.); P/SS Jacob Williamson (Sr.); INF Justice Tussing (Jr.); P/OF Ryan Stoller (Jr.); 1B Gavin Gardner (Jr.); OF/P Josh Braun (Jr.); C/OF Mason Carr (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: INF Jacob Covey (Jr.); P/INF/OF Kaleb Jenkins (Jr.); C/P Ryan McCracken (Jr.); P/INF Caleb Fetzer (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Ryan Stoller is back on the mound after going 3-2 with a 1.93 ERA. The Cougars return three of their top four starting pitchers and six everyday starters. That should provide Van Wert with the boost to get over .500. The Cougars will need to improve their defense.
Wapakoneta
COACH: Jason Brandt
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 11th (203-103)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 20-10 (6-3 WBL) (regional semifinals)
DIVISION: II
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): C/P Nate Kaeck (Sr.); *SS/P Keaton Metz (Sr.); *OF/INF/P Quinn Lotridge (Sr.); *OF/INF/P Kodi Morgan (Sr.); *OF Adam Henderson (Sr.); *P Zach Golliday (Sr.); *2B Jarrett Koch (Jr.); *INF/P/C Nick Bruns (Jr.); *P/C Nate Schroer (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P Lucas Lightle (Sr.); C Gavin Hawk (Sr.); P Rob Laney (Jr.); P/INF Todd Tschuor (Jr.); P/INF/OF Drew Voll (Jr); P/INF Maddux Liles (Soph.); P/INF/OF Michael Burton (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: The Redskins graduated pitcher Chace Culver and DH Chandler Kaeck. But the nucleus returns including Nate Kaeck, Metz, Lotridge, Moran, Henderson and Golliday. Outfielder Henderson was named to the preseason first team all-state team by Prep Baseball Report/J.J. Huddle. The Redskins need to be more consistent on defense to return for another strong tourney run.
REGION
Lima Central Catholic
COACH: John Schnieders
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 13th (171-124)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 12-16
DIVISION: III
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *OF Jacob Judy (Sr.); *C/INF Brad Stolly (Sr.); *P/1B Liam Stolly (Sr.); OF Alex Krumel (Sr.); OF Evan Szeremeta (Sr.); OF Derrick Wolfe (Sr.); *P/INF Ethan O’Connor (Jr.); *P/OF Bitler Rumer (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P/INF Anthony Venturella (Soph.); P/UTIL Joseph Eisele (Jr.); C/INF Joey Watkins (Jr.); P/INF Ian Friesner (Jr.); UTIL Aidan O’Connor (Sr.); P/OF Jaret Brown (Jr.); INF Thomas Williams (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Right-hander Colin Stolly graduated and is playing at Ohio Wesleyan. Right-hander Jake Williams is out for the year after dislocating his right shoulder in basketball. That leaves the top pitching spots to Liam Stolly, Ethan O’Connor and Rumer. In all, eight players return from a year ago. There should be plenty of athleticism and speed in the lineup. The hitting and defense need to take hold, as the pitching staff establishes itself.
Lima Senior
COACH: T.J. Neuhaus
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 1st year
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: NA
DIVISION: I
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SS/2B/P Isaiha Burkholder (Jr.); 3B/OF/P Taylor Mericle (Sr.); UTIL/P Josiah Shoemaker (Soph.); 1B Darius Collins (Soph.); SS/2B Devin Wilcutt (Jr.); OF D’Niyae Morris (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: SS/2B Rickey Wilcutt (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: T.J. Neuhaus takes over a young group of Spartans, with only one senior letterman on the roster. Only six veterans return. Three of the six, Burkholder, Mericle and Shoemaker pitched last year. Lima Senior has athleticism, but lacks baseball knowledge and fundamentals. The goal is to be competitive.
NORTHWEST CENTRAL CONFERENCE
Hardin Northern
COACH: Dennis Pees
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 0-18
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *INF/P Cam Deckling (Jr.); *1B/P Collin Hoffman (Jr.); *INF/P/C Corey Thomson (Jr.); *INF/OF Logan Pauley (Soph.); *INF/OF Zach Wilhelm (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Dennis Pees takes over the Polar Bears this year. After going 0-18 last year, working on fundamentals and defense will be big keys.
Perry
COACH: Mark Hoersten
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 4th (42-29)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 15-9 (8-2 NWCC)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 2B Baylor Buetner (Sr.); SS/P R.J. King (Sr.); OF/P Chad Henson (Sr.); 3B/P Austin Rush (Sr.); 1B/OF Jacob Lehman (Sr.); 1B/P Seth Sheriff (Jr.); OF/P Sam Sanders (Jr.); C/P Dustin Lauck (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: 1B/OF Kevin Allen (Jr.); INF/OF/C Dillan Maxwell (Fr.); IF/OF/P Austin Money (Fr.); OF/P Joseph Money (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Six pitchers return in King, Henson, Rush, Sheriff, Sanders and Lauck. That should give the Commdores a solid staff. None of the pitchers is overpowering, however, so playing good defense will be a huge key. With the nucleus back, Perry again should be in the hunt for the NWCC pennant.
Temple Christian
COACH: John Flower
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 3rd (1-19)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 0-13
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *P/1B Joshua High (Sr.); *2B/OF Adrian Williams (Soph.); *OF Lucas Wafzig (Sr.); *P/C Markus Howell (Sr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: INF/OF/P Ethan DeLeon (Fr.); OF Ethan Kramer (Fr.); OF Jaden Sweeney (Sr.); INF/OF Colten Rice (Soph.); INF/OF Paul Holloway (Fr.); INF/OF Ty Callahan (Soph.); P/C/INF Noah Howell (Fr.); INF Ethan Rex (Sr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: The Pioneers have four veterans, including senior pitchers High and Howell. The Pioneers will also mix in a big crop of rookies.
Upper Scioto Valley
COACH: Dustin Price
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 2nd year (9-11)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-11 (6-6 NWCC)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *P/SS Braden Rostorfer (Sr.); *1B/P Cameron Parker (Sr.); *P/2B Grant Collins (Sr.); *OF/2B Spencer Holbrook (Sr.); *OF Dakota Cornell (Soph); OF Keegan Keith (Jr.); OF Jayson Carey (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: OF Zack Risner (Sr.); P/3B Trey Freytag (Soph.); C Dakota Dunifon (Fr.); UTIL Hunter England (Fr.); UTIL Jason Moots (Fr.); UTIL Kolton Keith (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Only five players return from last year. The pitching staff is deep, but is also fairly inexperienced. The top pitchers are Rostorfer, Parker and Collins. The hitters will need to cut down on their strikeout totals from a year ago.
Waynesfield-Goshen
COACH: Riley Huffer
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 2nd year (4-15)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 4-12 (2-4 NWCC)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SS/P Lake Turner (Sr.); C/INF Lucas Gray (Sr.); OF/1B Nathan Binkley (Sr.); 3B/ P Trey Crumrine (Jr.); 2B/INF Brady Barnes (Jr.); OF/1B Collin Lowe (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: OF/INF Jaden Maxwell (Fr.); INF/P Cheyne Tate (Soph.); 1B/OF Brandon Bly (Sr.); OF/INF Kale Kaufman (Fr.); OF Dawson Carmean (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Six veterans return to build around.The Tigers strengths should be pitching and defense. Hopefully, they can lean on their pitching while the offense comes around.
NORTHWEST CONFERENCE
Ada
COACH: Jason Campbell
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 4th (10-51)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 4-14 (2-6 NWC)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter):
*C Cory Everhart (Sr.); *P/1B/OF Steven Gray (Sr.); *OF/P Tyler Archer (Jr.); *SS Brayden Sautter (Jr.); *P/UTIL Seth Evans (Soph.); *3B/OF Kyle Lesh (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: OF Matt Higgins (Sr.); OF Coleten Lee (Jr.); UTIL Aaron Everhart (Fr.); 1B/3B Jacob Hoshack (Fr.); OF Victor Lama (Fr.); OF-P Colten Shafer (Fr.); UTIL Zach Wilson (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Six veterans will be counted on to get the team back to a winning mark. The Bulldogs’ strength will be their defense up the middle. The key will be getting on base and coming up with timely hitting.
Allen East
COACH: Brant Engle
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 2nd year (14-12)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 14-12 (2-5 NWC)
DIVISION: III
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *P/INF Erik Neeley (Sr.); *P/INF Braden Goodwin (Sr.); *C/INF Travis Wireman (Sr.); *OF/P Tanner Stippich (Sr.); *1B Brett Ketchum (Jr.); *3B Travis Guthrie (Jr.); *OF/C Colten Shilling (Jr.); *2B/OF Brent Wilson (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Taylor Clum (Sr.); Forest Hager (Sr.); Griffin Newland (Jr.); Brayden Newland (Soph.); Evan Stover (Jr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: The core of the team is back, including pitchers Goodwin and Neeley. Neeley posted a no-hitter, with 15 strikeouts, last year against New Knoxville, so the pitching should be a strength.
Bluffton
COACH: Sam Fruchey
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 6th year (48-38)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 16-9 (6-2 NWC)
DIVISION: III
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *2B Austin Bricker (Sr.); *RF James Harrod (Sr.); *LF Braden Skilliter (Sr.); *P/SS/3B Brett Rumer; 3B/SS/P Kyle Swank (Jr.); P/SS Mathew Bowden (Soph.); C/P/INF Jason Bracy (Soph.); OF Dustin Falk (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P/1B Joseph Schriner (Jr.); P/1B Mitchell Ault (Jr.); P/CF Dakota Bricker (Fr.); C/3B Tyler McLaughlin (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: The Pirates have speed up and down the lineup card. But Bluffton is young, with only four veterans back. Of the four veterans, only Rumer is a pitcher. How quickly the pitching staff develops will be a big key.
Columbus Grove
COACH: Tony Castronova
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 1st year (20 years at Ottoville, 204-188)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 16-13
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *OF/P Tanner From (Sr.); *C/P Elisha Jones (Sr.); *INF Zach Shafer (Sr.); *INF/P Logan Diller (Jr.); *INF/OF Marcos Olivo (Jr.); *INF Jake Utendorf (Jr.); *INF/P Reid Stechschulte (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: INF Travis Ellerbrock (Sr.); INF Ryan Verhoff (Jr.); C/INF Adam Birkemeier (Soph.); INF/P Ethan Blankemyer (Soph.); OF/P Logan Hardeman (Soph.); INF/P Grant Schroeder (Soph.); C Kyle Welty (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Tony Castronova takes over at Columbus Grove after a long career at Ottoville. Seven starters are back, including pitchers From, Jones, Diller and Stechschulte.
Crestview
COACH: Jim Wharton
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 31st (516-242)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 20-7 (6-2 NWC); (state semifinals)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter):
*C Nate Owens (Sr.); *P-1B Jordan Roop (Sr.); *UTIL Mitchell Rickard (Sr.); *OF/P Justin Overmyer (Sr.); OF Jacob Lippe (Sr.); *UTIL Jordan Miller (Jr.); P/OF/1B Colby Cliffton.
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P/UTIL Zechariah Simerman (Soph.); P/UTIL Spencer Rolsten (Soph.); OF Nick Jellison (Sr.); 3B/P Craig Camp (Sr.); P/OF Jon Krouse (Jr.); C Dalton Johnson (Jr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Pitcher Damon Helm and center fielder Cam Etzler helped the Knightstoback-to-back state semifinals appearances. Both are gone. Five veterans are back, including Owens (.346) behind the plate and Roop at first (.365). Owens, one of the top catchers in the area, was a preseason second team all-state selection by Prep Baseball Report/J.J. Huddle. The top returning pitchers are Roop (2-0, 1.90 ERA), Overmyer (1.63) and Cliffton (3-2, 1.50). The Knights will lean on their defense until the young pitching staff jells.
Delphos Jefferson
COACH: Doug Geary
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 5th (56-46)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 17-11 (5-3 NWC)
DIVISION: III
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *C/P Nick Fitch (Sr.); *CF/1B/P Gaige Rassman (Sr.); 3B/2B Kurt Wollenhaupt (Sr.); *1B/CF/P Ryan Bullinger (Sr.); *INF/P Gage Mercer (Jr.); *SS/P Jace Stockwell (Soph.); OF/2B/C Demien Dudgeon (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: DH/P/1B Jacob Pulford (Soph.); P/3B Brandan Herron (Soph.); OF/2B Jacob Boop (Soph.): OF/2B/P Brett Mahlie (Soph.); P/OF Easton Siefker (Jr.); OF Eli Kimmett (Jr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: With seven veterans returning, the Wildcats should have a lineup that has a nice mix of power and speed. Four pitchers graduated and they logged the bulk of the innings. Now the staff will be comprised of Fitch, Rassman, Bullinger, Mercer and Stockwell. How quickly that group develops will be a big key.
Lincolnview
COACH: Eric Fishpaw
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 7-13 (5-3 NWC)
DIVISION: III
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter):
*3B/1B/P Derek Young (Jr.); *SS/P Austin Leeth (Jr.); *C/OF Wyatt Schmersal (Sr.); *OF/UTIL Dalton Schmersal (Sr.); *CF/2B Cole Schmersal (Jr.); LF Keli Ralston (Jr.); *P/OF Jalen Roberts (Jr.); *C/OF Tyler Richey (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: 2B Chayten Overholt (Fr.); 1B Dustin Hale (Jr.); P Dalton Himes (Sr.); OF/3B Dylan Lee (Soph.); P Ethan Parsons (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Eric Fishpaw, formerly an assistant at powerhouse Defiance, takes over this year at Lincolnview. The Lancers return seven starters, including pitchers Youtsey, Leeth and Roberts. Fishpaw’s goal is to be in the mix for the NWC crown.
Paulding
COACH: Brock Bergman
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-13 (4-4 NWC)
DIVISION: III
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: P/C/INF Damon Egnor (Jr.); OF/P Aaron Mock (Sr.); OF/P Corbin Edwards (Jr.); INF/P Alex Arellano (Jr.); C/INF Jarrett Sitton (Jr.); INF/P Preston Johanns (Soph.); OF/P Cameron Doster (Soph.); C/INF James Mourey (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Brock Bergman takes over coaching Paulding this year. The Panthers are led by junior pitcher Damon Egnor, who was a preseason first team all-state player by Prep Baseball Report/J.J. Huddle. The Panthers, who return eight, are an athletic group. Developing consistency on offense and finding pitching depth will be key areas.
Spencerville
COACH: Troy Montenery
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 5th (40-50) (105-98 overall)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 10-12 (3-5 NWC)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *OF/P/C Hunter French (Jr.); *SS/2B David Wisher (Jr.); *C/OF Mitchell Youngpeter (Jr.); *P/1B Thad Ringwald (Soph.); *P/UTIL Jacob Meyer (Soph.); OF/P Brady Becker (Soph.); 3B/P Luke Carpenter (Soph.); 3B/P Nick Freewalt (Soph.); OF Keaton Lotz (Soph.); OF Justin Thiery (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P/SS/2B Jaret Montenery (Fr.); P/1B Brady Nolan (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: A total of 10 veterans, including five starters, are back. In all, 75 percent of the offense returns and the team is still young. Of the 10 lettermen, seven are sophomores, including .300 hitters Ringwald, Meyer and Thiery. French, a junior, led the way at .323. Ringwald went 3-2 with a 3.92 ERA. Spencerville is on the way up and everything points toward a winning season.
PUTNAM COUNTY LEAGUE
Continental
COACH: Terry Dockery
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 4th (21-44)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 4-16 (0-7 PCL)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: OF Terry Dockery III (Jr.); OF Jacob Williams (Soph.); OF Cole Dotson (Jr.); SS/C Gabe Williams (Sr.); INF Derek Troyer (Sr.); INF/OF Paige Thomas (Sr.); OF Ross Etter (Sr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P Fred Shepard (Jr.); C/SS Zach Schwarzman (Sr.); 1B Saige Deleon (Jr.); INF/OF Trevor Williamson (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: OF Terry Dockery III returns after hitting .466 as a sophomore and .414 as a freshman. He was listed as a preseason second team all-state pick by Prep Baseball Report/J.J. Huddle. SS/C Gabe Williamson was first team all-PCL.
Fort Jennings
COACH: Eric Schwab
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 3rd (16-32)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-16 (4-3 PCL)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: INF/C/P Mark Metzger (Sr.); OF/P Kyle Hellman (Jr.); INF/P Alex Sealts (Jr.); C/P Sam Vetter (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: INF/P Austin Kehres (Sr.); P/INF Brandon Wehri (Fr.); INF/P Luke Trentman (Fr.); INF/P Aaron Sealts (Fr.); OF Adam Howbert (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: The Musketeers will count on several young players, with only four returnees back. The team doesn’t have a lot of depth and players will have to play multiple positions. The Musketeers will once again shoot for a winning record in the PCL.
Kalida
COACH: Joe Recker
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 2nd year (11-15)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 11-15 (5-2 PCL)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *Brent Hovest (Sr.); *P/3B Colton Farrell (Sr.); OF Derrick Schimmoeller (Sr.); OF/P Austin Swift (Jr.); 1B/OF Brady Laudick (Jr.); P/UTIL Trent Gerding (Jr.); P/UTIL Drew Hovest (Jr.); OF Trevor Maag (Jr.); C/1B/P Jeffrey Knueve (Soph.); SS/P Noah Lambert (Soph.); OF/P Trent Siebeneck (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Austin Klausing (Jr.); Brandon Erhart (Jr.); Jordan Kortokrax (Jr.); Nathan Myers (Jr.); Alex von der Embse (Jr.); Derek Buss (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: After 31 years of Jim McBride, it’s Year 2 for coach Joe Recker. He returns 11 veterans and the core from last year. Leading the way is outfielder Austin Swift, who was named preseason first team all-state by Prep Baseball Report/J.J. Huddle. This is still a young team, with nine of the 11 veterans juniors or sophomores, but the Wildcats have the talent to make a run at the PCL crown.
Leipsic
COACH: Darren Henry
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: NA
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-18 (2-5 PCL)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *P/INF/OF Pierce Henry (Sr.); *OF Alex Ellerbrock (Sr.); *C Justin Ellerbrock (Jr.); *P/INF/OF Ross Schroeder (Jr.); *P/OF Nick Schey (Soph.); *P/INF Grant Rader (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P/OF Tyler Selhorst (Jr.); P/INF Jordan Berger (Soph.); INF/C Robbie Laubenthal (Soph.); P/INF Devin Hiegel (Soph.); OF Chris Basinger (Fr.); P/INF Alec Schroeder (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: The Vikings return six starters, including four listed with pitching experience. Only two of the six lettermen are seniors, so the Vikings will be young.
Miller City
COACH: Dusty Pester
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 6th (94-46)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 16-6 (7-0 PCL); district semifinals
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *P/INF Ross Lehman (Sr.); *P/INF Adam Drummelsmith (Sr.); *1B Adam Niese (Sr.); *C Hunter Berner (Sr.); *RF Jeremy Balbaugh (Sr.); *P/INF Jackson Lammers (Jr.); *DH/OF Logan Dukes (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P Jacob Kuhlman (Soph.); CF Corbin Niese (Soph.); LF/3B Jacob Schimmoeller (Soph.);
TEAM OUTLOOK: There’s plenty to like about the defending PCL champions. It starts with P Lehman (7-1, 1.67), last year’s PCL player of the year. He was a preseason second team all-state pick by Prep Baseball Report/J.J. Huddle. Then, there’s SS/2B Lammers (.343), a preseason first team all-state selection. P Drummelsmith (5-1, 2.16) and C Herbner are also back. In all, seven return from last year. The Wildcats are poised to once again make a run at the PCL title and make a long tourney run.
Ottoville
COACH: Ty Wannemacher
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 2nd (6-13)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 6-13 (1-6 PCL)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: INF Trent Miller (Sr.); INF/P Kyle Bendele (Sr.); C Joe Vanoss (Sr.); OF/P Brandon Boecker (Sr.); INF/P Joel Beining (Sr.); OF Wes Markward (Sr.); INF Bailey Seibert (Jr.); INF Brendon Schnipke (Jr.); INF/P Jared Fanning (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P/INF Zane Martin (Fr.); P/INF Nick Moorman (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Ottoville looks to count on its pitchers and their ability to throw strikes. The defense improved last year and must continue to make plays. Base running is another key to the Big Green making a push at a winning year.
Pandora-Gilboa
COACH: Nick Ulrey
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 11-10
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: P/SS Jacob Basinger (Sr.); 2B/SS/P Ethan Fleming (Soph.); 1B Zach George (Sr.); C/OF T.J. Koepplinger (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P/1B Drew Johnson (Fr.); OF/P Carter Nofziger (Fr.); 3B/P Gunner Stall (Soph.); OF Jason Walther (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Nick Ulrey takes over the Rockets this season. P-G should be good at both moving runners over and hitting. The staff is young, with the only retuning pitchers Basinger and Fleming. The key will be getting the pitchers to throw strikes and get ahead in the count.
MIDWEST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Coldwater
COACH: Brian Harlamert
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 18th (369-114)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 30-4 (State champions)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *1B/P Malave Bettinger (Jr.); OF/P Brody Hoying (Sr.); *C/SS/P Aaron Harlamert (Jr.); *P/UTIL Derek Thobe (Sr.); P/1B Greg Gilliland (Sr.); P/OF Brandon Kunk (Sr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: SS/2B/P Kyle McKibben (Jr.); CF Kraig Schoenherr (Jr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Coldwater broke the 22-year state championship drought by posting its sixth baseball state championship last year. Gone are four first team all-MAC players, including pitcher Grant Muhlenkamp, first baseman Mitch Heyne, second baseman Drew Ottten and shortstop Adam Klosterman. Four starters return with Hoying (.363), Bettinger (.468), Harlamert (.311) and utility man/pitcher Derke Thobe. Bettinger has received college offers for baseball and the junior was a preseason first team all-state selection by Prep Baseball Report/J.J. Huddle. The pitching staff is deep with Thobe (5-0, 2.28), Greg Gilliland (2-2, 2.75), Brandon Kunk (4-0, 2.72) and Bettinger (3-0, 1.05). The Cavs stole 137 bases and will look to run again this year. The pitching will keep the Cavaliers rolling along this year.
Delphos St. John’s
COACH: Jerry Jackson
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 2-20 (0-9 MAC)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *LF/P Jordan Boone (Sr.); *C/3B J.R. Keirns (Sr.); *CF/P Austin Heiing (Sr.); *INF/P Gage Seffernick (Sr.); *SS/P Jesse Ditto (Jr.); *C/INF Buddy Jackson (Soph.); *P/LF Jacob Youngpeter (Soph.); *SS/P Eric Vogt (Soph.); *INF/P Josh Warnecke (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: INF/OF Austin Kline (Sr.); 2B/P Brandon Slate (Jr.); INF/OF Chad Etgan (Jr.); OF Seth Linder (Soph.); INF/OF Aaron Reindel (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: The Blue Jays reached the regionals two years ago, but graduation took its toll and the bottom dropped out last year. The good news is nine starters return, including seven pitchers. The pitching staff is deep, but young. With all the returnees, the defense should also be improved.
Minster
COACH: Mike Wiss
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 21st (348-162)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 17-13 (6-3 MAC)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 1B/DH/P J.R. Nixon (Sr.); P/INF Matthew Trushaw (Sr.); P/INF Drew Ripploh (Sr.); OF/DH Blake Mallory (Sr.); INF/C Sam Bornhorst (Sr.); C/INF/P Josh Nixon (Jr.); INF/P Peter Falk (Jr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Seven veterans are back, including .300 hitters J.R. Nixon (.348), Josh Nixon (.324) and Falk (.309). There’s also plenty of returning pitching with 22 of the 30 starts returning. Trushaw (6-3, 2.33) and Ripploh (4-4, 3.92) will lead the way. Minster will look to its defense while the rest of the offense jells.
New Knoxville
COACH: Nick Schroer
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 3rd (15-28)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-15
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *3B/SS/P Ryan Allen (Sr.); 1B/OF/P Adam Howe (Sr.); *OF/SS/1B/P Shane Topp (Sr.); *2B/P Logan Lefeld (Jr.); *SS/C Hunter McMurray (Jr.); *OF/P Ben Menke (Soph.); *OF/P Branden Puckett (Soph.); *3B/C/OF Nick Topp (Soph.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: P Jake Blitch (Soph.); OF/P Jonah Lageman (Fr.); 1B/3B/C Nate Tinnerman (Fr.); INF/C Nathan Merges (Fr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: Eight veterans are back and most of those have pitching experience. Overall, hitting and team speed will be the team strengths. The Rangers need to improve their defense.
Parkway
COACH: Luke Clouse
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 2nd year (14-14)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 14-14 (4-5 MAC)
DIVISION: IV
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: OF Caleb Heindel (Sr.); *C/P Brandon Gibson (Sr.); *P/INF Brady Adams (Sr.); *INF/P Hayden Abromavich (Sr.); *P/INF/OF Wyatt Felver (Sr.); *OF/P Baily Rodriguez (Jr.); *INF Jensen Riley (Jr.); P/INF Connor Morton (Jr.).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: INF Tanner Bates (Sr.); INF/P Devin Stover (Sr.); INF Derrick Mosier (Jr.); P/INF/C Carson Ford (Soph.); P/OF Trace Walls (Soph.); P/OF Alec Schoenleben (Soph.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: The Panthers have six returnees and five of those pitched. That should give Parkway a deep staff. A big key will be how soon the offense develops.
St. Henry
COACH: John Dorner
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 26th (454-213)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 26-4 (8-1 MAC) district runner-up; MAC co-champions
DIVISION: III
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (*=returning starter): *P/OF Ryan Mikesell (Sr.); *P/SS Mitchel Stammen (Jr.); *P/3B D.J. Kunkler (Sr.); *OF Andrew Lundvall (Sr.).
TEAM OUTLOOK: St. Henry has only four starters back, but all four were all-MAC last year. P Mikesell (7-0, 1.63) and P Stammen (5-3, 1.42) form a strong 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. Kunkler hit .338, while Lundvall batted .407 with 12 doubles. Mikesell was named preseason first team all-state, while Stammen and Lundvall were both third team picks by Prep Baseball Report/J.J. Huddle. Mikesell and Lundvall were both second team all-state last year. The pitching staff has depth, but a key will be producing runs without a lot of power in the lineup.
