Prep baseball capsule previews

Note: Information was supplied by the area baseball coaches. Teams not listed did not supply information.

Western Buckeye League
Team: Bath
Division: II
Coach: Brian Jesko
Years, record at school: 2nd, 5-13
Last year’s record: 15-12 (2-7 WBL)
Returning lettermen: P-SS Johny Simindinger (Sr.); 2B Kyle Zimmerman (Sr.); C Jeremy Chandler (Sr.); 3B-1B Cory McNett (Sr.); P-1B-OF Nate Heffner (Jr.); P-3B-1B Keaton Sullivan (Jr.); P-OF Myles Holliday (Jr.); P-OF Matt Wise (Jr.); P Brad Davis (Jr.); OF-C Caleb Norton (Soph.); DH Ryne Burden (Sr.); OF Kasey Krendl (Sr.).
Promising newcomers: INF-OF Austin Best (Jr.); Zach Clapper (Jr.).
Outlook: Bath returns four returning starting pitchers, all with at least 20 innings on the mound, including Wise who had a 2.30 ERA. The everyday lineup returns all its starters, including shortstop Simindinger, who hit .386 last year. The Wildcats have plenty of veterans, including a strong staff, and look to compete for the WBL pennant.
Team: Celina
Division: II
Coach: Drew Braun
Years, record at school: 4, 57-57
Last year’s record: 15-12 (3-6 WBL)
Returning lettermen: OF Kale Knapke (Sr.); P-2B Mitch Albers (Sr.); OF Kyle Markle (Sr.); P-OF Mike Siefker (Sr.); OF Nick Legg (Sr.); SS-P Derek Waterman (Jr.); P-3B Braden Billger (Soph.); C Aric Fickert (Soph.).
Promising newcomers: 1B Ryan Paulus (Sr.); 1B Kyle Fink (Sr.); INF Nathan Mestemaker (Jr.); P Kyle Berry (Soph.); P-INF Cody Vogel (Fr.).
Outlook: Celina returns its top two hitters in Knapke and Markle, but the Bulldogs lost their top two pitchers, including ace Darin Waterman. The offense will have to carry the team early, as only two pitchers have logged 10 or more varsity innings.
Team: Defiance
Division: II
Coach: Tom Held
Years, record at school: 23 (12 at Defiance, 304-52)
Last year’s record: 29-2 (9-0 WBL) (state semifinals)
Returning lettermen: P Eric Stapleton (Sr.), out for the season after Tommy John surgery; SS-P Ryan Cordray (Sr.); P-UTIL Anthony Kidston (Jr.); SS-2B Jacob Moore (Jr.); P-1B Kurt Belau (Sr.); OF Mike Ramirez (Sr.); OF Jake Thomas (Sr.); P-1B Jake Sanchez (Sr.); C Gabe Vittorio (Sr.); OF Shea Murray (Jr.); P-UTIL Robert Ziegler (Soph.).
Promising newcomers: P-UTIL Cody Barratt (Sr.); UTIL Zach Jimenz (Sr.); DH Garret Wood (Sr.); UTIL Ty Parrish (Sr.); C-UTIL Joe Gentile (Jr.); C-UTIL Joe Keween (Jr.); P-INF Austin Hancock (Fr.).
Outlook: Defiance keeps churning out top-10 draft picks and it’ll be tough to replace right-hander Dace Kime, who is now at Louisville and was an eighth-round pick of the Pirates. Right-hander Stapleton will miss the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Also gone is speedy outfielder Alex Nofziger.
But Defiance still has plenty left. Kidston, who is committed to Louisville, should become the staff’s ace. The team still has plenty of pitching, three quality catchers and Cordray at shortstop and Moore at second base. As usual, Defiance will be one of the top teams in the WBL.
Team: Elida
Division: II
Coach: Mark Thompson
Years, record at school: 24, 324-245
Last year’s record: 14-12 (4-5 WBL)
Returning lettermen: OF-P Andrew Clevenger (Sr.); OF Ryan Musgrave (Sr.); OF-1B-P Adam VonSossan (Sr.); OF Austin Wray (Sr.); INF-P Austin Zuber (Sr.); INF-OF-P Mackenzie Hampshire (Jr.); INF-OF-P Dalton Martz (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: C Colin Blymyer (Jr.); C Taylor Bly (Soph.); INF-P David Diller (Soph.); C-INF-P Ian Haidle (Soph.); INF-P Jacob Porter (Soph.); OF-INF-P Nickoli Sackinger (Soph.).
Outlook: Longtime Elida coach Mark Thompson returns on a one-year basis after Randy Apple resigned two weeks before the season opener. Mackenzie Hampshire leads the veteran hitters, while Josh Bush (5-1, 2.65 ERA) returns on the mound. Pitching will be a huge key. Thompson’s low-key, class approach will have a positive influence on the ballclub, which made positive strides last year.
Team: Kenton
Division: II
Coach: Brent Fackler
Years, record at school: 18, 177-189
Last year’s record: 13-15 (4-5 WBL)
Returning lettermen: C Alex Kissling (Sr.); P-INF-OF Dustin Zachariah (Sr.); P-C-INF-OF Brice Fackler (Jr.); P-INF-OF Brennan Rolander (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: P-INF-OF Kasey Rawlins (Jr.); P-1B-OF Tyler Dennis (Sr.); P-C-INF-OF Matt Bahr (Fr.); P-1B-OF Noah Furbush (Fr.); P-INF-OF Zach Wolowicz (Soph.).
Outlook: It will be a new-look Kenton squad with only one pitcher and only two of their top eight hitters coming back. How soon the new staff jells will be a huge key along the way.
Team: Ottawa-Glandorf
Division: III
Coach: Nick Miller
Years, record at school: 7, 60-35
Last year’s record: 16-10 (5-4 WBL).
Returning lettermen: INF-P Andy Ellerbrock (Sr.); OF-P Alex Selhorst (Sr.); P-INF Drew Ellerbrock (Sr.); INF-OF Ross Ellerbrock (Sr.); C Casey Schroeder (Jr.); OF Cory Imm (Soph.); OF-P Tony Ellerbrock (Sr.).
Promising newcomers: OF Matt Stechschulte (Jr.); P-INF Aaron Halker (Jr.); INF Logan Borgelt (Jr.); INF Jake Hashberger (Soph.); C-P Cody Bockrathe (Soph.).
Outlook: Tennessee-bound Schroeder behind the plate will be the focal part of the everyday attack. The Titans need to develop their young pitching staff. The defense should be a plus.
Team: St. Marys
Division: II
Coach: Dave Huber
Years, record at school: First year
Last year’s record: 9-16 (2-7 WBL)
Returning lettermen: 2B-P Greg Kuffner (Sr.); SS-P Mitch Newbauer (Sr.); 1B-P Derek Roop (Sr.); 1B Tyler Albert (Sr.); C Wes Taylor (Sr.); 2B-P Michael Huber (Jr.); 3B-P Nick Vogel (Jr.); OF-P Brad Sawmiller (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: OF-P Paul Carmean (Sr.); 3B-P Joel Perry; OF Kalobb Dopson (Jr.); OF-P D.J. Manning (Jr.); C Steven Paulur (Jr.); INF-P Tyler Roby (Jr.).
Outlook: Dave Huber takes over the Roughriders program this year. He has five starters back and all five saw time on the mound, including seniors Kuffner, Newbauer and Roop.
Team: Shawnee
Division: II
Coach: Chad Spencer
Years, record at school: 5, 105-41
Last year’s record: 20-9 (6-3 WBL) (district finals)
Returning lettermen: C-INF Clint Spencer; 1B-P Jerod Dupes (Sr.); P-INF Jeremy Stoner (Sr.); OF Drew Biss (Sr.); INF-P Dominic Crea (Sr.); P-INF Sam Altenbach (Jr.); P-INF Trey Runneals (Jr.); INF-P Bruce Roberts (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: OF Tyler Lundy (Jr.); C-INF Brodey Williams (Sr.); INF-P Cory Wilder (Soph.); INF Geoffrey Akin (Jr.).
Outlook: The Indians graduated plenty of experience and will build around a young pitching staff. Runneals and Dupes will be among the pitchers called up. The everyday lineup will lean on the likes of Spencer, Biss, Runneals and Roberts.
Team: Van Wert
Division: II
Coach: Charlie Witten
Last year’s record: 9-14 (2-7 WBL)
Returning lettermen: SS-3B-P Corey Clifton (Sr.); 2B-SS-P Seth Bolenbaugh (Sr.); OF Joey Hurless (Soph.); OF Stephen Sullivan (Sr.); OF Nick Norris (Sr.); 3B Kody Heitz (Jr.); OF Cody Wood (Sr.); C Brandt Taylor (Sr.); 3B Tyler Paige (Sr.); 1B Lucas Riley (Sr.)
Promising newcomers: 1B-3B-P Ryan Todd (Sr.); 1B Matt Cucciarre (Jr.); OF-P Aaron McClellan (Jr.); 2B-3B Vince Moreland (Jr.).
Outlook: With a solid group of veterans, the Cougars should be able to score runs. The key will be playing better defense. The Cougars will be in search of quality innings from the starting rotation.
Team: Wapakoneta
Division: II
Coach: Jason Brandt
Years, record at school: 8, 118-73
Last year’s record: 25-5 (8-1 WBL) (regional finals)
Returning lettermen: SS-P Kaleb Coil; (Sr.) P-1B Dustin Gerlach (Sr.); C-UTIL Mickie Grothause (Sr.); CF-P Greg Stoll (Sr.); LF Cale Tabler (Sr.); P-OF Jordan Martin (Sr.); 2B-P Zach Ferenbaugh (Sr.); OF Lance Stahler (Sr.).
Promising newcomers: P-OF Johnny Crawford (Soph.); P-1B A.J. Etzkorn (Soph.); P-3B Marshall Gerlach (Soph.); INF-P Josh Apple (Soph.); INF-P Alex Koch (Soph.); C-DH Chris Schwartz (Jr.).
Outlook: Eight returning veterans saw plenty of key action in the regionals last year, including right-hander Gerlach (8-1, 5 saves, 2.46 ERA). Other returning starters are Coil, Grothause, Stoll and Tabler. Graduation did take catcher Mike Bogan and key pitchers Justin Krebs (7-0, 1.09) and Josh Vorhees (4-2, 3.30). Defense and building pitching depth behind Gerlach will be the keys. The Redskins will once again be shooting for a strong tournament run.

Northwest Conference
Team: Ada
Division: IV
Coach: Ben Thaxton
Years, record at school: 2, 5-35
Last year’s record: 3-21 (0-9 NWC)
Returning lettermen: P-3B Caleb Duffy (Sr.); P-INF Austin Everhart (Sr.); 1B Robert Guyton (Sr.); OF Ronnie Roberts (Sr.); P-C-OF Aaron Weyer (Sr.); P-OF Drew Crabtree (Jr.); 1B-P Matt Gray (Jr.); SS-P Austin Cobb (Soph.); OF Brenden Szippl (Soph.).
Promising newcomers: INF-OF Slade Downing (Fr.); C-OF Hunter Waller (Fr.); 3B-OF Gabe Sutton (Soph.).
Outlook: Leading hitter Tyler Simmons (.397) is gone, so the team will rally around Weyer, Duffy and Everhart. The Bulldogs look to be more consistent on the mound and defensively.
Team: Allen East
Division: IV
Coach: Kevin Schelb
Years, record at school: First year
Last year’s record: 13-12 (4-5 NWC)
Returning lettermen: CF Levi Hoy (Sr.); INF-P Levi Creeger (Sr.); INF Garth McDorman (Sr.); INF-P Derek McDaniel (Sr.); SS-P Tyler Stevens (Jr.); OF Tyler Wilson (Jr.); C Jake Lawrence (Jr.); OF-INF Tory Anderson (Jr.); OF-P Zach Gossard (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: 1B Jon Swaney; INF Austin Lloyd (Soph.).
Outlook: Kevin Schelb takes over in charge of the Mustangs. Nine lettermen lead the way, including seniors Hoy, Creeger, McDorman and McDaniel. The Mustangs should be sound, defensively. They’ll look to improve their situational hitting.
Team: Bluffton
Division: III
Coach: Sam Fruchey
Years, record at the school: First year
Last year’s record: 20-7 (8-1 NWC) (district finals)
Returning lettermen: P-SS Gabe Goldsberry (Sr.); P-SS-3B Nathan Cheney (Sr.); C-P Clay Wannamaker (Sr.); CF Brandon Falk (Sr.); 3B-OF-P Logan Steingass (Jr.); OF-3B Jeremy Basinger (Jr.).
Promising  newcomers: 1B-P Nathan Risner; 2B Trent Phillips (Fr.); OF-3B-C Tyler Belcher; 1B-P Chris McClain (Fr.).
Outlook: Sam Fruchey takes controls of a veteran club. Bluffton has two of the top pitchers in the area in Goldsberry and Cheney, who helped the Pirates to a share of the NWC title with LCC and Paulding. The Pirates also play solid defense behind the staff’s strong 1-2 punch. With five of its top six hitters returning, expect Bluffton to compete for another NWC title.
Team: Columbus Grove
Division: IV
Coach: Cory King
Years, record at the school: 9, 95-110
Last year’s record: 14-10 (6-1 PCL, 4-5 NWC)
Returning lettermen: P-2B Jacob Miller (Sr.); 3B Ryan Birkemeier (Sr.); OF Brock Graham (Sr.); 1B-OF Matt Jennell (Sr.); 1B-DH Spencer Wolfe (Sr.); OF-P Gavin Windau (Jr.); SS-P Zack Barrientes (Jr.); C-P Matt Jay (Soph.).
Promising newcomers: P-OF Trent Reed (Jr.); P-OF Aaron Vorst (Jr.); OF-SS-P Blake Hoffman (Soph.); 3B-P Trey Roney (Soph.); OF-P Brady Shafer (Soph.); 2B-C-OF Brandon Benroth (Soph.).
Outlook: The Bulldogs return a mix of seniors and underclassmen from last year’s PCL championship team. But gone is all-Ohio player Brandon Hovest. Pitching depth will be a top concern.
Team: Crestview
Division: IV
Coach: Jim Wharton
Years: 27
Last year’s record: 16-10 (6-3 NWC) (regionals)
Returning lettermen: P-UTIL Joey Overmyer (Sr.); P-SS-OF Brian Miller (Sr.); C Josh Staten (Sr.); P-2B Steven Rickard (Sr.); P-CF Matt Holden (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: 1B-P-OF Jake Harmon (Soph.); P-OF-3B Jacob Wortman (Jr.); P-UTIL Nick Adam (Jr.); SS-2B-P Kole Rolston (Jr.); P-UTIL Austin Heffner (Sr.).
Outlook: Graduation took 14 of the team’s 16 wins on the mound, so the staff will build around Overmyer, Miller and Rickard. While the pitching staff grows, the team will lean on what should be a solid defensive club. Overmyer also led the team with a .382 average, along with his 2-1 mark and 3.40 ERA.
Team: Delphos Jefferson
Division: IV
Coach: Doug Geary
Years, record at school: First year
Last year’s record: 9-15 (3-6 NWC)
Returning lettermen: SS-2B-P Nick Cook (Sr.); SS-2B Nik Moore (Sr.); OF Jordan Vorst (Sr.); P-1B Ben Babcock (Sr.); C Justin Rode (Jr.); 3B-P Tony George (Jr.); 1B-3B Curtis Miller (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: C-1B-DH Kyle Anspach (Jr.); OF Mike Joseph (Jr.); OF Evan Neubert (Jr.); P-3B Jeff Schleeter (Jr.); P-OF Drew Kortokrax (Soph.); INF-P Ross Thompson (Fr.).
Outlook: Craig Carder will be a tough void to replace. He hit .429 with four home runs and went 3-3 with a 1.88 ERA on the mound. The team will have to jell around the six starters, including Cook, who was 4-1 with a 3.65. Moore and Vorst both hit .300. Defense is expected to be one of the team’s strengths.
Team: Lima Central Catholic
Division: III
Coach: John Schnieders
Years, record at school: 9, 99-82
Last year’s record: 17-6 (8-1 NWC)
Returning lettermen: C Mike Snider (Sr.); INF Cody McCullough (Sr.); INF Austin Stolly (Sr.); P-OF Trevor Kottenbrock (Sr.); P-OF-1B Kyle O’Dowd (Sr.); OF Joey Levers (Sr.); INF Dylan Fisher (Sr.); P-INF Travis Clark (Jr.); P-OF Billy Taflinger (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: INF-C Kian Duffy (Jr.).
Outlook: Snider is a standout catcher, and with McCullough and Stolly, the infield defense should be a strength. The pitching staff will look to build depth around Kottenbrock and Clark. The T-Birds have a veteran lineup, but key will the pitching staff. The T-Birds will be in the hunt to defend their share of the NWC title.
Team: Lincolnview
Division: IV
Coach: Brad Mendenhall
Last year’s record: 8-15 (2-7 NWC)
Returning lettermen: 3B-P Taylor Hoehn (Sr.); 3B-OF Zach Kreischer (Sr.); OF-INF Chris Boroff (Sr.); Clayton Longstreth (Jr.); P-OF Brady Niese (Jr.); SS-P Nick Leeth (Soph.).
Outlook: Graduation took eight seniors, including Ian Bracey and Caleb Girod, who hit .468 with a school-record eight home runs. The veterans should be able to hit, but it will be tough to duplicate last year’s .326 mark. Defense should be a team strength.
Team: Paulding
Division: III
Coach: Mike Leach
Years, record at school: 3, 14-29
Last year’s record: 11-11 (8-1 NWC)
Returning lettermen: OF Wesley Zeller (Sr.); C-P Alex Mott (Sr.); INF-P Derrick Pease (Sr.); INF-P Logan Stoller (Sr.); OF-P Eric Fitch (Sr.); OF Aaron Manz (Sr.); INF-P-C Zach Gawronski (Jr.); INF-P Jason Koenn (Jr.); INF-P Bill Vance (Sr.).
Promising newcomers: OF-P Alberto Flint (Jr.); INF-P Dylan Egler (Jr.); UTIL Jacob Phlipot (Soph.).
Outlook: The Panthers have plenty of experience from last year’s NWC three-way championship team of a year ago. That includes seven pitchers who lettered. Paulding will aim to improve, defensively, but should make another run at the NWC title.
Team: Spencerville
Division: IV
Coach: Troy Montenery
Years, record at school: First year
Last year’s record: 8-15 (3-6 NWC)
Returning lettermen: OF Garrett Croft (Sr.); P-1B-OF Levi Krouskop (Sr.); C-P-1B Keaton Vandemark (Sr.); OF-C-P Jared Rex (Jr.); P-2B Matt Youngpeter (Jr.); 3B Dylan Layman (Jr.); P-OF Kasey Lee (Jr.); SS-P Cory Rieman (Jr.); P-1B Joel Shimp (Soph.).
Promising newcomers: INF-P Tanner Koverman (Soph.); OF Bryce Ringwald (Soph.); INF-P Bubba Shimp (Fr.); OF-P Nate Gaddy (Fr.).
Outlook: Troy Montenery, who went 65-48 in five years at Delphos Jefferson, takes over the Bearcats. Tyler Deitering, a .515 hitter and the team’s top pitcher, has graduated. Five starters return, including .282-hitter Cory Rieman. The Bearcats will rely on good team speed, while the bats come along.

Putnam County League
Team: Continental
Division: IV
Coach: Terry Dockery
Years, record at school: First year
Last year’s record: 4-18 (1-6 PCL)
Returning lettermen: SS-P Brandon Burke (Jr.); CF-P Brandon Scott (Jr.); 2B-P Spencer Ordway (Jr.); C-INF-P Tyler Dockery (Soph.); 3B-OF-P Dakota Scott (Jr.); OF Tyler Horstman (Jr.); OF Evan Prowant (Fr.); OF Vernon Prowant (Fr.).
Promising newcomers: 1B Austin Mansfield (Fr.); OF-P Luke Sullivan (Soph.); Clay Bracken (Jr.); P-CF Austin Sharp (Sr.); Jacob Swartzman (Jr.); Kyle Howard (Soph.).
Outlook: The Pirates should have pitching depth and look to be strong up the middle. How soon the offense is able to jell will be a key to the season.
Team: Fort Jennings
Division: IV
Coach: Jeff Swick
Years, record at school: 10, 86-90
Last year’s record: 13-10 (4-3 PCL)
Returning lettermen: C-P Jared Calvelage (Sr.); CF-P Brad Trentman (Sr.); 2B Ryan Schuerman (Sr.); OF Tyler Good (Sr.); SS-P Austin Norbeck (Sr.); P-1B Cody Warnecke (Jr.); C-1B Nolan Neidert (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: P-OF Troy Hellman (Jr.); P-3B Nick Verhoff (Jr.); SS-3B Kurt Warnecke (Soph.).
Outlook: Four pitchers return with experience, including 6-foot-6 left-hander Warnecke (3-1, 1.70 ERA). However, the offense needs to replace four of the team’s top five hitters. The offense, which will be a huge key, will look to Trentman and Calvelage.
Team: Kalida
Division: IV
Coach: Jim McBride
Years, record at school: 317-228
Last year’s record: 12-10 (4-3 PCL)
Returning lettermen: INF Tyler Hoffman (Sr.); OF Logan Recker (Sr.); OF Kristopher Osterhage (Sr.); P-OF Paul Utendorf (Jr.); P-INF Jordan Laudick (Jr.); P-INF Nick Guisinger (Jr.); P-INF Jared Zeller (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: P-INF Kevan Unferferth (Jr.); OF Connor Schmenk (Jr.); INF-OF; INF-OF Tyler Heitkamp (Jr.); INF Jordan Ellerbrock (Jr.); P-INF Nathan Kortokrax (Jr.); P-INF Ben Schroeder (Jr.); OF Nathan Jorrey (Jr.); INF Eric Kahle (Jr.); INF Ben von der Embse (Jr.) C Neil Recker (Soph.); INF Cody Mathew (Soph.).
Outlook: Kalida is usually one of the top teams in the PCL and this year should be more of the same. Four pitchers return from last year including Utendorf (4-0, 3.25 ERA). The Wildcats have good team speed. Pitching and team defense will be the key at making a run at the PCL top spot.
Team: Miller City
Division: IV
Coach: Dusty Pester
Years, record at school: 3, 37-9
Last year’s record: 20-5 (5-2 PCL) (district finals)
Returning lettermen: INF-DH Cody Dukes (Sr.); INF-C Derek Griggs (Sr.); C-P Brent Hermiller (Jr.); OF Brent Niese (Jr.); OF Ross Kaufman (Soph.)
Promising newcomers: Jared Kern (Jr.); Jay Schnipke (Jr.); Cody Gable (Jr.); Austin Lammers (Soph.); Russell Niese (Soph.); Brent Riepenhoff (Soph.).
Outlook: The Wildcats return the heart of the order from a team that won 20 games. The pitching staff needs to replace Rusty Lammers (7-1, 0.65 ERA) and Cody Vennekotter (4-1). If the young pitching develops Miller City will again be one of the top teams in the PCL.
Team: Ottoville
Division: IV
Coach: Tony Castronova
Years, record at school: 17, 178-161
Last year’s record: 7-15 (2-5 PCL)
Returning lettermen: P-INF Cody Delong (Sr.); INF-DH Justin Fischer (Sr.); P-INF-OF Matt Honigford (Sr.); P-INF Ty Turnwald (Sr.); P-C Aaron Wehri (Sr.); P-INF Travis Maag (Jr.); OF-C Austin Markward (Jr.); P-INF Bryan Hohlbein (Soph.); P-INF-OF Derek Schimmoeller (Soph.).
Promising newcomers: INF Cory Fischer (Soph.); INF Craig Odenweller (Soph.); Jacob Turnwald (Soph.)
Outlook: A solid nucleus returns, including seven who will see time on the mound. Ottoville hopes to be solid on the fundamentals to get back on the winning side of the ledger.
Team: Pandora-Gilboa
Division: IV
Coach: Matt Dube
Years, record at school: First year
Last year’s record: 6-15 (1-6 PCL), (3-6 BVC).
Returning lettermen: 1B Levin Hovest (Jr.); C-P-SS Joshka Breece (Jr.); OF-2B Nathan Schutz (Jr.); OF-3B Lucis Ladden (Jr.); CF Abe Basinger (Soph.).
Promising newcomers: P-SS Brian Schneck (Fr.); C Reed Hovest (Fr.); 2B-P Dustin Reiman (Fr.); OF-P Alex Osborn (Fr.); 3B-P Seth Schmenk (Fr.).
Outlook: The Rockets will be young, but hope to improve as the year progresses. Team speed, hitting and running the bases should be strengths. The Rockets will need to improve on the mound and defensively.

Midwest Athletic Conference
Team: Coldwater
Division: III
Coach: Brian Harlamert
Years, record at school: 13, 282-84
Last year’s record: 25-4 (8-1 MAC) (regionals)
Returning lettermen: C-1B Aaron Rammel (Sr.); P-INF Reese Klenke (Sr.); OF-INF-P Ethan Bettinger (Sr.); SS-P Randal Muhlenkamp (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: OF Tyler Jutte (Sr.); 3B-P Drew Klosterman (Jr.); P Eric Schmackers (Jr.); C-1B Alex Stammen (Jr.); 2B-OF Christian Schramm (Soph.); CF Mitch Heyne (Fr.); 2B Matt Selhorst (Soph.).
Outlook: Only four starters return from last year’s MAC title team which reached the regionals. Klenke, Bettinger and Muhlenkamp will also see time on the mound, along with moving to new positions. With a young team, the key won’t be how the Cavs start, but how they finish.
Team: Delphos St. John’s
Division: IV
Coach: Dan Metzger
Years, record at school: 8, 84-98
Last year’s record: 16-11 (5-4 MAC) regional finals
Returning lettermen: SS-P Ty Bergfeld (Sr.); C Chris Pohlman (Sr.); OF-P Jordan Leininger (Sr.); 1B-P Austin Vogt (Sr.); 2B-P Ryan Ellerbrock (Sr.); OF-INF Ryan Densel (Jr.); OF Tyler Ditto (Sr.); 3B-P Brad Gerbrick (Sr.); 3B-P Curtis Geise (Soph.); 3B-OF-P Jordan Bergfeld (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: C Austin Reindel (Jr.); INF-P Troy Warnecke (Soph.).
Outlook: The bulk of last year’s regional team returns, which includes a number of players from the state championship football team. Pohlman is the anchor behind the plate, while Bergfeld is one of the leaders at shortstop. Several top pitchers graduated, so Leininger and Vogt will move up in the rotation. The everyday lineup has a good mix of power and speed to help the Blue Jays have another strong season.
Team: Marion Local
Division: IV
Coach: Bryan Gray
Years, record at school: 2, 12-14
Last year’s record: 12-14 (3-6 MAC)
Returning lettermen: 2B John Elking (Sr.); P-RF Ryan Mescher (Sr.); 1B Craig Niekamp (Jr.); C-RF Lee Pierron (Jr.); SS-3B-OF Tucker Smith (Sr.); CF Dylan Thobe (Jr.); P-3B-SS Reggie Wendel (Jr.); P-OF-3B Greg Wolters (Sr.).
Promising newcomers: P Adam Bertke (Fr.); 1B Mitch Eilerman (Sr.); 3B-OF Danny Liette (Jr.); C-3B Kyle Mescher (Soph.); INF Cameron Schemmel (Jr.); INF-OF Jordan Rethman (Soph.); P Conner Unrast (Soph.).
Outlook: Hitting will be the team’s strong point, led by all-MAC second baseman Elking. The Flyers need to improve their defense and replace three of their top four pitchers from last year.
Team: Minster
Division: IV
Coach: Mike Wiss
Years, record at school: 17, 263-132
Last year’s record: 18-8 (8-1 MAC) (district)
Returning lettermen: 3B Brett Meiring (Sr.); C-DH Ben Heitbrink (Sr.); 2B Craig Purpus (Sr.); CF-P Mitchel Poeppelman (Sr.); P-LF Chase Paxson (Sr.); P Ross Heitkamp (Sr.); OF-3B Ryan Bernhold (Sr.); P Doug Huber (Jr.); OF-INF Ryan Hoying (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: P-INF Austin Knapke (Jr.); C Rob Wente (Jr.); OF Drew Elson (Jr.); P-1B Adam Niemeyer (Soph.); P-SS Devon Poeppelman (Soph.); P-INF Andrew Knapke (Soph.).
Outlook: The Wildcats return a strong core from last year’s MAC co-championship team (with Coldwater). Purpus (.456) at second and Paxson (.366) in left field were all-MAC players. The staff will be led by Huber (6-0, 2.25 ERA) and Heitkamp (3-1). With pitching depth and a veteran lineup, everything points for another bright season.
Team: New Bremen
Division: IV
Coach: Greg Cox
Years, record at school: 4, 30-36
Last year’s record: 7-17 (1-8 (MAC)
Returning lettermen: INF-P Calib Cox (Sr.); 1B-P Zach Siegel (Sr.); INF-P Kyle Evers (Sr.); OF-P A.J. Anderson (Sr.); C-UTIL Jordan Barlage (Sr.); P-UTIL Joel Hemmelgarn (Sr.); OF-P Cody Bruggeman (Sr.); SS-P Alex Frideger (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: OF Aaron Clune (Jr.); P-1B-OF Doug Kremer (Jr.); P-UTIL Brent Bertke (Jr.); C-UTIL Aaron McCollum (Jr.).
Outlook: New Bremen returns eight veterans, led by all-MAC first baseman Zach Siegel (.373). Clune will anchor the outfield from center field. The pitching staff will lead on seniors Siegel, Cox and Evers. This veteran team should be able to show marked improvement.
Team: Parkway
Division: IV
Coach: Mike Schumm
Years, record at school: 27, 366-210
Last year’s record: 14-13 (5-4 MAC) (district runner-up)
Returning lettermen: P-C Dylan Baker (Sr.); P-1B Chris Brazie (Sr.); P-2B Connor Jutte (Sr.); OF Trey Likes (Sr.); P-SS Riley Bransteter (Jr.); C Jonathan Fent (Jr.); OF John Rollins (Jr.); 3B-OF Brandon Moorman (Soph.).
Outlook: The Panthers have depth and a solid pitching staff. Keys including consistent hitting and being able to make the plays on defense.
Team: St. Henry
Division: III
Coach: John Dorner
Years, record at school: 22 (370-180)
Last  year’s record: 19-7 (7-2 MAC)
Returning lettermen: P-OF Tyler Bruns (Sr.); C Kurt Koesters (Sr.); 2B Eric Kunkler (Sr.); P-OF Brady Kremer (Sr.); 1B Brad Heitkamp (Sr.); P-3B Jay Kleinhenz (Sr.); 2B Nate Uhlenhake (Jr.); SS Alex Post (Soph.).
Promising newcomers: P-1B Caleb Heitkamp (Jr.); P-OF Trey Rutschilling (Jr.); P-OF Kent Stammen (Jr.); C-OF Derek Rindler (Soph.).
Outlook: Pitching should be the Redskins’ strength with Bruns, Kremer and Kleinhenz. With solid production from the everyday lineup, the Redskins will once again be the hunt for the MAC pennant.

Greater Buckeye Conference
Team: Lima Senior
Division: I
Coach: Jimmy Morris
Years, record at school: 5 (23-70)
Last year’s record: 9-16
Returning lettermen: 2B-P Brad Fisher (Sr.); SS-P Zach Rumbaugh (Sr.); P-3B-SS Kendall Jackson (Sr.); 3B-P Casey Reed (Sr.); 1B-DH David Henderson (Sr.); CF-P Austin Beggin (Sr.); OF Devonne Johnson (Sr.); 1B-P Tyler Lawrence (Jr.); OF Desmond Daniel (Jr.); OF-P Brandon Stinson (Soph.); C-P Aaron Kellum (Soph.).
Promising newcomers: OF Tim O’Neill (Jr.); INF-P Drew Jennings (Fr.); C-1B Mike Fisher (Sr.).
Outlook: The bulk of the Spartans’ seniors have been seeing time since they were freshmen so this club is loaded with experience. Jackson, Rumbaugh and Fisher were all-GMC players. Rumbaugh and Jackson will lead the way on the mound. Morris hopes to develop pitching depth behind them. With some timely hitting, the Spartans could have a bright season.

Northwest Central Conference
Team: Perry
Division: IV
Coach: Jon Shively
Years, record at school: 4, 23-37
Last year’s record: 7-14 (2-3 NWCC)
Returning lettermen: C Andrew Gipson (Soph.); SS Ben Sanders (Soph.); P-1B Brey Buetner (Jr.); OF Tyler Cornwell (Sr.).; 2B Tanner Hunt (Sr.); 2B-OF Seth Ewing (Soph.); P-SS Trevor Wallace (Sr.); 1B-OF Drew Smith; UTIL Isiah Patton (Jr.).
Newcomers to watch: 3B-C-P Corey Smith (Fr.); P-OF T.J. Sloan (Jr.).
Outlook: Perry returns a core group from last year, including left-hander/first baseman Brey Buetner. The Commodores have excellent team speed. They expect their younger players to play key roles. Perry should compete for the NWCC crown.
Team: Temple Christian
Division: IV
Coach: Devin Dye
Years, record at school: 2, 1-8
Last year’s record: 1-8 (0-6 NWCC)
Returning lettermen: 3B Seth Wierwille (Jr.); OF Zach Cooper (Sr.); OF Josh Rone (Jr.); OF Isaiah Roebuck (Jr.); 2B Zeke Bolon (Soph.); C Andrew Rhoad (Soph.); P Marcus Craig (Sr.); P Evan Sutton (Soph.).
Promising newcomers: P Jared Mitchell (Jr.); OF Calen Crawford (Fr.); OF Eric Goodman (Jr.).
Outlook: The Pioneers have veterans throughout the lineup this year. The pitching staff will lean on Craig and Sutton to lead the way. With experience in the everyday lineup, the Pioneers are looking for marked improvement.
Team: Upper Scioto Valley
Division: IV
Coach: Frank Crea
Years, record at school: 2, 5-16
Last year’s record: 5-16 (2-4 NWCC)
Returning lettermen: C Trent Canfield (Jr.); OF-C Devin Carl (Jr.); P-1B Sean Hale (Soph.); P-C-INF Cain Haney (Soph.); OF Quintin Lewis (Soph.); P-3B Chris Miller (Soph.); CF Brandon Overs (Jr.); P-SS Blake Watkins (Soph.).
Promising newcomers: INF-OF Travis Compton (Fr.); P-C-INF Cole Crawford (Fr.); C-INF-OF Michael Knox (Soph.); P-INF-OF Woody Prater (Fr.); P-OF Jared Sheldon (Soph.); P-INF-OF Chance Watkins (Fr.); P-OF Lyle Yaussy (Soph.).
Outlook: The Rams will be young and hope to jell as the season develops. The team will concentrate on executing the fundamentals and look to improve by the end of the  year.
Team: Waynesfield-Goshen
Division: IV
Coach: J.R. Biederman
Years at school: 5
Last year’s record: 8-15 (3-3 NWCC)
Returning lettermen: OF Gaige Hennon (Sr.); 1B-P Gabe Hennon (Soph.); 3B-C Curtis Shoner (Sr.); SS-P-C Garret Miller (Soph.); C-3B Ronnie Jarvis (Jr.); SS-OF Dylan Little (Soph.); 2B-P Zach Gilroy (Sr.); OF Zane Gilroy (Sr.); OF Jordan Barns (Sr.); P-OF Jacob Frank (Jr.); OF-2B Sheldon Shobe (Sr.); Of Andres Jensen (Sr.).
Promising newcomers: P-OF Ryan Agnew (Jr.); P-3B Garret Hauenstein (Jr.).
Outlook: The Tigers look to showed marked improvement with a veteran-heavy team. Pitching and defense should be the team’s strengths.

Blanchard Valley Conference
Team: Hardin Northern
Division: IV
Coach: Brady Mast
Years, record at school: 6, 26-100
Last year’s record: 4-21 (0-9 BVC)
Returning lettermen: RF-P Trent Bryant (Sr.); 1B Dan Hastings (Sr.); 2B Austin Roby (Jr.); P-SS-OF Patrick Stevenson (Jr.); 3B-P Jacob Lozano; CF-P Colin Geiger (Jr.); C-P Reed Poling (Jr.); LF-1B Jake Potter (Jr.).
Promising newcomers: OF-SS-P Logan Price (Sr.); P-SS Jacob Gossard (Fr.); 2B-OF Ethon Flowers (Fr.).
Outlook: Hardin Northern returns a veteran roster. The top two pitchers will be Stevenson and freshman Gossard. The Polar Bears are solid, defensively, but need to develop the back end of the rotation. Hardin Northern will look to move runners over in a small-ball approach.