What is Cooper going to look like?

I agree Conner will be a player. Arlo is one of two best coaches in NKY (Coach B at HHS the other) and will have them ready. That said, Ross is a very big loss. You lose your ace and that moves everyone up a slot. I know Blaise has been good and will probably assume that role, but after that you don't know how kids will react when they are asked to pitch against the Ryles and Boones and Coopers as opposed to throw off games.

 

I think you will see Blaise and Craddock step into that role. Arlo seems like he is able to motivate a willing and capable player into stepping up.

Looking forward to getting back to regularly attending Beechwood Games. After many years of work travel, I have taken a new job that is only 15% travel instead of the other way around. Sad as it may seem to some, missing Beechwood Football and Baseball was a major factor in my decision. 2nd to missing my family of course.

 

Go TIGERS!

 

Edit: Forgot my predictions.

 

My Top 4 - Only because there are many that would take 5 and I don't want to think.

 

Beechwood (Because if I didn't pick them, you know I have been hacked!)

Conner (They will surprise people)

Highlands (Seem to get it done)

Cov Cath (Its Coach Krumps and I always believe he can do it)

I know none of these teams fall into a top 5 discussion... But does anyone see a solid surprise season out of teams such as St. Henry, Ludlow, Lloyd, Bellevue, Bishop Brossart? Any other teams to watch out for?

 

Scott. They lost a lot but they also return a lot too.

Looking forward to getting back to regularly attending Beechwood Games. After many years of work travel, I have taken a new job that is only 15% travel instead of the other way around. Sad as it may seem to some, missing Beechwood Football and Baseball was a major factor in my decision. 2nd to missing my family of course.

 

Go TIGERS!

 

Edit: Forgot my predictions.

 

My Top 4 - Only because there are many that would take 5 and I don't want to think.

 

Beechwood (Because if I didn't pick them, you know I have been hacked!)

Conner (They will surprise people)

Highlands (Seem to get it done)

Cov Cath (Its Coach Krumps and I always believe he can do it)

 

 

 

Why would anyone overlook Conner this year? They are the defending 9th region champs and will have a big target on their backs. Cant use the no respect card this year. Difficult to repeat in the 9th. Anyone know who the last school was to repeat as champs?

Why would anyone overlook Conner this year? They are the defending 9th region champs and will have a big target on their backs. Cant use the no respect card this year. Difficult to repeat in the 9th. Anyone know who the last school was to repeat as champs?

 

There are many on here that don't put them in the top 5 and NOBODY that I have talked to about 2015 Baseball has mentioned them in Top of the Region. Which is stupid IMO. I don't think they are going to play the respect card, but it also seems like they aren't getting the respect that others would get in the same position. Just my observations.

 

Obviously I'm with you on this.

Conner isn't regarded as highly heading into this season because they lost the entire middle of their field...© Hart, (2B) Harshbarger, (SS) Williams, and (CF) Ross, not to mention Ross was their #1 pitcher.

 

So some young kids from JV will have to really step up to give Conner a chance to reach the regionals. As always it will come down to that pitching matchup in the District opener and who will oppose Blaise.

 

The loss of leadership is huge, not to mention those 4 seniors last year were the 4 best defenders on the team and 4 of the top 6 hitters.

 

Ward and Blaise will probably hit 3-4 and will produce but they need help. Who will step up?

Conner isn't regarded as highly heading into this season because they lost the entire middle of their field...© Hart, (2B) Harshbarger, (SS) Williams, and (CF) Ross, not to mention Ross was their #1 pitcher.

 

So some young kids from JV will have to really step up to give Conner a chance to reach the regionals. As always it will come down to that pitching matchup in the District opener and who will oppose Blaise.

 

The loss of leadership is huge, not to mention those 4 seniors last year were the 4 best defenders on the team and 4 of the top 6 hitters.

 

Ward and Blaise will probably hit 3-4 and will produce but they need help. Who will step up?

 

I would have to agree with district opener match ups. If each team's ace are healthy and full strength and based on last season performances. Conner will have a hard time getting past Ryle or Boone to make it to regions.

It's funny that every year Boone doesn't get much talk on this board but every year they field a very good team. This year will be no exception, I know Ganns is gone but up the middle defense is as good or better than any in Northern KY. Pitching will be solid with Purnell, Davis and a few from last years JV.

 

I agree that Boone usually fields a good team every year but it's going to be hard to replace Ganns on the mound and at the plate. They will definitely need some players to step up.

Scott. They lost a lot but they also return a lot too.

 

Pitching and defense will be very good. Jake Ohmer takes over at short, and while he's not Spata offensively (yet), he will be as good defensively. Andrew Trame will probably be the top hitter and probably play 3rd. Ohmer, Trame, and Seay will all be very good on the mound. Eli Sowder (OF), Ryan Seeney (OF/2nd/Utility...could play anywhere depending on who pitches) should also contribute offensively. If they can score runs consistently, they will be tough. I see them playing a lot of small ball, and playing in a lot of low scoring games.

I agree that Boone usually fields a good team every year but it's going to be hard to replace Ganns on the mound and at the plate. They will definitely need some players to step up.

Boone lost the least out of the 4 district teams. Boone lost only 3 everyday players and I feel will be defensively as good or better in those three spots. They will have to have some step up and fill their offensive holes but I feel they will fill those needs.As for Pitching,Ganns will be missed. Yes he was very strong on the mound, but Cooper lost Dunn, Conner lost Ross and Ryle lost some seniors.

I think out of the 4 teams , Boone with Purnell and Ryle with Zigelmeyer will fill the void the best. Both pitchers are in the mid to high 80's and good back up pitches. They will be a force the next two seasons. Last year, Dunn/Ganns match ups were very exciting, I think we are in for some bigger things with Purnell/Zigelmeyer match ups in the next couple years in the 33rd.

Pitching and defense will be very good. Jake Ohmer takes over at short, and while he's not Spata offensively (yet), he will be as good defensively. Andrew Trame will probably be the top hitter and probably play 3rd. Ohmer, Trame, and Seay will all be very good on the mound. Eli Sowder (OF), Ryan Seeney (OF/2nd/Utility...could play anywhere depending on who pitches) should also contribute offensively. If they can score runs consistently, they will be tough. I see them playing a lot of small ball, and playing in a lot of low scoring games.

 

I could see this being the starters for Scott next year:

RF: Sowder

CF: Pusateri

LF: Back

1B: Seay

2B: Wilder/Seeney

SS: Ohmer

3B: Trame

C: Hughes

 

Pitching is something that will be interesting to watch this year. Trame, Ohmer, Seay, and Lakehamp are all back but who after that? My thoughts are that you'll see a lot of younger players pitching for them this year. Moore, Lucas, Sowder, Moran, and Pusateri will all get a chance this year I'm guessing.

I could see this being the starters for Scott next year:

RF: Sowder

CF: Pusateri

LF: Back

1B: Seay

2B: Wilder/Seeney

SS: Ohmer

3B: Trame

C: Hughes

 

Pitching is something that will be interesting to watch this year. Trame, Ohmer, Seay, and Lakehamp are all back but who after that? My thoughts are that you'll see a lot of younger players pitching for them this year. Moore, Lucas, Sowder, Moran, and Pusateri will all get a chance this year I'm guessing.

 

Don't know if Sowder will pitch or be able to play outfield this year. Right now he is wrestling with a shoulder brace and has had trouble with the shoulder popping in and out since football season. He could end up at DH this year if he is unable to throw effectively that would likely move Seeney to right field full time, which will hurt as he would likely play all over the place depending on who pitches (he can play either corner outfield, 2nd, 1st or 3rd).

 

Lehkamp will have to be effective this year on the mound as the 4th starter for Scott to be really successful. All the younger guys you mention will eat some innings and with their defense, should be ok when needed as long as they throw strikes. There is also apparently a new kid to Scott (I can't remember his name) who came in from a non KHSAA Christian school who is very big and supposedly can throw in the 80's that could be a surprise.

 

I'm glad you mentioned Noah Back....if he can get on base and be an effective leadoff hitter, he will be really disruptive with his speed.

Why would anyone overlook Conner this year? They are the defending 9th region champs and will have a big target on their backs. Cant use the no respect card this year. Difficult to repeat in the 9th. Anyone know who the last school was to repeat as champs?

 

NCC in either 2010 and 11 or 11/12. Before that it was mid 90's CCH. Beechwood and CCH came close in early to mid 2000's with both going 3 straight times and both teams losing middle game.

Don't know if Sowder will pitch or be able to play outfield this year. Right now he is wrestling with a shoulder brace and has had trouble with the shoulder popping in and out since football season. He could end up at DH this year if he is unable to throw effectively that would likely move Seeney to right field full time, which will hurt as he would likely play all over the place depending on who pitches (he can play either corner outfield, 2nd, 1st or 3rd).

 

Lehkamp will have to be effective this year on the mound as the 4th starter for Scott to be really successful. All the younger guys you mention will eat some innings and with their defense, should be ok when needed as long as they throw strikes. There is also apparently a new kid to Scott (I can't remember his name) who came in from a non KHSAA Christian school who is very big and supposedly can throw in the 80's that could be a surprise.

 

I'm glad you mentioned Noah Back....if he can get on base and be an effective leadoff hitter, he will be really disruptive with his speed.

 

Back is a very underrated player. Definite key to the Eagles success this year.