This was sent to me before we decided we were not going to do a baseball preview this year for various reasons. I thought the info in here was way too good to deep-six and decided to post it.

 

Enjoy!

 

9th REGION TOP TEN PLAYERS

(listed alphabetically)

 

Tyler Brake (Conner)

Jeremie Conner (NCC)

Ryan Darner (CCH)

David Etscheid (Ryle)

Zach Isler (CCH)

Hunter Jones (Bellevue)

Mark Kelly (NCC)

Luke Maile (CCH)

Andy Roenker (Holy Cross)

A.J. Smith (Beechwood)

 

 

 

COVINGTON CATHOLIC COLONELS (27-9)

 

Covington Catholic (27-9) reached the regional championship game in each of its last two seasons, falling short to Ryle in 2007 and to Newport Central Catholic in 2008. They have the talent to again reach - and win – the regionals, and it will be the last chance for their talented 2009 class to do so. Head coach Bill Krumpelbeck will be in his 33rd year directing the Colonels.

 

Seniors C Luke Maile, CF/P Brandon Nutini, P/1B Zach Isler, and 3B Ryan Darner will lead the way for CCH this year and have enough supporting cast around them to make the Colonels the clear cut preseason favorite. Maile (.564 AVG/7 HR/38 RBI), a 2-time Player of Year winner and UK signee, is the foundation of a very strong hitting lineup. Isler (.402 AVG/7HR/42 RBI) and Darner (.431 AVG/40 RBI) are also strong hitters and Nutini (.292 AVG) and 2B/OF Brandon LaFever (.288 AVG) will contribute offensively as well.

 

Isler (43 INN/45 K’s/2.28 ERA) and Nutini (7-3/53 INN/2.24 ERA) provide as solid a 1-2 pitching combination as exists in NKY. Isler is fully recovered from arm surgery and now topping out in the mid-to-high 80's and Nutini has excellent command of several pitches. Senior Patrick Krumme (27 INN/3.04 ERA) also provided some valuable innings for the Colonels last season.

 

There are some minor concerns, however. The potential loss of junior OF/P Matt Klein (.387 AVG) due to health reasons affects not only the pitching depth, but a loss at the plate, though there are now signs Klein may be able to return at some point.

 

CCH will also need to tighten down their defensive play if they want to make serious run at state, as they have had issues in the middle of the infield in past years. Nonetheless, their overall strength makes them favorites to win the 9th Region.

 

 

CONNER COUGERS (16-13)

 

Conner (16-13) ended a strong overall 2008 campaign with a 4-game losing streak and a disappointing loss to St. Henry in the 33rd district semi-finals. With seven returning starters this season, 3rd-year Head Coach Brad Arlinghaus, is looking to improve the Cougar’s post-season opportunities.

 

Offensively, the Cougars lose David Osuna from last season’s club, but return several solid hitters. Senior 1B Tyler Brake 2008 (.464 AVG/25 RBI), an Enquirer Honorable Mention last season, is one of the top hitters in NKY and should again compete for the batting title this season. Junior C Austin Pugh (.447, 5 HR/32 RBI), also an Enquirer Honorable Mention, will hit cleanup and provide power for the Cougars. Junior 2B Michael Gill (.345 AVG) and junior OF Nick West (.288 AVG) will also contribute offensively.

 

Senior LHP Will Shuttlesworth (3-5/32K’s/2.96 ERA) will be the ace of the staff and one of the top pitchers in NKY. Shuttlesworth recently signed to play baseball at the U.S. Naval Academy. Senior RHP Thomas Noll (25 INN/3.92 ERA), junior RHP Jake Samad (12 INN/1.75 ERA), and senior LHP reliever Josh Atanovich (19 INN/4.01 ERA) will also be relied upon heavily by Arlinghaus.

 

Conner will be solid defensively, but will need to fill the critical shortstop position vacated by graduated Erik Thomas. Their overall experience and depth make them the 33rd district favorite entering the season and a likely candidate to fare well in regional play.

 

 

NEWPORT CENTRAL CATHOLIC THOROUGHBREDS (19-17)

 

Newport Central Catholic (19-17) is the reigning 36th District and 9th Region champions, having defeated Covington Catholic 9-4 in the championship game. The Breds were subsequently eliminated by Lexington Catholic in the semi-state round. 14th year head coach Jeff Schulkens returns the vast majority of this team for the 2009 season.

 

The Thoroughbreds will be led by Kentucky Preseason All-State selection senior OF Mark Kelly (.385 AVG/23 RBI). Kelly was also selected to the Junior All State team in 2008. Senior 2B/P Jeremie Conner (.319 AVG), the 2008 9th Region Tournament MVP, also returns this season. Shulkens expects strong years out of senior SS/P Nate Rawe (.217 AVG/11 RBI) and senior 1B/OF Matt Geisler (.233 AVG/12 RBI).

 

Conner (55 INN/3.67 ERA/55 K) had an outstanding pitching season in 2008 and will again be the ace of the Breds’ staff, as well as one of the top pitchers in NKY. Other pitchers that will be relied upon include Rawe (20INN/2.07ERA) and senior Tyler Bader. NCC will need to develop some additional pitching depth this season to make a repeat run in the region.

 

Schulkens admits that his squad struggled at times defensively last season and will need to improve in this area if they are to match their 2008 success. Of primary concern will be replacing graduated C Johnny Pabst. Senior Jake Lohr and sophomore Chris Kelly are candidates to fill this role.

 

Shulkens has given his team a challenging schedule this year, including games against Hamilton Badin and McNicholas, as well as trip to the Harrison County Tournament. NCC is the preseason 36th district favorite, but will be tested by Highlands and Bellevue. They should return to the regional tournament again in 2009.

 

 

HOLY CROSS INDIANS (15-14)

 

Holy Cross (15-14) finished last season with a solid overall record and two regular season wins over 9th region champions Newport Central Catholic, but lost to Beechwood in the first round of 35th district tournament play. Head coach Mike Holtz is hoping that the 2009 season will see the Indians reach the regional tournament for first time since 2004.

 

The Indians will need several players to step up this year to replace the offensive production of graduated players Cody Reardon, Kevin Barth, and Matt Bodner. Senior 2B Mike Parrott (.329 AVG/22 R), senior 3B Ryan Stewart (.419 AVG), senior C Brad Cooper (.333 AVG), junior CF Dustin Barker (.319 AVG), senior 1B Paul Ritter, and junior SS Andy Roenker and will start and expect to be the heart of the offense.

 

Holy Cross will have one of the better 1-2 pitching combinations in NKY in Roenker (8-2/2.21 ERA) and Stewart (3.79 ERA). Other pitchers that will be counted on to provide meaningful innings for the Indians include senior LHP Tyler Kincaid, senior RHP Jeff Minks, junior RHP Keith Egan, and Ritter, who is returning from a shoulder injury last season.

 

Defensively the Indians should be very sound and will also benefit from a senior-heavy roster. If the offense adequately supports what is expected to be a solid pitching staff, they should have a strong year. But advancing out of the 35th district is always a challenge, as the road to the regionals tends to run through Cov Cath and Beechwood.

 

 

DIXIE HEIGHTS COLONELS (19-14)

 

The 2009 season will be Chris Maxwell’s 27th season as head coach of Dixie Heights (19-14). Last season the Colonels won the 34th district and advanced to the semi-finals of the regional tournament, where they lost in extra innings to Covington Catholic. The Colonels also won the Coach Connor Classic, as well as celebrated the opening of a new baseball complex. The Colonels will have a major hole to fill with the graduation of P/3B All-Region player Matt Nichols, who received a baseball scholarship to Morehead State University.

 

Pitching depth will unquestionably be the strength of the Colonels this upcoming season. Maxwell will be relying on senior RHP Rob Koors (3-2/3.47 ERA) and junior LHP Brice Smallwood (3-2/3.56 ERA) to lead the staff. They will be supported by senior LHP Ryan Chamberlain (1-2/3.77 ERA) and junior Brett Stansberry (2-2/2.80 ERA). Sophomore RHP Tyler Sexton may also see some time on the hill this season.

 

Dixie will be led offensively by senior 2B/OF Brent Lessley (.244 AVG), junior 3B/OF Corey Klei (.377 AVG), and junior DH/1B Joel Lubrano (.270 AVG). Sophomore C Brad Popham does a solid job defensively behind the plate for the Colonels.

 

Dixie’s pitching strength should make them the odds-on-favorite to win the 34th district again this season, but they will need consistency at the plate to advance in the regionals.

 

 

RYLE RAIDERS (13-16)

 

Pat Roesel, head coach at Ryle (13-16) since the school’s inception in 1992, will be returning a team that finished a disappointing 13-16 last season and did not advance out of the 33rd district. Ryle faced one of the toughest schedules in the state last season.

 

Ryle graduated several senior position players and pitchers from last season. The loss of pitchers Charlie Lovan, Austin Sebald, and Cory Reider is the biggest issue facing the Raiders. Senior David Etschied, the ace of last year’s staff (50 INN/2.78 ERA), will be the only pitcher with extensive varsity experience. Junior LHP Kyle Donovan (10 INN; 3.94 ERA) and senior RHP Joe Renda (17 INN) will be counted on this season and Roesel will also be looking for a couple of pitchers from last season’s regional championship JV team to step up very quickly.

 

Ryle does return four of their top 5 hitters from last season in senior INF/OF Kyle O’Hara (.412 AVG/9 DBL), 3B Etschied (384AVG/.470 OBP), sophomore SS Josh Freidel (.338 AVG), and junior 2B/OF Logan Carney (.288 AVG). The Raiders will need solid contributions from some of last year’s JV players.

 

Ryle should have some impressive team speed and will be extremely solid defensively with senior Cody Meier behind the plate and a combination of Etschied/Freidel/O’Hara/Carney in the infield. It might take some time to solidify their outfield, as they were hit with injuries to OF’ers Gus and Nick Murray during football season that will prevent them from playing baseball this year. The Raiders should advance out of 33rd district play this season.

 

 

BELLEVUE TIGERS (15-17)

 

Bellevue (15-17) head coach Rob Sanders is entering his 4th season in charge of the Tigers baseball program. Sanders, the reigning 9th Region Coach of the Year, eagerly anticipates the start of this season and with good reason. Bellevue’s field was substantially upgraded during the offseason and Sanders has challenged this year’s squad with a much tougher schedule than in previous years.

 

The Tigers return the bulk of last year’s team that lost to Highlands in the first round of the 36th district tournament. Bellevue loses C Brad McIntosh and 3B/P Roger Babb, but will again be led by Player of the Year candidate junior SS Hunter Jones (.485 AVG/7 HR/42 R/30 RBI/33SB/Enquirer All Region honors). Jones will be supported by junior 1B Tony Piper (.347 AVG), junior C Alex Hegge (.326 AVG), and senior CF Thomas Barrett (.245 AVG/2008 All Conference honors).

 

In the pitching department, Bellevue will be looking towards Piper (64 INN/3.17 ERA) to lead the team, as well as senior Jimmie Scott (43 INN/5.93 ERA) and junior Mike Young (2.68 ERA).

 

Hitting and defense will be the strengths of the 2009 ballclub, though Hegge must quickly make the adjustment from 1B to full-time catcher this season, something Sanders feels confident he will do. Look for Bellevue and Highlands to wage a fierce battle with NCC to finish atop the 36th district this year.

 

 

HIGHLANDS BLUEBIRDS (17-14)

 

Highlands (17-14) first-year varsity head coach Jeremy Baioni takes over a team that finished 17-14 in 2008, placed second to NCC in the 36th district, and lost to Dixie in the first round of the regional tournament. Baioni and his coaching staff will have to deal with the loss of Highlands’ top two players from last season, Zach Muench and Thomas Towles, both of whom have gone on to play baseball at Transylvania University. However, 12 returning seniors on the Bluebirds’ roster will help provide depth and experience.

 

Senior 1B/3B Kody Rosenhagen (.286 AVG) will be one of several players counted on to lead the hitting attack. Rosenhagen missed most of last season due to an injury. Junior SS Chris Rizzo (.371 AVG) will hit leadoff again this season. Junior Sam Liggett (.200 AVG/12 RBI) will be starting his third season as the Bluebirds’ catcher and will hit in the middle of the order. Seniors Ted Abner, Blake Newman, Charlie Gold, and Jack White should also contribute offensively this season.

 

Senior LHP Ryan Sainola will be relied upon to lead the pitching staff. Sainola transferred from CCH and missed most of the high school season last year. Senior Oliver Head (26 INN/22 K’s) will also contribute on the mound, as will Gold, Rizzo, Ben Watson, and Cory Dill. It is unclear if Rosenhagen will be able to pitch this season, as he is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

 

Baioni is admittedly concerned about the confidence level of his team going into this season and will need some role players from last season to step up quickly. Pitching depth is an issue that the Bluebirds will need to overcome, however there exists enough talent on this team to be very competitive in the 36th district and potentially advance into regional play.

 

 

BEECHWOOD TIGERS (23-10)

 

Beechwood (23-10) completed yet another very successful season during the 2008 year, finishing as 35th district runner-up to Cov Cath and losing in the first round of the regional tournament to Boone County. This was the 6th straight year in which head coach Bob Myerhoff’s team finished with at least 23 wins and his teams averaged an impressive 28 wins during that period.

 

Myerhoff will have his work cut out for him this year if he is to again reach that plateau, as the Tigers may have graduated the most talent off last year’s squad as any team in the 9th region. Standout P/CF Cody Elliott is now playing baseball at Ball State University and 1B Chris Morris (Brescia University) and P Steve Hadden (University of Charleston) are also playing college baseball. Starters OF Adam Gohs, 2B Richie Williams, C Chris Miller have graduated and INF Brady Slusher has chosen not to play this season. This will mean that Beechwood will be very young this season and that quite a few players will be seeing their first full-time varsity action.

 

Beechwood has a solid pitching staff returning in senior RHP A.J. Smith, who has already committed to Murray State, senior RHP Nathan Snyder, sophomore RHP Zac Larimore, and sophomore RHP Josh Bertke.

 

Most of the defensive positions are up for grabs. Of greatest concern for the Tigers is replacing the middle of the defensive at C, 2B, SS, and CF. Senior OF Chas Hyde will likely take over the CF spot. Junior Joe Colisimo and Bertke should also start in the infield. The Tigers will need to see consistent play at SS this season, a problem area at times last year.

 

The Tigers will be playing on a greatly improved field this year. If their defense and hitting adequately support what should be a solid pitching rotation, Beechwood will again make their presence felt in the 9th region.

 

 

BOONE COUNTY REBELS (20-12)

 

Boone County (20-12) had a very successful 2008 season, winning the 33rd district and advancing to the semi-finals of the 9th Region tournament, where they were defeated by eventual champion Newport Central Catholic. First year head coach Wayne Huff replaces Matt Wilhoite (now Athletic Director at Cooper High School) and takes over a squad that was hit hard with graduation losses. Gone for Boone are 1st Team All State and UK signee Cory Farris, St. Catharine’s signees P Tony Krohman and P Nick Houlehan, P Todd Krohman, SS Mark Reed, and 2B Kevin Williams.

 

All is not glum for Boone, however. They return two very fast and solid all-around OF’ers in senior Daniel Lokesak (.292 AVG/4 HR/23 RBI) and junior Ronald Cotton (.344 AVG/12 SB), both of whom would be considered in any discussion of the top defensive OF’er in NKY. Lokesak is receiving some looks at the college level. Joining them in the outfield will be junior Nate Alford. Senior Luke Sciamanna (.211 AVG) will return at 3B and senior Brennan Carroll (.250 AVG) will likely handle shortstop duties this year. Boone struggled defensively at the shortstop position last season after Reed went down with a season-ending injury and will need to improve play there. This will also be the first time in four years they have not had Farris behind the plate.

 

Of greatest concern facing Boone is the loss of experienced varsity pitching. Junior LHP Tyler Deno and senior RHP Logan Faehr saw limited action last season and will be counted on to handle the lion’s share of the innings this year. Sciamanna and RHP Jackson Laumann will also get plenty of opportunities on the mound. Key to Boone’s success this year will be how their pitching staff comes together and whether someone steps up to take charge of the #1 pitcher spot.

 

With Conner looking to be the clear-cut preseason favorite in the 33rd district, Boone and Ryle will likely battle it out for the second spot in the regional tournament. Boone gets an opportunity to avenge last season’s tournament loss to NCC when they meet the Breds on March 27.

 

 

LLOYD MEMORIAL JUGGERNAUTS (17-15)

 

Lloyd Memorial (17-15) had their first winning season last year since 2002. The Juggernauts posted solid regular season wins over Conner (2x), Anderson County, Boone County, and Holy Cross and were 34th district runner-up to Dixie, subsequently losing to NCC in the first round of the regional tournament. Head coach Aaron Moore has high expectations for his squad heading into the 2009 campaign.

 

The Juggernauts lose their top hitter in CF Matt Gregory, but return seven starters from last season, including senior C Corey Moore, who was recently awarded a baseball scholarship to Brescia University. Other key returnees include junior SS Dylan McGuire and senior 1B/3B Brendon Gregory, who will be returning from off-season knee surgery, as well as senior Scott Dunn, who transferred from Ludlow and is expected to start at 2B. Sophomore OF Charles Jouett is also expected to contribute.

 

Lloyd will likely be without the services of their ace, junior RHP Jeremy Pittman, who underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason. RHP McGuire and LHP Jouett will anchor the rotation, but Moore will need others to step up behind them to provide some pitching depth. The Juggernauts should have a solid defensive squad, especially in the infield.

 

The Juggs will play a challenging schedule this season, including a contest against defending state champion PRP, to prepare themselves for a run at the 34th district championship.

 

 

ST. HENRY CRUSADERS (11-24)

 

Former major league pitcher Walt Terrell is in his 4th year as head coach of St. Henry High School. Last season the Crusaders advanced to the regional tournament after upsetting Conner in the 33rd district semi-final game. They were eliminated in the first round of the regionals by Cov Cath. The Crusaders move to the 34th district (Dixie, Lloyd, Ludlow, Villa) for the 2009 season.

 

Terrell has several starters returning from last season, including senior SS Andrew Hitchcock, senior OF’ers Scott Volz and Cameron Speed, and junior 3B Travis Miller. Top pitchers for the Crusaders will be seniors Trevor Zwick and Nick Lazzarri.

 

Terrell expects his defense to be very strong this season and will rely heavily on his senior leadership. He will need several other pitchers to develop for his team to step up to the next level, but there is probably no better coach in NKY to accomplish this task. The Crusaders should fare well in the 34th district this year and could certainly return to regional play.

 

 

NEWPORT WILDCATS (2-14)

 

Newport (2-14) struggled through a difficult season in 2008, winning only two games and were eliminated by Highlands in the first round of the district tournament. Wildcats’ head coach Grady Brown, entering his 35th year of coaching at Newport, foresees a much more successful season in 2009, as he returns six starters, his top two pitchers, and a fair amount of senior leadership. Newport’s only key loss from last season is the graduation of C Kyle Simpson.

 

Senior 1B Dan Schwalbach (.330 AVG/.475 OBP) will lead off for the Wildcats and has a knack for finding ways to get on base. Junior CF Brandon Sizemore and sophomore SS Travis Jones will also be counted on to support the Wildcats’ hitting attack, as will senior LF Tony Baldwin and senior 2B Jeremy Fetters.

 

Brown returns solid pitching in the brother duo of senior RHP Pat Klaas (3-3/3.75 ERA) and sophomore LHP Shawn Klaas (3-3/3.50 ERA), who was selected as an All-District player last season as a freshman. Schwalbach will also throw innings this year, as will junior LHP Ean Plank, the MVP of last year’s JV team.

 

Brown believes his team will be strong defensively. His primary concern is replacing the catcher position and his bench depth. Newport will no doubt have its work cut out for them in what should be a tough 36th district this year, but is capable of surprising some people and could potentially reach the regionals should they receive a favorable blind seed in the district tournament.

 

 

HERITAGE ACADEMY EAGLES (6-9)

 

Heritage (6-9) nearly pulled off a major upset in 33rd district play last season, losing a close 9-8 game to St. Henry. It is difficult for Heritage, with a high school enrollment of under 100 students, to compete in district play against the likes of Conner, Ryle, and Boone County. Heritage elects to not play these teams during the regular season and instead focuses their scheduling on the smaller schools throughout NKY.

 

That is certainly not to say Heritage has not had talented players participate in their baseball program. Last season’s starting catcher Nick Elwart (.478 AVG) is now playing baseball at Centre University. The Eagles will also lose P/1B Joe Javins from last year’s squad.

 

Senior P/SS John Michael Schroer (.500 AVG) will be returning for Heritage, along with junior 3B Jacob St. Blancard (.457), junior CF Chris Maines (.296 AVG), and sophomore OF Eric Slater (.395 AVG). Junior Austin Bruener, a transfer from Virginia, will also contribute and play shortstop. Schroer will lead the pitching staff (39 INN/71 K/ 5.87 ERA), along with junior RHP Mark Wheatley (34 INN/39 K/ 5.76 ERA).

 

Replacing the catcher position will be critical for the Eagles and pitching depth is always a concern for a smaller school, but Heritage returns enough talent to make them a solid team at the “A” level in NKY. Heritage also added Boone County and Lloyd to their schedule this season and will play in a wooden bat tournament.

 

 

COOPER JAGUARS (1st season)

 

Cooper will be fielding their first varsity baseball team in 2009. Cooper, the 4th public high school in Boone County, is composed primarily of students that previously attended (or would have attended) Conner and Ryle High Schools. The Jaguars will be coached by Bob Bieger, who coached last season at Ludlow High School. The Jaguars will play in the 33rd district along with Ryle, Boone County, Conner, and Heritage.

 

Bieger was extremely pleased with a turnout of approximately 50 students for team tryouts. For the 2009 season, Cooper will field a varsity and JV team, and will look to add a freshman team for the 2010 season. The Jags newly-built field will immediately be one of the nicest in NKY.

 

It will obviously take some time for Beiger and his staff to assess the overall talent on his team. His team will be young, as seniors at Conner and Ryle were permitted to remain at their existing schools. However, Beiger does have a couple of seniors on whom he will rely for leadership, including John Williamson, Sam Louden, and Brett Dickman. Other players that Bieger anticipates having a big role this season include Rueben Griggs, John Bjurquist, Andrew Brownfield, Troy Wilkie, Nick Ballinger, Tyler Ramey and Ryan Thompson. All of these players gained experience in the Ryle and Conner baseball programs.

 

Cooper will play a rigorous schedule in 2009, as Bieger has not shied away from scheduling the top teams in NKY. There will no doubt be some growing pains for the young first-year team, and pitching depth is obviously a concern, but Bieger will soon have the Jags competitive in the 33rd district and 9th region.

 

 

LUDLOW PANTHERS (6-10)

 

Ludlow (6-10) finished the 2008 season with a 6-10 record, losing to Lloyd in the first round of the 34th district tournament. Aaron Stamm, who is also the Ludlow girls’ varsity basketball coach, in his first year taking over the reigns of the baseball program.

 

The Panthers lose several key players from last season – SS Jared Rouse, CF Nick Adams, and C Matt Aynes – but also return a solid core of seniors that will be heavily relied upon by Stamm to lead the team. Senior 3B Tyler Shelton, Senior 1B Kyle Williamson, and CF Brett Betz will lead the Panther’s offense.

 

Senior RHP Daniel Hammons will lead the Ludlow pitching staff. Hammons is a hard-thrower who has the potential to pitch at the small college level. Shelton, Williamson, Zach Stegmoller, and Chuck Penick will also contribute significantly on the mound.

 

Stamm will have his work cut out for his team in the revamped 34th district, which now includes St. Henry, in addition to Dixie, Lloyd, Villa, and Ludlow. If the offense can adequately support the pitching staff, Ludlow might surprise a few people this season.

 

 

DAYTON GREENDEVILS (1-18)

 

The 2008 season was a tough one for Dayton (1-18), as they managed only one win and occasionally struggled to have enough players to field a team. Second-year coach Roger Hamilton sees much brighter days ahead for the 2009 squad. The Greendevils were a very young team last year and lost no one due to graduation. The experience these younger players got last at the varsity level should begin to pay off this season.

 

Junior SS James Jones is a solid presence in the middle of the lineup and can hit for power. Junior 1B Pat Schwierjohann was one of Dayton’s top hitters last year and provides good team leadership. Junior 3B Greg Kraft has the versatility to play multiple positions in the field. Senior OF Kenny Adams will be counted on to shore up the outfield this year, an area in which the Greendevils had problems last season. Michael Richardson should start at catcher.

 

Junior RHP Brandon Thornton is expected to lead the Dayton pitching staff and will be backed up by Jones, Schwierjohann, and Kraft. Lack of pitching depth was a problem for the Greendevils last season and is a top priority for Hamilton this season.

 

Dayton will undoubtedly be more competitive this year and could surprise a few teams. While they likely do not yet have the overall talent or depth to advance out of the 36th district this season, they are clearly capable of winning some games in the All “A” Classic and are a team on the rise.

 

 

VILLA MADONNA (8-14)

 

Villa Madonna (8-14) completed the 2008 season with an 8-14 record, losing 4-2 to Dixie in the first round of the 34th district tournament. Head coach Rob Sawyers is entering his second season in charge of the Villa baseball team. One of his biggest challenges will be to replace the loss of All Region 3B Brian Hamilton and P Will Ries.

 

Sanders will be counting on Senior C Conrad Kresge (.280 AVG/20 RBI), sophomore INF Kameron Starek (.270 AVG/17 RBI), and senior 1B Zach Trimble (.498 OBP) to lead a very young team (nine freshman and 8th graders) this coming season. Trimble (3.10 ERA/3 SV) will lead the pitching staff. Sawyers expects to field a solid defensive squad this year and hopes to develop some pitching depth along the way.

 

It is no doubt difficult for a small school like Villa (200 students) to compete with the larger schools, but Sawyers likes to challenge his team nonetheless and has scheduled opponents such as Conner, Bourbon County, and Scott. Villa will be competitive against similarly-sized schools and Sawyers is optimistic about their chances to win a few games in the All “A” Classic. It is certainly not inconceivable that Villa could pull off a surprise upset in 34th district play this season. It was only 3 short years ago that Villa finished with a 17-9 record and advanced to the regionals as the district winner.

 

 

HOLMES BULLDOGS (4-18)

 

Holmes (4-18) head coach Chase Runyan is entering his second season in charge of the Bulldogs. Last season the Bulldogs finished only 4-18, but did post a nice win over Highlands. They will have their work cut out for them this year, as they are part of a very strong 35th district this year (CCH, Holy Cross, Beechwood, Holmes).

 

Runyan will be fielding a very young team this year and several freshman may see significant playing time. The Bulldogs will need solid seasons out of 3B Tommy Courtney, C Jess Jensen, OF Charlie Riley, and OF Jacob Wells if they are to be competitive. Courtney and Dustin Poe will be the anchors of a very young pitching staff.

 

Runyan admits that offensive support for his pitchers is a concern, but is counting on his team maturing as the year progresses and building on this experience in the seasons ahead.

That was a very nice breakdown. Thanks for posting.

Fantastic!

 

Thanks for sharing that Scribe.

Outstanding and I am sure a lot of hard work.... Thanks......

Enlightening. Thanks.

I think people will be surprised at the improvement of the middle infield for CCH. Tyler Holocher is a lot stronger physically and his arm is much more consistent than I've seen in the past.

I think people will be surprised at the improvement of the middle infield for CCH. Tyler Holocher is a lot stronger physically and his arm is much more consistent than I've seen in the past.

 

 

Let us hope so, that would be nice. Everytime the ball is hit to the middle infield, I hold my breath..

Nice work by Cooperstown to get the 9th preview done.

Nice work by Cooperstown to get the 9th preview done.

 

I agree...fantastic job Coop! Your love for high school baseball shines through with this work you did, and I am sure everyone is very appreciative of all the hard work to put this together. :notworthy:

The Middle infield will be much improved this year as Tyler Holocher has massively improved over the past year, Siemer the Colonels only true 2nd baseman will be at 2nd. The outfield, who some thought could have been better, will probably improve from last year. Nutini will be the anchor in center along with Lafever and Warning on the corners. All who are true outfielders. Look for Siemer to be the bunter in the 2 hole this year.

The Middle infield will be much improved this year as Tyler Holocher has massively improved over the past year, Siemer the Colonels only true 2nd baseman will be at 2nd. The outfield, who some thought could have been better, will probably improve from last year. Nutini will be the anchor in center along with Lafever and Warning on the corners. All who are true outfielders. Look for Siemer to be the bunter in the 2 hole this year.

 

 

The middle infield still sounds worrisome to me, but it's good to hear Tyler has done some work and improved, as he looked like he was getting better over the summer last year. I'm also skeptical about Warning in the outfield...but otherwise, I think Lafever and Nute out there is solid!

 

There are some minor concerns, however. The potential loss of junior OF/P Matt Klein (.387 AVG) due to health reasons affects not only the pitching depth, but a loss at the plate, though there are now signs Klein may be able to return at some point.

 

 

I am so extremely happy to report that in Saturday scrimmage game at CovCath (JV vs. Varsity) Matt hit and ran the bases!

 

In his third or fourth at bat, he took a HBP off his left arm (you wouldn't believe how quiet it got at that moment) from Nutini and Matt just shrugged it off and jogged down to first base like nothing had happened.

 

Later in the game when Coach Krumps brought in Darner to pitch a couple of innings, out comes Matt to play third base.

 

To think what this young man has gone through since this summer to yesterday, it is simply amazing to see him on the field playing the game I know he loves..... Way to go Matt.....:thumb:

 

Now when are those speed genes from your sister, going to kick in? :lol: Inside joke....

 

I am so happy for him and his family.......

I am so extremely happy to report that in Saturday scrimmage game at CovCath (JV vs. Varsity) Matt hit and ran the bases!

 

In his third or fourth at bat, he took a HBP off his left arm (you wouldn't believe how quiet it got at that moment) from Nutini and Matt just shrugged it off and jogged down to first base like nothing had happened.

 

Later in the game when Coach Krumps brought in Darner to pitch a couple of innings, out comes Matt to play third base.

 

To think what this young man has gone through since this summer to yesterday, it is simply amazing to see him on the field playing the game I know he loves..... Way to go Matt.....:thumb:

 

Now when are those speed genes from your sister, going to kick in? :lol: Inside joke....

 

I am so happy for him and his family.......

 

The only thing Matty has lost is his speed and obviously a little strength. Once he gets that back (I have no clue how long that will be), he will be nearly the same player.

The Middle infield will be much improved this year as Tyler Holocher has massively improved over the past year, Siemer the Colonels only true 2nd baseman will be at 2nd. The outfield, who some thought could have been better, will probably improve from last year. Nutini will be the anchor in center along with Lafever and Warning on the corners. All who are true outfielders. Look for Siemer to be the bunter in the 2 hole this year.

 

Where and who did Tyler Holocher play with over the winter?

Where and who did Tyler Holocher play with over the winter?

 

Not sure about winter ball but during the summer he played a lot (started) for the Kentucky Colonels.

 

The difference from last summer and his last HS season at CovCath was simply amazing. He was without a doubt in my mind, the most improved player for the Ky Colonels during the last summer season.

 

He not only looks bigger, stronger, but has indeed improved his fielding (range), arm strength (able to make the throws from the hole) and has the confidence that you want from your starting SS....

 

He has gone from a kid who no college coach would look at, to one that some D3 school now just might take a chance on.....