SUBMITTED PHOTO
Beech Grove Middle School eighth-grader Tyler Osborn broke a 33-year-old school swimming record by posting a time of 1 minute, 8.07 seconds in the 100-yard backstroke. 
​
The previous best was 1:08.5. 

By Al Stilley
Senior staff writer

Baseball teams on the Southside have the challenge of living up to a remarkable 2016 season that resulted in Roncalli’s first state title.

The memories are still fresh of unranked Roncalli’s dramatic extra-innings, one-run win over No. 1-ranked Zionsville. 

Played in front of a record 6,799 frenzied spectators at Victory Field, Will Harris beat out an infield grounder that scored teammate Mark Cobb with the winning run.

A shining moment of postgame sportsmanship by Roncalli catcher Cody Smith went viral. Typical of the Roncalli way, Smith went to the mound to console losing pitcher Jack Pilcher. Video of Smith leaning over the distraught pitcher went viral.

Roncalli and nine more Southside teams now face a new season. 

A rematch of last year’s 4A thrilling semistate semifinal between Roncalli and Center Grove takes place Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Roncalli. 

The Rebels and Trojans are most Southside teams are rebuilding; Greenwood and Manual have the most veterans back.

Spectators can catch several Southside stars, including Roncalli’s Nick Schnell, Center Grove’s Nick Coy, Greenwood’s Dylan Rosado and TJ Bass, Manual’s Richard Markle and Southport’s Avery Short.

All coaches are looking for pitching depth due to a new pitch count rule this season (the rule will be explained in next week’s Southsider Voice).
​
Team-by-team outlook with last year’s records.
​New enthusiasm with new coach at Beech Grove
​Center Grove returns few players from great 2016 season
​Franklin Central has nine players to replace
​Greenwood has the speed to score
​Senior trio ready to lead GCA
​Saints seek another winning season
​Manual enjoying the buzz around its program
Close losses should turn to close wins for Perry Meridian
Defending state champion Roncalli looks to continue success
Improvement is on the way for Southport baseball