Roncalli, Southport and county champ Center Grove off to fast starts; GCA and Lutheran have plenty of speed with new season under way
and Steve Page, Correspondent
Improved teams and three new coaches make up the Southside baseball landscape this season.
Some teams have seen modest success already as reigning sectional champs 3A Beech Grove and 1A Lutheran and defending Mid-State champion Decatur Central defend their titles.
MaxPreps No. 2 team in the state, Center Grove is the 2023 Johnson County champs after edging Whiteland, 1-0 and Franklin, 8-7. The Trojans are a perfect 10-0 after defeating Greenwood Friday in a CG home game at Greenwood. The game was moved from CGHS because the school was closed due to a phoned-in bomb threat.
In the Battle of Perry Township, Southport defeated Perry Meridian, 8-4 Friday night on junior relief pitcher Zachary Looper’s triple that emptied the bases in the sixth for the Cardinals fourth straight win.
Beech Grove (3-3) snapped a three-game losing skid Saturday against visiting Purdue Polytech on Jackie Robinson Day as both teams wore commemorative jerseys that also honored the Negro League Indianapolis Clowns.
Greenwood Christian Academy is 5-3-1 without an on-campus baseball field; most home games and practices are at Indianapolis Sports Park.
Roncalli opened with five straight wins but fell at Carmel Friday and recovered to defeat host Franklin Central Saturday.
New Southside coaches include Patrick Antone at Roncalli, Joshua Meaney at Lutheran and Fabion Ricks at Christel House Manual.
Here’s the outlook for Southside teams with last year’s won-lost record and player stats:
Beech Grove players and coaches wore identical uniforms with No. 42 in honor of famed Jackie Robinson at the Hornets’ annual Jackie Robinson Day game Saturday morning. The uniforms also bore the team name Clowns in honor of the Negro League Indianapolis Clowns. The Hornets defeated Purdue Polytech.
BEECH GROVE (3A, 13-14) – Brotherhood. That’s the one word that coach Jacob Wickliff uses to describe this season’s Hornets.
“We have a group of seniors who have been playing together for a very long time,’” Wickliff said. “The young kids in the program have put their arms around them. They’re prepared for something special.”
The Hornets won the sectional last year and captured their first regional game before bowing out of the playoffs.
Eleven Hornets are back, including a handful from the 2022 3A state basketball championship team.
Seniors Logan Muffler (.346, 27 hits; 3.59 ERA) and Cam Brown (2.59 ERA), who moves to first base when not pitching, headline the long list.
Familiar Hornets in the infield are sophomore first baseman Griffin Matracia, seniors second baseman Chase Alford (.312, 24 hits), third baseman Jordan Ramsey, and shortstop Skylar Thacker (.330, 28 hits). Leftfielder Jeremiah Alexander also returns. Catcher Logan Stephens is back behind the plate.
Brown is joined on the pitching staff with returnees Muffler, Alford, Ramsey, Thacker, Chris Hammer, and Rylan Horen.
Newcomers, up from JV, include sophomore Brayden Cruse and juniors Tucker McDonald and Andrew Buerosse.
The Hornets have speed with 235 stolen bases in the last two seasons and will be sprinting to set the single-season record for steals the third straight season.
“When we get on base, we have to steal bases,” Wickliff said. “We don’t have the extra-base hitters, so we have to steal. Defense is part of our identity because our pitchers aren’t overpowering. So we have to make plays.”
CENTER GROVE (4A, 25-3-1) – The Trojans are loaded with talent, depth and determination to atone for last year’s sectional loss to Mooresville. Coach Keith Hatfield’s squad has solid pitching, hitting, speed, defense, and experience.
A trio of NCAA Division 1 recruits leads the pitching staff: Ben Murphy (Indiana) 5-2, 3.10 ERA, 48 strikeouts; Caden Cornett (Purdue-Fort Wayne) 4-0, 1.49 ERA; and Jacob Murphy, 4-0, all right-handers. Senior Christian Brown and junior Connor VanderLuitgaren add depth on the mound.
The Trojans are loaded at the plate with: shortstop Drew Culbertson (Missouri) .292, 32 runs scored; outfielder Garrison Barile (Miami, Ohio) .487, 43 RBI, 7 home runs; catcher Grant Sawa (Purdue-Fort Wayne), .281, 16 RBI; junior infielder Noah Coy (Cincinnati), .375, 33 runs scored; outfielder Evan Zapp (Queens), .389 avg, 24 RBI; and junior outfielder AJ Beggs, .414, 5 triples, 4 home runs.
The Trojans have one of the deepest lineups in the state with plenty of power and speed plus defense. And they are determined to go deep into the playoffs.
CHRISTEL HOUSE MANUAL (3A) - Eagles have first home game Thursday against city league foe Washington. First-year coach Fabion Ricks leads program that lacks depth and feeder system. Deshon Hollis and Dakota Long are only returning veterans. They are joined by Michael Cox, Zion Hudson, Kameron Prater, Marquan Ford, Nathaniel Lucas, Julius Walker, John Robinson, and Manual Martinez.
DECATUR CENTRAL (4A, 11-11-1) – After reloading in 2022 following the graduation of 10 seniors, the defending Mid-State champions enter the season with optimism.
“We have a good mix of ages and classes,” third-year coach Sean Winkelseth said of the seven seniors, two juniors, four sophomores, and three freshmen on the roster.
Key players include: senior pitcher and slugger Kaden Barr (.407 batting average, .555 slugging percentage; 1-1, 1.22 ERA); shortstop Brayden Coffey (.279, 18 stolen bases; 3-3, 3.95 ERA); senior catcher Alex Brawley (.980 fielding percentage); and junior third baseman Garret Smith (.250, 12 RBI).
Freshmen Bo Poston, a football quarterback, and classmate Logan Markus are promising newcomers.
Winkelseth bases his team’s efforts on three pillars: the name on the front of the jersey, leadership, graduate – and win.
Jaylan Yates, a Decatur Central sophomore, awaits the pickoff throw to first base from pitcher Logan Markus during Tuesday’s home game.
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (4A, 6-17) – Flashes are eager to turn things around after seven straight losing seasons and battling Hoosier Crossroads Conference teams. Veteran coach Greg Schoettle faces an uphill battle against HCC foes.
The Flashes face a slow start after graduating most of their pitching staff, leaving behind junior Weston Harvey and a relatively newmound corps that already has experienced injuries.
“We’re pitching by committee,” Schoettle observed.
Otherwise, Schoettle added, “We compete hard, that’s what I love about this team. It’s a tight-knit group. This team doesn’t quit and that’s all I ask from them. They are fun to coach.”
The Flashes return with eight seniors, among them are: centerfielder and leadoff hitter Max Thacker; Colin May who moves from the outfield to shortstop and No. 3 hitter, first baseman / third baseman Corbin Napier, a team leader and second-team all-conference.
Nevan Tutterow bolsters the pitching and is at short with classmate Nate Schwark at second.
In conference play, the Flashes have yet to face Noblesville, Zionsville, Brownsburg, Fishers, and Hamilton Southeastern.
“It’s such a grind in this conference, but that just makes us better,” Schoettle observed.
GREENWOOD (4A, 7-15-1) – Veteran coach Andy Bass and the Woodmen return with several returnees with goals of scoring more runs and cutting down on so many costly errors made in the field last season.
The Woodmen return with a solid nucleus and the promise of an improved diamond campaign.
While having only four seniors, Greenwood has a strong junior contingent that gained valuable experience last year. The juniors are third baseman Brendan Bailey (.409), shortstop Landen Smith (.385, 27 hits, 23 RBI), rightfielder Amare Middleton, outfielder Cade Kelly, first baseman Cooper Smith, outfielder Wyatt Flowers, catcher Cole Basey, infielder Spencer Fay, catcher Jackson Simms, and pitchers Micah Vessely (4.34 ERA), Logan Connor, and Oren Fiesel.
Senior Noah Rollins (.280) leads the class at second base, with classmate infielders Sheldon Clark, Payton King and Jarren Sanders.
Sophomore centerfielder Ethan King and Mavrick Pauley add depth.
The Woodmen have speed and savvy for being a young team that’s hungry for more wins.
Greenwood’s Amare Middleton (25) and Cooper Smith (30) take water break during home game.
“We also use the park for our practices when it’s available,” veteran coach Doug Hagist said. “At times, we’ve even used a parking lot to get in some practice.”
No matter where the Cougars practice or play, this is an interesting team with eight returning starters from last year’s winning team.
The key returnees are: seniors, first baseman Eli Ellis (.479), shortstop / pitcher Jake Potter back from a season-ending injury last year, leading pitcher and home run hitter Trey Harney III (10 home runs); juniors, catcher / third baseman Colton Flint, catcher Charlie Overton (50 runs), second baseman Wyatt Schlageter, and leftfielder Mason Wright. Sophomore pitcher/third baseman Caden Camden returns after starting every game last season.
Newcomers expected to make an instant impact are junior outfielder/pitcher Cole Mulhauser and sophomore pitcher Preston VanTil.
GCA again plays a demanding schedule that includes 4A Decatur Central, Greenwood, and Pike plus Brebeuf, Chatard, Scecina and Heritage Christian.
“We were a very good hitting team last year and will look to build on that,” coach Hagist said. “With a year’s worth of experience, we will be more confident in the field and on the mound. We play a very tough schedule in hopes that it will prepare us for the (IHSAA) tournament.”
The Cougars will be on the prowl with this group.
A talented junior class of athletes has a wealth of baseball experience at GCA. They are, from left, leftfielder Mason Wright, second baseman Wyatt Schlageter, rightfielder Cole Muhlhauser, centerfielder Charlie Overton, and catcher Clinton Flint.
“I would be shocked if we’re not close to that (22 wins),” first-year coach Meaney said. “We are a better team, maturity-wise and experience. Our juniors have really good maturity and are helping our seniors lead. Most of our guys have played varsity for at least two years.”
Seniors and team captains, shortstop Josiah King (.537, 26 runs, 29 hits) and centerfielder Micah Mackay (.457, 48 runs, 43 hits, 31 RBI, 27 stolen bases) have most of the clout at the plate.
Junior catcher Gehrig Whitlock (.295, 21 RBI, 3 home runs) has thrown more than 50 percent of runners out who have tried to steal against him. Sophomore Landyn Parker holds down second base and has speed and experience. Junior outfielder Jackson Brandenburg (.308, 23 hits, 23 runs) adds punch.
Pitching is solid with junior Ryan Jeffers (4-1, 1.38 ERA) and sophomores Ryan Redding (3-0), Owen Lecher (2-0, 0.84 ERA), and Nate Hughes, who missed most of last season due to illness.
The team’s main identity is their ability to steal bases. The Saints attended a clinic on strength and fitness at Purdue University and returned with more speed and agility techniques.
“Honestly, we’re faster than last year’s team,” Meaney said. “Overall, we want to be clean with the glove (defense), throw strikes, keep opponents of the bases, and be solid all the way through the lineup at the plate.”
And the roster is loaded with freshmen who are eager for varsity experience.
“We have just had some pieces in the past,” Banwart said. “Now, they’re all coming together for us.”
PMHS is coming off a 14-win season that featured an 8-6 record in rugged Mid-State Conference competition.
“We’re excited to be in that (conference) mix,” Banwart added.
Seniors, ace pitcher Jake Phillips (6-2, 2.02 ERA, 55 strikeouts in 59 innings) and all-conference infielder Gavin McBeath (.253 batting average, .387 on-base percentage, 15 RBI, 4 home runs), are the leading players. Phillips also hit .348 with 19 RBI.
Infielder / pitcher Michael Carter (.377, 19 runs, 16 stolen bases) adds speed and a big bat to the lineup.
And shortstop Spencer Gayheart returns after recovering from an injury that limited him to only nine games. He hit an impressive .464 with 10 RBI, a .519 slugging percentage, and a fielding percentage of .939 in a limited season.
Seniors Lane and Brock Allison and sophomore catcher / pitcher Aiden Kerr can hit; senior Kolton Wright and sophomore Jackson Lamkin have shown speed on the bases.
“Our focus will solely be on ourselves,” Banwart contends. “We’re dealing with what we can control. We want to be in control all the way and be happy (because) we’re playing baseball.”
“With two new jobs (teaching and coaching) and getting moved, it’s been a hectic school year already, but in a good way, it’s been a challenge,” Antone said honestly. “These players were used to doing things a certain way; even though it’s different, they have responded really well.”
The Royals lost six seniors to graduation but return six seniors: pitcher/outfielder Tanner Hudspeth, centerfielder Hayden Scott, pitcher Shaun Byrne, shortstop / catcher /pitcher Andrew Baugh, outfielder / catcher Michael Schafer; and middle infielder Kyle Walker.
Junior pitcher JJ Prendergast and promising sophomore Maddux Haworth add depth to the mound corps. Sophomore Drew Nelson is at third. Junior newcomer Parker Dougherty adds power at the plate. Junior Dylan Henry is behind the plate.
“We have made our practices as competitive as possible,” Antone said. “There are no excuses not to run the bases, not to make the same mistakes over and over or to be aggressive and put pressure on the defense.”
To say the least, Antone is a student of the game.
“The game is really hard, not only skillwise but mentally as well” Antone philosophized. “You have to be able to understand the objective at any moment, the situation, and what type player you are. You have to be mentally tough to handle to ups and downs, the struggles, the disappointments. Long range, we want them to be a better person because they went through the baseball program.”
After a rare .500 season, the Royals are poised for another winning campaign.
“As a first-year coach last season, I made it my goal to get many of our freshmen and sophomores into the lineup early and often,” Dudas said. “While they went through growing pains last year, I think this will pay dividends as these players reach their junior and senior seasons.
Dudas observed, “Our team is very young, but our youth has experience.”
The Cardinals graduated two solid pitchers Zach Shepherd and Max Shelburn.
Senior catcher/first baseman Drew Youmans (IU-Kokomo signee) leads the returnees with a .277 batting average with eight doubles and 15 RBI.
Seasoned sophomores who are now juniors include pitcher / outfielder Bryce Calvert (.286, 11 RBI; 3.21 ERA), and infielder Calvin Miller (four doubles, three triples). Sophomore pitcher Nick Godsey led the team with a 3.06 ERA in 16 innings last season as a freshman. Returning junior Ramon Martinez and Mikey Takacs will help on the mound and at the plate.
Senior Zach Chambers, the 2022 “best teammate,” returns after missing last season due to injury. Junior catcher / infielder Nolan Roll and sophomore Peyton Phoenix will see more playing time this season as fulltime varsity players.
Newcomers include juniors, outfielder Espy Ralston, pitcher Zach Looper, and infielder Jacob Rodriguez; sophomores, pitcher Austin Van Velse and outfielder Max Terrell and freshman pitchers Riley Matlock and Ty Duncan.
To improve hitting, the Cardinals competed against each other in live at-bat sessions that were tracked.
“As a program, we totaled totaled 422 live plate appearances and an average of 26 plate appearances per hitter,” Dudas said. “We see that as nearly seven games worth of live reps; I hope that preparation allows them to feel more comfortable in the box.
“At the plate, we’re focused on the three B’s: barrels, bases, and bunts,” Dudas observed.
Overall, the coaching staff also seeks improvement in fielding, preventing the “compounding” error, and pitching.
Dudas summarized, “Our goal as a program this year is to play hard, earn each other's trust, and be a tough opponent for any team that steps on the field with us.”
Zach Chambers, Southport’s junior designated hitter, takes a cut during Saturday’s home game with Pike.
The Warriors, just like the community, are trying to get back to some normalcy.
“We ended up having an extended spring break, by a week, with school not open,” veteran coach Scott Sherry said. “We’re trying to get back to school, practices, and games. So it was a tough week.”
Whiteland returns to the diamond with five seniors: Peyton Emberton, Ethan Shipp, Brayden Roy, Kevin Denham and Donavin Woodall.
“These seniors have been in the program for four years; they’re baseball kids,” Sherry said. “This is a good group. They support each other. And that makes for good team chemistry when guys get along. They bring energy and leadership qualities and they’re all key guys.”
Sherry provided the following evaluation of some of his key players: Shipp is a senior with good offensive numbers and is good at putting the ball in play, being a sparkplug; Drew Helton is a third-year player, one of our top pitchers and hitters; Maalik Perkins is a sophomore centerfielder with lots of speed; and Peyton Dickens has pitched really well and is hitting well, an up-and-coming player.
“We’d like to compete every night, be in every ball game,” Sherry said. “In this conference (Mid-State), that’s a hard thing, to be in it day in and day out – that’s the challenge. The conference setup is great. If you lose, then you can come back right away with a second conference game. It’s good to get the bad taste out of your mouth sometimes.”