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Preseason Countdown No. 9 Grandview

March 20, 2015


By John Cackowski
State Director

Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the top 50 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage. The top 50 teams are picked from all classifications, and are not divided up by class level. To see the entire list click here

Team: Grandview
Preseason Rank: 9
2014 Record: 11-10
Conference: Centennial
CHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Dean Adams
Playoff Run: Lost to Rocky Mountain 11-1 in District Championship
2014 Final Rank: 28
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 1

TOP PLAYERS:
Eric Mingus, SS No. 40 2015 (Commited to Iowa Western C.C.)
Keifer Glau, OF, No. 48 2015
Ben Marshall, OF, 2015
Tyler Odorisio, 3B, 2015
Morgan Smith, P, 2015
Grant Schroeder, RHP, No. 14 2016
Nick Morris, RHP, No. 34 2016
Tyler Smith, 2B/SS, No. 42 2016 (Committed to Ohio)

X-FACTOR:
The Wolves have some real good arms in their 2016 class. They will get some good experience this spring and depending on how they do is how the Wolves will do.

NEW PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Tyson Hays, C, No. 26 2017: Hays will have to wait his turn in the deep Grandview program, however Hays is an up and coming catcher in the 2017 class. When we say Hays last summer he showed some good bat speed with an 82 mph exit velo. Showed good balance hitting at the plate with short stride and good lower half. Gap to gap power with level swing through zone. Had a strong arm across infield for his age (77mph) and had a 2.04 pop time.

KEY PLAYERS LOST:
Tanner Thomas, Sean Kennedy, and Zach Starcher

STAT RAT:
The Wolves lost three games by 1 run in 2014. If they win those three games they would have most likely been a host site for districts.

BOTTOM LINE:
Last year was somewhat of a rebuilding year for the Wolves, and they still competed going 9-5 in the tough 5A Centennial League. The Wolves will bring back a good offensive team that does not beat themselves on the field. No. 40 2015 SS and Iowa Western CC commit Eric Mingus returns. Mingus was the Wolves best all around offensive player in 2014. Mingus hit an impressive .500 in 2014 leading the Wolves, while also leading the team with 25 runs, and 7 doubles. No. 48 2015, OF Keifer Glau will man CF. In 2014 he hit .429, was second on the team with 17 RBI's, and provides speed on the bases. 2015 OF Ben Marshall and 2015 3B Tyler Odorsio both return and add depth to the offense. Marshall hit .360 in 2014 and lead the team with 7 stolen bases, and Odorisio hit over .300 last year. No. 42 2016 Tyler Smith is very athletic. Already committed to Ohio, Smith has excellent speed and a mid 80's arm across the infield. He will be a weapon for the Wolves at the top of the lineup. 2015 P Morgan Smith brings back his 6-foot-5 frame and a 5-0 record from 2014.  The key to the Wolves success will be two 2016 pitchers,  No. 12 Grant Schroeder, and No. 34 Nick Morris. Schroeder will bring an upper 80's fastball, and Morris brings a 6-foot-6 frame to the mound. The Wolves have as experienced a coaching staff in the state lead by legendary coach Dean Adams. They play the game the right way, and expect them to be fighting for a 5A Final 8 appearance in May.

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