By Phil Wade
Director, PBR Indiana

As we prepare for our 2014 high school preseason coverage, we are going to take a quick glance at teams from across the state.

Team: Griffith
Class:  3A
League: Northwest Crossroads 
Head Coach: Brian Jennings
2013 Overall Record: 18-15
2013 Conference Record: 7-5
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 2

TOP PLAYERS

Kyle Buikema, C, 2014
Kody Hoese, SS, 2016
Matt Colomes, OF, 2014
Robbie Hernandez, OF, 2015
Anthony Quintero, 1B, 2016
Josh Terzarial, OF/P/1B, 2015

OUTLOOK:

Head Coach Brian Jennings and the Griffith Panthers won their second consecutive sectional crown in 2013.  The team finished 18-15 with a 7-5 record in conference play.  Expectations are once again high this spring for the Panthers as they try and advance past the Regional round of the IHSAA State tournament. The 2014 Panthers return six position starters and two arms. Four-year varsity starter Kyle Buikema returns for his final year at Griffith.  The 6-foot-1 catcher finished last season hitting .391, and expected to once again contribute at the plate.  Sophomore shortstop Kody Hoese will lead things up the middle defensively for the Panthers.  Hoese, ranked No. 8 in Indiana's class of 2016 rankings, hit .286 as a freshman.  Senior outfielder Matt Colomes and Junior outfielder Robbie Hernandez will be key components offensively.  Colomes finished last season hitting .351 while Hernandez finished with a .338 BA.  Other players Coach Jennings expects to contribute include; 2016 first baseman Anthony Quintero, and 2015 LHP Josh Terzarial. Quintero .  Look for Griffith to compete with Andrean, Hobart and Munster for the 2014 Northwest Crossroads Conference championship.  

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COACHES PRE-SEASON QUESTIONNAIRE

We appreciate the strong response so far from high school coaches across the state assisting with our pre-season coverage. If you have not already done so you can fill out our coaches pre-season questionnaire online by clicking here.

click here for more 2014 Team Previews