By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

As we prepare for the upcoming 2015 high school season, we will be taking a preseason glimpse at programs from around the state.

Team: Rochester Century
Nickname: Panthers
Class: AAA
League: Big 9
Head Coach: JD Bickle
Years as Head Coach at School: 2
2014 Overall Record: 10-9
2014 League Record: 9-9
2014 League Finish: NA
2014 Post-Season Finish: Lost in 1st round of play-offs

Returning Starters: 10
Pitchers with 15+ Innings Returning: 3

Starters Lost: 2
Pitchers with 15+ Innings Lost: 1

TOP RETURNERS
2015, Riese Zmolek, OF
2015, Erik Thorvilson, LHP
2015, Nick Smith, RHP/3B
2015, Nick Pearson, MIF/RHP

X-FACTOR
The Panthers bring back 10 position players and 3 pitchers who saw significant time last year on varsity. With this many returners; they look to be in a good position to compete for a conference and sectional championship.

UNDERCLASSMAN TO WATCH
2017 John Bickle is a player to follow. The 6-foot-1, 155-pound middle infielder/RHP lettered as a freshman for the Panthers. He also ended the legion season with the team's 3rd highest batting average in 2014. A testament to his athleticism; he was Rochester Century's starting quarterback as a sophomore this season.

2015 OUTLOOK
The Panthers will be led by 2015 Riese Zmolek. Zmolek, a left-handed hitting outfielder will be a 4 year starter for Century. Viewed as one of the better power hitters in the conference; he comes from athletic blood-lines as his father Doug is a former NHL player. They also return their #1 pitcher in left-hander Erik Thorvilson. Thorvilson controls the running game with a good pick-off move; and shows quality off-speed pitches. 2-way player's Nick Smith and Nick Pearson will also contribute heavily. Smith throws a plus breaking ball and is coming off a strong summer legion season; Pearson at 5-foot-10, 170-pounds will provide power to the middle of the order. Coach JD Bickle feels his team is hungry to build upon last season; if they can improve on their confidence and execute defensively; the Panthers should be very competitive in 2015.

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COACHES PRESEASON QUESTIONNAIRE

We appreciate all of the help provided by high school coaches across the state assisting with our preseason coverage. If you have not already done so you can fill out our coaches' preseason questionnaire online by clicking here.