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: Decatur Central
Class:  4A
League: Mid-State
Head Coach: Jason Combs
2013 Overall Record: 7-18
2013 Conference Record: 5-7
Returning Starters: 8
Returning Pitchers: 4

TOP PLAYERS

Taylor Douglas, RHP/IF, 2014
Austin Nixon, C, 2015
Jack Wohlert, RHP, 2015
Jake Byrd, RHP/IF/OF, 2014
Austyn Huntsman, RHP/OF, 2015
Matt Wolf, IF, 2015

OUTLOOK:

Head Coach Jason Combs and the Decatur Central Hawks are looking to bounce back this spring from a disappointing 7-18 record last season.  The Hawks bring back experience with eight starters and four pitchers returning for the 2014 season. Senior RHP Taylor Douglas will be counted on for quality innings. Douglas, ranked No. 102 in Indiana's class of 2014 rankings, started six games in 2013 finishing with 33 Ks in 36 IP.  When not on the mound, Douglas will be a key piece offensively for the Hawks.  Last season as a junior he hit .320 with 7 doubles and a HR.  Junior catcher Austin Nixon returns after a successful sophomore season where he hit .297 with 8 2B, 2 HR, and 18 RBI.  Three right handed arms expected to contribute for Decatur include; 2015 Jack Wohlert, 2014 Jake Byrd (Vincennes), and 2015 Austyn Huntsman.  Junior infielder Matt Wolf gained some varsity experience last spring, and should be a positive contributor this season. Expect Decatur Central to be competitive in the Mid-State conference, but it will be tough for the Hawks as they have to deal with Franklin, Martinsville, and Plainfield, all solid teams with good arms.    

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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