By Thad Satre
Prep Baseball Report, Indiana

Riverton Parke

The Riverton Parke Panthers are eager to begin the 2013 season and erase the memories of a tough 2012. Coach Hank Lopez and the Panthers struggled to a 4­-10 record in the Wabash River Conference and a 7-22 overall mark. All eight starters return as well as four pitchers. 

Leading the way for the Panthers in 2013 will be four year starter and All-Conference performer Matt Haltom. Haltom, a 6-0 senior, will start in the infield and is also a valuable member of the rotation. Joining Haltom in the starting lineup is fellow senior Brian Obenchain (C/RHP). Other returner starters are Brendon Bovair (OF), Jake Hennis (OF), Hunter Thomas (IF/RHP), and Lee Poppell (OF/C). Also expected to make an impact this season is promising freshman Kaleb Huxford (RHP). 

Vincennes Rivet 

Head Coach Bill Beard and the Patriots of Vincennes Rivet are coming off a 16-12 finish in 2012 and a 4-3 performance in the Blue Chip Conference. Coach Beard returns five starters and three pitchers this spring. 

Leading the way for this spring will be a pair of juniors, Chase Allen and Gavin Benock. Allen will be the rotation’s ace and Benock will handle the catching duties. The lone senior for the Patriots is Colin Vieke. Vieke will lead off and see time in both the infield and the outfield. Other returning starters are Collin Wirth (IF/OF), Blake Mouzin (P), and sophomore Payton Cummins (IF/OF).

Wood Memorial

Coach Matt Malin returns for another year at the helm for the Wood Memorial Trojans. The Trojans struggled in 2012, finishing 6-19 overall and at the bottom of the Blue Chip Conference. Coach Malin will rely on six returning starters and four pitchers to turn it around in 2013. 

The Trojans will be led by a solid group of experienced seniors including Braydon Maikranz (1B/SS), Jonah Day (CF), Travis Fleisher (RHP), Patrick Denny (C/2B), and Jeff Williams (3B/SS). Also expected to contribute are junior David Martin (OF), and sophomore Axel Fruedenberg (2B/C).