By Chris Valentine and Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Director and Senior Writer

No. 21 Athens High School

After a 19-5, 10-0 (Tri Valley Conference) record the Athens Bulldogs return just two starters and one pitcher, but first-year Chris Stewart is poised to keep the Bulldogs competitive. Stewart is taking over for Fred Gibson (coached for 23 years at Athens) and has been an assistant for eight seasons.

The Bulldogs return its ace on the mound Alex Staron (RHP/UTIL, 5-11, 165, pictured). Staron will have his backstop back from last season in Tanner Wood (6-0, 175) who is a two-year starter. The Bulldogs also have a talented sophomore class with the likes of Ryan Leuhrman (P/OF/IF, 6-4, 170), Adam Leuhrman (IF/OF/C, 6-4, 170), Chris Reimer (P/OF, 6-3, 175) and Colter Thompson (P/IF/OF, 6-2, 205).

No. 22 Lima Shawnee High School

Lima Shawnee finished just 15-15, 6-3 WBL a season ago, but with the one-two punch of Cory Wilder (pictured left) and Tyler Anderson (pictured right) first-year head coach Scott Newman has a chance to put Shawnee toward the top of a stacked Western Buckeye league (Defiance, Wapakoneta and Lima Bath). 

Wilder (the No.1 rated player in the 2013 class and North Carolina State recruit) has registered 94 MPH on the mound and looks to continue his progression. Joining Wilder on the bump as the No. 2 is Bowling Green State University recruit Tyler Anderson, who missed all of last season with an injury.. 

Seniors Zach Bailey (1B/P/OF), Andrew Bryan (2B), Cody Fullenkamp (C/P) and Casey Mulcahy (OF/P) look to add leadership and experience to the Indians. Juniors Brandon Kohl (CF) and Austin Brachok (P/OF/IF) and sophomores Trevor Anderson (SS/P) and William Kleffner (C/DH) are returning lettermen.
Anderson and sophomore Chase Wilder (P/C/OF) are two to keep an eye on for the future.

No. 23 Hebron Lakewood High School

Hebron Lakewood finished under .500 last season, but head coach Don Thorp and the Lancers will look to return to its former glory in 2013. Hebron Lakewood has reached state three times since 2001, with two championships (2005, 2010).

No. 24 Gallipolis Gallia Academy  

Gallia Academy is coming of a successful 2012 campaign that included a 22-7 record and the Southeastern Ohio Athletic League (SEOAL). 

This year, Coach Corvin has high expectations for his team, including their first district championship. The Blue Devils return six starters as well as four pitchers, but will be in a tough battle against Jackson, Warren, and Chillicothe for a conference title.

Class of 2013

• RHP Justin Bailey – The Tiffin recruit has compiled a career record of 18-1. Last year, he earned second Team All-Ohio, the SEOAL most valuable player, and all district honors.
• 1B/RHP Jimmy Clagg – Last year, he earned all SEOAL honors.
• IF/RHP Bobby Dunlap – Last year, he earned all SEOAL honors.
• OF/C John Faro – Last year, he earned all SEOAL honors as well as honorable mention all district.

Class of 2014

• Catcher Ty Warnimont – Last year, he earned all district honors.
• OF/RHP Gus Graham

No. 25 Richmond Edison High School

Richmond Edison finished the 2012 season with a 20-9 record, bowing out of the tournament in the regional finals against a talented Millersburg West Holmes squad. In 2013 the Wildcats look to take the next step to Columbus.