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

No. 16 Millbury Lake High School

After a regional semifinals loss to Bloom-Carroll that left the Flyers with a 24-6 overall and 11-3 Northern Buckeye Conference record, Lake returns just three starters and six total lettermen. Lake is 67-17 over the past three seasons under the direction of head coach Greg Wilker. In 2013 University of Michigan recruit Jayce Vancena (6-5 RHP), who was 3-0 with 10 saves and a 0.84 ERA while striking out 37 in 31+ innings of work in 2012, looks to lead the Flyers to new heights. Vancena also led the Flyers in batting (.351 AVG with 21 RBIs). Junior infielder Cody Witt and senior outfielder Casey Blank are other key players.

No. 17 Hamilton Badin High School

Hamilton Badin finished last season with a 21-7 record and a regional finals loss to Fredericktown. Before bowing out to Fredericktown, the Rams defeated perennial powers CHCA and Versailles. Badin is led by seniors Austin Rieman (6-0, 180, SS) and T.J. Nichting (5-11, 170, MIF). Rieman had 14 doubles, 17 stolen bases, 27 runs, 30 RBIs and a .459 AVG in 2012 while Nichting had 12 doubles, 7 stolen bases, 29 runs and a .457 AVG. 

No. 18 Carroll Bloom-Carroll High School

Bloom-Carroll lost to eventual state runner-up Lima Central Catholic in the regional finals 1-0. The Bulldogs finished last season with a 23-5 record and will now attempt to take the next step in 2013. The Bulldogs are led by talented junior Jarrett Peters (5-11, 175, C). Senior Jake Newton looks to add depth on the mound and provide speed and leadership in the lineup. The Bulldogs will also feature junior Scott Baker and sophomores Roger Danison, Bailey Freas, Mitchell Lambert and Corey Stanley.

No. 19 Coldwater High School

After a 20-9 mark last season and a 6-3 MAC campaign a year ago where the Cavs fell to eventual state runner-up Lima Central Catholic in the district finals, head coach Brian Harlamert (16th season with 317-104 overall record) has his Cavs poised to make a run in 2013. As always, Coldwater is loaded with a mix of upper and lower classmen. Seniors Christian Schramm (6-1, RHP/UTIL) (5-2 with a 2.94 ERA and 35 Ks in 50 innings) and Matt Selhorst (5-10, 3B/RHP) (.291, four doubles, 15 RBIs, 11 runs scored) look to take on the leadership role after losing four to graduation (Randal Muhlenkamp, Alex Stammen, Eric Schmackers and Drew Klosterman). Juniors Mitch Heyne (5-11,1B/OF) (.310 avg, 5 doubles, 1 HR, 11 RBIs, 21 runs, 7 SB), Drew Otten (5-9, 2B/RHP) (.315 avg, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 22 RBIs, 18 runs, 6 SB, Matt Kramer (6-1, C/RHP/Util) (.357 avg, 3 doubles, 10 RBIs,14 runs), Grant Muhlenkamp (6-1,OF/RHP) and Mitch Schoenherr (6-2, OF) look to continue to improve their skills. Promising newcomers include: Adam Klosterman (6-1, Jr., SS/RHP), Brody Hoying (5-10, So., OF), Malave Bettinger (6-1, Fr., 1B/OF/RHP, one of PBR Top 2016 Prospects), Greg Gilliland (6-4, So., RHP), Derek Thobe (6-2, So., RHP/IF), Blake Spangler (5-10, So., C/3B/RHP) and Jason Bills (6-0, Jr., RHP/Util). However, the Cavaliers will be without Brandon Wolters (6-5, Jr., RHP) who is out for the season on rehab from an injury.

No. 20 Cincinnati Summit Country Day

After a 23-6 record and district semifinals loss to Maderia, the Indians are ready to compete in the Miami Valley Conference and make a run in the tournament. Top players include seniors Tommy Crowl, Jack Meininger and Michael Jaeger. Crowl (LHP/1B, 6-2, 175) was 5-2 on the hill in 2012 with a 2.12 ERA in 39+ innings and looked upon to anchor the rotation this spring. Crowl, who is 10-2 with a 2.08 ERA in his career, also hit .383 last season. Meininger (SS, 5-11, 160) is a four-year starter who hit .324 as a junior, but missed more than half of the season with a broken wrist. Meininger has been a sub 7.0 in the 60, and was on the Summit State Championship soccer team this past fall. Jaeger (C/1B, 6-0, 205) only gave up five SB in eight starts behind the plate and is also is a D-III recruit for football. Junior Doug Compton (RHP/CF 5-11, 170) is a three-year starter who hit .296 with 29 RBIs in the cleanup spot as a sophomore. Compton was 3-0 in 23 innings on the mound with a 2.13 ERA and is expected to be the #2 starter this spring. He runs a 7.0-7.1 and tracks the ball well in the OF. Sophomore Eric Terry (C/2B 5-8, 165) is a switch-hitting prospect who is excellent behind the plate and has a solid arm (2.07-2.15).Terry will be looked at for production at the top of the Indians' lineup.