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

No. 21 Mansfield Ontario High School

After an undefeated regular season Ontario faltered in the district semifinals to Milan Edison 9-4. Head coach Dan Gorbett looks to use the success from last year to guide his Warriors to a North Central Conference title and long tournament run.

The Warriors are led by Heidelburg rercuit Mitch McCristall (RHP). McCristall boasts a low-to-mid 80s fastball, complimented by a curveball. Tyler Beal was all-Ohio with an 8-1 record on the mound, while hitting .450. Grace College recruit Wyatt Clemens hit .420 last season and provides pop in the middle of the lineup. Senior Vinny Sansalone (C) will be McCristall's primary backstop this season and looks to be a leader. Junior Kyle Pasheilich (3B/RHP) looks to be a vacuum at 3B, as well as add depth to the pitching rotation.

No. 22 Tontogany Otsego High School

After a heartbreaking 5-4 loss in the district finals to Millbury Lake, Otsego coach Chase Welker has his Knights poised to compete at the top of the Northern Buckeye Conference and make a long tournament run.

Ryan Smoyer (RHP, 6-4, 200, pictured), Notre Dame recruit, mans the top of the rotation and looks to use his upper-80s fastball and mix of off-speed to stymie hitters throughout the season. Seniors Max Miller and Nathan Hackworth look to add varsity experience. Freshman Hunter Carson is one to keep an eye on, touching low-80s already.

No. 23 Archbold High School

Head coach Dick Selgo has a talented mix of upper and lower classmen that look to compete for a Northwest Ohio Athletic League title in 2013. Returning seven letterwinners: Tyson Dietrich Sr. (P-OF, Huntington recruit), Michael Walker Sr. (2B-P), Zach Zimmerman Sr. (1B), Taylor Price Sr. (P-OF), Tyson Schnitkey Jr. (P-SS, pictured), Jase Grosjean Jr. (OF) and Evan Wyse Jr. (C), the Blue Streaks have the experience to possibly dethrone Bryan (which has a 40-game win streak in the NWOAL), and make a run in the tournament.

A strength for Archbold comes on the mound with the likes of Dietrich, Schnitkey and Price. "Pitching depth should be a strength for us this year," said Selgo "I would feel comfortable with a number of different guys out there on the mound."

No. 24 Independence High School

Head coach  Mark Echstenkamper is excited about the 2013 season after bowing out of the tournament to Keystone in the district finals. Echstenkamper brings back a talented squad in 2013.

The Blue Devils are led by JP Sorma (SS), who broke the school record for RBIs with 43 in 2012. The Ohio State recruit also added six home runs and led the team in average with .468, hits (44), triples (4), on base percentage (.523), slugging percentage (.809) and OPS (1.331). Sorma, also second team All-Ohio, was first team All-CVC. Mike Martin (RHP, pictured) has a mid-80s fastball and compliments his fastball with a mix of off-speed.  

No. 25 Williamsport Westfall High School

Westfall and head coach Trevor Thomas reached the district finals a season ago and look to take the next step behind Lake Erie commit Alek Stonerock (RHP, 6-5, 220). The large righty features a mid-80s fastball, with a nice mix of off-speed.

The Mustangs have six returning starters and five returning pitchers bringing high expectations for Thomas this spring. Catcher AJ Kazmierczak (pictured) looks to be a key cog in the middle of the lineup as well as behind the dish. Seniors Daryin Lewis (RHP/SS), Brandon Walker (CF), Doug Hardin (1B) and Cam Harkness (Util) look to take the Mustangs to the next step. Junior Clay Spires (2B/RHP) adds depth on the mound and up the middle.

With Adena replacing several important players from last year’s Scioto Valley Conference championship team, Westfall is one of the early favorites to compete for the conference title against the likes of Unioto, Zane Trace and Piketon.