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

No. 16 St. Xavier HS
Always one of the top programs in the state, St. Xavier enters the 2013 season with only two returning starters. Even worse, coach Slinger is another man down after junior catcher Jordan McDonough (OSU recruit) was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease prior to the start of the season. While he is doing well and expected to make a full recovery, McDonough will miss the 2013 season. In his absence, several players will need to step up to fill his defensive and offensive contributions. In particular, senior two-way prospect Joe Gellenbeck (Xavier recruit) will lead the way on the mound and in the everyday lineup. Sophomore OF Justin Hilliard, who is an exceptional athlete, will be one of the top position players on the roster. 


No. 17 Gahanna Lincoln HS
After losing in the district finals to Olentangy, the Lions are ready to make a run in 2013. The senior-led squad is anchored by one of central Ohio's top pitchers, senior right-hander Alec Tuohy (Buffalo recruit). The lineup features several experienced players including one of the state's top juniors, Evan White. Dakota Cararo (Adrian recruit) returns to assume the duties behind the plate. Several other unsigned seniors will provide plenty of experience, including infielder/right-handed pitcher Christian Chiero, first baseman Brock Frentzel and third baseman Peyton Ross. Keep an eye on the mound for a pair of right-handed sophomores in Mason Daniels and Cole Gibson. 

No. 18 Elder HS
The Panthers are athletic and feature some of the Cincinnati area's top offensive players, but ultimately their path will be determined by the development of a consistent pitching staff. Senior OF Jimmy White (Sinclair CC recruit) is a sparkplug and figures to serve as a catalyst for coach Thompson's offense. He will be complemented by senior two-way prospect OF/RHP Joe Ramstetter (Dayton recruit), senior OF Alex Lind (Lake Erie recruit) and senior IF Ben Kenning.


No. 19 Watkins Memorial HS
Despite the loss of LHP Robbie Sexton (WSU recruit), the Warriors return one of the state’s top pitching staffs with senior LHPs Tony Winters (OU recruit) and Daniel Sexton (Tiffin recruit) as well as one of the state’s top sophomore arms in RHP/OF Chandler Day. The everyday lineup will be anchored by seniors Derek Helbing behind the plate and Jordan Miller (Muskingum recruit) in the field. Coach Schone will turn to talented junior 1B/3B Steven Asbury for power in the middle of his order.


No. 20 Lebanon HS 
The Warriors feature some of the state's best young talent as well as Ohio's top shortstop, senior Zach Beckner (Kent State recruit). On the mound, Lebanon will turn the ball over to one of the state's top junior arms, Wes Noble. Two-way junior prospect OF/LHP Nick Cecil figures to provid an added punch on the mound while senior Logan Heffernan will be a leader in the outfield. Look out for sophomore 1B Christian Steele, who shows power from the left-side, as well as freshman catcher Ty Duvall, who is rated as one of the top players for his age in the nation.