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

No. 21 Hudson HS
After a successful 2012 campaign that included a 23-4 record and regional semi-final appearance, the Explorers are back with a new face at the helm. Coach Chuck Shilling has retired and assistant coach Buddy Dice is now at the helm as the head coach for Hudson High School. Unsigned senior right-handed pitcher Brian Malerick went 10-0 last season and in the process set the school record for wins. Malerick compiled a 1.32 ERA while striking out 47 batters in 55 plus innings of work. He will be paired with standout junior right-handed pitcher Nanak Saran. In the field, the Explorers notable players include senior catcher Mitch Schoenman (Washington and Jefferson recruit) behind the plate and junior OF Joey Cahill. 

No. 22 North Royalton HS
The Bears are led by an experienced lineup with talented seniors at key positions. Senior catcher Adam Vasil (Ashland recruit) anchors the defense from behind the plate while fellow senior Michael Hudec (Ashland recruit) will provide stability in the infield. Additional key position players include senior utility player Nick Gatins as well as junior IF Bryan Bielak, and junior 3B/RHP Frank Frate. On the mound, the Bears will be anchored by a pair of left-handed seniors, Andrew Rossman (Case Western recruit) and Joey Sadowski.  


No. 23 Maumee HS
The Panthers are traditionally one of the top teams in the Northwest region of the state, and this year's roster provides every indication that they will compete for a district championship. Senior RHP Steven Duby (West Virginia recruit) has shown some of the best stuff in the state, including throwing a no-no for the sectional championship and a one-hitter in the district semifinals (a bloop single in the 7th inning on a 3-2 two-out slider). If he is on, the Panthers should be able to compete with anybody. With support from teammates like junior SS/RHP Jason Burkett, junior RHP Dakota Wittenmyer and INF Joseph Szymanski, Maumee will be one of the Northwest region's most competitive squads. 

No. 24 Perrysburg HS
After a 16-13 season, coach Hall and the Perrysburg Yellow Jackets are looking to improve in 2013. The squad returns six starters in their lineup as well as five pitchers. They are expected to compete with Maumee, Springfield, and Anthony Wayne for a Northern Lakes League title. On the mound, Perrysburg is anchored by senior RHP Nick Munger, who shows a low 80's fastball with a solid arsenal of off-speed pitches, junior RHP Mark Delas who has shown the ability to dominate on the mound sitting in the mid 80's with a solid curve and change-up, senior LHP Austin Lee, RHP Anthony Rorigi and junior LHP AJ Stockwell. At the plate, the Yellow Jackets will feature Munger, Lee, and Stockwell as well as strong, power-hitting righty Delas, senior OF Steve Slocum, and senior catcher Kyle Durham.


No. 25 Lakota East HS
The Thunderhawks are two years removed from a state championship title. With former ace Michael Conrad (UC recruit) and outfielder Alex Corna (OU recruit) now playing college baseball, Lakota East enters a new era. Senior LHP/1B Derek Baker (Ashland recruit) figures to assume the role of ace of the staff while also providing a middle of the order bat. Senior catcher Jarrett Rindfleisch (Ball State recruit) will return behind the plate and provide another middle of the order stick. The lineup will have plenty of experience with two-way senior Chris Elam (Lincoln Trail recruit), unsigned senior 2B Adam DeLaet, senior utility player Ethan Bryant (Sinclair CC recruit) as well as some young prospects such as Adam McDonough and Andrew Almquist.