Derrick Webb, Reporter8:24 p.m. EDT March 24, 2016
CHILLICOTHE CAVALIERS
2015 Record: 9-12 (3-11 SCOL)
Head Coach: Todd Seymour, 2nd season
Key Returners: Leo Woods, Jeff Webb, Jack Busch, Gage Jones, Dylan Conley, Jordan Valentine, Noah Jackson
Player Spotlight: At the top of the order, senior Jack Busch will set the pace for the Cavaliers' offense. Busch was vital to Chillicothe's success last year as he hit .339 with four doubles and 10 RBI. Busch also scored 18 runs, second to only Caleb Price and Matt Valentine.
Outlook: The Cavaliers lost their top hitter in center fielder Caleb Price and top pitcher in lefty Nick Rinehart. So, as expected, question marks surround this team. A conference title may be a lofty goal but if Chillicothe can hit its stride at the right time, a postseason run could be in the works.
ADENA WARRIORS
2015 Record: 19-4 (14-0 SVC)
Head Coach: Tom Barr, 1st season
Key Returners: Jonathan Thomas, Collin Cory, Hayden Henness, Gunnar Free, Bo Dratwa, JD Blevins
Player Spotlight: With JD Blevins at the top of the Warriors' pitching rotation, Collin Cory will spend a lot of time at second base this year. However, when he's on the hill, Cory is poised to be dominant. During his junior year, Cory was 2-0 with a 2.72 ERA in 18 innings. If it wasn't for Blevins, Cory would be the team's ace.
Outlook: It's really simple: the Warriors just have to continue to do what they've done. One question surrounds this team however in whether or not they have that 'killer' instinct. They won 19 of 23 games last year but lost to an SVC opponent in the first round of the postseason. They have the talent to get over the hump but will they?
HUNTINGTON HUNTSMEN
2015 Record: 9-16 (3-11 SVC)
Head Coach: Brian Smith, 3rd season
Key Returners: Brian Smith, Hunter Henneberger, Billy Doyle, Devon Byrd, Merfel Conley, Jacob Pugh
Player Spotlight: Senior Billy Doyle will be counted on to capitalize with runners on base this season for the Huntsmen. Doyle hit .370 one year ago and drove in 10 runs while scoring 12. This season, he should be moved up in the lineup. But with that move comes responsibility. Look for him to embrace his new role.
Outlook: Pitching. Pitching. Pitching. The Huntsmen had virtually none last year. But with another year comes more experience so who knows what will take place in 2016. Brian Smith will be the leader of this club, followed by Doyle. Those two have to take charge and make their teammates better one by one.
PIKETON REDSTREAKS
2015 Record: 6-17 (4-10 SVC)
Head Coach: Gene Bumgardner, 8th season
Key Returners: Riley Harris, Jacob Chester, Colton Blakeman, Ethan Crabtree, Zane Barker, Tyler Brown
Player Spotlight: Anchoring Piketon's pitching rotation will be senior Jacob Chester. As a junior, Chester hurled 37 innings and allowed 20 earned runs for a 3.78 ERA. While striking out 24 and walking just nine, Chester went just 1-3 as he suffered from a lack of run support. Piketon will look to change that in 2016.
Outlook: Both Ethan Fremder and Zack Jordan have graduated while Talon Osborne transferred to Waverly. The Redstreaks are now left with young talent and will rely on veterans Riley Harris and Colton Blakeman to rally the troops. Piketon played in a plethora of close contests last year. Gene Bumgardner's club has to be optimistic heading into this weekend.
dwebb@chillicothegazette.com
Twitter: @dw1509
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