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With the 2017 spring season right around the corner, PBR Indiana is eagerly anticipating bringing the best high school baseball coverage throughout the entire state.

Leading up to the season we will be releasing team previews for teams across the state, leading into our Preseason All-State Teams and Preseason Team Rankings.

CLICK HERE to view more Team Previews

2017 TEAM PREVIEW: prairie heights panthers

Head Coach: Nick Pfafman
Class: 2A
2016 Record: 13-13
Conference (2016 Record):  NECC 6-5
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 2

2017 Team Strengths:

• Leadership
• Defense
• Pitching 

Top Returning Players:

• Chandler Sailor, 2B/RHP, 2017
• Zach Smith, RHP, 2018: 4.1ERA 32K 27.1IP
• Codey Shaefar, C/1B
• Blake Hoyer, 2018 

Outlook:   The Panthers only return 2 starters this spring, so building experience and maturing throughout the season will be key.  Coach Pfafman will rely on team captain Chandler Sailor to lead Prairie Heights early on.  The 4-year starter will be an anchor at the top of lineup and key defensively.  Zach Smith will step into a starting role after posting 32K in 27 innings last year.  Codey Shaefar will also have a bigger role behind the plate and at first base.  Prairie Heights expects to have some young talent getting a shot in the lineup throughout the year.