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2017 Spring Team Preview: Pickerington Central Tigers

March 7, 2017

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By Dylan Hefflinger and PBR Staff
Editor in Chief/NW Scout

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

Starting in Mid-January, we began releasing team previews for teams across the state, leading into the Preseason All-State Teams as well as the Preseason State Rankings.

To view the full list of 2017 Team Previews that we have already completed, please click here.

If you are a coach and haven't filled out your 2017 Team Preview, click here.

Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

2017 Spring Team Preview: Pickerington Central Tigers

Team Name: Pickerington Central
Head Coach: Ray Noe
Division: I
2016 Record: 18-11
Conference Record: OCC Ohio, 9-5
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/2

2017 Team Strengths:

  • Potential Offense Output
  • Athleticism

2017 Team Weaknesses:

  • Pitching Depth/Youth

Coach Outlook: "Excited for year 2 with the program. Looking forward to seeing continued progression from last year."

PBR Outlook: 2nd-year head coach Ray Noe and the Tigers are coming off an 18 win campaign a year ago and look to improve on that with athleticism and a potent offense.

Matthew WaltersTop Returning Players:

  • Matt Walters, CF/SS, 5'8 170lbs, 2017, S/R, Ashland commit, 2-year captain, 2nd Team All-Ohio OF, .380 AVG, .505 OBP, 27 hits, 2 2B, 2 3B, 20 R, 13 SB
  • Jacob Lott, SS, 5'9, 165lbs, 2017, R/R, Case Western commit, 2-year captain, .309 AVG, .429 OBP, 21 hits, team record in assists last season (72).
  • Tanner Griggs, P/2B, 6'1 175lbs, 2017, R/R, Wittenberg commit, 2-3 record w/ 2.33 ERA, 39IP, 2 saves.
  • Trent Hager, C, 5'8 180lbs, 2017, R/R, 4-year varsity letter winner (injured last year midway through the season).
  • Trenton Gillison, 1B/DH, 6'4 230lbs, 2018, R/R, 2nd team All-District, .325 AVG, .482 SLG, 27 hits, 13 2B, 13 RBIs.

Trenton GillisonTop Underclassmen:

  • Trenton Gillison, See above.
  • Jordan Fields, SS/C, 6'0 170lbs, 2018, R/R, smooth middle infielder with unteachable instincts. Quick hands and strong arm results in success behind the plate as well.
  • AJ Thomas, 3B/P, 6'2 180lbs, 2018, R/R, fast twitch athlete with raw power. Will contribute on the mound and in the infield/outfield.
  • DeWayne Carter, 1B/DH, 2019, 6'2 260lbs, L/R. Power bat, soft hands defensively, incredibly athletic for his size. D1 football recruit as well.
  • Justin Maynard, P/INF, 2019, 6'4 185lbs, R/R, big frame with projectable power right handed arm.

 

A Look Back At 2016 Preseason Articles:

To view the 2016 Team Previews, click here.
To view the 2016 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

A Look Back At 2015 Preseason Articles:

To view the 2015 Team Previews, click here.
To view the 2015 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.