By Ben Grossberg
Lead Scout, PBR Indiana

The North Central Panthers and Head Coach Phil McIntyre are coming into the 2013 with high expectations. In 2012 the Panthers finished 15-15, but they return seven starters and two starting pitchers from last year's squad. 

North Central is led by two Big Ten commits; RHP Mac Lozer (Michigan) and C Demetrius Webb (Indiana). Lozer will be the Panthers No. 1 on the mound in his third year as a varsity starter. Webb, possibly the best defensive catcher in the state, is a four year varsity starter. 

Two other seniors that bring back a lot of experience to the 2013 Panther squad are Jensen Kirch (RHP/SS), a third year starter that will be counted on up the middle and to provide quality innings on the mound, and Andrew Riley (2B/SS), that will be the other middle infielder for the Panthers. Riley was a First Team All Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) selection in 2012. 

North Central also brings back a strong junior class that has seen a lot of varsity innings. Outfielder Roman Baisa will be counted on to be the catalyst for the Panther offense in 2013. The switch hitting junior is a two year starter that was named to the all MIC First Team in 2012. Keaton Conner will be North Central’s number three on the mound. Gui Earlywine will start in the outfield for the Panthers, and brings a very good bat with one of the better outfield arms in the state. 

This is Coach McIntyre's 8th season with the Panthers, and this may be his strongest team he has ever had. The Panthers are looking to compete for the MIC Title and County Title as well as being one of the top teams to compete for the Zionsville Sectional.