As we prepare for our 2014 high school preseason coverage, we are going to take a quick glance at teams from across the state.

Team: Amherst Steele
Class: DI
League: Southwestern Conference 
Head Coach: Matt Rositano
2013 Overall Record: 21-6
2013 Conference Record: 11-3
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 3

TOP PLAYERS

Justin Mott, C/RHP, 2014 ... Signed with Bowling Green. Hit .313 a season ago. Was also the closer and posted a 1-0 record and 3 saves with a 0.77 ERA.
Kody Bledsoe, SS, 2014 ... Signed with Lake Erie College. Was a .284 hitter in 2013 with 7 extra-base hits. Solid defensive shortstop with great hands and quick feet.
Alex Walts, 3B, 2014 ... Signed with Hillsdale College. Hit .318 with 4 doubles and 2 triples. Will also be the back-up catcher and may play some outfield.
Noah Skladan, LHP, 2014 ... Committed to Mount Union College. 3-1 in 2013 with a 1.29 ERA as a starter. Expected to be the #1 in the rotation.
Shan Derricotte, RHP, 2014 ... Went 3-1 as a starter. Had a school record 0.61 ERA.
Rees Ruca, CF, 2015 ... Switch hitter who saw some varsity action late in the season. Could be the lead-off man and a good defensive outfielder.

YOUNG UP AND COMERS

Brad Hagerich, UTL, 2015
Jordan Williams, OF, 2015
Joe Masters, RHP/1B, 2016 

OUTLOOK:  

Amherst Steele had a good 2013 and don't expect much to be different in 2014. Though returning roughly half of their starters, the Comets have plenty of talent including 5 seniors committed to play college ball next year. Amherst Steele broke the school record for wins in a season in 2013 with 21 in head coach Matt Rositano's first with the school. With talented returners and lots of confidence displayed in the younger players 2014 should be a good year for Amherst Steele.

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COACHES PRE-SEASON QUESTIONNAIRE

We appreciate the strong response so far from high school coaches across the state assisting with our pre-season coverage. If you have not already done so you can fill out our coaches pre-season questionnaire online by clicking here.