By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director   

Follow @PBRIndiana

The 2015 high school season is just around the corner.  Leading up to the start of the season we are going to take a quick glance at many teams from across the state.  

Team: Loogootee
Class: 1A
Conference: Blue Chip

Head Coach: Luke Woolems
2014 Record: 15-12
2014 Conference Record: 4-3
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 3

Top Overall Players

Hayden Bell, C, 2015
Ben Blackwell, 1B, 2015
Gabe Nolley, LHP/OF, 2015
Frank Bratton, RHP/OF, 2015
Jake Blackwell, SS, 2016
Landon Bell, 2B, 2017

Top 2015's

Hayden Bell, C
Ben Blackwell, 1B
Gabe Nolley, LHP/OF

Top 2016's

Jake Blackwell, SS

Top 2017's

Landon Bell, 2B

OUTLOOK

Head Coach Luke Woolems and the Loogootee Lions finished last season three games above .500 with a 15-12 overall record.  They return six position players and three pitchers this spring.  A key to the Lions success in 2015 will be replacing 3B Casey Miller, the school record holder for career doubles.  In order to do so, Woolems will need contributions from multiple players this spring. Players expected to contribute in 2015 include senior catcher Hayden Bell.  Bell, a 6-foot, 165 pounder hit .389 with 2 HR and 21 RBI as a Junior.  Ben Blackwell, another senior returning, will also be counted upon at the plate after hitting .329 with 16 RBI last season.  On the Mound Loogootee will rely on senior southpaw Gabe Nolley who posted a 1.80 ERA in 43 innings last spring.  Also on the mound will be senior right-hander Frank Bratton who finished his Junior campaign at 6-1 with a 2.26 ERA in 55 IP.  Junior SS Jake Blackwell and sophomore 2B Landon Bell return to lead things up the middle of the Lions defense.  Blackwell hit .316 in 2014 while Bell hit .306.  Loogootee will have to compete with Barr Reeve, Vincennes Rivet and Northeast Dubois in order stay atop the conference standings.  

CLICK HERE to read more 2015 Team Previews