By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director

Follow @PBRIndiana

With the 2016 spring season right around the corner, PBR Indiana is eagerly anticipating bringing the best high school baseball coverage throughout the entire state.

Throughout March 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 2016 Team Previews. 

2016 SPRING TEAM PREVIEW: Griffith Panthers

Head Coach: Brian Jennings
Class: 3A
2015 Record: 16-13
Conference (2015 Record): Northwest Crossroads (4-8)
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/4

2016 Team Strengths:

• Experience 
• Offensive Production
• Athleticism/Speed 

Top Returning Players:

• Amir Wright, OF/P, 2016: .453 BA .525. OBA with 29 RBI and 34 RS, St Joe's commit
• Kody Hoese (right), SS, 2016: .494 BA with 2 HR and 26 RBI, .558 OBA, 14 2B, Tulane recruit
• Julian Rutherford, 2B/P, 2018: .301 BA
• Denny Colomes, 3B, 2018: .289 with 10 RBI and 17 RS
• Anthony Quintero, 1B/DH, 2016: .382 with 1 HR and 18 RBI 24 RS

Outlook: Coach Jennings' Panthers return six daily starters and four arms in 2016. They are led by seniors Kody Hoese and Amir Wright. They will need to develop some pitching throughout the season, but they return experience on the offensive and defensive ends.  The Panthers will look to win their fifth consecutive sectional title and advance beyond regional play.