By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director

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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: Knightstown Panthers

Head Coach: Daren Hardesty
Class: 2A
2015 Record: 28-4
Conference (2015 Record/Finish): Mid-Hoosier (9-0, 1st)
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 5/4
Preseason Rank: 5 

2016 Team Strengths:

• Leadership
• Experience
• Pitching
• Offense  

Top Returning Players:

• Drake Peggs (right), MIF/P, 2016:  5-10/165, L/R, 3 year starter, Eastern Michigan commit,.477 BA, 51 hits - 9 2Bs 6 3Bs 6 HRs, 46 RBIs, 49 Runs Scored 
• Isaac McRoberts, C, 2017: 5-10/200, R/R, 2 year starter, .450 BA, 50 Hits - 15 2Bs 1 3B 1 HR, 36 RBIs, 34 Runs Scored 
• Spencer Mattix, P/3B/MIF, 2016: 6-0/165, R/R, 3 year starter, .348 BA, 39 Hits - 7 2Bs, 30 RBIs; 6 Wins 1 Loss in 45 IP, 40 Ks and 0 BBs 
• Tyler Burton, OF/P, 2018: 6-0/190, R/R, .296 BA, 24 Hits - 5 2Bs; 3 Wins 0 Losses on the mound, 24 Ks 12 BBs) 
• Jake Bearhope, 1B/3B, 2016: 6-0/210, R/R, 3 year starter, .373 BA, 38 Hits - 6 2Bs 1 HR

Outlook: The Panthers return five key players to their lineup this spring and should be strong on the mound as well. Knightstown made a deep run in last year's state tournament, losing to eventual state champion South Spencer in the Semi-State. Coach Hardesty's group has experience and the talent to once again challenge for a 2A state crown.