The Kansas high school season is nearing quickly, and we're here to cover it. Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2023 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, leading into a countdown through the official PBR Kansas Preseason Power 20 Rankings.

We’ve submitted a Preseason Questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.

 

Team: Andover High School
League: Ark Valley Chisolm Trail League Division 2
2022 Record: 5-15
Classification: 5A
Head Coach: James Hilts
Years at the Helm: 1

OUTLOOK

Strengths:

We are returning 13 players with varsity experience from 2022. This provides us with solid depth across the field and a number of experienced players in our program.

As a team, we hit above .300 in 2022 and are looking to continue to improve on that number in 2023, in addition to getting on-base at a high rate and adding power to our lineup.
 

Weaknesses:

We are focused on taking the next step forward in 2023 as a program. This will include playing great defense, doing the little things right, and running the bases well. One major area of that focus is on developing our pitching staff, which will allow us to compete at a high level every night.

 

IMPACT PLAYERS

Brenden Buseman, IF/P, Senior, R/R.

Brenden Buseman is our returning starter at shortstop. In addition, he is one of our top returning pitchers from the 2022 season. As a Junior, Buseman hit .241/.357/.431. He also had a 4.09 ERA in 27.1 IP. Honorable Mention AVCTL-D2 Pitcher in 2022.

Colton Bair, P/C/UTL, Senior, R/R.

Colton Bair is one of our top returning pitchers from the 2022 season. In addition, Bair will spend time at catcher and 1B in the spring. He finished the 2022 season with a 4.3 ERA in 27.2 IP. Honorable Mention AVCTL-D2 Pitcher in 2022.

Hunter Miller, OF, Senior, R/R.

Hunter Miller is our returning starter in RF. He is looking to build off a solid 2022 season, which saw him hit .320/.469/.400. Hunter plays a solid defensive RF, and we are looking for that to only improve in 2023. Honorable Mention AVCTL-D2 OF in 2022.

Jake Farris, OF, Senior, R/R.

Jake Farris is our returning starter in LF. He is also looking to build off a solid 2022 season, which saw him hit .273/.375/.400. Jake plays a solid defensive LF, and may also see some time in CF this spring.

Brooks Allen, UTL/P, Junior, L/R.

Brooks Allen played in the infield for us last year, as well as spending time at catcher and DH. He hit .385/.443/.538 in 2022, and is looking to take another step forward in the top half of our lineup. 2nd Team AVCTL-D2 DH in 2022.

Peyton White, IF/UTL/P, Junior, R/R.

Peyton White is the only full time two-year starter returning for our program. He played primarily at 1B and 3B, as well as catcher, in 2022. He finished the 2022 season with a line of .298/.441/.404. Honorable Mention AVCTL-D2 Utility in 2022.

Drew Torgerson, IF, Junior, R/R.

Drew Torgerson was our primary starter at 2B in 2022. For the season, he hit .333/.419/.389 and played a solid 2B. He is looking to take another step forward this spring. 2nd Team AVCTL-D2 2nd Base in 2022.

Kale Brodhagen, IF/UTL/P, Sophomore, L/R.

Kale Brodhagen was elevated to varsity mid-season in 2022. He primarily spent time at DH, but also spent time in the IF and pitched. For the season, he hit .414/.486/.586. In 2023, he will primarily spend time at 1B/3B defensively.

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chapman Osborne, C, Junior, R/R

Chapman Osborne played a limited role at the varsity level as a Sophomore, and has an opportunity to see that role expand in the 2023 season. His primary position is catcher.

Tanner Woolston, IF/OF, Sophomore, R/R

Played a limited role at the varsity level as a Freshman, and has an opportunity to see that role expand in the 2023 season. He will primarily play a utility role in the infield and outfield.

 

 

 

Make sure to follow @PBRKansas on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2023 season.

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