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With the 2017 spring season right around the corner, PBR Indiana is eagerly anticipating bringing the best high school baseball coverage throughout the entire state.

Leading up to the season 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 Team Previews

2017 TEAM PREVIEW: Griffith Panthers

Head Coach: Brian Jennings
Class: 3A
2016 Record: 16-14
Conference (2016 Record): Northwest Crossroads (2-10)
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/9

2017 Team Strengths:

• Pitching
• Defense
• Athleticism

Top Returning Players:

• Alec Seberger, C/DH, 2017: .208 BA, 377 OBA 
• Denny Colomes, DH/OF, 2017: .344 BA, 455 OBA
• Julian Rutherford, RHP/INF, 2018: 55.2 IP, 6-6, 2.14 ERA, 39 Ks, .341 BA, 440 OBA 
• Joey Martoccio, OF, 2017 (right): .310 BA, 385 OBA (Wabash College) 
• Josh Miller, OF, 2017: .262 BA, 430 OBA 
• Johnny Maynard, INF, 2019: .250 BA 
• Gabe Pulido, C/DH, 2019: .160 BA
• Elias Caraballo, INF, 2017: .182 BA

Outlook: Coach Jennings' squad will have to replace Tulane recruit Kody Hoese at SS, and St Joe's recruit Amir Wright in CF, but return 140 innings in pitching. The Panthers, who have won 5 straight sectionals, continue to play one of the toughest schedules in 3A, which Jennings is hoping will help prepare his team once the post-season arrives. Youth with experience make this year's panther club one to keep an eye on.