By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting

As we prepare for the upcoming 2014 high school season, we will be taking a preseason glimpse at programs from around the state.

Team: Clay-Battelle
Nickname: Cee-Bees
Class: 1A
League: OVAC/Mason-Dixon
Head Coach: Eric Ammons
2013 Overall Record: 13-8 (Section Champions)
Returning starters: 9

TOP PLAYERS:

Kurt Latocha, C, Class of 2015, 1st Team All-State 2013
Josh Lemley, RHP, Class of 2015, Honorable Mention All-State 2013

SEASON OUTLOOK:  

Clay-Battelle returns all nine starters from 2013. The Cee-Bees have their sights set on repeating as sectional champs, winning a region championship, and making a run at the West Virginia Class A title. Depth following the returning starters is head coach Eric Ammons' biggest concern.

Latocha, ranked No. 8 in the WV Class of 2015, hit .555 as a sophomore and should lead the offense. The 5-foot-11, 155-pound catcher will showcase his talents at the Pennsylvania Preseason All-State Showcase in February.

Lemley will anchor the pitching staff again. The junior righty posted a 3.16 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 41 innings of work last season.

For West Virginia high school baseball news and updates follow us on Twitter @PBRWestVirginia

COACHES PRE-SEASON QUESTIONNAIRE

We appreciate all help provided by high school coaches across the state assisting with our preseason coverage. If you have not already done so you can fill out our coaches' preseason questionnaire online by CLICKING HERE.

Previous team previews:

• WV - Jan 21, 2014
  2014 Team Preview: Hampshire HS