March 20, 2012

 

 

Trojans enter season with experience, high hopes

 

Veteran-Laden Trojans

 

·        New Castlehas one of its most experienced teams ever.  (9 seniors, 11 returning lettermen)

 

·        The Trojans returning players have a combined 21 varsity letters

 

 

·        Five players have been recognized by the NCC as All Conference performers

 

 

Building on 2011

 

·        The Trojans won 17 games for only the 7^th time in the programs 89 seasons (3^rd time in 10 years).

 

·        Finished in 3^rd place in NCC with an 8-6 record.  This was only the 14^th winning NCC season in 54 years (4^th time in 10 years)

 

 

·        Recognized by IHSBCA Coaches Poll, ranked as high as 7^th

 

·        Return 6 of 8 starters & 6 of 8 pitchers from 2011

 

 

 

 

Position Breakdown

 

Pitchers

The Trojan's pitching staff returns 6 pitchers who saw action from 2011.  Pre-season Honorable Mention All American junior Trey Ball, 2011 Indiana state saves leader junior Michael Bear, seniors Casey Coy, Jake Kendall, and Adam Kranda will all compete for spots in the Trojan starting rotation, while seniors Conner King, Jordan Day, Jon Newby, junior Kodi King, and sophomore Grant Malott will see action on the mound as relievers.

 

1^st Base

1^st Base will once again be anchored by senior Adam Kranda.  Kranda, who is entering his 3^rd season as the starting 1^st baseman, looks to continue the consistent play that helped him earn his All NCC selection in 2011.  Also looking to see action at 1^st Base is senior Zach Morris and junior Trey Ball.

 

Middle Infield    

The Men of Troy return their double play combination of senior 2^nd Baseman Jake Kendall and senior Shortstop Conner King.  Kendall (2^nd team NCC) and King (1^st team NCC) look to help the Trojans have a successful 2012 season with their steady defense and solid approach at the plate.  Senior 2^nd Baseman Jon Newby looks to spell Kendall at 2^nd Base when he takes the mound for the Trojans.

 

3^rd Base

The "Hot Corner" is perhaps the most wide open, yet deepest position, the Trojans have entering the 2012 season.  There will be four players battling to secure the spot left open by former Trojan 3^rd Baseman, Derek Morris.  Returning players getting an opportunity at 3^rd Base are senior Casey Coy and junior Michael Bear.  Newcomers, junior Kodi King and sophomore Grant Malott will also get a chance to earn a spot at 3^rd Base.  However, it is vital that two of these players step up as 3^rd Base options for New Castle since each of the four players will also factor into the Trojan pitching staff.

 

 

 

Catchers

Behind the plate the Trojans are looking to replace 3 year starter Tyler Paul.  The players accepting this challenge are returning letterman sophomore Zak Kellogg and junior Jordan Decker.  Both players bring a good work ethic and solid defensive presence.  The player who proves to be the most consistent at the plate should see the majority of the innings.  However, since the Trojans play six double headers this season it is essential to have catching depth to provide rest from the demanding position.

 

Outfield

The New Castle outfield also displays a lot of depth and athleticism.  The Trojans return all three starters, senior centerfielder Jordan Day (2^nd team NCC), senior leftfielder Austin Cook, and junior rightfielder Trey Ball (1^st team NCC).  Players also expecting to see game action in the Trojan outfield in 2012 are seniors Zach Morris and German Ruiz, junior Kody Razor, and sophomore Grant Malott.

 

 

Schedule

The Trojan schedule is lined up with multiple pre season ranked teams (9 teams received recognition).  These teams consist of 14 of the 28 games the Trojans will play this season.  Therefore the depth the Trojans have will be essential for a successful regular season, NCC season, and extended tournament run.