The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio • Page 34

C12 FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2003 HIGH SCHOOLS THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Baseball preview: Division I Milford might be even better I .1 i w. )'. 'V, i- if'- .....) CV sll 'Lit s'Sl Jr hS The Cincinnati EnquirerTONY JONES Hamilton's Katie Halcomb has led the Big Blue to successive state tournaments. Softball preview Eagles return many from state runner-up By Dave Schutte Enquirer contributor What a difference a year makes for Milford. Overlooked in the Enquirer's 2002 preseason area coaches poll, the Eagles finished as Division I state runner-up.

But this season, Milford Is the area's team to beat, based on the return of 15 lettermen and seven starters. Milford received 18 of the 23 first-place votes in the poll and is followed by Moeller, St Xavier, Hamilton and Harrison. Hamilton's Dan Bowling, who has 20 years of coaching experience, gave some advice to Tom Kilgore, Milford's sixth-year coach. "Milford has all those seniors and they deserve the No. 1 ranking," Bowling said.

"But it's tough coaching a team of mostly seniors. They have other things on their minds, like graduation and where they're going to school next year. For me, it's easier coaching a team with a blend of sophomores, juniors and seniors." But Kilgore is excited about the ranking and the season. "I don't think the No. 1 ranking is a surprise," Kilgore said.

"And with the tradition of some of the schools, it's a big thing for us. "I agree with Dan. Last year I felt we had a chance because we had a group of hungry juniors who feared nothing. People talk about the importance of seniors, but there's reason to be concerned." MILFORD: The Eagles' staff is loaded with veterans, including Evan Smith, a 6-foot-6, 185-pound right-hander who went 9-0 with a 1.00 ERA last season. Smith has signed with Kent State.

Kilgore also will rely on Kyle Rapp, Josh Stephan, Jacob Chalu-pa, Josh Caupp, Marcus Mithoef-er, Seth DeBra and Greg TissoL Shortstop Eric Lawson (.353 batting average), Rapp Mike Barnard Evan Armit-age (.363) and Neil Gamble (.336) will help provide the offense. "We return seven pitchers, and this may be the key," Kilgore said. "We definitely discuss the rankings from time to time, and it's a great honor for the program. I'd rather Hamilton, Ross voted top teams Preseason polls Division I School Poll points 1. Hamilton (13) 145 2.

Sycamore 124 3. Lakota West 106 4. McAuley 100 5. Colerain (1) 83 6. Fairfield 77 7.

Northwest (1) 64 8. Lakota East 51 9. Mason 34 10. Lebanon 30 Others: Milford 19, Mount Notre Dame 18, Oak Hills 14, St Ursula 9, Ursuline 7, Anderson 4, Mercy 3, Amelia 2. Note: First-place votes in parentheses.

Divisions ll-IV School Poll points 1. Ross (7) 70 is state Division I title game last ford and AJ. Upton. "We'll be all right because Bubba, Sean, Adam, Noah and AJ. all pitched last year and did very well," Slinger said.

4. HAMILTON: Although the Big Blue lost standout pitcher La nee Trester to grad ation coach Dan Bowling is confident the pitching staff will cany the team. "I feel good about the pitching because we have more depth," Bowling said. "Defense hurt us last season, but we should be better." The pitching corps includes Jon Camp (2-1 record), Justin Boyd (6-0), Brandon Moore (1-0) and Kyle Moyer (4-1). Matt Wagers (.418 batting average) and Nate Mahon (.416) lead the offense.

"(Positions) one through nine all swing the bat well," Bowling said. 5. HARRISON: Coach Dave Bader's team includes 10 returning letterwinners. Anchored by stopper Alan Brech (8-2, 1.19 ERA), the Wildcats will rely on a solid pitching staff. The offense should fare well behind Bobby Dake (.400 batting average) and Tony Wells Others expected to step up are Preseason Poll Divisions ll-IV School Pol points 126 119 109 96 75 64 58 57 39 30 1.

Badin (7) 2. McNicholas (3) 3. New Richmond (1) 4. Purcell Marian (1) 5. Taylor (1) 6.

Tup'n 7. Cincinnati Country Day 8. Batavia (1) 9. Ross 10. Norwood Others: Summit Country Day 20, Madeira 13, Woodward 10, Greenfield McClain 9, Clinton Massie 8, Roger Bacon 7, Edgewood 7, Hills-boro 7, Wyoming 6, Western Brown 5, Seven Hills 4, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy 2.

Note: First-place votes in parentheses. and Brian Erdman (shortstop) also are key players. 4. PURCELL MARIAN: The Cavaliers return seven starters, including pitchers James Smith, Andrew Spaulding, Jake Suer and Baseball preview: Divisions ll-IV Pitching puts Badin atop preseason poll Milford, which reached the Next week The Enquirer's 2003 boys and girls track previews will be published next week, as will the first installments of our 2002-03 winter sports all-star teams. be ranked with great expectations." Student Sports Magazine ranked the Eagles sixth, and Baseball America picked them 24th.

2. MOELLER: The pitching duo of Andrew Brackman (6-0, 1.44 ERA) and Eric Eckman (6-1, 2.31) gives coach Mike Cameron a solid foundation. Offensively for Moeller, outfielder Andrew Bradley (.318 batting average) and catcher Tony Maccani (.400) lead the charge. 3. ST.

XAVIER: Despite losing his entire outfield and pitcher Jim Ryan to graduation, coach Bill Slinger has another strong team. Shortstop Aaron Prince and catcher Brad Meyer are expected to lead the offense, along with Patrick "Bubba" O'Donnell, Sean Quinn, Adam Kroth, Noah Lank- sier are the mainstays of the staff, along with several underclassmen. Offensively, seniors Brad Ket-terer (.483 batting average), Rick Pate and Mike Mayer are the players who must perform well. 2. McNICHOLAS: From pitching to hitting to defense to depth, the Rockets are solid.

Two three-year starters, seniors Nate Condon and Evan Dreyer, anchor a six-man staff that includes junior standout Tim Murphy. Veteran catcher Dan Hayden handles the pitchers, and sophomore shortstop Jake Oester, son of former Reds infielder and coach Ron Oester, joins second baseman Joe Feldkamp to bolster a solid defensive infield. Speedy junior Ryan Hicks anchors a strong defensive outfield. Bob Gruber is the team's best power hitter, and Jeff Haynes also is a proven offensive player. 3.

NEW RICHMOND: Although the Lions lost three hitters, coach Brian Benzing-er's team has a solid lineup. David Duncan anchors an experienced pitching staff. Kyle Royse (catcher), Chris Kilgore (outfield) i f. I Enquirer file photo the area's top-rated team. "The pitching and defense need to be solid, because we'll scratch and claw for runs," Thompson said.

7. ANDERSON: Although standout pitcher Jensen Lewis graduated, the Redskins will be competitive with 12 returning lettermen from last year's 24-6 team that reached the Division I state semifinals. Infielder Nate Fields (.407 batting average) anchors a solid offense. 8. LAKOTA WEST: Furman-bound pitcher Matt Klinker (6.2, 2.48 ERA) and catcher Kyle Chapman (.346 batting average), who has committed to UC, will be counted on to lead the team.

9. FAIRFIELD: The Indians must replace five graduated starters. As a result, second-year coach Rod Hubbard will rely on fourth-year starter Jason Morning-star to provide leadership for the Indians. 9. MASON: Pitching will be key for the Comets.

Chris Forrest, Ben Gilbert, Justin Barker, Frank Ku-dlac and Jimmy Rapp lead the staff, and catcher Mike Tedford will call the pitches. Kasvin (shortstop), Jimmy Gardner (catcher), David Tapke (outfield), Matt Marshall (outfield) and Brad Keiser (outfield) to step up. 8. BATAVIA: The Bulldogs, with a solid pitching staff and an explosive offense, might be the most underrated team in the poll. Matt Heber (6-0, .060 ERA) anchors the pitching staff.

Mike Cook and Jim Schubert are the offensive threats. 9. ROSS: The pitching combination of senior Matt Meyers and sophomore Darin Sizemore is a strength for the Rams. Coach Jay Lytle also looks to third-year starters Warren Nelson (catcher) and Jeff Wilson (first base), along with Mark Heineman (second base) and Dustin Owens outfield), for leadership. Freshman shortstop Shea Harry could prove to be one of the area's surprise players.

10. NORWOOD: Offense will be the strength of the Indians, who have Robby McQueen (.350 batting average), Scott Amos (.328) and Matt Marksbury but the lack of experienced pitchers is a concern. team is favored to make it nine. The Knights return talented seniors Chris Meyer and Dan Blat-man, sophomores Raess Ismail, Doug Matthews, John Allare and transfer Tim Hershner. "We have six fundamentally strong players," Contardi said.

"We'll be strong if we put together doubles teams that can win." Lance Koetter anchors a young but solid Sycamore team that will Improve as the season progresses. Walnut Hills will feature Eric Thomas (third at state in Division I singles) and Jason Stuckey. Area individuals to watch are Michael Beatty (CHCA), Brad Gro-leski (Springboro), Craig Burton (Seven Hills), Jimmy Brannon (Oak Hills) and Grant D'Augustine (Turpin). "I pick Princeton to win the city and (Division I) state team championship," Hemingway said. "We're pretty good, but I give them the edge.

Bob (Caress) knows what he's talking about and Is a good coach." year, starts this season as Preseason Poll Division I School Poll points 1. Milford (18) 208 2. Moeller (2) 165 3. St. Xavier (1) 149 4.

Hamilton (2) 147 5. Harrison 141 6. Elder 119 7. Anderson 85 8. Lakota West 66 9.

Fairfield 39 9. Mason 39 Others: Colerain 20, Sycamore 18, Loveland 17, Oak Hills 16, Kings 9, Glen Este 9, Talawan-da 9, Lakota East 5, La Salle 2. Note: First-place votes in parentheses. Ross Brown (catcher), Tim Bybee (infield), MattBachman (outfield), David Campbell (outfield) and Kevin Vaught (utility). 6.

ELDER: The Panthers should fare well despite the loss of seven starters. Coach Mark Thompson looks to pitchers Ian Carter and Tom Scully, along with catcher Eric Hamberg and outfielder Mark Janszen to lead. Ryan Dugan. Offensively, Smith, Spaulding, David Fairbanks, Mike Heck, Dus-tin Woods, Rich Pierson and Matt Barney will shoulder the burden. 5.

TAYLOR: Pitcher Josh Baird, the Cincinnati Hills League's 2002 player of the year, is key for coach Chris Hannum. Starters Rob An-dress, Mike Clayton and Chris Moeriein also return. 6. TURPIN: Transfers Ryan Burtas (Mason) and Ryan Schaefer (Deer Park) join a Spartans team loaded with pitching depth. Coach Rob Lubanski will rely on the pitching talents of Paul Kuhr, Kevin Heasley, Matt Berman, David Pinney and Josh Rinaldi.

Steve Browning (.348 batting average) top offensive players. 7. CINCINNATI COUNTRY DAY: Pitching is the strength of an Indians team that also Is expected to light up the scoreboard. Fourth-year starter Asif Shah and talented sophomore Kurt Smith form a tough pitching combination. Coach Tim Dunn looks for Stephen Daly (second base), Mark ers David Rothzeid and Wade Ward while juniors Jon Zilch and J.

D. Dil-bone will battle talented freshman Ish Ramadas for the second doubles team. Based on the return of five starters, St Xavier is the most likely team to challenge Princeton and Indian Hill, along with Kings and Sycamore. St also is loaded with returning state qualifiers, including Division I state doubles champion Neil Sehgal, who is battling Evan We-belerforthe No. 1 singles position.

"So far, the challenge matches have been close," veteran StX coach Russ King said. The Bombers also will feature returning starter Vivek Ramaswa-my at No. 3 singles with senior Jeremy Maatman, junior Corey Ingle and freshmen Aaron Hutcherson, Kris Mehan and Andrew Gaffney in contention for a starting spot on the two doubles teams. Kings has won eight consecutive Fort Ancient Valley Conference titles, and coach Steve Contardi's Halcomb key for Big Blue By Dave Schutte Enquirer contributor Coaches voting in the Enquirer's Divisions I and ll-IV preseason area polls left no doubt as to which teams will be tough to beat this season. Hamilton, the state runner-up last year, is the choice in Division I.

The Big Blue return Katie Halcomb, a senior pitcher who holds the team's career strikeout record. Also rich in tradition and pitching, the Ross Rams emerged as No. 1 in the Divisions ll-IV poll with veterans Angie Ramirez (18-6 record) and Jennifer Quade on the mound. "We're optimistic, but there are so many teams that are right there with us," Hamilton coach Steve Heckman said. "We expect success, but that doesn't always mean it will happen." Here's a look at the Division I top-10 teams: HAMILTON: If it took just pitching to win, the Big Blue would go unchallenged this season when Halcomb is on the mound.

But Hamilton has more than pitching: good defense and the potential for a better offense. "When Katie's pitching, good things happen," Heckman said. "We had trouble scoring runs last year, but we will be better on offense and stronger on defense with the entire infield back." Third-year starters Autumn Marshall (shortstop) Ashley Fields (right field) and Jessica Woods (first base), along with juniors Dawnjene belong (second base) and Bridget Henry (third base) will provide leadership. 2. SYCAMORE: After struggling last season, the Aviators made a run late and reached the state semifinals.

Coach Deb Klemt returns six standout players from that team, Including pitchers Aimee Woodrum and Katie Conner and outfielder Erin Mullen. 3. LAKOTA WEST: Although six players from last year's 19-9 team graduated, the Firebirds field a strong offensive and defensive squad. Coach Keith Castner's pitchers are Dani Flege, Stacy Link, KeirMcEachem and Andrea McGlothin. Shortstop Lauren Hey leads a potent offense, along with Lisa Taff, jess Dobson and Sarah Walsh.

4. McAULEY: Veteran pitcher Amanda Pick and infielder Jackie Masur are the key players for the Mohawks. 5. COLERAIN: Replacing pitcher Jessica Suttles (23-5 last season) is a tough task for coach Tom Bolden. A trio of juniors, Ashley Pollard, Tara Suttles and Emily Weso-lowski, is expected to step in.

The offense will be triggered by Justine Mahler (.436 batting average). 6. FAIRFIELD: The key for the Indians is how senior pitcher Laura McAbee fills the shoes of graduated Stephanie Broccolo. Coach Brenda Stieger Is confident designated hitter Megan Vincent, shortstop Ashley Ryan, Kris-ten Pollack (third basepitcher) and Katie Yiznitsky (catcher) will deliver on offense. 7.

NORTHWEST: Pitching will be one of the team's strengths, with junior Stephanie Vonderhaar (11-5, 133 Ks) and Sam Swedersky (4-1, 1.59 ERA) sharing the duties. The Knights also should be a potent offensive team, with catcher Tracy Kump, Valerie Cross, Nikki Kennedy, Mandy Phillips and transfer April Sullivan in the lineup. 8. LAKOTA EAST: Coach Steve Coach Kunkel surprised but honored By Dave Schutte Enquirer contributor Rick Kunkel's Badin Rams were voted the local favorite for the 2003 Divisions ll-IV baseball season. Loaded with talented pitchers, Badin received seven first-place votes and 126 points to edge McNicholas (119) and New Richmond (109) for the No.

1 spot in the Enquirer's Divisions ll-IV area coaches poll. "You've got to be kidding," Kunkel said when informed of the ranking. "We lost a lot of kids, and it will take time to fill the gaps. But we appreciate the recognition and we'll use it as an incentive to make them play better." Here's a look at the top 10 teams: BADIN: Pitching will be one of the Rams' strengths. Chase Lampl, Ry Bowling and Jeremy Fra- Boys tennis preview 2.

Badin(l) 58 3. Little Miami 47 4. Bethel-Tate 38 5. Batavia 35 Others: Turpin 33, Edgewood 31, Taylor 28, Roger Bacon 27, McNicholas 27, Kings, 26, Deer Park 12, Wyoming 11, Reading 8, Georgetown 7. Note: First-place votes in parentheses.

Castner is closing in on 200 wins (198-107). The team is built around fourth-year starters Morgan Tritschler (catcher), Ashley Keith (pitcher), Amber Greeting (third base) and Megan Donoghue (second base). Castner is impressed with outfielders Laura Crouse and Tiffany Turner. 9. MASON: The outcome for the Comets could be determined by pitchers Erin Gilbert and Kristy Rauch, replacements for all-state pitcher Stephanie Piontek and Sarah Meyer.

10. LEBANON: Coming off a 24-1 season, the team will ride the arm of junior pitcher Jesse Lander (13-0, 0.15 ERA). Coach Jeff Bergman is counting on Leah Tuffs (.405 batting average), Crystal Nickum Katre-na Engle (.295) and freshman standout Tara Amburgy. DIVISIONS ll-IV ROSS: The Rams' trademark the past 10 years has been strong pitching and this season is no exception, with Angie Ramirez (18-6, 1.20 ERA) and Jennifer Quade (3-1, 1.85 ERA) back. Offensively, Ross will be potent with Kelly Proffitt (.300 batting average), Shannon Abbott Lindsey Staffer (.341) and Jessica Connaughton 2.

BADIN: Veteran pitcher Katie Rains, a first-team Girls Greater Cincinnati League selection last year, will lead the team, along with offensive standout Natalie Nichting (outfield), Kym Fiehrer (third base) and Beth Stitzel (catcher). 3. LITTLE MIAMI: Pitching is the strength for coach Mike Frith's team, which features Lauren Cook (0.94 ERA, 233 K's in 149 innings). Offensively, Little Miami is strong with Lindsey Grambley (.320 batting average), Jenny Car-mack (.312) and Lauren Cook 4. BETHEL-TATE: The return of junior pitcher Taryn Beck (229 strikeouts) and junior catcher Laci Thompson, along with a strong defense, should make coach Dottie Kirker's Tigers tough to handle.

5. BATAVIA: If the Bulldogs play solid defense behind pitcher Amanda Pattison, it could be a rewarding season for coach Tara Lang's team. Too much is good for Princeton, Indian Hill By Dave Schutte Enquirer contributor The so-called problem facing Bob Caress and Chris Hemingway Is one most boys tennis coaches would like to have. Both Caress, Princeton's tennis coach, and Indian Hill's Hemingway are blessed with nationally ranked players, and they stand 1-2 in the Enquirer preseason poll. The toughest part might be picking the starting lineups without creating internal rivalries.

"I talked with the kids, and they want to have four or five challenge matches to determine who plays one, two and three singles," Caress said. "We're selling the team concept to get ready for the season." The Vikings could have several different lineups with returning starters Wil Lofgren andTonyTeufel battling Lakota West transfer Matt Metully (runner-up Division I state doubles) for the No. 1 spot Princeton also has John Keyser The Cincinnati EnquirerERNEST COLEMAN Princeton players (from left to right) Tony Teufel, Wil Lofgren and Matt Metully are ready for the new season. and Mike Hertlein back, another reason the Vikings are the choice as the No. 1 team in the poll.

Hemingway has solid players, as well. Division II state singles runner up Mike McCarthy will battle with Division II state doubles champion Brian Compton for the No. 1 singles spot "The first couple weeks, it could create tension," Hemingway said. "Everyone seems to forget that Brian lost only one match playing singles last year. He decided to play doubles with his brother in the tournament" District qualifier Britt Jamison is expected to start at No.

3 singles. Adding to Indian Hill's depth is the return of state doubles qualifi.