By MATT KOPSEA
Tribune Staff Writer

The healing process has started for the LaPorte High baseball team.

After closing the 2009 campaign on a heartbreaking note (a grand slam home run by the No. 9 hitter in the top of the seventh inning gave Chesterton a 7-5 win in the Class 4-A Crown Point Sectional), the Slicers (21-10) are ready to move on.

Things started on a good note for No. 2 LaPorte last Thursday as it rolled to a 12-2 win over No. 10 Penn.

"The end of last season left a bad taste in our mouth," said LaPorte coach Scott Upp, who is closing in on 300 wins for his career (291-79 over 11 1/2 years). "We believe we have the experience and all the key ingredients to have a successful season. We just need to work together as a team and concentrate on executing all of the little things."

That shouldn't be an issue with plenty of experience returning (eight seniors), including three NCAA Division I recruits.

Leading the charge for the Slicers, ranked No. 2 in the pre-season Class 4-A poll, are Indiana University-bound shortstop Dustin DeMuth (.455 batting average, 28 RBIs), right-handed pitcher Kevin Upp (Valparaiso) (8-3, 2.75 ERA), and infielder Jake McMahan (Valparaiso) (.389, 29 RBIs).

Around the NSC

Defending champion Bremen (21-7) has a tough act to follow after finishing with a 14-0 Northern State Conference mark last season.

The Lions are hoping the return of four-year starters, pitcher/shortstop Eryk Zimmerman and third baseman Cody Barrier will help in their quest to make it two in a row.

One of the teams looking to stake its claim on the NSC prize is Glenn (17-14), which captured the Class 3-A Plymouth Sectional last year.

"Considering we have only 20 innings back from last year's sectional championship team, pitching will be the key for us," said Glenn coach John Nadolny "We also must become a better defensive team to have any success this season."

Back to help keep the Falcons flying high are senior outfielder Lonnie Shetler (.367) and pitcher/infielder Cody Singleton (.348).

Among the other NSC players to watch include New Prairie senior pitcher/outfielder David Siddall, Jimtown senior pitcher/outfielder Jordan Owens, Triton senior pitcher Brett Houlihan, LaVille junior catcher Daniel Rensberger, and Culver junior pitcher/infielder Sam Hendrickson.

Around the NLC

Concord (18-10) came out of nowhere last season to capture the Class 4-A Elkhart Sectional.

Although the Minutemen have some holes to fill, they believe they still have what it takes to contend for the top spot in the Northern Lakes Conference.

"We return some good offensive numbers, but our pitching will need some time to grow a little," said Concord coach Mike Jackowiak. "The kids know they have a target on their backs now (from winning the sectional), but I believe they are up for the challenges which await them."

Being counted for support are senior pitcher/first baseman Kyle Gavin and junior shortstop Logan Draus.

2009 NLC co-champs Warsaw (19-8) and Northridge (19-9) both have some familiar faces back to help them make another serious run at the crown.

Top hurlers for the Tigers include seniors Josh Witt and James Miglin. The Raiders are counting on big things from senior pitcher/infielder Gatlin Rassi and junior Daimon Buck.

Also hoping to make some noise is Plymouth (19-9) with the return of two top pitchers, senior Tyler Shook (5-3) and junior Damon Howe (6-4).

"We're pretty solid in the pitching department, but our offense is going to have to do its part," said Plymouth coach Tony Plothow. "We've got to manufacture runs by finding ways to get people on base anyway we can."

Some of the other NLC players to watch include Elkhart Memorial senior shortstop Zack Corpe, NorthWood junior pitcher/infielder/outfielder Derek Yoder, Goshen shortstop/pitcher Troy Pickard, and Wawasee junior outfielder/pitcher Josh Dingeldein.

Other area players of interest include Elkhart Central senior catcher Erik Nickerson, Tippecanoe Valley sophomore pitcher James Hackworth, Westview junior shortstop/pitcher Zac Mishler.

 

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