Prep Baseball Report

2014 Team Preview: New Castle High School





By Phil Wade

Director, PBR Indiana

As we prepare for our 2014 high school preseason coverage, we are going to take a quick glance at teams from across the state.

Team
: New Castle
Class:  
4A
League: 
Independent 
Head Coach: Brad King
2013 Overall Record: 22-8
2013 Conference Record: 11-3 (NCC)
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 5

TOP PLAYERS

Zak Kellogg, Catcher, 2014
Grant Malott, OF/P, 2014
Tyler Smith, 1B/3B/P, 2014
Cory Isenbarger, Catcher/1B, 2014
Ian Massengale, 2B, 2014
Bryce Stevenson, OF, 2014

OUTLOOK:

Coach Brad King and the New Castle Trojans are coming off a successful 2013 campaign finishing 22-8 overall, however, the Trojans lose 2013 Gatorade Player of the year, Trey Ball, to graduation.  Ball was a 1st round pick of the Boston Red Sox in last June's MLB draft.  Despite the loss of Ball, the 2014 Trojans return six positional starters and five pitchers. Coach King is expecting a lot from his seniors this season. Indiana-Purdue at Fort Wayne commit Zak Kellogg will be a key component offensively.  Last year the catcher hit .360 with 8 2B, 16 RBI, 42 Runs, and a .500 OBP.  OF/RHP Grant Malott, ranked No. 20 in Indiana's class of 2014 rankings, will make an impact both in the field and at the plate.  The Western Kentucky commit has a strong arm both from the OF and on the mound, and hit .318 with 1 HR, 8 2B, 24 RBI and 22 Runs last season.  He's also a threat on the bases with his speed (6.7 60).  Corner infielder and RHP Tyler Smith is ranked No. 105 in the 2014 class.  Smith drove in 30 runs last spring to go along with 12 doubles and a .341 BA.  On the mound, the Vincennes commit has been up to 85 mph with his fastball. Three other seniors the Trojans will look for contributions from include; Cory Isenbarger (.286 BA, 11 RBI), Ian Massengale (.272 BA, 14 RBI), and Bryce Stevenson (.429 BA in a shortened season due to injury). New Castle brings back good depth with a solid group of players this spring that should compete for sectional championship. 

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COACHES PRE-SEASON QUESTIONNAIRE

We appreciate the strong response so far from high school coaches across the state assisting with our pre-season coverage. If you have not already done so you can fill out our coaches pre-season questionnaire online by clicking here.

click here for more 2014 Team Previews