By Phil Wade
Director of Operations, PBR Indiana 

Longtime Lawrence North Head Coach Richard Winzenread and his Wildcats finished the 2012 season with a disappointing 10-17 overall record, and were just 5-9 in conference play.  Only three defensive starters return in 2013.

Though the Wildcats do not return much experience overall, they do return two of the top pitchers in the state in junior Max Gray and sophomore Nolan Watson, both of which are division 1 prospects. 

Gray is currently ranked No. 12 in Indiana’s 2014 class.  The RHP has been a regular in PBR Indiana showcases and also was a member for Team Indiana at the 2012 Under Armour Midwest Future Games.  Gray has been up to 89 mph with his fastball, and sits 86-88 mph.  Gray will also start at 3B for the Wildcats when not pitching and will contribute offensively.  

Watson is a highly projectable sophomore at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds.  The No.5 prospect in Indiana’s 2015 class was up to 90 mph with his fastball at the Preseason All State showcase last month.  The RHP will be a member of Team Indiana at this summer’s Under Armour Midwest Future Games. He will also start at SS and/or 3B when not pitching, depending on the line-up and is expected to be a key contributor at the plate.

John Leffert, a senior RHP, is also expected to contribute on the mound for Lawrence North.  The 5-foot-9, 170 pound senior sits 84-86 mph with his fastball, and has been up to 88.  Expect Leffert to hit in the middle of the Wildcats’ line-up as he shows good power potential.

Other players expected to contribute include; Drew Madden (IF/P, 2014), Brady Boles (1B/RHP, 2013), Elias Arnett (OF/RHP, 2013), and John Scheil (OF, 2014).

Madden is athletic, and can play multiple positions for the Wildcats. He runs well (6.65 60 time) and expects to be a threat on the bases.  Boles is a steady player as a senior, providing pitching depth both as a starter and reliever.  Arnett is a steady everyday player that should contribute both in the field and on the mound. Scheil covers a lot of ground in the OF with a solid arm.  He also shows good speed (6.78) and will be a threat on the bases.