By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

As we prepare for the upcoming 2015 high school season, we will be taking a preseason glimpse at programs from around the state.

Team: Hopkins
Nickname: Royals
Class: AAA
League: Lake Conference
Head Coach: Patrick Berger
Years as Head Coach at School: 2
2014 Overall Record: 10-12
2014 League Record: 3-5
2014 League Finish: 3rd Place
2014 Post-Season Finish: Finished 3-2 in sectionals. 3rd Place

Returning Starters: 3
Pitchers with 15+ Innings Returning: 1

Starters Lost: 6
Pitchers with 15+ Innings Lost: 3

TOP RETURNERS
2015, Robbie Palkert, RHP/IF- U. Nebraska commit
2015, Tommy Gleason, 2B/IF- Luther College commit
2015, Shawn Williams, LHP- SW Minnesota St. commit

X-FACTOR
Runs will become a premium as Royals should have the defense and enough pitching to keep them competitive in 2015.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH
2016's Jon Koch and Max Weesner. Koch was an All-Conference 1st teamer last year as a sophomore. The centerfielder/RHP hit .400 for the Royals and is a well-rounded player. Weesner, a 5-foot-8 catcher, has started every game since his freshman year. Has ability to run, shuts down opposing teams running game, and has continued to develop offensively.

2015 OUTLOOK
In 2015, the Hopkins Royals look to build off of a positive end to their 2014 season. While they graduated the majority of their starting infield, they have many players ready to step up and take on leadership roles. The Royals are looking forward to competing in what they believe is the toughest conference in the state- the Lake Conference. With Palkert and Williams leading the staff and their most talented players in the middle of the field look for good things from Hopkins this season.

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COACHES PRESEASON QUESTIONNAIRE

We appreciate all of the help provided by high school coaches across the state assisting with our preseason coverage. If you have not already done so you can fill out our coaches' preseason questionnaire online by clicking here.