Van Wert Cougars

March 13, 2018
Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Editor In Chief/Scout

With the 2018 spring season right around the corner, PBR Ohio is eagerly anticipating bringing the Buckeye state the best high school coverage throughout the entire state. Starting mid-January, we began releasing team previews for teams across the state, leading into the Preseason All-State Teams as well as the Preseason State Rankings.

To view the full list of 2018 Team Previews that we have already completed, please click here.

If you are a coach and haven't filled out your 2018 Team Preview, click here.

Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

2018 Spring Team Preview: Van Wert Cougars

Team Name: Van Wert Cougars
Head Coach: Charlie Witten
Division: II
2017 Record: 17-9
Conference Record: Western Buckeye League, 3-7, 7th
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/4

Team Strengths:

Pitching
Depth

Coach Outlook: “We have a solid core of players returning this year. We need to continue to be strong pitching and playing defense, but must improve offensively to compete at a higher level.”

PBR Outlook: Coach Charlie Witten and the Cougars alre looking to take the next step within the difficult Western Buckeye League after a 17-win season a year ago. With a solid core returning, including Lawson Blackmore, lookout for the Cougars in 2018.

Top Returning Players:

2019 Lawson Blackmore (RHP) – Uncommitted - Video Below
2019 Hayden Maples (RHP/C) – Uncommitted
2018 Jonathon Lee (OF) – Uncommitted
2019 Nathan Temple (1B) – Uncommitted
2018 Holden Willingham (RHP/3B) – Uncommitted
2019 Jake Lautzenheiser (RHP/2B) – Uncommitted
2018 James Acquaviva (OF) – Uncommitted
2018 Darius Eddins (OF) – Uncommitted
2018 Tristen Whener (OF/DH) – Uncommitted

Top Underclassmen:

2019 Lawson Blackmore (RHP) – Uncommitted - Video Below
2019 Jake Lautzenheiser (RHP/2B) – Uncommitted
2019 Nathan Temple (1B) – Uncommitted
2019 Hayden Maples (RHP/C) – Uncommitted
2021 Owen Treece (RHP/C) – Uncommitted
2019 Jaxson Amweg (SS/2B) – Uncommitted
2019 Jalen McCracken (OF) – Uncommitted
2020 Keaton Brown (OF) – Uncommitted
2020 Parker Conrad (1B/3B) - Uncommitted

A Look Back At The 2017 Season:

To view the 2017 Team Previews, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

State Final Four Roundup
State Final Four Scouting Notebook
- News, notes and numbers from each of the top prospects at state
ABC's of the OHSAA State Tournament
6th Annual Top 22 All-Tournament Team

To view the 2017 All-State Teams, click below.

To view the 2017 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

A Look Back At 2016 Preseason Articles:

To view the 2016 Team Previews, click here.
To view the 2016 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

A Look Back At 2015 Preseason Articles:

To view the 2015 Team Previews, click here.
To view the 2015 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.