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Closing in on one month before the start of the 2018 high school baseball season. We will spotlight teams from around the state as we near the start of our high school preseason and season coverage.

Team Spotlight: Norfolk Christian Ambassadors

Head Coach: Mike Milligan (9th Season)
Classification: VISAA D-I
Conference: TCIS
2017 Record: 11-11
2017 Post Season: VISAA D-I Quarterfinals
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Pitchers: 3

Returners with Post Season Honors
Ty Johnson
Braden Gilbert
Gage Elliott

Key Returners (2017 Stats)
Ty Johnson 1B/LHP 2020 (Pictured, right)
Gage Elliott OF 2018
Braden Gilbert RHP 2018 (Pictured, below)
Thomas Fox SS/3B 2018

Key Losses
Zack Groves
Austin Holley
Drew Coley
Cole Dewey

Key Newcomer(s)
Cole Powers RHP 2019
Aiden Deike IF/OF 2021
Kyle Edwards LHP 2018
Baraka Florence IF/OF 2020
Tyree Kelley OF 2018

Outlook
Though experienced depth graduated from the Ambassadors roster, Norfolk Christian still return their leading arms and hitters to the team this spring. Offensively the top two hitters return to the lineup in Ty Johnson and Gage Elliott, who both should continue to build of impressive 2017 seasons. Johnson, just a sophomore, was a near leader in every offensive category for the Ambassadors and will be a exciting player to watch in his second season. Elliott hit over .350 his junior year and should again be one of the resident speed demons on the bases. Look for Thomas Fox (Belmont-Abbey) to build off a stellar junior season as a leading hitter this spring. Keep an eye out for Aiden Deike, Baraka Florence, and Tyree Kelley (transfer) to see significant time on the diamond for the Ambassadors. On the mound, their two leading innings arms return to the hill headed up by ace Braden Gilbert (Wilson). Gilbert put together a dominating season on the mound for the Ambassadors, with his sub 2.00 ERA in 46 innings. Johnson comes back to the mound and should build off his 51.1 IP with 32 strikeouts and 4.09 ERA. Keep an eye out for Kyle Edwards, who looks to return as a top left handed arm this season after missing the majority of 2017. Transfer Cole Powers should also add innings on the mound.

More 2018 Team Previews