This does appear to be the year Indy should finally start turning some heads. With a 10-1 start last year, many thought last year was the year, but then they reached district play and could not continue that success against the tough district. Only losing 3 seniors (only one that played everyday in McClendon), experience is now the advantage for the Eagles. A deep pitching staff will give them the opportunity to win every game.
Brentwood, though having lost some key players, stacks up well to rival Indy for the top spot. The loss of Burgess and Hackett on the hill hurts, but Ray and Hillis will provide that same one two punch. The offense will be there, so Brentwood will be tough to beat.
Franklin has finally reached a year where there is a good possibility of being knocked off the top. I will never count them out because it would be ridiculous to say a Rebel baseball team has no chance, but the loss of Coach A and the very good senior class (Joseph, Dykes, Grude, Dobbins, etc.) forces many unexperienced players to step up.
Centennial lost a bulk of their offensive production, but also bring back some solid hitters, Kemp in particular. The pitching will prove to be their downfall in my opinion. They survived the regular season last year without stellar arms, but I don't see that happening again. With the combination of the bats and arms they lost, I don't see CHS repeating their success.
Ravenwood surprised everyone with their run to the Boro last year. They return many starters from that team, but the reality is that they rode on the back of Kes Carter the whole way. Without him, I don't see the Raptors repeating that success. They will be competitive in the district, but not a top team.
Overton always seems to find a way to be successful every year. It seems like they lose their whole team, but then reload every year. This was true, until last year. Overton was a good team, but not a dominate team like years past. They return several starters, but not enough pitching to elevate them to the top of a tough district.
Hillwood and Hillsboro, more than likely, will remain the bottom two as usual.
1. Independence
2. Brentwood
3. Franklin
4. Centennial
5. Ravenwood
6. Overton
7. Hillsboro
8. Hillwood
Indy beat Brentwood 3 times last year with pretty much the same team they will send out this year. Thats why I see them claiming the top spot.