For 29 years, Dave Pishkur has been at the helm of Andrean's baseball program. It's that consistency that has helped make the Fifty-Niners bring in the best talent and be a constant success. In 2008, Pishkur will be looking to continue Andrean's proud tradition of winning. After capturing the state title in 2005, Pishkur decided to go with youth. Well, the young guys aren't young anymore; they're all grown up, experienced, and hungry to win.

With six starters and all three of their top pitchers returning, New Palestine may very well be the team to beat in the 3A class (alongside defending champs Norwell and conference foes Yorktown). Coach Al Cooper welcomes back Star East Player of the Year RHP-1B Patrick Kraft, who finished last season 9-0 with a 1.82 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 55 innings. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Kraft also hit .340 for the Dragons.

With over 35 homeruns this season--breaking a school record--the North Central Panthers feature a potent lineup that pitchers aren't eager to face. With Sectional play a week away, the Panthers, led by Hobs Donovan (pictured right) and Justin Zeller, are looking to take their big bats deep into the tournie.

Mishawaka is off to a hot start this season. And while they've seen contributions for players from each class, it's been the seniors who've led the charge for the Cavemen.

Ranked No. 1 in the 3A class, to say Brebeuf is off to a good start doesn't quite capture the whole picture. Not only are they 12-1, but it has won by utilizing a deep bench and a bunch of young talent. And, not to mention, the Braves have an outstanding +90 run differential. As they say, the numbers don't lie.

Kokomo came within a game of winning the 4A title last season. They had a great team then, but most of their players from that team (nine in total) have graduated, leaving the Wildkats without much of their accustomed depth and experience. This year they'll rely on a host of sophomores to propel them to the top of one of the toughest conferences in the state.  

Last season, Lafayette Central Catholic won 35 games en route to capturing the class 1A state title. One would think that after such a run, a team would need a brief respite; rebuild, pick up the pieces left by graduated seniors. Not Lafayette. The Knights achieved their 2007 marks with only two seniors. Coming into 2008 their experienced, deep, and ready to defend their title.

The Rebels won 27 games last season, marking their fifth consecutive season with at least 20 victories. They also managed to win the 2A state title--no small feat. But with nine of their players graduating, South Sepncer will have a challenging season in front of them. Coach Brian Kuester is ready--and according to him, so is his team.

With six starters and three pitchers returning from last season's 23-6 last season, South Ripley is in a position to build on their success. Coach Hite feels confident heading into the season, and is ready to face the the season's challenges. One such challenge will be in facing Hauser, a 1A power realigned to 2A this season.

With a number of players returning from last season's 2A runner-up team, the Patriots are poised to replicate 2007's success. They're likely to do it from the mound; all three of their top pitchers return in 2008.

The Millers got upended by eventual state champs Cathedral in last season's Final Four. Their goal for this season? Get back -- and win. Noblesville is confident it can build on last year's success, and the sentiment is shared by many: the Indiana High School Coaches Association's pre-season rankings has the Millers No.1, ahead of Cathedral, Kokomo, and host of other powerhouse 4A teams.

The Kingsmen have 7 players from their final four team of last year playing college baseball. Such a loss of talent would force most teams to enter a rebuilding year. But with the juniors Penn have coming up, they might actually be better than last season.

After coming close to capturing the state crown in two consecutive years, Cathedral finally won it all last season. But don't expect them to rest on their laurels: this team is poised to repeat. With a number of key players returning and a good class of juniors coming up, the Fighting Irish are as tough as a team as ever.

Even though the Slicers graduated a considerable portion of their 2007 class, coach Scott Upp always finds a way to win. With a 248-60 record over 10 seasons and a host of talent returning--and coming up from the underclass--La Porte is always a tough team in the 4A class.

Being perfect isn’t easy. In fact, it’s nearly impossible. That’s why in the history of Indiana baseball, only three teams have gone undefeated over the course of an entire season: Evansville Memorial in 1978, Brownsburg in 2005, and now Norwell in 2007. As difficult as it was for the Knights to go 35-0 and win the class 3A state championship, repeating will be an even greater challenge.