By Michael Moreci

Though the Slicers graduated a considerable chunk of last season’s 22-9 squad, they’re still a dangerous team in the 4A class. Coach Scott Upp, who holds a 248-60 record over 10 seasons, will rely heavily on his four returning seniors and a talented group coming up in the junior and sophomore classes.                                                      

La Porte will see its fortunes hinge largely on Ball State-bound 1B-RHP Ian Nielsen (.344 BA, 7 HR, 35 RBI; 8-2, 2.52 ERA, 78 SO, 64 IP) who will spearhead both the offense and the rotation. Nielsen will be followed in the rotation by senior LHP Neil Hackett (8-2, 3.05 ERA, 79 SO, 75 2/3 IP). Sophomore RHP Kevin Upp and sophomore LHP Clay Mannering are likely to fill the remaining slots.

Offensively, the Slicers return above average speed at the top of the order in senior 2B John Gakle (.422 BA, 15 R, 6 SB) and junior OF Kyle Rosenbaum (.345 BA, 16 RBI, 26 R, 18 SB). The core of the lineup will feature Nielsen, senior OF Adam McIntyre (.321 BA, 6 2B, 24 RBI), junior C/DH Tyler Overmyer (.277 BA, 7 2B, 3 HR, 17 RBI), and slick-fielding sophomore SS Dustin DeMuth.

A strong field of talent—featuring junior LF Brett Wade and sophomore INF Evan Jurjevic—will compete for the remaining positions.                  

Even with their mixture of experience and apt underclassmen, the Slicers—who are ranked #4 preseason—have the work cut out for them in the overwhelmingly strong 4A class.