Rich Central Pins Hopes on Strong Returning Cast

Coach: Corey Stallings.

Last year’s record: 17-11 overall, 9-6 in the Southland Athletic Conference.

Opener: March 21 vs. Chicago Harlan.

Quick hit: "If we do the little things and take care of the ball defensively, we will be fine," Rich Central coach Corey Stallings said. "So much of our success relies on our ability to do the routine things.”

Infield: Nick Collins, senior, second base. Collins is a returning all-area player. He hit .510. Tyler House, senior, first base (also a starting pitcher and an outfielder). House is a transfer from Mt. Carmel.  Jayme Taylor, senior, infielder/pitcher/outfielder. Taylor hit .336 and had 23 stolen bases. Matt Cole, sophomore, third base/first base. Cole hit .350 as a freshman with four home runs. Jordan Smith, junior, shortstop. Smith hit .350 with two home runs.

Outfield: Brandon Fowler, junior, center field (also a starting pitcher). Fowler hit .430 and stole 33 bases. He also hit five home runs as the team’s leadoff hitter. Nolan Bullock, sophomore. Jayme Taylor (also a starting pitcher and infielder). Tyler House (also a starting pitcher and first baseman).

Pitching staff: Brandon Fowler. He was 6-2 and drew raves as one of the area's top strikeout pitchers. Jayme Taylor, senior, 7-2 last season. Jalen Purchase, sophomore. As a freshman at the sophomore level, he went 9-1. Tyler House, senior, who will be pitching for the University of Missouri next season. Garrett Spivey, senior. He will get time out of the bullpen.

Catcher: Ryan Calvin, junior, hit .440 as a sophomore and was second on the team in RBIs behind Nick Collins. He started every game.

Coach Stallings says: “I think this team is multi-faceted. I think we can play small-ball, but we also have some guys that have pop. Whatever pitcher we face will dictate our approach. Whatever adjustments we have to make to win the game, we’re ready for.”

College recruits: Tyler House (Missouri), Nick Collins (Northern Illinois University has interest in him).