By Michael Moreci
Take a look around at the 4A class and you’ll understand one thing, clear as day: this class is loaded with talented players and dynamite teams. To be ranked pre-season No. 1 against this competition, a team must unequivocally be the real deal. Enter Noblesville, who claim the top spot going into the 2008 season.
The Millers finished 23-10 last season and advanced to the final four in the state tournament—a first in Noblesville’s history. They lost to eventual state champs Cathedral. It’s that taste of near glory that has kept coach Justin Keever’s team tenacious all off-season.
“We’re driven by getting back,” Keever said. “The team is enthusiastic and the work ethic has been tremendous.”
While accomplishing their ultimate goal of eclipsing last year’s success won’t be easy, the Millers enter this season as experienced as any team out there. Noblesville returns the heart of their order and five of the top seven hitters that led them to the school’s best ever finish in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference.
“We may be more talented that last year,” Keever said.
Returning is All-Conference Depaw-bound C Sam Swafford (.371 BA, 9 2B--pictured right) who anchors the Millers’ explosive offense. Also in the mix is All-Conference, Evansville-bound CF Ryan Wides (.321 BA), junior 3B Mitch Miller, and junior SS Jake Roberts.
Where the Millers get somewhat thin is their pitching. After losing two of their top three starters from last season (both of whom are currently playing college ball), Noblesville will be looking for a way to compensate for those last innings.
Senior RHP Brian Cooley (7-3, 3.44 ERA, 63 IP, 50 SO), who has started since his sophomore season, returns as the team’s most experienced arm. Behind him will be All-Conference junior RHP Jake Wood (3-0, 1.80 ERA, 11.2 IP, 15 SO). Junior Andy Hay will compete with a couple of highly-touted freshman—Derek Asuras and Ryan Byrne—for the remaining rotation spot.
The Millers will have their talent and hunger tested right out of the gates this season: their first eight games are against tough teams, including a tournament match up against Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky’s No. 1 ranked team. Coach Keever wouldn’t have it any other way. He wants to play the best, he wants his team to be ready so that when the tournament comes around, the Millers will have but one thing on their mind: winning it all.