Coach Mike Harmon enters this season with his team needing to make improvements in two areas: pitching and defense. An inexperienced team was erratic last season, alternating winning and losing streaks throughout the season and making 75 errors in 27 games. The Trojans have lost their two top pitchers -- Matt Tyner and Brian Tekulve -- from last season.

"The real question mark is our experience pitchingwise," said Harmon, whose team was 12-15 last season and finished as the runner-up in the City Tournament. "We've got nine or 10 guys that can pitch if they come into their own. We may be splitting games up into 3- and 2-inning stints and not having too many complete games."

An experienced offense is led by All-City shortstop Matt Carr, who hit .413. Centerfielder Matt Lubbers, second baseman Kevin Ball, a three-year starter; catcher Scott Mourey; and first baseman John Dury, who hit .340 as a freshman, also return. Carr (21 innings), Nick Beery (21) and Billy White (16) are the only pitchers returning with varsity experience.

"We'll find out where we're at right away," said Harmon. The team's early-season schedule includes Roncalli, Cathedral, Warren Central, Muncie Central, Jeffersonville and Jasper. "I'm excited to see how some guys fill in. I think we could be pretty good."