MaxPreps 2015 Indiana preseason baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Terre Haute North Vigo
2014 finish: 24-8
Head coach: Shawn Turner

The Patriots reached the Class 4A state championship game last year, but they fell to Noblesville 2-1. North Vigo has one of the nation's top home run hitters in junior catcher T.J. Collett, who belted 17 round-trippers last year. The Patriots also return three starting pitchers in Greg Hannum (4-1 record), Tristan Pate (4-3) and Brandon Taylor (4-0).

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2. Indianapolis Cathedral
2014 finish: 27-4
Head coach: Rich Andriole

The Fighting Irish reached the regional finals last year before falling to Terre Haute North Vigo. Cathedral returns the state's top player in Ashe Russell, a MaxPreps Preseason All-American who was named the Gatorade State Player of the Year as a junior. However Russell is not the only arm on the staff. Right-handers Jake Schmidt and Adam Neal will help to give the Fighting Irish a formidable pitching staff in 2015.

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3. Floyd Central (Floyds Knobs)
2014 finish: 25-6
Head coach: Casey Laduke

Although the Highlanders lost to Jeffersonville in the sectional semifinals, they return several of the top players in the state, including returning all-state player Colton Kimm. Also among the top players in the state to watch, according to Perfect Game, are first baseman Kyle Beach and catcher Trey Fulton.



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4. Hanover Central (Cedar Lake)
2014 finish: 23-6
Head coach: Douglas Nelson

The Wildcats lost to Andrean in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs last year, but six out of eight starters from last year's squad and all but one pitcher who earned a win last season. Daniel Balich is the top returning pitcher as he went 8-1 with a 1.66 ERA. Jesse Wilkening, Riley Welch and Balich are the top returning hitters. Wilkening batted .594 with 10 home runs while Welch batted .444 with three home runs and Balich batted .418.

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5. Noblesville
2014 finish: 28-8
Head coach: Justin Keever

Winners of the Class 4A state championship last year with a win over Terre Haute North Vigo, The state title appearance was the first ever for the Millers. Noblesville returns four of its top offensive performers from last year in Brian McLean (.352), Dax McLochlin (.295), Connor Christman (.293), and Vincent Essig (.300, 6 HR). McLochlin (4-1 record) is also one of the top returning pitchers along with junior Cory Conway (5-1).