Pitcher/catcher Ryan Miller
Photo by Marc Estrada
The Indians don't shy away from tough competition, as they will compete in the National High School Invitational in March and will also play in The Perfect Game Florida/Georgia Shootout.
Local outlook: Venice has several tough games against local teams, including a pair of outings with Sarasota and a matchup with 2012 Class 8A state champion Spruce Creek. Faulkner also expects Mater Academy (Fort Lauderdale), Steinbrenner, Oviedo and Olympia to be exceptional this year.
Overall outlook: The Indians have already lost a game this year, to Lakewood Ranch, but expect them to be in the hunt for a third-straight state title, this time at the 6A level. The Indians are strong up the middle with Rivera, Guthrie and a pair of talented pitchers in Elmy and Miller.
Coach quote: "The Indians traditionally put together one of the most difficult schedules in the state of Florida. While the likelihood of going undefeated is slim, the Venice Indians will be grizzled and battle-tested by playoff time.
- Craig Faulkner
