NAPPANEE, Ind. (WNDU) – It’s a huge weekend for high school baseball teams in Indiana, as semi-states are taking place across the Hoosier State on Saturday.
One of the 32 schools that are still alive is NorthWood.
The Panthers are 20-12 this season, and after losing two straight to end the regular season, they’ve been red hot in the playoffs, winning four straight games to take the sectional and regional crowns.
Now, they’ll play in the Class 3A northern semi-state at LaPorte this weekend. They’ll face Norwell in the semifinals, and if they win that they’ll have a chance to play for a spot in the state championship.
“When we’re preparing, we’re looking at more at what we’re doing as opposed to what they are doing,” says head coach Zach Benko. “I think it’s a real trap to look at other teams and try and change what you’re doing to try and adjust to how they play the game. We want to be able to dictate that, and when we do things well we know we can.”
“It’s great to be able to do it with my brothers pretty much,” adds senior outfielder Mason Bogan. “They’re a second family to me, so it’s great to be able to do it with that group of guys.”
First pitch against Norwell is set for 1:30 p.m. EDT/12:30 p.m. CDT at Schreiber Field.
Meanwhile, NorthWood isn’t the only Michiana-area school whose state title hopes are still alive. Goshen (Class 4A) and Westview (Class 2A) will also be playing in semi-state this Saturday.
For the full schedule of semi-state games across Indiana, click here.
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