Prep baseball capsules: A look at Royals, Chargers

KENT-MERIDIAN ROYALS AT A GLANCE

• COACH: Tim Akins, 4th season

• LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 1-15 in SPSL

• TOP RETURNERS: 7 returning starters including: Kyle Engman, senior, pitcher and infielder; Aron Corral, sophomore, pitcher and infielder; Thomas Kemp, outfielder; Sam Woods, senior, catcher and pitcher; Zach Johnson, senior, pitcher and outfielder; Tyler McDaniel, senior, infielder and outfielder; and Austin Brenner, senior, pitcher and infielder.

• OUTLOOK: With seven experienced starters, the Royals look to change the culture of Kent-Meridian baseball, making it more competitive than years past. Strengths this year would be experience that comes with a senior-loaded team. Depth is considered the main weakness. But with Engman, who was 2012 first-team SPSL and has signed to play at the University of Puget Sound next year, the Royals look forward to a strong season.

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KENTRIDGE CHARGERS AT A GLANCE:

• COACH: John Flanigan

• LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 14-9 overall

• TOP PERFORMERS: 7 top performers including: Devin Riley, senior, pitcher and outfielder; Joe Wainhouse, junior, first baseman; Andrew Barrera, junior, short stop; Joel Conderay, junior, second baseman and pitcher; Jeremy Rabauliman, senior, pitcher; Zach Beatty, senior, third baseman and pitcher; and Travis McGuire, senior, pitcher and outfielder.

• OUTLOOK: With three left-handed pitchers, Kentridge enters this season “inexperienced on the mound” but “able to score” according to Flanigan. He hopes the Chargers will be in the top five this year. Last year, Kentridge lost in the state regionals.

– Michelle Conerly