By: Jon Osterman

The Panthers are riding a four game winning streak, having won their last game on Tuesday against Heritage Christian, 11-1. Staff ace Hobs Donovan picked up the win to improve his record to 111-2 on the season. Andy Crooks went 2-for-2 with two triples and six RBIs.

Strong pitching (the staff also features junior standout Jordan Robinson--pictured right--who has a 1.85 ERA as of May 22) and the ability to score runs is nothing new to the 20-6 Panthers. What's dangerous about the Panther offense, in addition to launching home run after home run, is the manner in which they distribute runs. Eleven of the 17 players on North Central's roster have gone deep in its record-setting season.

So far this season, senior outfielder Justin Zellar is tops in state in a number offensive categories--hits (37), doubles (10), and runs (34). 

In addition to bringing a high-powered offense, the Panthers are also an experienced squad--well over half the players on the roster are seniors. But North Central will need more than experience and the ability to hit the long ball if they want to get out of a section that includes defending state champions Cathedral and Lawrence North. But with Donovan and Robinson providing a strong 1-2 punch in the rotation and the offense ready to score at will at any given time, North Central may turn some heads in the coming weeks.