There's something to be said about success breeding success. In the past six years under coach Brian Keuster, South Spencer has produced a number of successful teams and players. In addition to winning last season's 2A state championship, South Spencer's baseball program has established a track record of consistently graduating Division-I players. By all accounts, that tradition will continue this season with left-handed ace Blake Monar.

But that's only if he doesn't go pro instead.

Scouts have been coming out in droves to watch Monar play--he's the kind of pitcher that they will come from across the country to see. A 6-foot-2, 185-pound lefty with command of four pitches is a special talent indeed. But Monar, who is verbally committed to Indiana University, hasn't felt the pressure. For him, it's all about playing baseball, and having fun doing it.

"It's kind of exciting, having people come out and watch," Monar said. "I just try to go out and play my game. It's always just another game, whether there's scouts or coaches watching. I play my best and if they like what they see, great."

With Monar, it's hard not to like what you see. So far this season (as of May 19), Monar has thrown 39 innings and given up only two earned runs. That's good for a 0.36 ERA. He's walked a mere nine batters while striking out 75. That's a ratio that a player can only dream of achieving.

And if that weren't enough, Monar can swing it as well: his season batting average is .667.

"He's a tremendous hitter," Keuster said.

As for breeding success, Monar's play has began to rub off on his teammates. The Rebels are a young squad this year, but as the season has progressed, the team has gotten hotter and hotter. Part of that has to do with Monar and his ability to lead by example.

"He does the things he needs to do and that rubs off on other players," Keuster said.

The Rebels have won nine straight games and are heating up at just the right time. And while Monar knows he has set a high standard for his teammates to follow, he chalks up the team's success to his coach.

"We want to keep the school's tradition going," Monar said. "Coach Keuster has us disciplined; everybody on the team can't wait to get out there and get the season going."

Now that the season is underway and Monar has done what he's set out to do, he's thinking tournament. In a loaded 2A class, he knows that it'll be a battle through sectional play and beyond.

"There are no easy games in our sectional," Monar said. "But we're still a tough team to beat."