When the Whitehall boys baseball team lace up their spikes this season, they'll be listed as one of the favorites to reach the postseason by some area prognosticators.

While head coach Shaun O'Boyle concedes he has a strong team heading into the 2013 season, any expectations placed on the from the outside pale in comparison to how they view it internally. His objective remains the same regardless of what labels others place on them.

"We're looking to win our division and then a league and district championship," said O'Boyle who's entering his third season at the helm.

Those goals never waver, said O'Boyle, who just returned with his team from a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He said that's always going to be their mindset and looks forward to taking this group to do battle in the Lehigh Valley Conference.

The Zephs finished 11-9 last season, and won two games in the district playoffs, defeating Freedom and Stroudsburg High Schools before bowing to Liberty in the semifinals. The Zephs return a number of starters from that playoff team, and are poised to make another run to the postseason.

They have a good mixture of experience throughout the roster, with key players sprinkled all over the diamond.

One of those players is senior Jacob Wloczewski, who will be back on the hill as one of their premier starters. Wloczewski led the team in wins last year, and was on the mound for the spring game in Myrtle Beach which they won 9-0. Wloczewski also wields a potent bat and will most likely hit third for the Zephs this year.

Another valuable arm on the mound is Elliot Mortimer. Mortimer gives the Zephs another effective pitcher, combining with Wloczewski for a solid one-two punch. The senior will also play shortstop and hit in the cleanup spot. He batted .350 last year with 17 RBIs.

Another hurler who will see action is senior Tyler Sweeney. Sweeny will be another able arm to toss at opponents, and will also be an important piece of their offense.

The Zephs will also feature newcomer Jacob Meyers on the hill, a player who will relieve most of the time, but can also spot start as well. Another arm the Zephs can turn to for some heat will be junior Jeff Charles who will provide them with additional depth.

"We have a strong pitching staff this year," said O'Boyle.

Junior Ryan Bonshak is once again behind the plate, handling the staff as well as providing the spark at the top of their line-up. The junior, who hit .319 last year, will lead off and set the table for the big bats to follow.

Matt Bonshak also returns. He is a four-year starter and brings a wealth of experience to the field. The senior will bat second and play centerfield, and will be a valuable presence to a Zephyr team that's looking to make some noise in the LVC this year.

The Zephs return a lot of their power supply in Zach Delp. The senior drove in 17 runs last year, a clutch hitter who will be another player they can look to for leadership as they look to make a deep run in the postseason.

Senior infielder Jacob Szakal also returns and will be another important cog in their line-up.

Jonathan Winter is yet another senior who will make a major contribution. He knocked in eight runs last year, and steadily improved as the year progressed.

Seniors Khristian Polanco and Dominic Sinatore will be vying for the leftfield spot, while newcomer Tyler Bridgwood, a junior, and Charles will be looking to make a claim for playing time at the hot corner.

Additionally, the Zephs will also rely on juniors Richard Yost, Adam Miller, Matthew Melosky and Matthew Rohrbach to bolster their line-up.

With so many players returning from a team that won two playoff games, the expectations surrounding the team will intensify. However, O'Boyle knows that is a matter of executing and playing good baseball at the right time. Still, it promises to be a fun season to watch.

"We're excited about it," said O'Boyle. "It should be very good. It's a year we're all looking forward to."