Prep Baseball Report

KSHSAA Team Preview: Derby


Andy Urban
KS/OK/MO/AR/CO/Creekside Scouting Supervisor

The Kansas high school season is nearing quickly, and we're here to cover it. Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2023 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, leading into a countdown through the official PBR Kansas Preseason Power 20 Rankings.

We’ve submitted a Preseason Questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.

 

Team: Derby Panthers
League: AVCTL Div1

2022 Record: 16-7 (Lost in 1st Round of State Tournament)
Classification: 6A
Head Coach: Todd Olmstead
Years at the Helm: 10

OUTLOOK

This year's Panthers should be a balanced group with three experienced arms and two power bats, one of which being last year's player of the year, Braden Horn. Those two power bats should be surrounded by guys that can run, with gap to gap power making for a dynamic offense.

In order to make it back to the state tournament this spring, the Panthers will need some new bats to step up. Derby graduated six of their ten best hitters form a year ago. They will also be featuring new faces through the middle of their defense. Finally, if they can get a few arms to step up by the end of the year, they will be in a strong position to make a deep run. 

IMPACT PLAYERS

Braden Horn- C- SR- 6'4 236- R/R, Cowley College Commit AVCTL DIV 1 Player of the Year
2022 Numbers: .444 23 H 5 HR 25 RBI .794 SLG
PBR Notes: Horn has been one of the bigger power threats for a while, but last year he proved he could hit for average as well. Horn also showed off much improved defense behind the dish at the Wichita PSID underlined by elite arm strength. Horn will be a big riser in our upcoming rankings release and will be the straw that stirs the drink for the Panthers. 

Colton Ruedy- OF- JR- 5'10 173- L/L- AVCTL DIV 1 HM
2022 Numbers: .326 15 H 13 RBI 12 R

Kade Sheldon- OF/P- SR- 6'1 189- R/R- Cowley College Commit
2022 Numbers:.268 19 H 20 RBI, 7 SB 1 HR 3 3B 11.1 inn 1-0 1.85 ERA 19 K,
PBR Notes: Coach Olmstead talks about Sheldon having a chance to be the X-factor for this year's club. Sheldon is a well rounded athlete that can effect the game in every aspect, and if he rises to his potential this spring, he will add another weapon on the mound, in the middle of the order, and be a leader in the outfield for Derby. 

Ryan Pierce- SS- SR- 5'4 152- .R/R- AVCTL DIV 1 HM Utility
2022 Numbers: .353 12 H 8 RBI
PBR Notes: Still uncommitted, Pierce is going to be a steal for whomever he signs with at the next level. The quick footed and sure handed middle infielder brings feel for the game on the defensive side of the ball as well as a contact first approach from both sides of the box. 

Mitchell Johnson-LHP - SR - 6'4 220- L/L - Wichita State Commit
2022 Numbers: 30.1 inn 11 H 4-2 2.30 ERA 43 K
PBR Notes: :Johnson is what they look like at the next level and he shows next level stuff as well, featuring an upper 80s fastball. If he can build last year's performance, he could be poised to be one of the best left-handers in the state. 


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Braxton Madrigal
PBR Notes: A physically gifted sophomore at 6-foot-6, 200-pounds. The right-handed hitter could find himself in the middle of the order for Derby this year. Madrigal knows how to use his long levers to produce gap-to-gap power (95 mph EV). Defensively, Madrigal could man a corner spot on the infield and get some innings on the mound featuring a fastball into the low 80s. 

 Layne Sweat
P
BR Notes: Still uncommitted, the right-handed hitting senior has made jump forward athletically. Sweat posted a 6.93 60 and near 90 EV at the MOKAN Top Prospect Games last summer and should be poised to be a difference maker this spring and show schools he is ready to make an impact at the next level as well. 

Calvin Pryor
PBR Notes: The right-handed hitting sophomore has feel for the barrel and shows some advanced actions defensively. Proyor is a prospect to watch as he puts on size and strength. 

Kaden Riojas

Max White
2022 Numbers: 5 inn, 4 H 5K

Colby Morgan
2022 Numbers: 13.2 Inn 2.56 ERA 2-0 15K

 

 

Make sure to follow @PBRKansas on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2023 season.

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