Ethan Schlesener (right), a C/3B from Logan-Rogersville, slugged his way to open eyes of coaches and scouts in Southwest Missouri and statewide with an impressive junior campaign. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Schlesener had an exceptional performance atthe Top Prospect Showcase at Rock Bridge HS with a power display at the plate, as well as an impressive 1.98 pop time to second and 84 mph across the diamond from 3rd base.

We recently caught with with Schlesener to see where he was in the recruiting process:

PBR: You put up some impressive power numbers and opened a lot of eyes last season as a junior, have you received interest from colleges, and what colleges are you interested in?   

Schlesener: Yes I have received some letters and emails from colleges such as Central Missouri State, Creighton, Wichita State, Alabama State, Kansas State, Jefferson College, Iowa Western and Ouachita Baptist.  I am undecided at this time where I would like to go to school.

PBR: What are you doing now in preparation for the high school season? 

 

Schlesener: Right now I am playing football which takes up a lot of my time but allows me to compete in another sport I enjoy. I hit at least 1 – 2 times per week and lift weights which I will continue through the off season. I also will be going to several camps and clinics through the winter.

PBR: You are one of the top ranked players in the Class of 2012 (No. 13), do you feel that gives you an advantage in recruiting or puts more pressure on you to perform up to that ranking?

 

Schlesener: I feel it gives me an advantage as it allows colleges another tool in their recruiting process.

PBR: You participated in some higher profile showcases and tournaments over the summer, what did you take away from those experiences? 

 

Schlesener: Playing in some of the top tournaments  against  some very good talent  gives me a lot of confidence  knowing that I can compete at a high level. The showcases allow me to see how I am doing compared to others. I also was able to talk with a few coach’s and get their ideas on what they are looking for in a player and what I need to do to improve my game.

PBR: You have played with and against some top talent in the Midwest, how do you feel that has prepared you going into your senior year?   

 

Schlesener: I feel playing high level competition is a huge factor in becoming the best player I can be.  I enjoy the challenges and feel I have gained a lot of experience by facing top talent.

PBR: Do you feel playing in the Springfield area prepares a player to be ready for college?   

Schlesener: Yes I do.  I have access to some of the nicest facilities and the coaching from my high school coach to winter and summer ball coaches really help me improve my game. The Springfield area has always produced some of the best talent in the state and getting to compete against these players and teams prepares you for the future.

PBR: When you’re not competing in the spring, are there certain things you do to stay in the best physical shape you can? 

Schlesener: I workout a lot in the off season, weights, hit, throw and run.

PBR: As you go into your senior year, are there goals you have set out to accomplish? 

Schlesener: My main goal is to win state.  We went to the final four two years ago and this year we are hoping to make another run.

PBR: Looking back, who did you play for this summer and how did you feel you fared against summer competition?

Schlesener: I played with the Midwest Twins.  We played in the 18 yr. old division of Mid America & Premier tournaments every weekend. I faced very good pitching all summer and had my best offensive year yet. I feel I fared well against the competition.

Click here for a link to Ethan's profile.