By Chris Valentine
PBR Ohio Scouting Director

After a heart breaking regional semi-final loss in 2012, Thomas Worthington is one of the top rated Division Iteams in the state this spring with the core of their roster returning. As always, Coach Gussler will have his squad prepared and ready to compete with the best that Central Ohio has to offer.

Last year, the Cardinals put together an 11-3 conference record en route to an OCC conference title. This year, with a shift in conference alignment, the Cardinals will likely compete with Olentangy Liberty, Dublin Coffman, and Upper Arlington in defense of their title. The Cardinal’s one-two pitching punch of junior Nick Pauley and senior Roscoe Blackburn is likely the best in Central Ohio this spring.

Class of 2013

• SS/RHP, Ben Miller – The 5-foot-10, 170-pound two-way prospect hit .301 last year while also compiling seven saves with a 2.92 ERA as the Cardinals’ closer.
• LHP/OF Roscoe Blackburn – The 6-foot-2, 185-pound lefty was injured most of the 2011 season, but now in good health, he will provide a big time boost in all areas of the game for the Cardinals.
• OF, Emerson Keppler – The speedy 5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed hitting outfielder is committed to Mount Union.
• OF, Nick Highley – The 5-foot-10, 180-pound left-handed hitting outfielder hit .253 with 13 RBI last year.

Class of 2014

• RHP, Nick Pauley – The 6-foot-4, 200-pound righty compiled a 9-0 record with a 1.54 ERA last year. He is one of the top pitching prospects in Ohio’s class of 2014.
• C/DH, Kegan Lanter – The 5-foot-8, 170-pound catcher hit in the middle of the Cardinal’s order as a sophomore. He compiled a .253 batting average along with 10 RBI last year.
• LHP, Sam Ankrom – The 5-foot-10, 185-pound southpaw has a low to mid 80’s fastball that will add depth to the Cardinal’s pitching staff.
• SS, Tommy Pischel – The 5-foot-9, 165-pound infielder will be key up the middle for the Cardinals.

Class of 2015

• C/IF, Jace Komminsk – The 5-foot-10, 180-pound versatile prospect will likely play several positions while contributing with a solid bat. His father played eight years of pro ball.
• OF, John Lee – The 5-foot-11, 165-pound left-handed hitting outfielder provides a combination of speed and power in the lineup.
• LHP/1B, Brady Roesch – The 6-foot-2, 190-pound lefty will likely man first base.

Class of 2016

• SS, Anthony Falks – This three-sport athlete will be one to monitor. With deep classes in front of him, he will likely have to wait his time for the varsity lineup.
• RHP/IF, Jaret Gerber – The 5-foot-8, 155-pound three-sport athlete finds himself in a similar position as Falks.