Prep Baseball Report

2015 Season Preview: PIAA District I (Class AAAA)



By Jacob Gill
Philadelphia Region Director of Scouting

Headed down the home stretch of our district preview articles, the main component of our season preview content, which is running for three weeks up to the first official competition date for PIAA schools on March 20, we take a look at the largest district/classification combo in the state (53 schools). Each article includes a list of top prospects from amongst the cohort of schools, as well as write-ups of a number of teams in the cohort.

We have received inquiries regarding how we decide which teams to detail. A team having or not having its own paragraph in the article is less an indication of what type of season we expect it to have and more a function of how much information we are able to compile. For example, if we have not seen a team in person (there are over 600 baseball-playing high schools in the state), stats are not available on-line, and a school district spam filter gobbled up our e-mails to the coach that contained the questionnaire, we might not have enough information to write a full paragraph on that school.

To view all district previews as they are released, please visit our District Previews 2015 page.

PIAA District I Class AAAA Top Prospects

Joe MolettiereDanny LongTim MillerLiam BendoJared Melone

1. Brendon Little, 2015, LHP Conestoga (North Carolina)
2. Culver Hughes, 2015, RHP, West Chester East (Virginia Tech)
3. David Yanni, 2015, IF, Central Bucks East (Pitt)
4. Cameron Simmons, 2015, OF, Spring-Ford (Virginia)
5. Joe Molettiere, 2015, RHP, Pennridge (Monmouth)
6. Bret Clarke, 2015, RHP, Spring-Ford (Stony Brook)
7. Danny Long, 2016, IF/RHP, Pennridge
8. Tim Miller, 2016, RHP/IF, Conestoga
9. Cole German, 2015, OF, Council Rock North (Charleston Southern)
10. Ryne Ogren, 2015, IF, Conestoga (Elon)
11. Kyle Skeels, 2015, C, Neshaminy (Coastal Carolina)
12. Thomas Caufield, 2018, IF, West Chester Henderson
13. Liam Bendo, 2017, IF, Garnet Valley
14. Jared Melone, 2015, IF, North Penn (La Salle)
15. Connor Klemann, 2015, IF, Spring-Ford (Penn State)
16. Connor Larkin, 2017, RHP, Spring-Ford
17. Colin Kennedy, 2017, RHP, Hatboro-Horsham
18. Nick Falso, 2015, IF, Wissahickon (Ohio U)
19. Jon Fisher, 2015, RHP, Plymouth Whitemarsh (James Madison)
20. Kevin Barron, 2015, IF, Hatboro-Horsham (Campbell)
21. Drew Jarmuz, 2015, OF, Unionville (La Salle)
22. Charlie Concannon, 2015, OF, West Chester Rustin (St. Joseph's)
23. Danny Shane, 2015, OF/LHP, Pennridge (Mercer CC)
24. Blake Rapoport, 2016, IF, Wissahickon
25. Ryan Guckin, 2016, C, Avon Grove

Nick FalsoKevin BarronBlake RapoportRyan Guckin

Class AAAA

Jack LariniA veteran line-up returns for Abington, led by senior SOL National 2nd-team outfielder Brendan Gallagher (.302 AVG), Elizabethtown-bound 3rd-team catcher Nick Bein (.451 AVG), and junior Honorable Mention outfielder Jack Larini (.281 AVG; right). A quartet of RHP -- senior Honorable Mention Connor Breslin, junior Greg Troyer and Chris Clewell, and sophomore Paul Poppert -- are slated to log the bulk of the innings for coach Dave Torresani.

Jimmy FarrowFour freshman currently on college baseball rosters took with them the vast majority of Avon Grove's innings when they graduated. The Red Devils offense will be led by two junior Ches-Mont National Honorable Mention selections in Guckin (.371 AVG, 500 SLG) and infielder Matt Harrison (.264 AVG). Senior outfielder Tyler Bonner (.359 AVG) performed well in part-time duty, while junior infielder Jimmy Farrow (left) and freshman outfielder Andrew Brady could also push for playing time.

Brandon WermuthHonorable Mention all-SOL National pitcher Brandon Wermuth (right) will front a Bensalem staff that will also have senior RHP Chris Reyes log significant innings. Following the departure of nine to graduation, coach Harry Daut will roll out a relatively inexperienced line-up. Junior outfielders Bill Kohler and Joe Benedetti, junior first baseman Ricky Massott, and senior shortstop Nick Mulvey (Honorable Mention at third base) will lead the Owls offensive charge.

Fresh off a PAC-10 regular-season title and a state tournament appearance, Boyertown Area has a number of key offensive pieces returning, including senior 1st-team all-PAC-10 outfielder Austin Madeja, senior Honorable Mention outfielder Dalton Hughes, the solid lefty stick of senior infielder Zach Moser, plus physical junior first baseman Ben Longacre. As often happens for the Bears, their pitching got thinned out by graduation, so coach Todd Moyer will be looking toward junior RHP Andrew Bauer to use a gutsy effort in the state legion tournament to catapult himself to success this spring.

Thomas PratoWith less than ten innings back from last year's pitching staff, Central Bucks East will have an open competition for mound time that could extend itself into the regular season. Senior RHP Tyler Davis, junior RHPs Eric Chase (Honorable Mention all-SOL Continental), Michael Broderick, and Sam Killough, and junior LHP A.J. Curran could all get an opportunity early on for coach Kyle Dennis. Yanni (.442 AVG, .561 OBP, 12 BB vs 6 K, .634 SLG) is arguably the top hitter in the area and the engine that drives the Patriots offense. Providing support for him will be a group that includes Ursinus-bound third baseman Carter Usowski (.291 AVG, .454 SLG) and Immaculata-bound first baseman Tom Prato (.320 AVG, .433 OBP; right).

Alex BendzlowiczCentral Bucks South returns a solid group of strike-throwers, led by Mount St. Mary's commit Michael Kuypers, sophomore RHP Dan Klepchick (an Honorable Mention all-SOL Continental selection as a freshman), and junior RHP Dan McCartin. Coach Mike Schaefer's offense was thinned out by graduation, but still returns Kuypers and the senior left-handed hitting outfield duo of New Jersey Tech-bound Honorable Mention selection Mike Anastasia and 1st-team honoree Steve Trachtenberg. Youngsters such as sophomore catcher Eric Gross, sophomore infielder Alex Bendzlowicz (left), junior outfielder Mike Goldsworthy, and junior infielders Kyle Rossi and Tyler Rossi could all have an opportunity for an increased role.

Time to reload for Central Bucks West after it graduated 77% of its innings and all but two of its line-up regulars: senior SOL Continental 1st-team second baseman Rob Philipps (.304 AVG, .406 OBP, 10 BB vs 7 K) and junior 2nd-team outfielder Matt Peralta (.364 AVG, .509 SLG).

Josh RyanCheltenham graduated two-thirds of its line-up, leaving senior infielder Gabe Hofferman, senior outfielder Gilbert Owens, and senior first baseman Jack Gordon (an Honorable Mention selection at DH) as the only holdovers for the defending SOL American champs. Junior infielder Josh Ryan (right) and sophomore utility Alex Haasz should get the opportunity to step up and help replace the lost production. First-year coach John Bernhardt also inherits a pitching staff that graduated its top three pitchers, which will push sophomore RHP Joel White, senior RHP James Heaven (the only returner to log double-digit innings last spring), and sophomore RHP Jake Petrisko into larger roles.

Jared UrbanLosing an ace pitcher is a tough blow for any team, but the situation is amplified when that pitcher is nearly automatic. That's the position in which Coatesville Area finds itself following the graduation of Brian Brown (17-1, 52 H, 201 K over 128 IP his junior and senior years). Senior Ches-Mont National Honorable Mention selection Bobby Kuehn (42.2 IP, 51 H, 7 BB, 22 K) appears poised to ascend to the top of coach Hal Ziegler's depth chart, while senior RHPs Cesar Asadi and Jorge Rodriguez, along with junior LHP Isaiah Holmes, should have the opportunity to log more innings. An inexperienced line-up will feature Honorable Mention third baseman Rodriguez (.312 AVG), first baseman Kuehn (.355 AVG), and junior outfielder Jared Urban (.250 AVG; left), who has the most returning plate appearances of anyone on the team.

Ryne OgrenState runner-up Conestoga didn't just graduate virtually its entire line-up, it sent the lot of them off to college baseball, along with a couple of primary pitchers. As the list at the top of the page indicates, however, the Pioneers are by no means bereft of talent. Ogren (right) and Little, whose upper-80s to low-90s fastball and sharp curveball could draw some draft interest this spring, both earned 1st-team all-Central League honors. Miller's heavy, sinking mid-80s fastball and power potential (94-mph exit velo) could find him contributing with his arm and bat.

Josh KimStepping into the ace role this year for Council Rock South will be Rider-bound LHP Jordan Silverman (47 IP, 41 H, 20 BB, 39 K), a 3rd-team all-SOL National selection whose funky delivery and different arm slots have the potential to put a hitter into a slump for weeks. A trio of inexperienced RHPs -- juniors C.J. Kilgariff (7 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 11 K) and Jack Murray, plus sophomore Josh Kim (left) -- will jockey for innings behind Silverman. Coach Ted Kirner's offense sent five regulars off to college baseball, so he will turn to three Honorable Mention selections -- Lafayette-bound catcher Connor Macaulay (.268 AVG, .349 OBP), along with senior infielders Nick Ponente (.333 AVG, .465 OBP, 15 BB vs 3 K) and Dean Obarowski (.311 AVG, .415 OBP, 8 BB vs 7 K) -- to help guide a young line-up that should also include infielder Kim.

Joey PreciadoCouncil Rock North will feature a junior-heavy rotation that could give the Indians a multi-year window of legitimate championship aspirations. RHPs Matt Hand, Brandon McIlwain (committed to South Carolina as a quarterback), and Juliano Kovalcik, along with LHP Seth Leuz, give coach Matt Schram multiple options each game, and that's before talented sophomore RHP Joey Preciado (right) is factored in. An experienced offense will get production out of toolsy SOL National Honorable Mention selection German, Towson-bound Honorable Mention outfielder Noah Hartwell, Penn Tech-bound Honorable Mention second baseman Cole Hoffman, senior 1st-team third baseman J.R. Hicks, Honorable Mention second baseman Hand, and 1st-team first baseman McIlwain, with junior catcher Jared Schram and junior first baseman Chase D'Arcangelo projected to join them in the line-up.

Jesse AlbaFollowing the graduation of three of four primary pitchers, Monmouth-bound Ches-Mont National Honorable Mention selection Kyle Ajjan (26.1 IP, 26 H, 11 BB, 18 K) appears poised to ascend to the role of ace for Downingtown East. Also a first baseman, Ajjan (.279 AVG, .347 OBP) will team with the middle infield duo of U Sciences-bound 1st-team honoree Nick Amicon (.413 AVG, .603 SLG) and junior 2nd-team second baseman Jesse Alba (.396 AVG, .442 OBP; left) to spark a Cougars line-up that returns the majority of its regular starters.

Jeff ShanfeldtDespite graduating a good chunk of its roster, Garnet Valley will still be able to roll out senior infielder Stephen Palis, a sparkplug in the leadoff spot, La Salle-bound Central League 1st-team outfielder Ben Faso, and Lehigh-bound 2nd-team catcher Jeff Shanfeldt (right). Talented left-handed hitter Bendo could slide his way into an open infield spot, while junior RHP Michael Bechtold should have the opportunity to log significant innings.

Great Valley will be looking for a pitcher or two to step up behind Davidson-bound  Ches-Mont American 1st-team selection Allen Barry (51 IP, 41 H, 6 BB, 47 K), as no other returner logged more than three innings last spring. Coach Matt Schultz's offense lost some pieces as well, but has a solid foundation in 1st-team infielder Tom Allen (.288 AVG, .485 SLG), 1st-team outfielder Jack Nonnemacher (.318 AVG, .408 OBP), and Honorable Mention catcher Joe Leonetti (.357 OBP).

Harry S. Truman welcomes back a majority of its innings in senior LHPs Aaron Wolf (SOL National Honorable Mention) and Lincoln Memorial-bound Matt Walczak, plus senior RHP Matt Shea. Gwynedd Mercy-bound catcher Evan Miller and senior second baseman Chris Mangold will power first-year coach Tim Monahan's offense along with a trio of Honorable Mention selections -- third baseman Shea, senior shortstop Matt Helbling, and junior outfielder Matt Olsen.

Eric LaneHatboro-Horsham returns an experienced group that showed flashes of being dominant for coach Pete Moore last spring (including a seven-game stretch in which its pitching staff allowed only four total runs). That staff returns pretty much intact with Kennedy (22.2 IP, 15 H, 3 BB, 12 K), RHP Barron (31.2 IP, 35 H, 17 BB, 34 K), senior LHP Eric Lane (18.2 IP, 13 H, 7 BB, 13 K; right), and senior RHP Ryan Murphy (15.1 IP, 17 H, 7 BB, 15 K). The offense returns seven regulars, including East Stroudsburg-bound shortstop Chris Crookham (.273 AVG), who also might slide in the the closer role, U Sciences-bound outfielder Alex Kleidon (.327 AVG, .387 OBP, 6 BB vs 3 K), Kuztown-bound outfielder Lane (.288 AVG, .407 OBP, 14 BB vs 9 K), Immaculata-bound catcher Joe Simmons (.273 AVG, .394 OBP, 8 BB vs 7 K), and Barron, who is working toward tapping into his massive power potential.

Kennett returns two senior all-Ches-Mont American honorees -- physical 1st-team infielder Joe Zirolli and Honorable Mention catcher Ian Slicer -- who will be joined in the line-up by junior shortstop Matt Kelly, a smooth defender. Zirolli and Kelly are among a quartet of RHP, also including seniors Greg Badis and Justin Hall, who are slated to log innings for first-year coach Matt Royer.

Ricky CollingsMarple Newtown brings back seven starters, led by junior shortstop Ricky Collings, (right) senior outfielder Pat Tackney, and sophomore first baseman Scott Hahn. Collings and senior RHP Grant Wallace will front coach Steve Smith's rotation, as the Tigers transition up from class AAA.

Mason NadeauA trio of senior right-handers -- returning ace Collin Healey, James Witner, and Kellen Williamson -- will look to guide North Penn, the 2013 state champ, back to the promised land this spring. Melone (.500 AVG, 6 HR), junior outfielder Alex Peterson (.333 AVG), and Elizabethown-bound second baseman Anthony Cameron are among the offensive returners for coach Kevin Manero. In addition, the Knights line-up will get a couple of boosts this spring: junior outfielder Mason Nadeau (.500 AVG, 9 BB vs 4 K, 4 SB; left) returns from a season-ending shoulder injury suffered eight games into the season, while senior shortstop Mike Christy, a transfer from Lansdale Catholic, adds another quality bat.

An offense that returns two-thirds of its starters will be tasked with carrying an Owen J. Roberts pitching staff with virtually no varsity experience. The left side of the infield will be manned by seniors Blake and Collin McCourt, while Shenandoah-bound outfielder Jake Leclerc, junior catcher Joe Zgleszewski, and junior first baseman Alex Condello will also contribute to run-production for the Wildcats. Coach Greg Gilbert could use the early part of the season to sort out his innings between Leclerc and fellow senior RHP Grant Fitzsimmons, junior LHPs Cory Hennessey and C.J. Weaver, junior RHPs Nate Tomlin, Bobby Himes and Eric Keppel, and freshman RHP Dawson Stuart.

Matt BrinerA team can't get much more veteran than Penncrest, which brings back eight senior starters as well as a senior-laden pitching staff. On the bump, the Lions will turn to the senior LHP duo of Binghamton-bound Rob Brown, a 1st-team all-Central League selection, and Matt Briner (right), a 1st-team honoree at first base. Helping lead the offensive charge for coach Dan Sardella will be shortstop Nate Sides, outfielder Steve Moppert, Honorable Mention designated hitter Tyler Kight, and Honorable Mention catcher Billy McCarthy.

Andrew MayhewPennridge coach Tom Nuneviller welcomes back a talented club, including six players who garnered all-SOL Continental recognition last spring. 1st-team honoree Shane (.446 AVG, .534 OBP, 10 BB vs 5 K, .625 SLG) is the engine that makes the offense go. 3rd-team selection Long provides pop (.309 AVG, 6 HR), while Gwynedd Mercy-bound Honorable Mention second baseman David Tatoian (.286 AVG, .429 SLG) could have a production jump now that he is a full year-and-a-half removed from arm surgery. Two more senior outfielders -- 3rd-team Joe Unangst (.340 AVG, .410 OBP, 5 BB vs 3 K) and Honorable Mention Tommy Nuneviller (.268 AVG, .349 OBP) -- also return as primary run-producers. Molettiere (27.1 IP, 30 H, 11 BB, 22 K) and Shane (11.1 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 18 K) earned Honorable Mention plaudits on the mound for the Rams, who can also call on Tatoian, Long (13.1 IP, 9 H, 2 BB, 10 K), and junior LHP Mitch McLeod from their deep staff, with quick-armed sophomore RHP Andrew Mayhew (left) waiting in the wings for his opportunity as well.

Zach SzumigalaPennsbury is another team that will rely on its experience this spring. Four senior all-SOL National position players -- 2nd-team first baseman D.J. Endler (.317 AVG, .389 OBP, 8 BB vs 7 K, .444 SLG), 2nd-team outfielder Ryan Sheaffer (.321 AVG), 3rd-team shortstop Zach Szumigala (.292 AVG, .403 OBP; right), and Honorable Mention catcher Kyle Marshall (.404 OBP, 14 BB vs 7 K), a Philadelphia U commit -- return for coach Joe Pesci. The Falcons pitching staff will be led by senior 3rd-team selection Brody McFadden (30.1 IP, 17 H, 11 BB, 27 K), Widener-bound LHP Sean Maniatis (13.1 IP, 9 H, 11 BB, 13 K), and athletic junior LHP Zack Conley (6 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 8 K).

John TurnerPerkiomen Valley returns 90% of its innings and five pitchers who recorded double-digit innings, led by seniors Tyler Krause (37 IP, 46 H, 14 BB, 31 K) and Liam Grande (33.1 IP, 22 H, 28 BB, 53 K). The Vikings offense is largely intact as well, with PAC-10 2nd-team outfielder Krause (.387 AVG, .486 OBP) and junior Nate Yoder (.358 AVG, .478 OBP, .528 SLG) the top returning hitters. Expect Grande (.296 AVG, .400 OBP), Millersville-bound catcher John Turner (.242 AVG, .409 OBP; left), and senior second baseman Chase Koffel (.395 OBP, 14 BB vs 6 K) to play large roles as well for coach Ryan Hinkle.

Dutch ReardonA senior-laden pitching staff hopes to help Plymouth Whitemarsh build off its district tournament appearance last spring. LHPs Ben Raeder (30 IP, 34 H, 26 BB, 22 K) and Gwynedd Mercy-bound Zach Metz (22.1 IP, 23 H, 20 BB, 20 K) will be joined by Fisher (12 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 15 K), who was stellar at the end of the season once he returned from injury, and senior RHP Evan Bischoff. Coach Chris Manero welcomes back three all-SOL American position players -- 1st-team outfielder Metz (.328 AVG), Honorable Mention catcher Brett Highland (.318 AVG, .375 OBP), and Honorable Mention third baseman Bischoff (.316 AVG) -- who will be joined by the powerful left-handed stick of junior IF/C Dutch Reardon (right) and junior infielder Matt Cooper.

After a season in which it took its lumps, at times with only one senior in the line-up, the experience factor should help Quakertown Community take a step forward. Sophomore SOL Continental Honorable Mention shortstop Jake Reed (.297 AVG, .381 OBP, 7 SB) more than held his own as a freshman, while a pair of juniors -- outfielder John Lilley and Util/RHP Tyler Guidos -- are positioned to make an impact. Coach Jon Pallone's returning pitchers issued more walks than strikeouts last year, so senior RHP Sage Fuhrmeister (21.1 IP, 34 H, 18 BB, 16 K) and Wilkes-bound LHP Zack Metz (15.2 IP, 22 H, 14 BB, 10 K) will need to harness their command in order to compete in a rugged league. The Panthers also hope that the return of senior utility Alec Vera (committed to Ursinus for football) after a one-year hiatus will help offset the loss of junior Aaron Besch to ACL surgery.

Sean McHughState semifinalist Spring-Ford is in perhaps the best position of any of this cohort of schools to return to the state tournament. 1st-team all-PAC-10 Clarke (69 IP, 71 K) and Simmons (37.2 IP, 38 K), will be rejoined by George Mason commit Matt Yost atop the pitching staff. College-bounds Klemann (1st-team), Simmons (2nd-team), infielder Ryan Markey (St. John's), catcher/outfielder Mike Fuhrmeister (Lock Haven), outfielder Zack Zoller (Shippensburg) and utility Zach Smiley (Immaculata) should put runs on the board for coach Bruce Brobst. This team is loaded, so only time will tell whether junior infielder Drew Skrocki, junior outfielder Brian Varani, Larkin (recovering from Tommy John surgery), and sophomore pitcher/infielder Sean McHugh (right) will have an immediate impact or have to patiently wait their turn.

Nick O'SheaA large sophomore class -- including pitcher/outfielder Mike Smith, outfielder Tom Quinn, pitcher Jared Morris, and catcher Andrew Todaro -- will have a chance to make a big impact for first-year coach Brian Francis at Springfield. Junior RHPs Ben Thorpe and Charlie Carbin will toe the rubber as well, while senior first baseman Nick O'Shea (left) and junior shortstop Brett Sheeran will help fill out a young line-up.

Ashton RainesSenior Central League 2nd-team selection Ashton Raines (42.1 IP, 35 H, 17 BB, 44 K; right) returns to front a Strath Haven pitching staff that will also get significant contributions from sophomore LHP Will Carey (18.1 IP, 21 H, 9 BB, 21 K), junior LHP David Moore (4.2 IP, 4 H, 6 BB, 8 K), and senior RHP Matt Eiel (13.1 IP, 13 H, 2 BB, 9 K). Senior Honorable Mention outfielder James Kantner (.361 AVG, .472 OBP, .557 SLG), Rochester-bound outfielder Corey Ziring (.291 AVG, .470 OBP), and Raines (.333 AVG, .433 OBP) are among a group of seven returning position player starters for coach Brian Fili.

Andrew Del GiudiceUpper Merion Area welcomes back four members of its starting line-up, including top-of-the-order hitters in junior SOL American 2nd-team shortstop Troy Thomas (.433 AVG, .513 OBP, 11 BB vs 7 K, .567 SLG), senior catcher Alex Del Giudice (.338 AVG), and senior Honorable Mention second baseman Andrew Del Giudice (.286 AVG, .478 OBP; left). Coach Matt Mitchell will have three experienced pitchers at his disposal as well: junior Jarrett Quinn (39 IP, 42 H, 18 BB, 28 K), Andrew DelGiudice (14 IP, 20 H, 4 BB, 13 K), and senior Talon Simon (12 IP, 13 H, 8 BB, 14 K).

West Chester East returns its three primary pitchers in Ches-Mont National 1st-team selection Hughes (54 IP, 45 H, 22 BB, 60 K), plus his fellow seniors Donald Edwards (33 IP, 28 H, 10 BB, 18 K) and Dave Conklin (25.1 IP, 38 H, 9 BB, 24 K). Back to power the Vikings offense are senior 1st-team outfielder Sean O'Donnell (.316 AVG, .385 OBP), junior Honorable Mention infielder Ian Street (.354 AVG, .538 SLG), and Hughes (.340 AVG, .547 SLG).

West Chester Henderson will roll out a fairly inexperienced team, with only one returning full-time starter -- senior second baseman Vinny Feola (.302 AVG) -- and three other position players who return off part-time roles. Warriors coach Luke McNichol does have some experienced pitchers to whom he can turn, including senior RHP Grayson Davis (30 IP, 4 BB, 15 K) and junior LHP Jason McMahon (25 IP, 8 BB, 9 K).

Andrew ColemanTwo Ches-Mont American Honorable Mention infielders -- Concannon (.302 AVG, .393 OBP, .509 SLG) and steady senior Andrew Coleman (.286 AVG, .375 OBP, 7 BB vs 5 K; right) -- will spark a West Chester Rustin offense that otherwise lacks significant experience. Senior RHP Andrew Chobany (37.1 IP, 44 H, 12 BB, 25 K) will lead a staff for coach Brad Harkins that returns a handful of experienced pitchers.

With only five seniors on the roster, William Tennent will rely on Philadelphia U commits Tim Brodhag (SOL National 2nd-team second baseman) and catcher A.J. Shapiro, along with junior 1st-team outfielder Paul McElroy, to shepherd their inexperienced teammates. Sophomore RHP Nick Cataldi and junior RHP Ryan Lucas are slated to assume larger roles on coach Rick Penecale's pitching staff.

Ryan BeckerThree pitchers who logged double-digit innings last spring -- sophomore Honorable Mention RHP Logan Willans (29.1 IP, 26 H, 8 BB, 28 K), senior RHP Jake Segal (23 IP, 17 H, 6 BB, 20 K), and sophomore Alexander Tappen (14.1 IP, 19 H, 12 BB, 12 K) return for Wissahickon. They will be joined in the competition for innings by senior RHP Julian Osterneck, junior RHP Jeremy Spittle, and sophomore RHP Matt Shilling. One of the strongest infields in the area returns completely intact as well, including athletic junior Blake Rapoport, high-energy Honorable Mention Falso, senior 1st-team second baseman Ryan Becker (right), and senior 2nd-team first baseman Ryan Segal. Tappen, a 3rd-team honoree at DH, has the ability to fill in on either corner when Segal pitches or if Rapoport takes his wheels to the outfield. Senior C/1B Will Brownlowe, utilityman Spittle, and outfielder Osterneck will also try to carve out more permanent space for themselves in coach Shannon Gunby's line-up.

Season Preview Schedule

2/27 - PAISAA
2/27 - District V
2/28 - District IX
3/1 - District VI
3/2 - District IV
3/3 - District X
3/4 - District III (Class A & AA)
3/5 - District VII (Class A)
3/6 - District VII (Class AA)
3/7 - District II
3/8 - District XI
3/9 - District I (Class A, AA, AAA)
3/10 - District III (Class AAA)
3/11 - District VII (Class AAA)
3/12 - District I (Class AAAA)
3/13 - District III (Class AAAA)
3/14 - District VII (Class AAAA)
3/15 - District XII