2023 PA High School Scout Blog: Edition 3

April 27, 2023
PBR-PA Staff
Ground Forces

Week three produced another 40+ players covered from one corner to the other in the Keystone State.

Edition 3

Luke Costello 3B / RHP / Cathedral Prep, PA / 2024

Rankings StateRank: 7 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 305 / POS: 25

‘24 INF Luke Costello (@Prep_Ramblers)

True power potential in the 6-2, 205LBS frame. Hands fire from strong load position while using a leg kick for timing. High finish. Keeps this ball fair down the LF line for a 2B. @WakeBaseball commit. pic.twitter.com/9NkGU4y7ZT
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 20, 2023

Joey Spano Jr. SS / RHP / Cathedral Prep, PA / 2024

Rankings StateRank: 56 / POS: 8

‘24 SS Joey Spano JR (@Prep_Ramblers)

Cut down pre-pitch leg kick, direct path to contact. The Future Games alum takes the FB to the RF warning track.

Twitchy athlete w/ the range and arm strength to stick at SS. @Pitt_BASE commit. pic.twitter.com/QwwbsIKd6x
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 21, 2023

Tyler Minick SS / RHP / Governor Mifflin, PA / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 10 / POS: 2

It didn’t take long for ‘23 SS/RHP Tyler Minick (@MifflinBaseball) to make an impact on the game. Following a lengthy AB where he wasted several quality pitches the @UConnBSB recruit laced a 2B to LF to jump start the offense. 6.80 runner has shown 100 mph exit velo in the past. pic.twitter.com/gBIdtK1mDO
— Greg Williams (@GregWilliamsPBR) April 17, 2023

Ben Ryan 3B / RHP / Indiana Area, PA / 2024

Rankings StateRank: 22 / POS: 4

‘24 3B Ben Ryan (@IHS_Baseball; @PBR_Uncommitted) offers multiple tools at 5-10, 210lbs. Body-builder frame w/ some of the biggest raw strength in state. FB T91, 92MPH and deployed 80-81 SL. 3K in IP.@PBRPennsylvania record T112MPH EV this winter.@benryan310 @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/Qce9PFX6M1
— Ted Williams (@T_Wills1) April 21, 2023

Jason Fultz 3B / RHP / Cathedral Prep, PA / 2025

Rankings StateRank: 4 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 391 / POS: 32

‘25 3B Jason Fultz (@Prep_Ramblers)

Top tier feel for the barrel. Consistent hard contact & high QUAB%. Thick, physical frame at 6-1, 205LBS. High ceiling. @ClemsonBaseball commit. pic.twitter.com/CAPKzAOLOW
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 21, 2023

Dawson Smail OF / Clarion Area, PA / 2024

Rankings StateRank: 18 / POS: 2

'24 Xavier Commit SS Dawson Smail (Clarion Area) mature frame with current strength. Advanced defensive actions in the middle. Takes this ball the other way for a single. @PBRPennsylvania pic.twitter.com/xg1aSpv8pP
— Bill Bliss (@B_Bliss_) April 21, 2023

Luke Guth RHP / SS / Franklin Area, PA / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 3 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 180 / POS: 63

'23 Vanderbilt Commit RHP Luke Guth (Franklin) one of the top players in the state of PA. Smooth athletic actions. Arm works well with plus speed. Outstanding athlete on the rise.

FB 86-89 good life
SL 72-75 slurvy action
CH 77-80 @PBRPennsylvania @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/7eeMJnKw3I
— Bill Bliss (@B_Bliss_) April 20, 2023

'23 Vanderbilt Commit RHP Luke Guth (Franklin) finding his groove here in the middle innings with lots of bad swings and a handful of K's. Score 2-1 with Hickory on top. @PBRPennsylvania @prepbaseball @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/sZUsbyMnFn
— Bill Bliss (@B_Bliss_) April 20, 2023

Matthew VanOstenbridge LHP / 1B / Wilson West Lawn, PA / 2024

Rankings StateRank: 63 / POS: 9

‘24 LHP Matt VanOstenbridge (@Wilson_Bulldogs) has been in command since his 1st pitch. Effectively pitching backwards & staying out of the middle of the plate. Willing to throw any of his 3 pitches in all counts.

FB: 83-85 (T85)
BB: 72-74 (depth)
CH: 70-71 (⬇️) pic.twitter.com/TcwUIWBIEP
— Greg Williams (@GregWilliamsPBR) April 17, 2023

Derek Smail 1B / RHP / Clarion Area, PA / 2025

Rankings StateRank: 10 / POS: 1

'25 Uncommitted 1B Derek Smail (Clarion Area) Big physical player shows agile actions around the bag. Quiet plate approach, has power potential in future. @PBRPennsylvania @PBR_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/mwkuW86o8G
— Bill Bliss (@B_Bliss_) April 21, 2023

Leor Kedar CF / OF / Council Rock North , PA / 2024

‘24 OF Leor Kedar (@crnorthbaseball; @PBR_Uncommitted) sits on spin and takes one for a ride to backside gap. Flashes of advanced hand-speed with top of the order traits at 6-1, 180lbs.

1420 SAT ?@KedarLeor | @Banditsball pic.twitter.com/KrunlwjBEK
— Ted Williams (@T_Wills1) April 17, 2023

James Schaffer SS / OF / Pennsbury, PA / 2024

Rankings StateRank: 48 / POS: 6

‘24 MIF James Schaffer (@PSD_Baseball; @StonyBrookBASE) was one of the big winners, for me, from #PBRFG22. It’s simple zone awareness with + feel for barrel. 6.49 runner stacks quality AB’s with the best of them.

On 3x; 2B/1B, 2RBI.@JamesSchaffer24 @buckscobaseball pic.twitter.com/Hf2RPO9pga
— Ted Williams (@T_Wills1) April 17, 2023

Jordan Czerniak CF / Pennsbury, PA / 2024

‘24 OF Jordan Czerniak (@PSD_Baseball; @PBR_Uncommitted) fills out a uniform with muscular 5-11, 185lbs frame. Quick trigger through flat path. Two-sport ATH with interest really starting to pick up on the diamond.@_2Zurn3_ @CB_Raiders pic.twitter.com/Di7r13lvKd
— Ted Williams (@T_Wills1) April 17, 2023

Ryan Zuckerman 3B / SS / Pennsbury, PA / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 11 / POS: 1

Yikes! ‘23 SS Ryan Zuckerman (@PSD_Baseball) just ambushed first pitch for a loud oppo #PBRBombSquad. Not only does his 6-4, 200lb size play at next level, but so does the all fields power.

Knew it when he hit it.@Pitt_BASE @RyanZuckerman_ @prepbaseball pic.twitter.com/JzRYSbxJ9b
— Ted Williams (@T_Wills1) April 17, 2023

Connor McCloskey RHP / 1B / Pennsbury, PA / 2024

Rankings StateRank: 296 / POS: 86

‘24 RHP Connor McCloskey (@PSD_Baseball; @PBR_Uncommitted) went a run-rule shortened 4IP and NO HITS. Pitched in/out with longer arm-action and extended finish. Steep downhill plane to FB.

FB: 80-83, T85; late ASR
CB: 70-73
CH: 75-76@ConnorMcclosk10 @BaseballUPhilly pic.twitter.com/b8x2KJVUdx
— Ted Williams (@T_Wills1) April 17, 2023

Scott Doran RHP / SS / William Penn Charter, PA / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 38 / POS: 14

2023 #uncommitted RHP Scott Doran (Penn Charter) has some life on his ball. 6’4/215lb with an athletic, up tempo and repeatable delivery. Breaking ball is solid with tight spin and late action. Gets down the mound. @QuakersBaseball

FB: 85-87 (some had late cut)
CB: 69-72
CH: 77 pic.twitter.com/m4Fcz4MXYW
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 19, 2023

Shawn Patrick Flynn C / RHP / William Penn Charter , PA / 2023

2023 #uncommitted 6-3/200lb Shawn Flynn (Penn Charter) drives an RBI double to right center. Very poised in the box and an easy swing. Great frame and athletic at his size. Went with this pitch nicely to the gap. pic.twitter.com/IPVJeRz9Cv
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 19, 2023

Christian Clauss RHP / 3B / William Penn Charter School, PA / 2024

2024 6’5/215lb RHP Christian Clauss (Penn Charter) showed confidence in an arm side fastball running it up to 87. Breaker had late movement that tunneled off FB. Throws from a higher arm slot and bit cross body. Plenty more in the tank. @QuakersBaseball pic.twitter.com/ihJrliWSLU
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 19, 2023

TJ Cadden SS / 2B / Episcopal Academy, PA / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 73 / POS: 12

2023 @Bucknell_FB committ TJ Cadden (Episcopal Academy) can move a bit. Beat out two infield groundballs easily. Competes in the box and is fun to watch run. Catalyst for the @EABaseball1785 lineup. pic.twitter.com/6oq7uPnKNd
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 19, 2023

Derek Boyd-Volz LHP / OF / Episcopal Academy, PA / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 183 / POS: 17

2023 #uncommitted LHP Derek Boyd-Volz (Episcopal Academy) had a great outing for EA. Kept hitters off balanced all game and induced weak contact with a three pitch mix. Very deliberate delivery from the stretch. Pounded the zone. @EABaseball1785

FB: 82-85
CB: 62-63
CH- 68-72 pic.twitter.com/Gkd3WtgmQ7
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 19, 2023

Ben Spiri OF / RHP / Twin Valley, PA / 2024

Rankings StateRank: 123 / POS: 26

24’ RHP Ben Spiri has a frame to dream on @ 6-5 220lbs

Struggled to find zone today but stuff is there⬇️⬇️

FB: 84-87 T88; ability to get in on hands w/ ride
CB: 74-76, late slurve action
CH: 80-81; fade w/ depth@BenSpiri24 || @PBR_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/jnBrhOosYH
— Nathan Ocker (@ocker_n) April 19, 2023

Joshua Zolty 2B / OF / Twin Valley, PA / 2023

23’ Josh Zolty has a wirey frame & finds a barrel back up the middle here, bat stays in zone; simple approach @ZoltyJosh pic.twitter.com/wS2BfaH1j8
— Nathan Ocker (@ocker_n) April 19, 2023

Kevin Eden OF / RHP / Twin Valley, PA / 2024

24’ Kevin Eden has a stocky frame & stays athletic in his movements, shows the ability to command both sides of the plate

FB: 82-83 T84; late sink
CB: 68-69; ability to throw front door & get chase off the plate@PBR_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/7PcD3JRbHK
— Nathan Ocker (@ocker_n) April 20, 2023

Luca Bertolasio SS / OF / Hickory, PA / 2023

Rankings StateRank: 64 / POS: 11

'23 St. Bonaventure Commit SS/2B Luke Bertolasio (Hickory) quick twitch middle infielder. Showing a quick bat, leading to his plus plus speed. Game changer. @PBRPennsylvania pic.twitter.com/00GfQGTIHm
— Bill Bliss (@B_Bliss_) April 20, 2023

Dante Donatelli 2B / 3B / Hickory, PA / 2023

'23 Westminster Commit RHP DJ Donatelli (Hickory) comes in to close the game in the seventh. Goes right after hitters with FB.

FB 82-83@PBRPennsylvania pic.twitter.com/CqE34GYSUl
— Bill Bliss (@B_Bliss_) April 20, 2023

Nick Jackson OF / Cathedral Prep, PA / 2024

Rankings StateRank: 118 / POS: 25

‘24 OF Nick Jackson (@Prep_Ramblers)

Lead off hitter w/ a run tool that will create opportunities at the next level. Early load, flat path, base hit up the middle.

Proceeded to steal 2B and score later in the inning. @PBR_Uncommitted ||@PBRPennsylvania pic.twitter.com/3VEU2Jpaxa
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 20, 2023

Nick Hamilton RHP / OF / McDowell, PA / 2024

Rankings StateRank: 125 / POS: 42

‘24 RHP Nick Hamilton (@McDowellBseball)

Working with tempo and attacking the strike zone. FB running up to 85MPH and landing a loopy CB for strikes. FB has cut at times. Projectability at 6-2, 210LBS. @PBR_Uncommitted | @nickhammy22 pic.twitter.com/z5IBc1nxDi
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 20, 2023

Ryan Petras SS / 2B / Bethel Park, PA / 2025

Rankings StateRank: 16 / POS: 4

You can write ‘25 SS Ryan Petras (@bp_hawks) into the leadoff/6 position just about every game. A burner who qualified for @adidas Track Nationals in 60 meter dash. ?

Ho-hum start, watch him get out and run. Ultra confident!@RyanPetras5 @PBR_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/1pdTqD8H7R
— Ted Williams (@T_Wills1) April 21, 2023

Dylan Schumacher RHP / OF / Bethel Park, PA / 2025

Rankings StateRank: 126 / POS: 25

‘25 RHP Dylan Schumacher (@bp_hawks) has simply been nails in relief. Attacking the zone with some funk down the mound. FB collecting whiffs at 2200rpms. Really like the presence on the bump; 6-0, 165lbs.

FB: 81-83, strikes
SL: 72-75, GS command
CH: 72-73@dylanschu pic.twitter.com/G85aej8wbi
— Ted Williams (@T_Wills1) April 21, 2023

Noah Harrison 3B / 2B / Clarion Area , PA / 2025

'25 C Noah Harrison (Clarion Area) Compact active backstop. Shows good hands. Gap shot here the other way to start his day and open the scoring. @PBRPennsylvania pic.twitter.com/c8KdoihMGR
— Bill Bliss (@B_Bliss_) April 21, 2023

In Addition

Bryce Detwiler (Governer Mifflin)

‘25 SS/RHP Bryce Detwiler (⁦@MifflinBaseball⁩) made several athletic defensive plays at SS before making the move to the mound. The 6’1”, 190-lb sophomore has been a force in the 2-hole all season & everything out of his hand is low spin on the bump.

FB: 84-85
SL: 71-72 pic.twitter.com/Fv4YfKbJLO
— Greg Williams (@GregWilliamsPBR) April 17, 2023

Jake Virbitsky (Episcopal)

2025 C Jake Virbitsky (Episcopal Academy) has a solid frame to work with. He is a big target behind the dish. Swings it from the left side. Toe tap rhythm, hands rhythmic, short and simple. pic.twitter.com/ObVpXWUm8M
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 19, 2023

Edwin Metz (Reading)

24’ Edwin Metz has a slender frame & attacks hitters from a repeatable delivery, was really impressed w/ FB command early to the glove side an intriguing arm to ?

FB: 82-85 T86
CB: 71-72; slurve
CH: 78; feel in zone pic.twitter.com/PPIm0UQd9P
— Nathan Ocker (@ocker_n) April 19, 2023

Casey Noone (Wyoming Area)

23 Casey Noone INF Wyoming Area (uncommitted)
Added 3 hits from the lead off spot for the warriors today. pic.twitter.com/dIGwYtx0VD
— PBR-PA Ground Forces (@PBR_PA_Scouts) April 19, 2023

Kadin Karns (Franklin)

'23 C Kadin Karns (Franklin) strong backstop driving this ball up the box to tie the game 3-3. @PBRPennsylvania pic.twitter.com/WnmO2PVNP5
— Bill Bliss (@B_Bliss_) April 20, 2023

Nate Fazell (Franklin)

'26 OF Nate Fezell (Franklin) Compact athletic frame, stepping up in a big game with this single to extend the inning. @PBRPennsylvania pic.twitter.com/xFF8y2fQau
— Bill Bliss (@B_Bliss_) April 20, 2023

Tyson Djakovich (McDowell)

'23 Westminster Commit 1B Tyler Djakovich (Hickory) showing a balanced mature plate approach. Small hand load thru level stroke seen here driving ball thru the middle. @PBRPennsylvania pic.twitter.com/q6fsCTOuzi
— Bill Bliss (@B_Bliss_) April 20, 2023

Carter Redmond (Clarion)

'24 2B/SS Carter Redmond (St. Marys) aggressive actions. Showed solid run tool. Gets on top of this high fastball for a line drive single. @PBRPennsylvania pic.twitter.com/p3GtzDnUks
— Bill Bliss (@B_Bliss_) April 21, 2023

HEAT SHEET

Entire Spring 2023 Velo Tracker

In Addition
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2025 Johnny Ortegae (Bonner-Prendie); 87 MPH
2024 Edwin Metz (Reading); 86 MPH
2025 Bryce Detwiler (Governer Mifflin); 85 MPH
2023 Joey Serafin (Boiling Springs); 84 MPH
2023 Mac Schnur (Butler); 84 MPH
2023 Jackson Snyder (Octorara Area); 84 MPH
2023 Joey Gale (Archbishop Wood); 83 MPH

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Upcoming Events

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
2023 Summer Open: Northeast	PA	06/05	Volpe Field / Scranton, PA
2023 Summer Open: Southeast	PA	06/08	Phillies Urban Youth Academy / Philadelphia, PA
2023 JR PA State Games	PA	06/20	In the Net Sports Complex / Palmyra, PA
PBR Junior Future Games	NATIONAL	07/25	LakePoint
2023 Summer Open: West	PA	08/01	Westminister College / New Wilmington, PA