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We made stops in both Southwest/Central PA (Windber) and Western PA (Pittsburgh) seeing a total of 180 prospects over the weekend. There were 12 players with bat-exit velocities over 90 mph, 15 players with 60-yard dashes that were 6.80 or better, and 14 pitchers that were 85 mph or better. Here's a quick look at some of the top performers from both the SW/Central and Western PA Pre-Season All-State events on 2/22 and 2/23. 

For complete results and top measurable performances at both event click on the links below.

SW/Central (2.22.20 - Iron Horse Sports Complex)    
Western (2.23.20 - Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena)

Feb 22 - Southwest/Central (Windber, PA) 

Tyler Switalski LHP / 1B / Waynesburg Central, PA / 2021 The 6-foot-3, 190-pound two-way prospect exploded onto the scene in Johnstown with a loud 91 mph batting practice round featuring natural pull-side lift from the left side. Just for good measure, the primary LHP hopped up on the mound and pumped 86-90 mph bullets out of a fluid high ¾ arm-slot mixing in feel for a tight 66-67 mph CB with 1/7 action and a 73-75 mph changeup with small arm-side fade. Showed feel for three pitches in the zone with ability to command similar arm speeds.

Brandon Coughlin OF / RHP / Hempfield Area, PA / 2022 The twitchy 5-foot-8, 165-pound OF/RHP made a statement early on notching a 6.72 60-yard dash showcasing his athleticism and ability to cover ground in the outfield. An 88 mph arm-strength from his position should allow for the ability to handle any of the three OF positions at the next level. The RHH put on a show during batting practice with a fluid swing through a slightly uphill path generating bat-exit velocities of 90 mph and line drives with carry to both gaps. During bullpens, Coughlin touched 87 with life in the zone and feel for a 64-66 mph CB, solidifying two way capabilities at the next level.

Brendan Grazier 1B / Tyrone Area, PA / 2021 It was hard not to notice the physicality in the 6-foot-3, 210-pound LHH’s actions. Showcased fluidity with the hips generating easy hand speed through a slightly uphill path in the hitting zone. Demonstrated natural pull-side lift with a strong top hand allowing for advanced barrel whip, evidenced by a 92 mph bat-exit velocity during batting practice. The ball jumped off the barrel allowing for one of the most impressive BP’s of the day.

Branden Kanick OF / OF / Indiana Area, PA / 2021 There was a lot to like about the athletic 5-foot-10, 155-pound outfielder with lots of projectability. He burst onto the scene with authority, notching the quickest 60-yard dash of the event at 6.62. The RHH featured a smooth round of batting practice with a mature approach displaying lift to both gaps and registered an 85 mph bat-exit velocity. Hands were short and twitchy into the zone and more power should be expected as he continues to fill out physically. Showcased easy actions in the outfield with solid footwork yielding a 76 mph arm-strength that should continue to head north as he develops.

Elijah Dunn OF / RHP / Norwin, PA / 2022 The Sophomore really impressed across the board showing off a projectable 6-foot, 162-pound frame with lean strength and twitch. The OF ran a solid 6.88 60-yard dash to kick off the day followed by an easy round of batting practice with rhythm and fluidity allowing for line drives to both gaps. Showcased natural pull-side lift while registering an 89 mph bat-exit velocity. Flashed an accurate 87 mph arm-strength from his position, suggesting the ability to handle any of the three OF positions at the next level. For the finale, the RHP sat 80-82 mph out of a fluid high ¾ arm-slot mixing in a 67-68 mph CB and 77-79 mph CH for strikes.

Quick Hits:

+ ‘22 RHP Eddie Smink (West Chester Henderson) was 86 mph on the bump and had an 89 mph bat exit velocity, frame is strong and physical, overall impressive day. 

+ ‘24 LHP JD Costanzo (North Allegheny) ran a 6.72 60-yard dash showing off high level athleticismfrom the 2024. The lefty was also 76 on the bump with plenty of ceiling. 

Feb 23 - Western PA (Pittsburgh, PA) 

Drew Lafferty RHP / 3B / Seton-La Salle Catholic, PA / 2022 Kentucky commit: The physicality was noticeable as the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Kentucky commit put on one of the best shows of the day with a loud round of batting practice featuring advanced barrel whip through a slightly uphill path. Generated hard contact with easy pull-side juice notching a 93 mph bat-exit velocity. The primary RHP then jumped on the hill and peppered the zone with three pitches including an electric 89-92 mph fastball with late life out of a whippy, high ¾ arm-slot. Mixed in a sharp 70-71 mph CB with two-plane shape at times and an 81-82 mph CH with some depth.

Phil Fox RHP / OF / Hempfield Area, PA / 2021 One of the most impressive prospects of the weekend, the primary 5-foot-10, 165-pound RHP was up to 88 mph out of a fluid, high ¾ arm-slot with late life in the zone. Mixed in a sharp 71-72 mph CB with two-plane shape and  a 76-78 mph CH with good arm-speed and arm-side fade. Showcased advanced athleticism in his frame notching a 6.74 laser-timed 60-yard dash. The RHH had one of the better batting practice rounds of the day with a twitchy lower half creating hand speed through the hitting zone. Registered an 88 mph bat-exit velocity allowing for consistently hard contact.

Andrew Ripepi 3B / 2B / Peters Township, PA / 2022 Displayed advanced physicality in a solid 5-foot-11, 205-pound frame generating easy hand speed through a slightly uphill path. Hit triple digits (100 mph) on bat-exit velocity with a loud batting practice session featuring advanced barrel whip and natural lift with carry to the deep pull-side gap. Showcased the top batting practice round of the day with repeatable juice to all fields. With a 91 mph arm-strength across the diamond and consistent, fluid actions, the 3B will be a must follow in his class.

Austyn Winkleblech OF / RHP / Pittsburgh Central Catholic, PA / 2023 The speedy 6-foot, 150-pound OF made his presence known notching the top 60-yard dash time of the day at 6.57. The switch hitter mirrored from both sides and the lefty showed a repeatable, short stroke solidifying chances to continue being one at the next level. Demonstrated advanced athleticism yielding barrel whip through a slightly uphill path allowing for an 84 mph bat-exit velocity during batting practice. Showcased athletic actions in the outfield with solid footwork creating accurate 84 mph arm-strength with carry from his position.

Cole Young SS / OF / North Allegheny, PA / 2022 Duke commit: Continued to impress as he started off his day notching a 6.66 60-yard dash showcasing his athleticism in a physical 6-foot, 170-pound frame. The left-handed hitter displayed a fluid stroke with advanced hand speed through the zone allowing for a 93 mph bat-exit velocity during batting practice. A twitchy lower half creates jump off the barrel with natural lift to the pull-side gap. The primary SS flashed advanced, fluid actions with easy range to both sides. Took advantageous routes to the ball yielding accurate 86 mph arm-strength across the diamond. Certainly looks the part and should be in for a big high school season

Quick Hits:

+ ‘21 RHP Jacob Bazala (Norwin) had an electric 87 mph fastball and fluid arm swing, strong and durable frame.

+ ‘23 C Jackson Natili (Peters Township) showcased a 1.97 pop time with an above average 77 mph arm-velo.

+ ‘21 SS/RHP Gage Gillott (Connellsville Area) flashed 87 mph arm-strength across the diamond, 88 exit velo and ran an athletic 6.78 60.

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
2020 Preseason All-State - NE/Central (20 spots left)	PA	02/29	Liberty Sports Arena
2020 Preseason All-State - Northwest (SOLD OUT)	PA	02/29	Erie Premier Sports
2020 Keystone State Bombers Scout Day	PA	03/01	Keystone State Baseball Academy
2020 Jr PA State Games Trials (80% Full)	PA	03/08	Keystone State Baseball Academy
2020 Northeast JUCO Day	PA	06/03	Dutchess Stadium

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