Prep Baseball Report

Schwertfeger Among Top Outfield Prospects Week One



By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting

The first weekend of the Fall College Prospect Program was highlighted by some stellar defensive play in the outfield. Action at La Roche College (8/24) and at Seton Hill University (8/25) included a running catch against the batting cage in foul territory and a diving, highlight reel catch in center field. Following is a breakdown of the prospects that displayed their abilities in the outfield. 

Top Performers

1. OF Kyle Wise, Saegertown HS, Class of 2014

Wise impressed in all facets of the game. The solidly built 5-foot-11, 170-pound uncommitted senior displayed above average carry on throws of 87 mph from the outfield. He made several running catches in the gap during game play and took away a late game single with a fully laid out diving catch in center field. Wise utilized a square stance, and a quiet load phase with an explosive lower half to produce a bat exit velocity of 88 mph. Wise went 1-for-3 in game action with a ground rule double to left center field.

Russell Schwertfeger2. OF Russell Schwertfeger, Brooke HS, Class of 2014

Schwertfeger is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound prospect that showcased an 88 mph arm from the outfield and good foot speed (7.06 60-yard dash). He is a switch-hitter that went 2-for-5 with two triples over the weekend. Schwertfeger uses all fields and shows the ability to drive the baseball to the opposite field from the left side of the plate.

3. OF Josh Keefe, Greater Latrobe HS, Class of 2014

Keefe was impressive on the mound and displayed some two-way abilities with an 85 mph arm from his defensive position. The right-handed hitter utilized a square stance with a lift and replace stride foot to produce a bat exit velocity of 79 mph. Keefe went 1-for-2 with a sacrifice fly in game action.

4. OF Ryan Creps, Indiana Area HS, Class of 2014

Creps played solely at his secondary position and was impressive. The primary MIF, showcased a bat exit velocity of 85 mph and went 2-for-3 with a triple and a sacrifice fly. He barreled the baseball in all three at bats and showed the ability to use all fields in his batting practice round. Creps displayed his arm strength with throws of 85 mph from the outfield and 81 mph across the diamond.


Best of the Rest

OF Adam Cisney, Peters Township HS, Class of 2016

Cisney showcased a bat exit velocity of 75 mph hitting from a square stance with a flat bat path. The 6-foot, 140-pound prospect gets to extension on a regular basis and barreled the baseball consistently in batting practice. Cisney displayed solid straight line carry on throws of 75 mph from his defensive position.

OF Jay Cortese, Vincentian Academy, Class of 2015 

Cortese is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound prospect that showcased an 84 mph arm and athletic actions. He made a throw from right center field to cut down a runner attempting to stretch a single into a double and turned in an 87 mph bat exit velocity. Cortese went 0-for-4 in game action, but squared the baseball in two of his at bats.

OF Derek Cursio, Bishop Guilfoyle HS, Class of 2015

Cursio is a left-handed hitter that shows the ability to use all fields. He barreled the baseball consistently in his round of batting practice with a bat exit velocity of 80 mph. Cursio shows solid actions in the outfield and straight line carry on throws of 75 mph.

OF Maxx Harpalani, Pine Richland HS, Class of 2017

Harpalani is a 5-foot-8, 150-pound prospect that show a great deal of promise. The right-handed hitter went 1-for-6 with a sacrifice fly in game play and showcased a bat exit velocity of 82 mph. Harpalani takes precise routes to the baseball and shows an accurate 77 mph arm from his position.

OF Alex Huff, Franklin HS, Class of 2016

The 5-foot-8, 130-pound left-handed hitter utilized a slightly open stance and a flat bat path to barrel baseball to all fields during batting practice. He went 0-for-1 with two walks in game action and displayed a bat exit velocity of 75 mph. Huff showed sound actions in the outfield and an accurate 75 mph arm.

OF Matt Voit, Norwin HS, Class of 2015

Voit is a right-handed hitter with a short swing path and a bat exit velocity of 76 mph. He went 1-for-6 on the weekend at the plate and displayed a 70 mph throwing arm from his position.