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2015 Division II Preseason Top 25 Team Power Rankings

March 30, 2015

By Dylan Hefflinger and PBR Staff
Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout

As the high school season gets underway, Prep Baseball Report Ohio takes an in-depth look into the 2015 Division II Preseason Top 25 Power Rankings.

During the season we would really appreciate if on Saturday/early Sunday a coach, player or fan could send your team's updated record. Please include overall record, record for the week, who you beat/lost to during the week, and top performances for your squad, so we will be able to highlight the top teams and athletes from around the great state of Ohio. Please send this to [email protected]

We also have the 2015 Preseason All-State Teams which includes 47 players for D-I, II, III, and IV. To take a look at those click here.

Please head over to JJHuddle to discuss the Team Rankings.

Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

1. Bloom-Carroll

Coaches Name/Record: Brian Thacker, 177-86
2014 Record: 29-4
Conference: Mid State - Buckeye
Conference Record/Finish: 14-0, 1st
Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/All

Top Prospects in Class of 2015:



Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

  • Seth Paszke (pictured right)-OF/1B, 5'11 190, L/R, started since freshman year.
  • Jacob Robinson-IF/P, 6'2 175, R/R- good bat, slot into middle of order somewhere and expect lot of innings on mound
  • Jack Griffith-IF 5'9 155, R/R-excellent glove, should take over starting 2B
  • Alex Seagraves-Utility, 6'0 155-great defensive player at multiple spots, if he hits he will be on field
  • Vincent Kerr- OF, R/R

Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

  • Izaiah Withrow-P/OF/1B 5'10 170, L/L-should see innings on mound
  • Jacob Peters-IF 6'1 175, R/R
  • Kale Smith-P 5'10 160 L/R

Top Prospects in Class of 2018:

  • Colin Sells- IF/P 5'11 150 L/R
  • Justin Zweifel-IF/P 5'11 155 R/R
  • Nate Robinson-OF/P 5'10 155 R/L

Strengths of Team:

  • Pitching
  • Defense
  • Top 5 in batting order

Weaknesses of Team:

  • 3 new bats in the bottom of the order
  • Being hunted not the hunter

Key Players Lost From 2014:

  • Jarrett Peters - C - Seton Hill
  • Tyler Sorg- CF - Otterbein (football)
  • Brandon Bussert - 2B
  • Scott Baker- DH/3B

Postseason Accomplishments:

  • 2014-league, district, state champs, #25 in country
  • 2013-league, district, state runner up
  • 4 league and 4 district titles in a row

2. Defiance

Coaches Name/Record: Tom Held, 612-138 (409-65 at Defiance)
2014 Record: 23-6
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Conference Record/Finish: 7-2, 2nd
Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/3

Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

  • Michael Hendricks (pictured right), Committed to Miami U, RHP,  0-1, 1.65 ERA, 17 IP 32 K, 12 BB. Upper 80s-low 90s FB. Ranked 36th in 2015 class and 397th overall.
  • Wes Detter, 2 year starter, CF, .327.
  • Tyler Weaver, 1B/C/DH .437, 18 RBIs, .506 OB%. Smooth stroke at the plate. One of the top hitters for Defiance.
  • Boo Sierra, 2B/SS/RHP, .282, 19 R, 18 RBIs, 16 SB. Ranked 239th in 2015 class.
  • Jimmy Bauer, OF, .259, 17 R, 11 RBIs, 7 SB. Ranked 232nd in 2015 class.
  • Gage Cordray, C. Possible starter behind the dish.
  • Brice Rankin, OF. Left-handed hitting outfielder.
  • Alec Rivers, 3B. Possible starter at the hot corner.
  • Ty Castillo, INF. Good athlete with speed.
  • Kris Gordon, OF. Adds athleticism to the team.

Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

  • Shay Smiddy (pictured right), Committed to Louisville, RHP/SS, .379, 20 R, 14 RBIs,  6-2, 1.84 ERA, 38 IP, 46 K, 21 BB. Ranked 15th in 2016 class. Next in line of dominant starters for Defiance. mid-to-upper 80s fastball.
  • Connor Stykemain, INF/RHP. Ranked 186th in 2016 class.
  • Jacob Jimenez, C. Athletic looking catcher. Ranked 191st in 2016 class.
  • Abram Smith, LHP. Solid looking southpaw.
  • Will Zeller, 1B/3B. Corner infielder.

Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

  • Charlie Gordon, RHP. Could be next in line of dominant starters on the mound for Defiance. Ranked 25th in 2017 class.
  • Braden Frederick, RHP/OF. Solid two-way player. Played a lot with team in summer. Ranked 95th in 2017 class.
  • Bryce Borton, OF/RHP. Solid looking two-way player. Ranked 97th in 2017 class.

Strengths of Team:

  • Pitching, one of the best 1A-1B punches in the state.
  • Pitching depth, sophomore class and a senior as well as a junior look to contribute on the bump.
  • Team speed
  • Outfield defense
  • Small ball

Weaknesses of Team:

  • Infield defense

Key Players Lost From 2014:

  • Austin Hancock, 4-year starter, RHP/SS, 8-1 0.94 ERA, .383 32 Runs, 21 RBI, 21 SB???s (Olney JC).
  • Dom Gentile, 3-year starter, 3B, .372, 8 doubles, 3 triples, 26 Runs, 28 RBI, 20 SB (Lincoln Trail JC).
  • Derek Turner, 2-year starter, RHP/Utility, 6-1, 1.76 ERA, .299, 12 doubles, 22 Runs, 25 RBI, 10 SB.
  • Jacob Green, 2-year starter RHP/CF,  3-1, 2.33 ERA, .300, 19 Runs, 9 SB (Defiance College).
  • Torrence Hicks, (Defiance College).

Postseason Accomplishments:

  • 25 WBL Championships
  • 29 Sectional Championships
  • 16 District Championships
  • 4 Regional Championships
  • 2 State Championships

3. Tipp City Tippecanoe

Coaches Name/Record: Bruce Cahill, 587-253
2014 Record: 23-8
Conference: Central Buckeye Conference
Conference Record/Finish: 14-2, 1st
Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/7

Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

  • Cole Quillen (pictured right), LHP/OF, coming off of Tommy John surgery and did not play last year--committed to Sinclair CC
  • Zack Blair, 3 year starter at 2B--should move to SS this year 5'11 180 hit .359 a year ago
  • Evan Gilliam--will play a lot of 1B and DH this year 6'0 185 hit .296 a year ago
  • Brandon Roberts--utility guy who hit .250 a year ago.
  • Jared Rindler--will compete for an outfield spot--good speed
  • Austin Clack, OF/SS, 6???0, 210

Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

  • Brandon Gotthardt--catcher--solid athlete
  • Nate Shirley--1st basemen outfielder who got called up late season and contributed with the bat
  • Mitchel Fischer--outfielder with speed will compete for an outfield spot

Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

  • Justyn Eichbaum (pictured right)-started in CF last year--.300 hitter with great throwing arm. Will be counted on to pitch more this year. Tremendous ability
  • Aaron Hughes--became our number 2 pitcher and hit well late in the season. Ben's brother who should have a great sophomore season
  • Bradley Calhoun-- brother Steven pitches at the University of Toledo. Bradley should be our number 3 guy this year. Got great experience at the Varsity level last year and also hit over 300 with some power

Top Prospects in Class of 2018:

  • Cole Barhorst--catcher--will play JV this year but could see some Varsity action
  • Clay Barhorst--twin brother who will also play JV but has a promising future as an outfielder
  • Josh Riebe-big stick at 1B who will play JV but could also come up and hit varsity pitching as the year goes along

Strengths of Team:

  • Strong arms on the mound
  • Good hitting lineup
  • Good defense

Weaknesses of Team:

  • Starting four sophomores

Key Players Lost From 2014:

  • Ben Hughes, Pitcher, Eastern Illinois University
  • Cameron Johnson, Shortstop, University of Findlay
  • BJ Donathan, Catcher, King University

Postseason Accomplishments:

  • Four consecutive District titles

4. Jonathan Alder

Coaches Name/Record: Craig Kyle
2014 Record: 29-5
Conference: Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference
Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 5

Top Hitters:

  • Luke Nees, .390 BA, 8 2B, 30 RBIs
  • Jon Peters, .340 BA, 7 2B, 2 3B, 28 RBIs
  • Mitchell Eye, .353 BA, 4 2B, 2 3B, 17 RBIs
  • Cody Rankin, .330 BA, 6 2B, 22 RBIs

Top Pitchers:

Strengths of Team:

  • Pitching
  • Defense
  • Base running
  • Team Speed

Weaknesses of Team:

  • Experience in lineup

Postseason Accomplishments:

  • D-II State Runner-up two years in a row
  • Five consecutive District titles

5. St. Mary's Memorial

Coaches Name/Record: Jeff Dieringer, 20-6
2014 Record: 20-6
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Conference Record/Finish: 7-2
Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 9/6

Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

  • Isaac Fitzgerald-C-2015, R/R--2014 All-WBL POY.
  • Tristan Becker-CF-2015, R/R--2014 1st Team All-WBL.
  • Marshall Lininger-P-2015, R/R-closer-86-87mph.
  • Joe Pfenning-P-2015, R/R-starter-84-85 mph.

Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

  • Nathan Wilker (pictured right)-2016-P/SS,OF,L/R-All WBL last 2 years-80-85 mph. Ranked 93rd in 2016 class.
  • Logan Maze-2016-INF,P--R/R
  • Chase Roop-2016-P,OF--R/R

Top Prospects in Class of 2018:

  • Derek Jay-2017-P, R/R
  • Austin Cook-2017-P, R/R

Strengths of Team:

  • Hitting - we return key All-league guys at top of our lineup.
  • Strong up middle-return our C, SS, 2B, and CF.
  • Pitching - Our #1 last year-2016 Nathan Wilker is returning.
  • Good overall team speed.
  • We play a tough schedule.

Weaknesses of Team:

  • Need spot starters from last year to become key rotation guys.
  • Need to solidify 3B and 1B among 5-6 possibilities.

Key Players Lost From 2014:

  • Mason Gross - 1B - Defiance College
  • 8 other seniors - none went on to play.

Postseason Accomplishments:

  • 2014- Sectional title

6. Licking Valley

Coaches Name/Record: Adam Arcurri, 51-33
2014 Record: 20-8
Conference: Licking County League
Division Level: II
Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/7

Top Prospects in Class of 2015: 

  • Drew Morrison (pictured right), LHP, 2015, 6'1-205, R-L, UNC Charlotte Commit
  • Tyler Nethers, INF, 2015, 6'0-175, R-R
  • Damon Hupp, Util, 2015, 6'0-175, R-R

Top Prospects in Class of 2016: 

Top Prospects in Class of 2017: 

  • Cole Nethers, RHP, 2017
  • Jeremiah Lacy, LHP/1B. 2017

Top Prospects in Class of 2018: 

  • Gunnar Carpenter, OF, 2018
  • Ethan Brechbill, Util., 2018
  • Jakeb Lewis, Util., 2018

Strengths of Team: 

  • Pitching
  • Defense

Weakness of Team: 

  • Mental toughness

Key Losses from the Class of 2014: 

  • Austin Skeese, 1B
  • Justin Holman, C
  • Craig Prince, 1B/RHP, Otterbein University

Postseason Accomplishments: 

  • 4 Repeat LCL Champions and District Champions

7. Bryan

Coaches Name/Record: Jeff Inselmann, 59-22
2014 Record: 21-9
Conference: NWOAL
Conference Record/Finish: 5-3, 3rd
Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/7

Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

  • Bailey Martin (pictured right) (RHP; 6'5/ 180 lbs.; B-Right/ T-Right). Ranked 85th in 2015 class.
  • Derek Knisely (C; 6'1/ 190 lbs.; B-Left/ T-Right). Ranked 136th in 2015 class.
  • Nate Rau (SS; 5'9/ 160 lbs.; B-Right/ T-Right). Ranked 170th in 2015 class.
  • Bryce Alabata (LHP; 6'2/ 185 lbs.; B-Left/ T-Left). Ranked 241st in 2015 class.
  • Paris Creek (RHP; 5'9/ 165 lbs.; B-Right/ T-Right)


Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

  • Deylen Miley (pictured right) (INF/P; 6'2/ 170 lbs.; B-Right/ T-Right). Ranked 43rd in 2016 class.
  • Tyler Roushia (OF; 5'9/ 165 lbs.; B-Right/ T-Right)

Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

  • Luke Nye (RHP; 6'0/ 180 lbs.; B-Right/ T-Right). Ranked 100th in 2017 class.
  • Sam Culler (LHP; 6'2/ 160 lbs.; B-Left/ T-Left)
  • Bleus Creek (Utility/P; 6'0/ 165 lbs.; B-Right/ T-Right)

Top Prospects in Class of 2018:

  • Tanner "Chema" Sanchez (1B; 6'1/ 215 lbs.; B-Right/ T-Right)
  • Ethan Langham (RHP; 5'10/ 190 lbs.; B-Right/ T-Right)

Strengths of Team:

  • Experience--9 seniors
  • Pitching Depth
  • Team Defense

Weaknesses of Team:

  • Middle of the order RBI guys

Key Players Lost From 2014:

Postseason Accomplishments:

  • Last year (2014): D-II Regional Runner-up. Lost 1-0 (10 innings) to Sandusky Perkins.

8. Richmond Edison

Coaches Name/Record: Mike Collopy, 166-49
2014 Record: 19-5
Conference: OVC/ Buckeye 8
Conference Record/Finish: 17-5/13-1, 1st in Buckeye 8
Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/5

Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

  • Brian Flack P SR 6'1" 215 L/L FB topped out at 81mph in fall
  • Clay Woodward P/Utility SR 6'1" 195 R/R FB topped out at 83 in the fall
  • Austin Horan Utility SR 6'1" 160 R/R Best Athlete

Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

  • Collin Scott (pictured right) 1B/P JR 6'2" 240 L/R
  • Tanner Evans P/3B JR 6'3" 230 R/R being actively recruited by D2 schools

Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

  • Byrce Piatt CF SO 5'7" 145 R/R. DH last year as Frosh due to injury. Will be our everyday CF this year as well as leadoff hitter.
  • Dominic Rogers P/Utility SO 6'2" 195 R/R
  • Joe Nave MI/P SO 5'9" 165 R/R

Top Prospects in Class of 2018:

  • Dalton Cresap
  • Connor Hyndman
  • Tristan Haught

Strengths of Team:

  • Pitching
  • Defense
  • Situational Offense
  • Base running

Weaknesses of Team:

  • Inexperienced in the infield
  • Consistent offensive production

Key Players Lost From 2014:

  • Nolan Marcus P/SS West Liberty University
  • Josh Pasek RF (3 Year Starter)
  • Dylan Jones 2B

Postseason Accomplishments:

  • State Poll Champions (2003)
  • 1 State Runner-up (2002)
  • 2 State Final 4 Appearances (2002, 2007)
  • 8 Sweet 16 appearances
  • 8 League Championships
  • 7 OVAC Conference Championships

9. Sparta Highland

Coaches Name/Record: Donnie Kline, 1st year as head coach
2014 Record: 18-6
Conference: MOAC - Blue Division
Conference Record/Finish: 11-1, 1st
Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/4

Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

  • Dalton Stambaugh (pictured right), 1B, LHP - R/L - MOAC Blue POY; Central District; U of Akron commit; good leader; 72 K in 53 IP; 6-3, ERA under 1.00
  • Jett Swetland, SS, RHP - R/R - MOAC 1st Team; Central District; FL Southwestern; Athletic, Conference Player of Year in Basketball 2014; led team in BA, Doubles in 2014; 5-2, ERA under 1, 68 K in 53 Inn
  • Byron Belcher, 3B, RHP - L/R - MOAC 1st Team; Central District; leadoff in 2014 (.370 BA, 21 BB, 3 K in 73 AB). Pitt CC commit
  • Justin Tuggle, 2B, Utility - R/R- 3-1 Record, ERA 1.4; 4 year starter; can play all def positions

Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

  • Wyatt Gresh, RF - L/R - 2nd Team MOAC, Central District - Top 3 all Off Hitting Categories; Led Team in RBIs (24)...6'3" 180...3rd year on varsity
  • Shane Carney, LF - R/R - 3rd year on Varsity

Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

  • Max Schreiber - Middle IF - R/R (JV in 2014)

Top Prospects in Class of 2018:

  • Lane Ballard - C - R/R (Mid-Ohio Bullets)
  • Sam LoPiccolo - P - R/R (Ohio Elite)

Strengths of Team:

  • Experience
  • Solid Pitching
  • Good defense

Weaknesses of Team:

  • Finding C and CF
  • Baserunning

Key Players Lost From 2014:

  • Marcus Chapman - C - Leadoff and Good Def player
  • Garrett Weikel - CF - Really good defensive player

Postseason Accomplishments:

  • MOAC Div Champs 8 of 10 years, Last (5) years - won (or tied) MOAC Champs

10. Bishop Watterson

Coaches Name/Record: Scott T. Manahan, 542-238 (433-132 at Bishop Watterson)
2014 Record: 18-8
Conference: Central Catholic League
Conference Record/Finish: 7-1, 1st
Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/6

Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

  • Avery Janning (pictured right) -RHP/IF - Walsh University - Ranked 111 in Ohio???s 2015 class
  • Sam Rice - RHP - Ashland University - Ranked 107 in Ohio???s 2015 class
  • Jacob Bolton - RHP/IF - Morehead State - Ranked 44 in Ohio???s 2015 class
  • Chris Slavik- RHP - Ashland University - Ranked 120 in Ohio???s 2015 class

Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

Top Prospects in Class of 2017: 

  • Matthew Dockman (pictured right) - LHP - Ranked 14th in Ohio???s 2017 class

Strengths of Team:

  • Pitching Depth
  • Fundamental Defensively

Weaknesses of Team:

  • Hitting Questions
  • Team Speed

Key Players Lost From 2014:

  • Sam Severance- OF - Otterbein - 1st team all district
  • Mitch Stotler - IF - Otterbein - 1st team all district
  • Joe DiOrio - C

Postseason Accomplishments:

  • State Champions Div. II - 1997

11. Chagrin Falls

12. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney

13. Mentor Lake Catholic

14. Steubenville

15. Bellefontaine

16. Wauseon

17. Bexley

18. Napoleon

19. Monroe

20. Marlington

21. Wapakoneta

22. Sandusky Perkins

23. Bishop Fenwick

24. John Glenn

25. Miami Trace

Others in consideration (alphabetical order):

Akron SVSM, Athens, Batavia, Bay Village Bay, Bellbrook, Bellevue, Benjamin Logan, Buckeye Local, Caledonia River Valley, Canfield, Canton South, Carlisle, Celina, Cincinnati Wyoming, Clyde, Crestwood, Dover, Franklin, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, Hebron Lakewood, Indian Valley, Jackson, Lagrange Keystone, Lexington, Minford, ND-CL, New Richmond, Parma Heights Holy Name, Pennisula Woodridge, Poland, Ravenna, Springfield Shawnee, Tiffin Columbian, Upper Sandusky, Washington Court House, West Branch, Wooster Triway