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2015 Division III 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 III 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. Coldwater

Coaches Name/Record: Brian Harlamert, 369-114
2014 Record: 30-4
Conference: MAC
Conference Record: 8-1
Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 3/4

Postseason Accomplishments:

  • 2014 State Champions
  • 6 State Championships ('83, '84, '87, '90, '92, '14)
  • 28 MAC Championships

Key Players Lost From 2014:

  • Grant Muhlenkamp, 1st team All-MAC
  • Mitch Heyne, 1st team All-MAC
  • Drew Otten, 1st team All-MAC
  • Adam Klosterman, HM All-MAC

Strengths of Team:

  • Athletic
  • Deep pitching staff
  • Know how to win (2014 varsity state champs, JV 22-0, ACME 21-3)

Weaknesses of Team:

  • Must replace key contributors with solid underclassmen

Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

  • Derek Thobe (pictured right), RHP, 6'2, HM All-MAC, 5-0, 2.28 ERA, 58 Ks, pitched well in both games at state in 2014. Ohio Dominican commit. Ranked 125th in 2015 class
  • Brody Hoying, OF/RHP/2B, 5'11, 1st team All-MAC, .363 BA, 44 R, 27 SB. Eastern Michigan football commit
  • Greg Gilliland, RHP/1B, 6'4, 28 Ks in 28 IP. Ranked 208th in 2015 class
  • Brandon Kunk, LHP/OF, 6'1, HM All-MAC 4-0 22 Ks in 20 IP


Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

  • Malave Bettinger (pictured right), 1B/RHP, 6'2, 1st team All-MAC, .468 BA, 2 HR, 11 2B, 28 RBIs. Ranked 62nd in 2016 class
  • Aaron Harlamert, C/SS/RHP, 6'1, 2nd team All-MAC, .311 BA, 17 RBIs, 10 SB. Ranked 168th in 2016 class
  • Kyle McKibben, SS/2B/RHP, 6'1
  • Kraig Schoenherr, OF, 6'1
  • Chris "Petey" Post, OF, 6'
  • Jack Hemmelgarn, 3B/RHP, 5'9

Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

2. Canton Central Catholic

Coaches Name/Record: Doug Miller, 656-246
2014 Record: 25-4
Conference: Independent
Number of Returning Lettermen: 10

Outlook: The Crusaders will have a nice mix of seasoned players along with some newcomers who will be ready to step up and play. A deep pitching staff and very good team speed are some strengths. Timely hitting and good base running will be important. The team has the potential to be good defensively which will also be a key factor this season.

Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

  • Patrick Murphy (pictured right), P/OF, .446 BA, 20 RBIs, 20 R, 53 IP, 7-1, 0.92 ERA, 53 K, 7 CG. Marshall commit.
  • Drew Savage, INF, .388 BA, 31 RBIs, 24 R, 11 SB.
  • Ryan Lindesmith, P/INF/OF, 39.1 IP, 6-1, 1.79 ERA, 3 CG.
  • Nic Millin, C
  • Sean Bennett, INF
  • Michael DeMario, OF/P
  • Logan Hoffman, INF
  • Jake Myers, P/INF


Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

  • Jake Vance (pictured right), P/INF, 67 IP, 8-2, 1.36 ERA, 75 Ks, .319 BA, 19 RBIs, 17 R, 12 SB. Ohio State commit.
  • J.C. Colangelo, OF, .303 BA, 21 R, 19 SB.

Newcomers:

  • Lucas Blackerby, OF/C, 2016
  • Clay Davies, INF/P, 2016
  • Dan Platek, INF/OF/P, 2016
  • Carter Franklin, INF, 2016
  • Justin Spotts, OF/P, 2016
  • Ray Shembechler OF/C, 2016

    3. CHCA

    Coaches Name/Record: Jeff Keith, 29-3
    2014 Record: 29-3
    Conference: Miami Valley Conference - Scarlet
    Conference Record/Finish: 13-0, 1st
    Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/4

    Postseason Accomplishments:

    • 2014 OHSAA State Runner Up
    • District Champions 2014, 2013, 2009, 2008, 2005
    • MVC Champions 2004-2014
    • 2005 State Final 4

    Key Players Lost From 2014:

    Strengths of Team:

    • Returning 7 position player starters from state finals team
    • Hitting, speed & defense
    • Ability to replace starters who graduated
    • Fundamentally sound baseball
    • 5 pitchers who can throw 80mph+

    Weaknesses of Team:

    • Loss of significant starting pitching
    • Missing two 90mph+ SP this year
    • Loss of 4-hitter and power bat

    Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

    • Cameron Murray (pictured right), SS, 5'11" 150 R-R, Alderson Broaddus commit. Ranked 118th in 2015 class.
    • Graham Lally, RHP, 6'1" 180 R-R, Ranked 201st in 2015 class.
    • Daniel Vezdos, 2B/P, 5'11" 160 R-R
    • Ryan Smith, OF, 5'11" 160 L-R



    Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

    • Chase Murray (pictured right), CF/C, 6'1" 170 L-R, Georgia Tech Commit. Ranked 5th in 2016 class.
    • Johnny Noyen, P/INF, 6'1" 185 R-R
    • Jon Edelmann, C/3B, 6'2" 170 R-R
    • Nick Harker, 1B, 6'4" 180 R-R
    • Bernie Tippen, INF/P, 5'10" 150, R-R

    Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

    • Jack Vezdos, P/INF, 5'11" 185, R-R
    • Zander Treon, INF, 5'10" 160, L-R
    • Griffan Smith, P, 5'10" 160, L-L

    Top Prospects in Class of 2018:

    • Cayse Osborne, C/3B, 5'11" R-R

    4. St. Henry

    Coaches Name/Record: John Dorner, 454-213
    2014 Record: 26-4
    Conference: Midwest Athletic Conference
    Conference Record/Finish: 8-1, 1st (Co-Champs)
    Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 4/3

    Postseason Accomplishments:

    • State Champions - 1999, 2000, 2003
    • State Runner-up - 1945, 1946
    • State Poll Champs - 1998, 2002, 2003, 2013, 2014

    Key Players Lost From 2014:

    • Jeff Paul - P/OF - Ohio Dominican - 1st Team All Ohio 2013 & 2014
    • Briar Holloman ??? C
    • Brian Kremer - P/2B
    • Jason Jacobs - 1B
    • Garrett Stout - OF

    Strengths of Team:

    • Pitching ??? top 3 starters will be very good
    • Age ??? 9 seniors

    Weaknesses of Team:

    • Speed ??? few players steal bases
    • Power- little power after first 5 hitters

    Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

    • Ryan Mikesell - P/OF - 6'7" - 200 - R/R - Hopes to play both Basketball & Baseball at UD
    • Andrew Lundvall - OF - 6'2" - 205 - L/R - Strong hitter
    • D.J. Kunkler - Utility - 5'10" - 160 - L/R - Versatile with good speed

    Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

    • Michel Stammen (pictured right) - P/SS - 6'0" - 175 - R/R - Mid 80s pitcher

    5. New Middletown Springfield

    Coaches Name/Record: Matt Weymer, 83-29
    2014 Record: 21-6
    Conference: ITCL (Tier I)
    Conference Record/Finish: 11-3
    Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/5

    Postseason Accomplishments:

    • Division IV state runner-up in 2009, 2011, and 2013.
    • Regional qualifier in 2012 (D IV)
    • Lost in district semi-final last year in D-III

    Key Players Lost From 2014:

    • James Hillyer, P/DH....6-1 with 2 saves and an ERA under 2.00
    • Joe Wrask, 1B....reliable 3-year starter that provided pop in the middle of the lineup

    Strengths of Team:

    • Experience (9 seniors)
    • Team speed

    Weaknesses of Team:

    • Lineup depth
    • Offensive efficiency

    Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

    • Hunter Snyder (pictured right), C, 5'10 160, R/R. 4-year starter behind the plate with great tools on offense and defense. Youngstown State commit
    • Dalton Donachie, P, 5'9, 150, R/R, 4-year starter who will enter his third year as the ace of the staff. Mercyhurst Northeast JUCO commit.
    • Ryan Kohler, CF, 5'10 160, R/R, 4-year starter with outstanding speed. Will be counted on to bat in the middle of the lineup.
    • Brandon Chamberlain, 3B/P/RF, 6'3 180, R/R. Versatile 4-year starter who excels at several different areas.

    6. Wayneville

    Coaches Name/Record: Tommy Begley, 83-22
    2014 Record: 24-4
    Conference: SWBL: Buckeye Division
    Conference Record/Finish: 11-1/ 1st
    Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/6

    Postseason Accomplishments:

    • 1996 District Champions

    Key Players Lost From 2014:

    • Wyatt Myers, LHP/1B, Tiffin University
    • AJ Lezotte, RHP, Miami Hamilton

    Strengths of Team:

    • Senior depth
    • Offensive production
    • Catching
    • Strong middle of defense

    Weaknesses of Team:

    • Pitching depth
    • Staff Ace
    • Getting over sectional championship hump

    Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

    • Troy Black (pictured right), SS/RHP, R/R, 2nd Team All State Infielder, hit .521 as a junior, Ohio U commit
    • Bryce Linkous, Inf/RHP, R/R, 1st Team SWBL, School record 43 runs scored as a junior
    • Jeremiah Stilwell, C, R/R, batted .420 with 33 RBI's
    • Andrew Magoto, C/3B, R/R, Clubbed team high 11 doubles last season
    • Cam Combs, CF, L/R, hit over .400 while stealing team high 17 bases

    Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

    • Elijah Bennett, RHP, R/R, Up and coming pitcher who sports a low 80s fastball
    • Logan Fruhwirth, 1B, R/R, batted .370 with one home run as a sophomore
    • Nate Hiles, 1B/DH, L/L, Transfer from Lebanon HS, could be a much needed power source

    Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

    • Mason Callahan, LHP/OF, L/L, Threw 17 innings as a freshman and only allowed one earned run, commands four pitches, with his fastball in the high 70s
    • Hunt Doepel, LHP,1B, R/L, LHP has the potential to add depth to the pitching staff
    • Kyle Leis, Inf, L/R, Transfer from Springboro HS, adds depth to a strong group of infielders

    7. Liberty-Benton

    Coaches Name/Record: Scott Arnold, 19-5
    2014 Record: 19-5
    Conference: Blanchard Valley Conference
    Conference Record/Finish: 9-0, 1st
    Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/4

    Key Players Lost From 2014:

    • Jared Neiling (SS/P, 2014 BVC POY)
    • Anthony Webb (CF/Leadoff, SB leader 2014)

    Strengths of Team:

    • Pitching
    • Experience
    • Defense
    • Baseball IQ

    Weaknesses of Team:

    • Consistent hitting
    • Shortstop
    • Speed

    Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

    • Alex Harter (pictured right), P, 6-2, 190, U. Findlay Commit. Ranked 93rd in 2015 class.
    • Caleb Russell, P/INF, 6-0, 190, Mount Vernon Nazarene Commit
    • Josh Ostrander , OF, 5-11, 160
    • Parker Lease, P/INF, 5-9, 175
    • Jon Dager, P/1B/OF, 6-3, 220

    Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

    • Mason Rose, OF/INF, 5-9, 155
    • Jeff Gierke, OF, 5-10 165, R-R
    • Jaret Kern, OF/P, 5-11 155, L-L

    Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

    8. Sherwood Fairview

    Coaches Name/Record: Andrew Singer, 200-90
    2014 Record: 17-7
    Conference: Green Meadows
    Conference Record/Finish: 7-0, 1st
    Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 12/4

    Postseason Accomplishments:

    • 2 regional runs

    Key Players Lost From 2014:

    • Ryan Guilford was only senior (who broke his wrist 1/4 of the way through season)

    Strengths of Team:

    • Large senior class with strong leadership and dedication
    • Good pitching staff with improvements on defense
    • Solid offensive lineup
    • Speed
    • Depth

    Weaknesses of Team:

    • Consistency on defense and making sure that runners get across the plate when they are in scoring position

    Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

    • Joe Macsay - Senior - Pitcher/Outfielder - R/R - Joe will throw between 84-86 with a great mixture of pitches - He has great control and a smooth delivery. He has great speed to go with the great arm in centerfield as well
    • Brett Dietrich - Senior - Catcher - R/R - Brett does a great job behind the plate along with a strong arm and a great bat will make for a solid all-around athlete.

    Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

    • Kody King (pictured right) - RHP/1st - 6'4"/225 - R/R - Sits 84-86 with a great changeup. He has great control and is very efficient on the mound. He has power at the plate as well. Ranked 95th in 2016 class

    Top Prospects in Class of 2017: 

    • Justin Smith - RHP- 6'6" - 200 - R/R - Justin has a lot of potential on the mound throwing low 80s with a great mixture of pitches. His stature makes him intimidating on the mound and his delivery makes it look as if the ball is coming harder than what it actually is.

    9. Frankfurt Adena

    Coaches Name/Record: Ron Free, 27-21
    2014 Record: 18-5
    Conference: SVC
    Conference Record: 13-1
    Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/6

    Postseason Accomplishments:

    • 2 Sectional Titles, 1 District Title, 1 Regional appearance in last two years

    Key Players Lost From 2014:

    • Cade Carpenter, C
    • Ethan Sheppard, P
    • Shad Dailey, CF

    Strengths of Team:

    • Pitching
    • Defense
    • Hitting

    Weaknesses of Team:

    • Speed

    Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

    • Eli Kunkel, 3rd base, 2015, Bats-R Throws-R
    • Nick Chester, Catcher, 2015, Bats-R. Throws-R

    Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

    • Andrew Woods, SS,P, 2016, Bats-R, Throws-R
    • Brayden Wilburn, 1B, 2016, Bats-R, Throws-R
    • Collin Cory, P,2B, 2016, Bats-R, Throws-R
    • Johnathon Thomas, CF,P, Bats-Right, Throws-R

    Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

    • Gunnar Free, P,2B, 2017 Bats-R, Throws-R

    Top Prospects in Class of 2018:

    • JD Blevins, P,OF, 2018, Bats-L, Throws-L

    10. Kirtland

    Coaches Name/Record: Luke Smrdel, 35-18
    2014 Record: 20-6
    Conference: Chagrin Valley Conference (Valley Division)
    Conference Record/Finish: 10-0, 1st
    Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 4/5

    Postseason Accomplishments:

    • 2014- District #1 seed
    • 1965, 1974, 1995, 2004, 2006, 2014 ??? Sectional Champions
    • 1965, 1995 ??? District Runner-Up

    Key Players Lost From 2014:

    • Ryan Loncar, CF
    • Anthony Veneri, SS
    • Domenic Camino, C
    • Jon McCollister, 2B
    • Erik Guhde, 1B

    Strengths of Team:

    • Pitching
    • Defense
    • Speed
    • Hitting for average

    Weaknesses of Team:

    • Experience
    • Hitting for power

    Top Prospects in Class of 2015:

    • Matthew Finkler, SR., P/3B, 6'3"-230, R-L, Comments: 2014 CVC player of the year, All-District, All-County, All-CVC, Team MVP
    • Adam Hess, 3B/1B, SR., 5'11"-205, R-R, Comments: 2014: All County, All-CVC
    • Jacob Boyd, SS/OF, SR., 6'1"-180, R-R, Comments: 2014 All CVC
    • Seth Carn, P, SR., 6'2"-240, R-R, Comments: Threw no-hitter in 2014
    • Steven Kusar, C, Sr., 6'-175, R-R

    Top Prospects in Class of 2016:

    • Michael Kmentt (pictured right), P, JR., 5'8"-145, R-R, Comments: Made 5 varsity pitching starts and threw no-hitter in 2014
    • Anthony Fortuna, P, JR., 6'3"-190, R-R, Comments: Made 4 varsity pitching starts in 2014
    • Joey Bates, OF, JR., 5'10"-175, R-R
    • Vinny Matticoli, OF/C/P, JR., 5'10"-165, R-R
    • David Allchin, 3B/SS/2B, JR., 5'8"-145, R-R

    Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

    • Palmer Capretta, 2B/SS, SO., 5'10"-135, R-R
    • Ben Stark. C/3B, SO., 5'10"-165, R-R
    • Ryan Friedenberg, DH/2B/OF, 5'8"-140, R-R

    Top Prospects in Class of 2018:

    • Tyler McCrory, P, FR., L-L

    11. Cincinnati Madeira

    12. Marion Elgin

    13. Massillon Tuslaw

    14. Independence

    15. Millbury Lake

    16. Canfield South Range

    17. Ottawa-Glandorf

    18. Summit Country Day

    19. Hamilton Badin

    20. Elyria Catholic

    21 Milan Edison

    22. Van Buren

    23. Versailles

    24. Wheelersburg

    25. Paulding

    Others in consideration (alphabetical order):

    Albany Alexander, Anna, Beverly Fort Frye, Bishop Hartley, Blanchester, Clinton Massie, Columbus Academy, Dawson-Bryant, Dayton Chaminade-Julienne, Elmwood, Fredericktown, Genoa Area, Gilmour Academy, Girard, Harrison Central, Huron, Liberty Union, Lima Central Catholic, Lynchburg-Clay, Mariemont, Martins Ferry, Medina, Middletown Madison Senior, New London, Portsmouth West, Swanton, Tri-County North, Utica, Waverly, West Liberty-Salem, Worthington Christian, Youngstown Ursuline