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By Jacob Gill
Pennsylvania Assistant Director of Scouting

The fifth installment of our season preview content, which will run for three weeks up to the first official PIAA competition date on March 24, takes us over the the eastern half of the state. Each article includes a list of top prospects from amongst the cohort of schools, as well as write-ups of a number of teams in the cohort.

We received inquiries last year regarding how we decide which teams to detail. A team profiled in the article is less an indication of what type of season we expect it to have and more a function of how much information we are able to compile. For example, if we have not seen a team in person (there are over 600 baseball-playing high schools in the state), stats are not available on-line, and a school district spam filter gobbled up our e-mails to the coach that contained the questionnaire, we might not have enough information to write a full paragraph on that school.

[mouse over pics for player names]

PIAA District IV Top Prospects

1. Thomas Schultz, 2019, RHP/IF, Mount Carmel Area
2. Hunter Webb, 2018, OF, Loyalsock Township
3. Evan Steele, 2016, RHP/OF, Williamsport Area (East Stroudsburg)
4. Avery Eddy, 2016, RHP, Hughesville (Lock Haven)
5. Dillan Weikel, 2016, RHP, Mifflinburg Area
6. Logan Hile, 2019, LHP, Selinsgrove Area
7. Andrew Malone, 2017, LHP, Loyalsock Township (Mount St. Mary's)
8. Noah Inch, 2016, LHP, Lewisburg Area (Shippensburg)

Class A

Junior 2nd-team all-Northern Tier League RHP J.P. Shaw (27.2 IP, 15 H, 22 BB, 35 K) returns to front the rotation for a North Penn-Mansfield squad that lost 1-0 to Montgomery Area in last year's district title game. Senior RHP Levi Adams, who looks to reprise his significant sophomore year role after not playing past mid-April last spring, and junior RHP Carl Dinger (20.1 IP, 18 H, 10 BB, 12 K) round out the rotation, while sophomore RHP Kipp Hillson (11 IP, 9 H, 1 BB, 6 K) will serve as the closer. Coach Matt Perry will need to replace his top two bats, and will ask sophomore outfielder Brendan Hill, and the senior duo of outfielder Adams and catcher Stephen Bohnert, to assume larger roles alongside returning starters like junior outfielder Joel Whittaker (.288 AVG 15 BB+HBP vs 9 K), Shaw (.264 AVG, 7 XBH, 9 BB vs 7 K), Dinger (.282 AVG, 9 BB vs 2 K), and Hillson (.349 AVG).

Millville only has two significant contributors to replace, but they did happen to be the one-two punch atop the rotation and two of the team's top four run producers. Stepping up a couple rungs on the depth chart will be Penn Tech-bound RHP Brittan Kittle (21 IP, 11 H, 9 BB, 34 K) and junior RHP Kelly Holdren (17.2 IP, 15 H, 10 BB, 30 K), while sophomore LHP Gavin Barton should get a shot to soak up some of the remaining innings. An experienced offense for coach Andy Belolan should be powered by some familiar names -- 1st-team PHAC Division 3 all-star catcher Kittle (.310 AVG, 10 XBH), shortstop Holdren (.269 AVG, 21 SB), and 1B/OF Barton (.326 AVG) -- along with 2nd-team sophomore C/OF Trent Longenberger (.312 AVG).

Senior second-team all-Northern Tier League RHP/Util Brian Horton is back to lead Northeast Bradford with his arm (41.1 IP, 55 H, 8 BB, 27 K), bat (.365 AVG, 14 BB vs 10 K), and legs (12 SB). If the rest of the staff, which includes senior RHPs Nik Geiser and Joby Leiser, plus sophomore RHP Tyler Devonshire, can match Horton's strike-throwing, the Panthers could play their way into a post-season berth. The majority of Horton's running mates on a junior-laden offense are back as well, including leadoff hitter Garret Smith (.254 AVG, 9 SB), third baseman Tyler Emick (.304 AVG), and outfielder David Ford (.353 AVG, 9 BB+HBP vs 8 K). Junior first baseman Nate Wakins will be looked to for increased production, while freshman infielder Grant Allis could for coach Brian Pifer to write his name into the line-up sooner rather than later.

An experienced pitching staff projects to be a strength for Muncy, with the senior RHP trio of Andrew Keller (14.1 IP, 18 H, 5 BB, 6 K), Hunter Dunlap (29.2 IP, 33 H, 9 BB, 26 K), and Gage Bender (29 IP, 24 H, 17 BB, 29 K) leading the way and junior RHP Jeffrey Fry expected to soak up some of the remaining available innings. Senior catcher Cameron Good will be responsible for handling the staff, while senior shortstop Andrew Keller (.415 AVG, 8 BB+HBP vs 6 K) will spark coach Joe Dunn's offense. Sophomore utilityman Nathan Paisley, outfielder Fry, and first baseman Dunlap all showed well in cameo offensive appearances last year and are expected to assume larger run production roles this spring.

There's roster turnover, then there's what defending district champ Montgomery Area is experiencing this spring. Seven of eight pitchers who toed the rubber are gone, although the lone holdover is senior staff ace Dylan Gordon (53 IP, 32 H, 33 BB, 47 K). Eight line-up regulars graduated as well, leaving exactly two part-time position players, Gordon and sophomore Jensen Drick (.333 AVG), who received at-bats last season.

Class AA

Loyalsock Township coach Jeremy Eck could really have his managerial chops tested this spring after sending seven seniors off to college baseball following a career in which their class reached four straight state tournaments, winning two and bowing out in the semifinals last spring. The polished Malone is poised to assume the role of ace, while junior RHPs Aaron Reamore and Davis Lytle, plus sophomore RHP Logan Edmonds, will get opportunities as well, especially with the health status of experienced senior RHP Caleb Schmucker in flux. Webb, junior outfielder Larry Van Stavoren, and senior shortstop Nate Krizan return to anchor an offense that should receive a boost from junior third baseman Ryan Fink and sophomore catcher Eric Holz.

Hughesville returns a veteran core of nine seniors who have hopes of flipping the script on a 2015 season in which eight of the Spartans nine losses were by three runs or less, including a one-run district quarterfinal defeat to district tourney runner-up and state tournament entrant Troy Area. Pitching appears to be a strength for coach Casey Waller, as the senior trio of Eddy, plus LHPs Logan Bower and Zach Fry, is back to soak of innings. Outfielder Fry will spark a seasoned offense along with senior outfielder Trey Smith (1st-team all-PHAC Division 2), senior third baseman Alex Welch (2nd-team all-PHAC Division 2), junior C/2B Ryan McClain, and senior OF/2B Jake Snyder.

The one-two rotation punch of senior RHP Tyson Thrush (36.1 IP, 41 H, 14 BB, 33 K) and junior LHP Zach Adamchick (38.2 IP, 41 H, 14 BB, 22 K) is back for Bloomsburg. Also a third baseman, 2nd-team PHAC Division 2 all-star Thrush (.352 AVG, 11 BB vs 7 K) will team with senior shortstop Coty Kashner (.290 AVG) to spark an offense that coach Keith Thrush will likely need to score more than the 3.85 runs/game it averaged last year in order to contend for a district berth.

Mount Carmel Area returns an experienced club looking to build on the momentum from the program's first district tournament appearance in seven years. The senior duo of RHP Bret Williams (34.2 IP, 28 H, 32 BB, 50 K) and LHP Tyler Thompson (38 IP, 22 H, 43 BB, 53 K) could take a big step forward if they can harness their command. Coach Duane Winnie's offense graduated four, but still has plenty of production back in the form of 1st-team all-PHAC Division 2 infielder Williams (.380 AVG, 12 XBH, 9 BB vs 8 K, 14 SB), senior first baseman Taylor Haladay (.308 AVG), junior outfielder Austin Reed (.439 OBP, 16 BB vs 10 K), and sophomore outfielder Tommy McDonald (.281 AVG), who should also see mound time. Keep an eye on freshman RHP Thomas Schultz and freshman outfielder Johnny Ayres to carve out roles for themselves sooner rather than later. Ayres and McDonald shared QB duties for the Red Tornadoes last fall.

Lewisburg Area coach Brian Zysset inherits a veteran squad in his first year at the helm. Inch, senior RHP Joey Orr, and sophomore RHP Aaron Hoover are slated for primary mound duty, while Inch (a 1st-team all-PHAC Division 2 selection as an outfielder) will team with junior outfielders Sam Rosevear and  Kevin Reyes, junior catcher Wilson Fisher, and senior infielder Spencer Barlett for primary run production.

Troy Area parlayed a senior-laden roster into a state tournament berth last year, but is now faced with the departure of seven of its ten primary offensive contributors as well as two of its top three pitchers. Senior 1st-team all-Northern Tier League honoree Kyle Schucker returns as the Trojans top bat (.426 AVG, 12 XBH) and arm (43.1 IP, 37 H, 20 BB, 31 K), while sophomore RHP/SS Clark Jackson should get an opportunity to make a two-way impact as well. Senior second baseman Dane Smith and senior outfielder Collin Binford are the only other returning starters for coach Stephen Mattocks, who will also ask 6-foot-3 junior LHP Anthony Dietrick and sophomore RHP Mason Bellows to log innings.

Two-thirds of the starting line-up returns for Southern Columbia Area, which battled Loyalsock Township tough in a 2-0 district quarterfinal loss. A trio of all-PHAC Division 2 selections -- senior 1st-team infielder Blake Marks (.478 avg, 15 XBH, 6 BB vs 2 K), senior 2nd-team outfielder Steve Toczylousky (.266 AVG), and junior 2nd-team catcher Cam Young (.282 AVG) -- will serve as the foundation of a line-up that may need to prop up a pitching staff that graduated its top two starters (and 71% of its innings). Coach Mike Myers will turn to sophomore RHP Justin Derk and senior RHP Dustin Chaundy, the only two holdovers who logged double-digit innings, to step up and assume major roles.

Wellsboro Area brings back seven of nine position player starters and virtually its entire pitching staff, but will need to shore up its strike-throwing (only one pitcher recorded more strikeouts than walks last year) and defense (nearly three errors per game) in order to make a run at a state tournament berth. 1st-team all-Northern Tier League infielder Dawson Prough (.559 AVG, 13 XBH, 15 BB vs 0 K, 20 SB) is the heart and soul of coach Philip Prough's offense. Senior RHPs James Mundy and Joe Allen, plus sophomore RHP Sam Moss, each logged thirty-plus innings last year on a staff that will again be handled by senior catcher Nick Tremper. Sophomore IF/RHP Dalton Prough is back to reprise his rookie season two-way role, while sophomore outfielder Johnny Rowland looks to build off his everyday experience as well.

With its top four pitchers and six of its line-up regulars gone to graduation, it wouldn't be surprising if South Williamsport Area coach Shawn Finn passes out nametags at practice this year for a squad that is essentially three-quarters underclassmen. Sophomore RHPs Gideon Green and Aaron Hughes will team with the junior duo of LHP Aaron Guerrisky and RHP Tyler Askey to fill the void on the mound. Outfielders Guerrisky and Green join junior infielder Aaron Orgitano as the only offensive holdovers, while freshman infielder Hunter Finn and sophomore first baseman Ben Johnson will get an opportunity to make a significant impact.

Matt Grozier and Garrett Barilar represent the only holdovers on a Central Columbia pitching staff that graduated 82% of its innings, which means an inexperienced group that includes fellow junior RHP Aaron Farver and sophomore RHP Cole Hock will be thrust into large roles. Coach Kirk Seesholtz must replace two-thirds of his regular line-up as well, which means junior outfielder Ben Smith and infielder Farver will get a chance to contribute offensively, joining infielder Barilar, C/IF Grozier, and junior outfielder Zach Boyd, the three returning starters.

First-year coach Kevin Mace inherits a decimated Line Mountain roster that graduated ten and returns only two starters in senior SS/OF Kurt Mace and junior third baseman Kenny Boyer. Senior catcher Brendan Renn and junior infielder Justin Kaleta will be asked to assume full-time roles after getting part-time duty last year. Kaleta will join Mace, the only returning pitcher to have logged innings last year, atop the pitching staff.

Class AAA

Jersey Shore Area made it one for the thumb last spring with its fifth straight district title. The senior trio of Travis Bradley (45.2 IP, 36 H, 27 BB, 36 K), River Haines (23.2 IP, 15 H, 17 BB, 20 K), and Levi Lorson (19 IP, 18 H, 4 BB, 8 K) are back after seeing significant action last season. 2nd-team PHAC Division 1 infielder Allen Saar (.368 AVG, 13 BB vs 9 K), a Coppin State signee, will need to set the tone for an offense that graduated six of ten primary contributors.

Coming off an extra-inning loss to Jersey Shore Area in the district title game, Shikellamy will look to get over the hump in coach Derek Alex's first season. The rotation will be fronted by junior returning ace RHP Ross Wonsik (38.2 IP, 40 H, 20 BB, 37 K) and senior RHP Kyle Leitzel (35.2 IP, 33 H, 11 BB, 34 K), with junior RHP Logan Kern expected to soak up some of the 50-plus innings available due to graduation. 1st-team PHAC Division 1 shortstop Leitzel (.468 AVG, 10 BB vs 7 K, 19 SB) will spark an offense that graduated its three other primary run producers, but also returns senior 1st-team outfielder Dylan Kremer (.322 AVG) and outfielder Kern (.318 AVG).

Say the words "football injury" to Montoursville Area coach Travis Wurster and he might break into a cold sweat, as senior P/IF Dylan Fontenot (out for the season) and junior C/P Nolan Ott (expected back at some point) both suffered significant maladies during the fall. Nonetheless, the Warriors still have an experienced trio of junior RHPs -- Brycen Mussina (1st-team all-PHAC Division 1), Mitchell Rothrock, and Abdi Rodriguez -- to soak up innings. When Ott returns, he will help bolster the staff and an offense that, in the interim, will be powered by senior 1st-team outfielder Aidan Plants, plus infielders Rothrock, Mussina, and sophomore Owen Keiss.

The pitching staff for Mifflinburg Area remains largely intact, with strike-throwing bulldog Weikel (66 IP, 40 H, 13 BB, 87 K) fronting a rotation that will have the sophomore RHP duo of Brian Jordan (18 IP, 22 H, 5 BB, 5 K) and Max Troutman (20 IP, 11 H, 6 BB, 6 K) looking to make an even bigger impact in their second season. Rounding out his second decade at the helm, coach Thomas Church will have a young line-up, but can turn to shortstop Weikel (.304 AVG, 12 BB vs 6 K) and senior 1st-team outfielder Brian Zimmerman (.388 AVG) to steady the offensive ship while outfielder Jordan and other newcomers get acclimated.

Senior RHP Aaron Sharp (37.1 IP, 44 H, 22 BB, 53 K) returns as the ace of a Midd-West staff that otherwise graduated the bulk of its innings. Second-year coach Chandler Sheaffer will also turn to Sharp (.333 AVG) as the centerpiece of an offense that will look for others such as junior catcher Tyler Martin, sophomore utility Ethan Richard, and senior third baseman Bailey Hetrick to take a step forward in their development.

Class AAAA (forms a sub-region with District II)

Williamsport Area graduated nine from last season and will roster only four seniors in coach Ryan Miller's first year at the helm. Steele and his live arm will lead an otherwise inexperienced pitching staff that will also feature fellow RHPs in junior Jalen Jackson plus sophomores Isaac Snyder and Tanner Esposito. On the offensive side, it will only again be the athletic Steele setting the pace for a group that includes junior outfielder Elliott Walker, and infielders Esposito and Jackson.

Season Preview Schedule

3/2 - PAISAA
3/3 - PIAA District V
3/4 - PIAA District IX
3/5 - PIAA District VI
3/6 - PIAA District IV
3/7 - PIAA District X
3/8 - PIAA District III (Class A & AA)
3/9 - PIAA District VII (Class A)
3/10 - PIAA District VII (Class AA)
3/11 - PIAA District II
3/12 - PIAA District XI
3/13 - PIAA District I (Class A, AA & AAA)
3/14 - PIAA District III (Class AAA)
3/15 - PIAA District VII (Class AAA)
3/16 - PIAA District I (Class AAAA)
3/17 - PIAA District III (Class AAAA)
3/18 - PIAA District VII (Class AAAA)
3/19 - PIAA District XII