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By Jacob Gill
Pennsylvania Assistant Director of Scouting

Staying in the WPIAL, we step up one classification for the next installment of our district preview series, which will run for three weeks up to the first official PIAA competition date on March 24. 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 VII Class AA Top Prospects

1. Nico Popa, 2016, SS/OF, Seton-La Salle Catholic (Pittsburgh)
2. Frankie Fraschetti, 2016, RHP, Neshannock (Harford CC)
3. Hunter Robinson, 2017, OF/RHP, Waynesburg Central
4. Adam Jeannette, 2017, RHP, Riverside
5. Richie Serignese, 2016, IF/RHP, Neshannock (California of PA)

Section 1

District runner-up and state semifinalist Quaker Valley has a some big holes to fill at the top of its rotation and line-up, but does return two-thirds of its regular position players and three pitchers who logged double-digit innings. Rhodes College-bound all-section selection John Medich (.288 AVG, 8 BB vs 7 K) and fellow senior Peyton Russoniello (.492 AVG, 10 XBH, 8 BB vs 7 K, 11 SB) will split duties behind the plate, with the latter primarily taking his turn when Medich (39.2 IP, 24 H, 11 BB, 38 K) goes to toe the rubber. Russoniello will also spend time at third base and on the mound, where he and the junior RHP duo of Jack Hendricks and Clayton Glas are expected to have increased roles. Outfielder Collin Jackovic (.343 AVG, 12 SB) leads a trio of juniors that also includes shortstop Hendricks and outfielder Joey Hess who will impact the line-up for first-year coach Dave Bogats.

New Brighton Area welcomes back the entirety of its pitching staff, but must replace more than half its line-up this spring. A pair of all-section honorees -- senior SS/RHP Justyn Francona and junior RHP/IF R.J. Debo -- will carry the load for coach Mick Campbell, who will also look to get production out of junior RHP/OF Kyle Bolland, junior LHP/1B Austin Ackerman, and the senior trio of infielder Collin Lohle, catcher Doug Gorrell (who missed the second half of last season due to injury), and outfielder Andrew Mittner.

The all-section duo of junior RHP/IF Nathan Slenska and Washington & Jefferson-bound RHP/OF Brach Herzig is back to lead an Avonworth team that suffered five of its six defeats by two runs or less. Coach Phil Coffin will also get contributions from senior RHP Tom Donovan, junior RHP Matt Cubellis, junior outfielder Alex Osborn, senior SS/C Cole Pappas, and junior OF/C Brandon Cerminara off an experienced roster that graduated just three seniors from last year.

If experience counts for anything, Freedom Area could be poised to take a step forward with its entire starting group returning from a team that lost six of its section games by a total of seven runs (five of which occurred in its last six games of the season). The senior tandem of IF/RHP Brad Eckman and 1B/LHP Tim Hampe should once again lead the way on the mound and at the plate for coach Dan O'Leary. Junior IF/RHP Zach Greene is also expected to contribute both ways, while junior catcher Nick Henderson is coming off a solid offensive campaign and sophomore RHP/IF Jason Norman could carve out a role for himself as well.

A lot of familiar faces for 28th year Fort Cherry coach Bob Sawhill, as his Rangers graduated only two off last year's roster. A trio of two-way performers -- senior OF/1B/LHP Cole Clark, senior RHP/OF Hunter Douglas, and sophomre RHP/Util Cameron Schaub -- will anchor the pitching staff and line-up. Sophomore RHP Nate Higham, a transfer from Canon-McMillan, will also log innings, while senior infielder Anthony Kampian and sophomore IF/C Jacob Baird will bolster the offense.

As he begins his second decade at the helm, Burgettstown Area coach Doug Tunno has a bit of a rebuilding project on his hands with only four returning lettermen and an entirely revamped pitching staff. Senior Brandon Sell and sophomore Blaine Johns are expected to ascend the pitching depth chart, while sophomore outfielder Ryan Lounder will spark the Blue Devils offense.

Other schools and returning all-section players
Northgate - none
South Side - none

Section 2

As Brownsville Area coach Skooter Roebuck begins his second quarter century guiding the Falcons, he has some massive holes to fill due to the departures of three all-section performers (who were his top three run producers and staff ace). The pitching staff isn't devoid of experience, however, as senior RHPs Cory Lent (26 IP, 20 H, 10 BB, 24 K), Travis Bevard (15 IP, 8 H, 6 BB, 20 K), and Greg Stiner (24 IP, 26 H, 13 BB, 20 K) all return, while the sophomore RHP pair of Dylan Brosky and Mason Kelly are expected to compete for innings as well. A quartet of returning line-up regulars -- first baseman Bevard (.328 AVG), shortstop Lent (.333 AVG), senior outfielder Zach Bashour (.356 AVG), and junior third baseman Tyler Herman (.348 AVG, 12 SB) -- will stabilize the offense, while sophomore outfielder Josh Davison will step into a larger role after getting his feet wet as a rookie.

Coming off a one-run loss in the WPIAL opening round, Washington returns thirteen players, including seven starters. Junior RHP/SS Connor Bedillion will front the rotation and help make the offense go. His classmate Kevin Patterson will also log significant innings, while senior outfielder Jordan West and senior utilityman Kurt Adkins will serve as primary run producers for coach Michael Plassio.

Charleroi Area welcomes back an experienced line-up that graduated only two regulars and that will be led by the junior trifecta of shortstop Errict Tedrow (.533 AVG, 11 SB), all-section honoree Sam Miceli (.350 AVG), and catcher Josh Mavilla (.457 AVG), all of whom accrued more free passes than strikeouts last season. Junior LHP Josiah Fisher (33 IP, 30 H, 23 BB, 60 K) returns to front the pitching staff with senior LHP Sam Pager (20.2 IP, 27 H, 15 BB, 22 K) back in the fold and Mavilla potentially picking up a few additional innings as well. Coach Luke Mollis hopes that junior LHP Emery Anden, a transfer from Belle Vernon Area who is recovering from an ACL injury, will return to form in time to help make up for the loss of junior Jesse Andrechak, who went down with a meniscus injury.

Chartiers-Houston coach Vince Capozza's veteran pitching staff will be led by a pair of returning starters in senior Ryan Mele (35.1 IP, 45 H, 14 BB, 27 K) and junior Jordan Davis (30 IP, 34 H, 20 BB, 18 K), along with sophomore bullpen ace Zach Southern (18.1 IP, 18 H, 10 BB, 21 K), and will also enter freshman Destin Weiser into the mix for innings. The offense will be sparked by junior T.J. Johnston (.412 AVG, 9 XBH), with returning starters in sophomore Matt Whitfield, Mele, and Davis providing support.

As Bethlehem-Center coach Frank Pryor completes his third decade at the helm, he will be looking to mold a roster than could have ten freshman on it. Despite the youth infusion, the entire pitching staff returns for the Bulldogs, while only two line-up regulars departed. Leading the way will be senior all-section RHP Lane Zekir (47 IP, 56 H, 13 BB, 55 K) and senior Jacob Greco (.528 AVG).

Virtually the entire roster is back for Frazier, including seven from a line-up that featured five underclassmen last spring. Junior Logan Muzina (.315 AVG) was the leading offensive performer last year, while senior RHPs Dylan Celaschi and Cody Morris are expected to front coach Craig Kordich's rotation.

Other schools and returning all-section players
Waynesburg Central - junior outfielder Hunter Robinson

Section 3

NOTE: This section lost one member when Ford City merged with 3A Kittanning to form now 4A Armstrong High School, but added a new one with Sto-Rox now sponsoring baseball.

Shady Side Academy will feature a remade roster this spring following the departure of eleven graduates, including eight starters. Mount Union-bound RHP/IF Tyler Gorse, senior OF/RHP Eric Yoest, all-section as a position player, and junior RHP/IF Nick Tarasi will be major players in both run production and run prevention. Junior RHP Kristofer Olander is also slated to log innings for coach Bob Grandizio, who will turn to senior shortstop Killian Cavanaugh and sophomore catcher Luke Keenan to fill voids in the offense.

Burrell graduated seven, including two all-section performers from last year's section runner-up. Carrying the torch this year for coach Mark Spohn will be senior shortstop Brendan Lettrich, senior catcher Jason David, and junior RHP Dean Edwards.

Junior all-section catcher Devin Fairman returns as a major contributor for West Shamokin both at the plate and on the mound, while junior RHP/SS Ben Vicini will also have a two-way impact. Senior infielder Eli Frailey is among five returning line-up regulars for coach Dave Powers.

Other schools and returning all-section players
Apollo-Ridge - none
Sto-Rox - none [new team in 2016]
Summit Academy - none

Section 4

Twice being one win away from a state tournament berth doesn't get much more heart-breaking than it was for Keystone Oaks last spring, which dropped its WPIAL semifinal in extra innings before falling in the third place game by one run. Eleven seniors, including six starters are back to try to close the deal for the Golden Eagles this season. Senior all-section RHP Nick Riggle will again front the rotation, while senior LHP Josh Beck, senior sidearming RHP Michael Wetmiller, and sophomore RHP Jerry Volpe could all assume larger roles. Riggle and senior all-section infielder Tim Ali will team with senior catcher Stephen Kazalas-Kelley, senior shortstop Dylan Procopio, and junior outfielder Joe Fawcett as the primary run producers for coach Scott Crimone.

Coming off a state quarterfinal appearance, Steel Valley welcomes back a young line-up core that is led by sophomore third baseman Alex Ligeros (.473 AVG). Senior OF/1B Brett Yuhas (.373 AVG) and junior outfielder Tanner Cannon (.317 AVG, 8 BB vs 4 K) are also coming off solid offensive campaigns. Sophomore shortstop Ray Chuba returns to join Ligeros on the left side of the diamond, while their classmate Trey Karfelt will have an opportunity to win the catching job.  Following the graduation of the Ironmen's top two pitchers (and 75% of the team's innings pitched), major question marks exist on the mound for coach Tim Vickers, who could turn to Ligeros, Cannon, Yuhas, and Chuba for increased roles after seeing limited mound time last year.

South Allegheny must replace its staff ace/top run producer, but otherwise returns the bulk of its roster. Senior outfielder K.C. Mosqueda (.300 AVG) and junior shortstop Stefano Faiello (.381 AVG) are the top returning hitters for coach Mark Suckfiel. Senior catcher Noah LaGuardia will handle a pitching staff that will feature the senior RHP trio of Nate Stetz, Evan Tutko (24.1 IP, 26 H, 3 BB, 9 K), and Jake Duval (18.2 IP, 25 H, 4 BB, 12 K). The sophomore tandem of OF/RHP Chris Rendulic and third baseman Paul King will be asked to assume larger roles after getting their feet wet as rookies.

Popa is one of the top athletes in the state and should create havoc for Seton-La Salle Catholic in the batter's box and with his plus speed on the bases. He will also contribute on a pitching staff that will be fronted by junior LHP Justice Muszynski, with sophomore RHP David Menosky and senior RHP Dom Matts also picking up innings. Along with Popa, senior 1B/C Andrew Lease, junior outfielder Nick Krugh, and junior second baseman Jared Capozza will also be featured in coach Shawn Trainor's offense, which could be without all-section infielder Liam Sweeney, whose status for the season is tenuous following neck surgery.

A primarily sophomore- and junior-heavy team will take the field for Carylnton this season. Junior all-section outfielder Jake Seitz (.410 AVG) paces coach Patrick McPherson's offense, with junior infielder Adam Trombetta, junior outfielder Andrew Clark, sophomore third baseman Hunter Crown, and freshman C/SS Dan Schultz also expected to contribute heavily. A very inexperienced pitching staff will have sophomore RHP Nathan Bickus and junior RHP Courtney Mickens assuming larger roles after seeing limited action last spring, while juniors Trombetta and Josh Koval will look to break into the rotation as well.

Other schools and returning all-section players
East Allegheny - none
Wilkinsburg - none

Section 5

For Neshannock coach Mike Kirkwood, who is entering his 29th year at the helm, this season for the defending state champion starts and ends with pitching. The Lancers welcome back their senior all-section 1-2 rotation punch in Fraschetti (85.1 IP, 63 H, 22 BB, 103 K) and Serignese (52.2 IP, 37 H, 7 BB, 44 K), who will be complemented by Mercyhurst North East-bound RHP Mike Nuzzo (11.2 IP, 10 H, 1 BB, 19 K). A good chunk of the offense graduated, but this team shouldn't need to score many runs to win most games.

The entire pitching staff returns for Riverside, including Tiffin-bound RHP Michael Boswell (33.2 IP, 29 H, 20 BB, 47 K) and fellow senior RHP Kolby Wolf (18 IP, 14 H, 6 BB, 8 K), plus junior RHP Adam Jeannette (29 IP, 27 H, 13 BB, 35 K) and senior LHP Vinnie Loccisano (26.2 IP, 39 H, 10 BB, 21 K). A pair of all-section honorees -- West Virginia Wesleyan-bound first baseman Wolf (.449 AVG, 11 XBH, 15 BB vs 8 K) and senior outfielder Jason Dambach (.407 AVG) -- will team with third baseman Boswell (.379 AVG), shortstop Speicher (.397 AVG), and junior outfielder Christian Cicchinelli (.318 AVG, 9 BB vs 5 K) to power coach Dan Oliastro's offense.

Mohawk Area returns seven of nine position player starters to a senior-laden line-up that will be sparked by senior all-section infielder Vince Retort (.439 AVG, 10 BB vs 3 K), junior outfielder Jaydon Johnson (.281 AVG, 8 BB vs 7 K), and senior outfielder Samsan Needler (.293 AVG, 9 SB). Senior catcher Jesse Wolfe will handle a pitching staff that has only one holdover, senior RHP Ryan Shaner (25.2 IP, 27 H, 7 BB, 14 K), who logged double-digit innings last spring. Coach Kevin Sapp will turn to senior RHP Isaac Knight to assume a larger role, while also hoping to get a full season from senior SS/RHP Jimmy Leslie, who was limited by a hand injury last year.

With one year under his belt, Beaver Falls Area coach Rich Rowe welcomes back the core of a young pitching staff in junior LHP Daunte Hill, junior RHP Matt Veon, and sophomore RHP Sean Busby. Junior third baseman Dalton Cleckley (.385 AVG) powers an offense that must replace five graduates and hopes for increased production from senior outfielder Ryan Harris, senior C/1B Cade Koch, and sophomore shortstop Michael Filauri.

Other schools and returning all-section players
Laurel - none
Shenango - senior pitcher Evan Kendall

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