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Conference Preview: WPIAL Class AAA - Section 5

March 12, 2014

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

With the start of the high school season less than a month away we will be previewing conferences around the state leading up to opening day. In addition to a look at the top teams we will also highlight some of the top prospects in each conference.

           WPIAL Class AAA - Section 5

Preseason Favorites

Hampton (18-3)

The Talbots get the nod as early favorites in Section 5 but will be pushed by Mars. Hampton returns a solid nucleus of varsity contributors from last year's 18 win team, but the graduation of six seniors will have to be sorted out if the Talbots hope to play at last year's level.

 

in the mix

Mars (12-8)

The Planets return a talented group of 12 seniors from last year's roster with RHP Nathan Furl and SS Connor McGinnis leading the way. Look for Mars to stay in the section race to the very end if they can find a capable No. 2 behind Furl on the mound.

 

Preseason Player of the Year

Ben VeyBen Vey, Hampton HS (Class of 2014)

Vey has shown solid two-way abilities over the past two season in a Talbots' uniform. The University of Buffalo recruit led Hampton Area in RBI as a sophomore with 26. Vey sits in the mid-80s and commands a slider, curveball and changeup mix of complimentary pitches that make him effective on the mound. Vey will assume the No. 1 spot in the Talbots' rotation this year and will be counted on heavily if Hampton Area wants to repeat as section champs.

 

Top Prospects

Hapmton

Ben Vey, RHP/3B (Class of 2014, Buffalo recruit)
Eddie Edwards, OF (Class of 2014, Buffalo recruit)
Steve Dayton, 1B (Class of 2014)
Eric Mikulan, RHP/OF (Class of 2015)
Brandon Olszewski, C (Class of 2015)

Kittanning

Shawn Shaner JR, C (Class of 2014)

Knoch

Hyte Eurich, SS/3B (Class of 2014)
Gavin Miller, RHP/C (Class of 2014)
Caleb Thorn, 1B/OF (Class of 2014)
Jordan Kowalski, 2B/3B (Class of 2015)
Cole Shinsky, LHP/1B (Class of 2016)

Mars

Nathan Furl, RHP/3B (Class of 2014, California of PA recruit)
Noah Gasparin, 2B/SS (Class of 2014)
Connor McGinnis, SS/2B (Class of 2014, Alderson Broaddus recruit)
Ty Reginelli, 2B/SS (Class of 2015)

valley

Dominic Guzzi, SS/2B (Class of 2014)

 

view all conference previews & preseason players of the year by conference

 

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