AL HS Team Preview: Bessemer Academy Rebels
January 16, 2020
High School: Bessemer Academy Rebels
2019 Record: 28-12
Head Coach: Jeremy Brown
Members of AISA
2019 Area Finish: 2nd
2019 Playoff Run: lost in state quarterfinals
RETURNING STARTERS:
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH:
‘21 INF/RHP Landon Dial
‘21 INF Hunter Lopacki
‘22 3B/RHP Andrew Oswalt
‘23 INF Luke Anderson
TEAM STRENGTHS:
Offensively and overall athleticism
Strong junior class
OUTLOOK:
The Rebels return four starters in the field and six pitchers from a 2019 squad that finished 28-12 and an AISA state quarterfinal appearance. Coach Jeremy Brown likes the overall athleticism of his team but knows there is a lack of experience on the roster. One key returner is ‘20 RHP/C Garrett Mangione. He is a big time power bat in the middle of the order and also pitches, showing a mid 80’s fastball. The physical (6’4, 200 lbs.) Mangione signed with Shelton State as a catcher and shows quiet receiving skills and plus catch and throw skills. ‘20 OF Andy Poole also returns to the lineup in 2020 after a successful junior season that saw him hit over .400 a year ago. Junior RHP/INF Ethan Leatherman is another key returner that will be counted on in a two way role for the Rebels. The 5’11 155 pounder handles the bat well and has plus pitchability on the mound. On the mound look for RHP Spencer Crane to log a ton of innings during the 2020 season. The senior returns after a very productive season that saw him finish with a 7-0 record and 2.35 ERA. Mark Hubbard is another talented senior that is committed to Rust College. The OF/INF shows a ton of versatility on the field and can help the Rebels in a number of ways this year. There are four juniors, a sophomore and one freshman to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
The juniors:
INF/RHP Landon Dial- 6’0 170 pound talented two way player that has an extremely high ceiling.
INF Hunter Lopacki- 5’9 155 pound fast twitch athlete that is very talented and hard nosed.
1B/C Tyner Patterson- 6’0 195 pound middle of the order type hitter, another high ceiling junior on the team.
C John Robert Moore- 6’0 170 pound catcher that shows high level catch and throw skills.
Sophomore:
3B/RHP Andrew Oswalt- 5’11 195 pound 3B/RHP that is a very strong player with nice arm strength presently. Can also be a power bat.
Freshman:
INF Luke Anderson- 5’10 150 pound young talented player with a tremendous work ethic. He has a chance to be a standout in the future.
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