By Steve Nielsen

Today’s Player Spotlight is on unsigned senior Josh Paparone. Paparone is one of the premier unsigned seniors in the state. A Class of 2013 graduate of York HS, Paparone led the Dukes to a West Suburban Silver conference title over favorites Lyons HS and defending state-champion Oak Park River Forest HS.

Paparone is a long 6-foot-2, 175-pound athletic outfielder who shows athleticism in all facets of the game. He ran one of the lowest 60 times at the invitational Top Prospects Showcase at a 6.76, and followed that up with a 6.7 at the Stevenson Showcase. Paparone impresses with his solid defensive skills. He moves fluidly and is quick to the ball showing an accurate arm moving athletically through the ball. Offensively, Paparone exhibits a line drive swing with a short bat path.  He stays inside the ball and shows solid balance through contact. Overall, Paparone is one of the class’s more impressive quick-twitch athletes who should continue to see his stock climb in the coming year.

As Paparone continues to improve his skill set, he should be one of the more highly sought after Class of 2013’s still available.