Kansas High School Spotlight: Blue Valley Northwest High School

April 7, 2021
PBR Staff
Staff Writer

The Kansas high school baseball season has kicked off. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be publishing our team spotlights during the 2021 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications. Perennially, we’ve submitted a Preseason Questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team analysis.

If you would like your team covered, please have your head coach email us at [email protected]

Our 2021 preseason coverage continues today.

Team: Blue Valley Northwest
Class: 6A
League:EKL
Head Coach: Mike Pangborn
Team Twitter:@skiesbaseball
Returning Starters: 1
Returning Pitchers: 0

TOP PLAYERS

Mikey Pauley C / RHP / Blue Valley Northwest , KS / 2022

The University of Nebraska commit will play a big role for the Huskies behind the plate and logging some important innings on the mound as well. A very good athlete and a large frame, Mikey has the potential to be one of the top players in the state as he gains more experience throughout the Spring.

Matthew Lemke 2B / SS / Blue Valley Northwest, KS / 2022

The Kansas State Commit will be relied on to provide defense up the middle and should be an impact bat for the Huskies. Matthew is a smooth defender with good actions and arm strength. At the plate he has a short and compact swing with some sneaky pop off the barrel. A good runner and overall athlete that should put some pressure on opposing defenses this season.

Kysen Howard SS / OF / Blue Valley Northwest, KS / 2021

The Colorado State Pueblo commit will be need to be the upperclassmen that provides leadership to the Huskies this spring. Kysen has a rhythmic swing and gap to gap approach. A rangy defender that has a quick release and soft hands.

Easton Wasinger 1B / LHP / Blue Valley Northwest , KS / 2023

The large-framed 1B and left handed hitter will be getting his first looks at the Varsity level this spring and will be relied on to be a physical presence in the lineup. The ball jumps off the barrel with an easy swing and he shows the ability to drive the ball to all fields. On the mound he'll use his four pitch mix to log some innings for the Huskies and provide depth to the pitching staff.

Jack Kreisman OF / RHP / Blue Valley Northwest, KS / 2023

The left handed hitting Sophomore outfielder has a short swing and good hand speed. Jack uses his flat bat path to try and spray line drives to all fields. On the mound Jack will use his 3 pitch mix and good tilting fastball to keep hitters off balance this spring.

Drew Kaufman OF / Blue Valley Northwest, KS / 2022

The Junior outfielder will provide good athleticism to the Huskies lineup and should be a guy that can put some pressure on the opposing defenses with his above average run tool. Drew has a short and compact swing to go along with his projectable body.

OUTLOOK

The biggest strengths to the 2021 Blue Valley Northwest squad are their overall size and team speed. Projectable is the buzzword for the Huskies this season and if their play can match their potential they have a chance to go on a good run this Spring.

The biggest question mark for the Huskies is their lack of overall velocity on the mound. They will have to do a good job of mixing and matching speeds in the strike zone and playing solid defense to give their athletic offense a chance to carry them.

Make sure to follow @PBRKANSAS on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2021 season.