By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

As we prepare for the upcoming 2015 high school season, we will be taking a preseason glimpse at programs from around the state.

Team: Providence Academy
Nickname: Lions
Class: AA
League: IMAC
Head Coach: Kevin Tapani
Years as Head Coach at School: 3
2014 Overall Record: 14-6
2014 League Record: 7-4
2014 League Finish: 4th in Tri-Metro
2014 Post-Season Finish: Lost in 1st round of sectionals

Returning Starters: 8
Pitchers with 15+ Innings Returning: 2

Starters Lost: 1
Pitchers with 15+ Innings Lost: 1

TOP RETURNERS
2015, Jesse Barron, RHP
2015, Danny Fafinski, MIF
2015, William Wade, OF
2015, Michael Villafana, C

X-FACTOR
The Lions return 8 starting position players from last year's club. Their key to success will be if their pitching staff can remain healthy and consistent throughout the year.

UNDERCLASSMAN TO WATCH
2016 Ben Arndt, MIF/RHP, was a All-Section performer last year as a sophomore. 2017 Jackson Baird; a 5-foot-9, 135-pound MIF is also a player to watch as PBR MN has received rave reviews about his ability.

2015 OUTLOOK
The Lions will be led on the mound by St. Mary's commit Jesse Barron who was an All-Section performer last year. Also 2015's Danny Fafinski, William Wade, and Michael Villafana all earned accolades as juniors. Providence Academy returns a wealth of returning talent and experience from last year's club which finished the year at 14-6. The Lions should be very competitive in 2015 and the quality of their pitching will dictate when and where their season ends.

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COACHES PRESEASON QUESTIONNAIRE

We appreciate all of the help provided by high school coaches across the state assisting with our preseason coverage. If you have not already done so you can fill out our coaches' preseason questionnaire online by clicking here.