This year, in addition to the Scout Day Showcases, we are also going to spotlighting programs as a whole with an interview with each participating teams head coach providing insight into their expectations for Spring 2021, key players, incoming players, players expected to have breakout seasons, how they have navigated the past year and much more. The Nevada Athletics program has established them as a one of the top programs in the state as they seem to reload each year with talent an this year is no different. 

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Nevada athletics SPOTLIGHT
Coach, Dave Meng

What are your expectations for your program for the 2021 Spring Season?

Our expectations are to, hopefully, continue to play the game and let these kids have an outlet to come to in these unprecedented times. We are going to do everything we can to highlight our seniors and give them the season they deserve. 

Who are the top returning players you have coming back this Spring? Expectations of those players? 

Tommy Dilandri- taking on a leadership role; being able to drive in runs. TCU commit

Nick Calleo- Projected corner INF/ should hit for power. #uncommitted

Aaric Anderson- Projected starting catcher. LH hitting catcher. SDST commit

Joey Loubert- projected starting rotation; lead pitching staff/ Taft College commit

Karthik Gondy- starting 1st baseman; hitting for power. #uncommitted

Cal Erickson-  Should compete for the starting 3B job.#uncommitted

Corey Stratton- starting corner outfield position. #uncommitted

CJ Kalekas- Short reliever/ mid 80’s bulldog on the hill./ Dominican University

Who on your roster do you expect to have a breakout season in 2021? (1-2 players in each class, 2021-2024)

Joey Loubert- Class of 2021/ RH Pitcher

Kaiden Smaka- Class of 2022/ Two way OF/P ( Lightning from  left side)

Kody Bialas- Class of 2023/ SS/ 3B/ P/ projected closer

Zach Bender (JV possible Varsity) - class of 2024/ 6’4 RH pitcher

How does your program differentiate from others? What does your program do in the Summer and Fall Seasons? 

In our off season we will transition into our new club organization.

New club name: NV Athletics/ Changing branding and uniforms and website: https://nevada-athletics.sportngin.com/

For our 2022 and 2023’s, we will focus on preparing them to attend events during the summer and fall to showcase to college’s.

2024 and 2025’s will compete in the local American Legion league. 

What has your program done to combat the restricted ability to play baseball over the past year?

We have been fortunate enough to use permitted city fields for weekly practices and traveled to play in out of town tournaments. We have ensured top safety and followed all Covid protocols in place. 

Do you have any college commits within the program?

Our current committed guys are Joey Loubert (Taft College), CJ Kalekas (Dominican University), Tommy Dilandri (TCU) and Aaric Anderson (SDSU)

Besides a State Championship, what do you try to accomplish within your program every year?

- Transition players to be good men that care more about their teammates more than themselves in a team setting.

- Encourage players the importance of giving back to the youth and the community.

- Ensure seniors have a path for the future. Regardless of playing in college or not.

- Provide players a good experience while growing their love for the game.

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DIRECTOR NOTES
PBR Nevada Director of Scouting, Brett Harrison

The Nevada Athletics program has established themselves one of the top prep programs in the state with five Division 1 signees coming out of their program last year with another potent roster set to take the field again this year. The depth of arms within the program is immediately what jumps off the page with Taft recruit, Joey Loubert, who had an excellent Top Prospect Games showing topping out at 85 mph. Uncommitted RHP 2022, Reese Lueck, has shown two-way capabilities beyond the high school level with some more projection possibly being on the mound. Kody Bialas who is 2023 two-way prospect that we are expecting to show well enough to be considered for the 2021 Future Games team. Along with these three prospects, you have 2022 backstop, Alec Vincent, who at the recent Winter Update event posted a 95 mph Exit Velocity via TrackMan and can also hop on the mound to throw strikes as well. This is a program that seems to reload every year and this year is no different with the roster they will be fielding this Spring.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Nevada Athletics Scout Day	NV	02/17	Doc Romeo Park
Las Vegas Aces Scout Day (Position Player Session)	NV	02/18	Heritage Park
Rawlings Tigers Scout Day	NV	02/22	Rainbow Family Park
Las Vegas Aces Scout Day (Pitching Session)	NV	02/23	Heritage Park
Sierra Vista Scout Day	NV	02/25	Heritage Park
Bishop Manogue Scout Day	NV	02/27	Bishop Manogue High School
Reno Knights Scout Day	NV	02/27	Bishop Manogue High School
McQueen Lancers Scout Day	NV	02/28	Bishop Manogue High School
Northern Nevada Open Scout Day	NV	02/28	Bishop Manogue High School
Sparks Blue Sox Scout Day	NV	02/28	Bishop Manogue High School
Bases Loaded Elite Scout Day	NV	03/03	Doc Romeo Park
Bishop Gorman Scout Day	NV	03/04	Heritage Park
The Meadows Scout Day	NV	03/07	The Meadows
Southern Nevada Open Scout Day	NV	03/13	Faith Lutheran High School
Rising Stars of Southern Nevada (2025/2026)	NV	04/10	Faith Lutheran High School
Rising Stars of Northern Nevada (2025-2026)	NV	04/24	TBD

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