Justin Childers, IF/RHP, Pickerington North, Class of 2014

Pickerington North ended the 2011 regular season ranked as the top Division I team in the State of Ohio.

Lead by a talented senior class, they were expected to make a run at the state title, but their pursuit came up short.

With the turning of the page, Pickerington North has started the 2012 season and turned to a number of underclassmen to fill important roles.

Sophomore infielder and right-handed pitcher Justin Childers is one of those players.

His scouting report from the Pre-Season Underclass notes:

Solid infielder with strong 6-foot-2,185-pound body. Good raw skills. Ran impressive 4.9 40 yard dash (concrete surface) and shows 76 mph arm strength from all angles. Good lateral feet and hands defensively. Projects more 3B/2B type but is capable of playing shortstop. Has breakable habit of patting his glove at times before throwing. Could also be an OF candidate if desired. Upright righty stance offensively, has good load and bat speed (85 mph) into zone with finish. Has short, quick path with long finish. Squares ball well with good lower half, power hitter type. Solid D-1 candidate.

This spring, Childers will play multiple roles for Pickerington North’s varsity squad, which also features senior Cale Giddings (Akron recruit) and Nick Glanzman as well as juniors Matt Poland, Ryan Miller, and Tyler Pagano.

Pickerington North plays in one of the toughest conferences in Ohio and continually challenges themselves with an aggressive nonconference schedule.

While young, Childers is quick to recognize that “team work and collaboration will really help with this seasons success.”

Childers has set both team and personal goals for this spring.

“As a team I hope to be playing at Huntington Park in June.  Personally I hope to hit .400 while limiting strike outs and errors.”

This summer, Childers will play for the Columbus Cobras, one of the top 16U travel teams in the state. The roster features other Division I prospects such as Evan White, Kyle Casserly, Jarrett Peters, and Alec McCurry.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW JUSTIN CHILDERS' PROFILE AND VIDEO