By Chris Valentine
PBR Ohio Scouting Director

Entering this spring, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy is heavily favored as the Division III State Champion. Coming off a 22-7 season, Coach Redwine’s not only grew with experience, but also with the addition of Cameron Varga, the region’s top rated junior, and Ricky Silvestri, a middle of the order left-handed bat.

This year’s squad features six returning starters as well as five pitchers with varsity time. Given their experience at key positions, deep lineup, and strong pitching staff, the sky is the limit for CHCA this spring.

Class of 2013

• RHP/SS/OF, Jacob Banks – The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Miami recruit was first team all state last year and conference MVP after compiling a 6-0 record with a .57 ERA, .68 WHIP, and 59 strikeouts over 37 innings.
• C/RHP, Jonathan Banks – The 6-foot-4, 190-pound backstop hit .344 last season. He shows a strong arm behind the plate and will help anchor the defense.
• RHP, Evan Jelley – The talented righty is healthy after dealing with some health issues. As a sophomore, he was CHCA’s number one pitcher Last year, he was 6-2 with a 1.15 WHIP, 1.44 ERA, and compiled 44 strikeouts over 34 innings.
• OF, Nick Weaver – Last year, he hit 1, 3, and 4 for CHCA while putting together a .342 average. 

Class of 2014

• RHP/SS, Cameron Varga – The 6-foot-3, 205-pound UNC recruit has a fastball that gets up to 96 mph. The talented prospect originally gave a verbal commitment to the Florida Gators as an infield prospect, so don’t sleep on his skills in the infield or at the plate.
• 3B/C, Kyle Davis – Last year, he hit .530 with a .795 slugging percentage. He has continued to develop his skills and athleticism to position himself as a Division recruit this spring and summer.
• 2B/3B, Bobby Paola – The 5-foot-9, 155-pound left handed hitting infielder is one of the leaders of this talented team. He hit .338 in the two hole last spring.
• 1B/3B/RHP, Ricky Silvestri – The 6-foot, 190-pound import from Arkansas is a corner infield type with a power bat from the left side.
• RHP, Blake Swanger – The 6-foot-3, 175-pound righty shows good development on the mound.

Class of 2015

• SS, Cameron Murray – The 5-foot-10, 140-pound infielder started and lead off for CHCA last spring. He hit .417 while show advanced infield skills for his age.
• RHP/C/OF, Graham Lally – The versatile prospect figures to find way into the everyday lineup.
• RHP, Tommy Yates – The submarine pitcher has a low 80’s fastball and will provide a different look on the mound.

Class of 2016

• C/OF, Chase Murray – The talented youngster is stuck behind Banks and Davis behind the plate, so he will likely find himself in the outfield, so that Coach Redwine can incorporate his speed and offensive abilities in the lineup.