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By Chris Kemlo and PBR Staff
Ontario Scouting Director

From now until the start of the 2016 season, Prep Baseball Report Ontario will bring you in-depth team previews throughout the entire province.

Along with the team previews, we will be releasing the preseason All Ontario Teams sometime in late March early April.

Also visit our scout blog, which includes velocity, pop times and in-depth scouting reports. The blog will be updated throughout the entire spring, with information on top prospects and top performances, click here.

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2015 Team Preview: Ontario Nationals 16u

Team Name: Ontario Nationals 16u
Head Coach: Dan Mendham
2015 Record: 20-25
League: Canadian Premier Baseball League of Ontario (CPBL)

Last Years Accomplishments:

• Were 3-1 at the time rain cancelled the PBLO playoffs during the final weekend.
• Went 3-1 at Ohio State Tournament

Team Strengths: Hitting. The nationals will be able to produce a balanced lineup of both right-handed and left-handed hitters who can be an extra base threat every time the step to the plate. The can provide power from both sides and should be a lot of tough outs for the opposition’s pitching staff. The Nationals will also be strong on the hill as well. The staff is deep and there are a lot of pitchers who are starting to come into their own.

Weaknesses of Team: A couple of question marks defensively will be the biggest area the Nationals look to focus on and improve. There will be some players auditioning for roles early in the season to see who can fit certain defensive situations.

Coach's Outlook: “We having many players returning along with some new key additions. The players put up solid numbers and were very competitive in the fall. They have worked hard in the off-season and have developed their bodies as well as their skill set. I look forward to a promising year for the 16u squad.”

Top Prospects in Class of 2018:

• Shane Elliott, LHP, 6-foot-2, 160-pounds
• Nick LoStracco, RHP, 6-foot, 140-pounds

Top Prospects in Class of 2017:

• David Mendham (pictured right), C, 6-foot1, 175-pounds
• Jordan Bahnuk, RHP, 5-foot-10, 160-pounds
• Jacob Parsons, C, 5-foot-10, 195-pounds
• Parker Morris, 1B/LF, 6-foot-5, 200-pounds
• David Bruinsma, RHP, 6-foot-1, 170-pounds

Notable College/MLB Alumni:

• Brock Dykxhoorn, Houston Astros
• Dylan Brooks, San Francisco Giants
• Jackson Martin, Eastern Michigan University

Rivalry Game:

• Great Lake Canadians

General Notes: The Nationals will look to follow up on an encouraging year from 2015. As they take part in the new CPBL, there will be a strong challenge every game and will count on the whole team to contribute. Coach Dan Mendham will look to his lineup and pitching staff to carry the load as they compete for a championship and travel across the states and compete in the summer of 2016.