Follow @pbrpennsylvania

By Jacob Gill
Pennsylvania Assistant Director of Scouting

This isn't technically a "preseason" list, since the state's independent schools aren't subject to the PIAA uniform start date and some have actually started playing games already, but it's close enough to roll with it.  Also not subject to a cap on competitions, many of them will play 30+ games (as opposed to the PIAA maximum of 20) by the time the end of the regular-season rolls around. It is then, however, that their pitching depth will truly get tested, as the PAISAA tournament plays out its four rounds over the course of a five-day stretch, including the semifinals and championship on the same day.  Our PAISAA Fab Four represents the schools we believe would reach the final day of competition (in bracket order), if the tournament were to be conducted starting today.

2017 Preseason PAISAA Fab Four

Seed	School	Notes
1	Malvern Prep	The Friars have won at least a share of the Inter-Ac regular-season title every year since 2011, with three PAISAA tournament titles during that span. Boasting ten college commitments, including four Division I-bound pitchers (plus three others who could toe the rubber, but are going DI as position players), coach Freddy Hilliard will once again have his team squarely in the mix.
4	The Haverford School	Here we go again, underestimating this team. The entire college-bound infield returns for the defending PAISAA champs, who made their run through the tournament despite finishing fifth in the Inter-Ac regular-season last spring. Team should score some runs with biggest question mark being the ability to fill innings for three departed rotation cogs.
3	Springside Chestnut Hill	The Blue Devils have been a steady, balanced team since coach Joe Ishikawa took over the helm a few years ago. Squad has a bona fide ace atop the rotation and lots of senior experience in the line-up. Tied Malvern Prep for the Inter-Ac regular-season title last spring.
2	Penn Charter	Based on physical abilities alone, the Quakers, who boast ten college commitments and added one of the top players in the state via transfer, would likely slide into the top spot. However, their impressive collection of talent has yet to coalesce into a unit that has been able to string together consistent performances in Inter-Ac play or the PAISAA tournament. Could this be the year?

Others to Watch
Episcopal Academy - Would not be a shock at all to see the Churchmen push their way into the top four by season's end. Most of the line-up is back, as is a pitching staff that has young reinforcements ready to provide depth.

Perkiomen School - The Panthers sent twelve players to college baseball the past two seasons, but will have a more youthful look this spring. Tend to bring in more transfers than a lot of their competitors, making them somewhat of a wild card heading into each season.

Mercersburg Academy - 2016 tournament semifinalist could boast a formidable pitching staff, especially come tournament time, if one of its top southpaws works his way back from injury at some point this spring.

Germantown Academy - Four college-bound seniors will set the tone for an otherwise sophomore- and junior-laden roster.

Shipley School - Friends School League teams don't often make much noise in this tournament, but the Gators could be the exception with a mix of experience and talent on the pitching staff and a veteran line-up.

Season Preview Content