2017 Spring Team Preview: Akron Manchester Panthers
March 9, 2017
By Dylan Hefflinger and PBR Staff
Editor in Chief/NW Scout
With the 2017 spring season right around the corner, PBR Ohio is eagerly anticipating bringing the Buckeye state the best high school coverage throughout the entire state.
Starting in Mid-January, we began releasing team previews for teams across the state, leading into the Preseason All-State Teams as well as the Preseason State Rankings.
To view the full list of 2017 Team Previews that we have already completed, please click here.
If you are a coach and haven't filled out your 2017 Team Preview, click here.
Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.
2017 Spring Team Preview: Akron Manchester Panthers
Team Name: Akron Manchester
Head Coach: Bob Graham
Division: III
2016 Record: 19-6
Conference Record: Principals Athletic Conference, 8-4
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/4
2017 Team Strengths:
- Starting Pitching
- Gritty
- Team Speed
- Outfield Defense
2017 Team Weaknesses:
- Offensive Power
- Inexperienced Middle Infield
Coach Outlook: "Should be another fun year. Our 9 returning seniors look to avenge their 2016 league (PAC-7) championship and God willing make another run in the state tournament."
PBR Outlook: The Panthers and head coach Bob Graham look to carry their success from 2016 into 2017. Manchester has a chance to beat any team on their schedule with the talent they have. Come tournament time, the Panthers could be one to watch with Dalton Earich on the bump.
Top Returning Players:
- Dalton Earich, RHP/IF, 2017, 6-1/170lb, 3-year starter, team captain, Youngstown State recruit, 2016 PAC-7 POY, 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All-District.
- Offense (.341 AVG, 4 2B, 1 3B, 24 RBI)
- Pitching (7-1, 56.2 IP, 1.36 ERA, 47 K, 28 BB) - Andrew McFadden, OF, 2017, 6-0/180, 3-year starter, team captain, 1st Team All-League, 2nd Team All-District, uncommitted.
- Offense (.447 AVG, 8 2B, 9-RBI, 24 R, 1.08 OPS) - Jordan Seidel, RHP/IF, 2017, 6-3/230lbs, 2-year starter, All-League (honorable mention), uncommitted.
- Pitching (3-2, 50 IP, 1.82 ERA, 42 K, 20 BB) - Dean Edwards, C/RHP, 2017, 5-10/150lbs, 2-year starter.
- Offensive (.254 AVG, 4 2B, 1 3B, 10 RBI, 12 R)
Top Underclassmen:
- Michael Rector
- threw primarily at the JV in 2016. Very projectable body type: long lanky 6'4". Low-3/4 arm slot. Hit low 80's (velocity) as a sophomore.
A Look Back At 2016 Preseason Articles:
To view the 2016 Team Previews, click here.
To view the 2016 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.
A Look Back At 2015 Preseason Articles:
To view the 2015 Team Previews, click here.
To view the 2015 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.
