2017 Spring Team Preview: Stow-Munroe Falls Bulldogs

March 3, 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: Stow-Munroe Falls Bulldogs

Team Name: Stow-Munroe Falls
Head Coach: Aaron DeBord
Division: I
2016 Record: 19-11
Conference Record: Suburban League, 7-5
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/6

2017 Team Strengths:

Starting Pitching: We are returning 3 impact pitchers from last years staff who will feel will keep us in games.
Experience: We return 6 guys who were in the lineup most days last season.
Playoff Experience: This team went through a lot last year. We started off very slow, then rode strong momentum deep into the playoffs. Those experiences should really benefit this year's team.
Work Ethic: Over the last two season we have learned how to prepare for the season. Our older guys do a great job of teaching our young guys the path to success.

2017 Team Weaknesses:

Middle of the order hitting: We have a few guys who were middle of the order hitters for multiple season that have to be replaced.
End of Game Pitching: Our depth in our pitching staff should keep us in all games. However, we have to replace a closer who allowed 1 run in 22 IP last season

Coach Outlook: "We believe the team learned a lot last year about how to compete, how to practice everyday, and how to do the little things to get better. We lost a lot of senior leadership last year, but we also have 11 returning players, most of which who saw significant playing time last year. We feel their experience and leadership will keep the momentum moving forward for the program."

PBR Outlook: A mix of talent from the upper and lower classmen has coach DeBord and the Bulldogs excited for the prospects of the 2017 season. Lookout for Stow-Munroe Falls throughout the season and especially come tournament time.

Evan Bainbridge Top Returning Players:

Evan Bainbridge: RHP, Sophomore, 6'8, 175 lbs, R/R
2016 stats: 21 IP, 14 K's, 2 Wins. Ranked # 11P in 2019 class by PBR OH.
Matt Conger: OF, Senior, 5'10, 170 lbs, R/R
2016 stats:85 PA, .305 BA, 17 Hits, 20 RBI's,13 Runs, 6 2B, 25 BB/HBP, 7 SB, 6 Sac
Jordan Jolly: OF/RHP, Senior, 6'3, 170 lbs, L/R
2016 stats: 74 PA, .328 AVG, 20 Hits, 3 2B, 14 Runs, 9 RBI's, 12 BB/HBP, 9 SB, 1 Sac. 2.1 ERA in limited action on the hill. Ranked #71 P in 2017 class by PBR OH.
Collin Lang: 2B/RHP, Junior, 6'1, 180 lbs, R/R
2016 stats: 52 PA, .220 AVG, 10 hits,3 Runs, 2 RBI, 7 BB/HBP, 2 SB, 1 Sac. 17 IP 3.1 ERA, 18K's. Ranked as the #16 MIF in the 2018 class by PBR OH and the #33 overall ranked player in OH by Perfect Game. Returning Captain.
Thomas McLaughlin: 3B/2B/SS, Junior, 6'2, 190 lbs, L/R
2016 stats: 86 PA, .286 AVG, 20 Hits, 21 Runs, 11 RBI, 14 BB/HBP, 11 SB, 3 Sac.
Nick O'Verko: MIF/RHP, Senior, 5'10, 170 lbs, R/R
2016 stats: Plays 90+% of innings at SS in 2016. 42 PA, Limited innings on the hill due to arm injury. Ranked #98 P in 2017 class by PBR OH.
Brett Rhodes: 1B/LHP/OF, Junior, 5'10, 170 lbs, L/L
2016 stats: 29 PA, 5 hits, .195 BA, 5 BB/HBP, 1 SB. 9 IP 1.11 ERA, 9 K. Currently ranked as the #9 1B in the 2018 class by PBR OH.
Eric Schilling: 1B/RHP, Junior, 6'3, 185 lbs, R/R
2016 stats: 102 PA, .285 AVG, 27 Hits, 11 Runs, 17 RBI, 9 BB/HBP, 11 SB, 4 2B 2 SF. 3.2 ERA in limited IP. Currently ranked as the #8 1B in the 2018 class by PBR OH.
Max Stillisano: MIF, Senior, 6'0, 180, R/R
2016 Stats: 30 PA, 8 Hits, 5 Runs, 3 2B, 7 RBI, 4 BB/HBP, 3 SB.

Collin Lang Top Underclassmen:

Drew Bradley: Limited varsity role in 2016. Will be a major contributor in 2017 as he looks to replace a 4 year starter behind the plate.
Nathan Hallam: JV last season, will contribute to the varsity lineup. Great utility guy.
Collin Lang: Currently ranked as the #16 MIF in the 2018 class by PBR OH and the #33 overall ranked player in OH by Perfect Game. Potential to be a D1 arm or 2B.
Thomas McLaughlin: 3B/2B/SS, Junior, 6'2, 190 lbs, L/R
starter. 2016 stats: 86 PA, .286 AVG, 20 Hits, 21 Runs, 11 RBI, 14 BB/HBP, 11 SB, 3 Sac.
Griffin Mohney: JV last season, will have an impact bat for the 2017 team.
Brett Rhodes: 1B/LHP/OF, Junior, 5'10, 170lbs, L/L
2016 stats: 29 PA, 5 hits, .195 BA, 5 BB/HBP, 1 SB. 9 IP 1.11 ERA, 9 K. Currently ranked as the #9 1B in the 2018 class by PBR OH.
Eric Schilling: 1B/RHP, Junior, 6'3, 185 lbs, R/R
2016 stats: 102 PA, .285 AVG, 27 Hits, 11 Runs, 17 RBI, 9 BB/HBP, 11 SB,4 2B 2 SF. 3.2 ERA in limited IP. Currently ranked as the #8 1B in the 2018 class by PBR OH.
Evan Bainbridge: RHP, Sophomore, 6'8, 175 lbs, R/R
2016 stats: 21 IP, 14 K's, 2 Wins. Ranked # 11P in 2019 class by PBR OH. Plus grades.
Colin Harris: LHP/1B, Sophomore. Great season on the hill for JV last season. Will have a chance to contribute this season.
Kaleb Poston: 3B/C/RHP, Sophomore
Bryce Sheppert: OF, Sophomore, good bat, great wheels
Jared Zavodnik: RHP/INF, Sophomore. Will have a chance to contribute on the hill this season. Low-80s RHP.

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.