By Nick Cicere
PBR Texas Writer

Follow us on Twitter: @PBR_Texas

School: Allen High School
Head Coach: Paul Coe
Conference: 6-6A
2016 Finish: 14-14 (6-8)

 

players to watch

+ Dylan Ditzenberger, 2017 (Kansas commit)
+ Cole Maxwell, 2017 (Baylor commit/football)
+ Ronnie Taylor, 2017 (Wichita State commit)
+ Troy Bauer, 2017, OF/LHP
+ Mason LaPlante, 2018, SS
+ Joey Crisci, 2019, C
+ Grayson Coltharp, 2019, 1B/OF

 

season preview

With a ball club carrying a seasoned infield and a talented assortment of arms, Eagles head coach Paul Coe has much to look forward to this spring. Kansas commit and two-sport star, senior Dylan Ditzenberger is as established a third baseman as any in Texas. Ditzenberger has all the tools to build off the foundation of a 2nd-Team All District selection as a junior. Allen returns Mason LaPlante, a 5’8 junior who started at shortstop for Allen in 2016. The pair of athletic infielders on the Eagles left side are fixed to see an abundance of plays end in the glove of first baseman Cole Maxwell. A big 6’6 hulkster, the three-star defensive end officially signed his letter of intent to play football at Baylor. Nevertheless, Maxwell’s easy power gives the Eagles a true slugging threat to bolster an already gifted lineup.

With Ditzenberger and Maxwell adding depth to the pitching staff, Allen will embrace the return of senior Ronnie Taylor, who missed most of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. A Wichita State commit, Taylor is a big-bodied righty that relies on a true over-the-top delivery to harness a solid fastball. Partnering with Taylor is southpaw Troy Bauer, a wiry 6-foot-2 starter with a repeatable delivery. Now capable of being labeled as a veteran, sophomore Joey Crisci will again be the primary battery mate for the Allen pitching staff. Crisci should be able to gain and expand the depths of his talent in his second season as Allen’s go-to backstop.

 

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