By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

In an event that consisting mainly of prospects from the Class of 2014 and 2015 a number of underclassmen shined. Although none of these players has played a high school game to date, each showcased a glimpse into the type of prospect they may become over the next four years.

Ian Luberti, C/OF, Northampton Area HS, Class of 2016
Luberti showcased potential defensively with pop times of 2.22-2.28 on throws of 73 mph out of the crouch. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound prospect ran a 7.68 60-yard dash and showed a 66 mph bat exit velocity. Luberti used a strong lower half and a short stroke at the plate to consistently square the baseball. The right-handed hitter displayed some pop in his bat and the ability to drive the baseball to all fields.

Justin Smith, C/OF, Warwick HS, Class of 2016
Smith ran a 7.83 60-yard dash and showed sound receiving and blocking skills behind the plate. The 5-foot-9, 155-pound prospect showcased pop times of 2.37-2.44 on throws of 68 mph out of the crouch. The left handed hitter used a 71 mph bat exit velocity to square the baseball regularly during his round of batting practice. Smith showed an aggressive approach and stayed behind the baseball to allow his hands to work.

Nate Fassnacht, 2B/SS, Ephrata HS, Class of 2016
Fassnacht continues to develop as a switch-hitter and as a defender. As the 5-foot-7, 140-pound prospect continues to get physically bigger and stronger he should see continued development in arm strength and bat speed. Fassnacht ran a much improved 7.60 60-yard dash and showed developing arm strength with throws of 73 mph across the diamond. The 2B/SS has soft hands and sound fundamentals in the middle infield. Fassnacht used a 76 mph bat exit velocity to square the baseball consistently from both sides of the plate during his round of batting practice.

Josh Shultz, RHP/3B, Conewago Valley HS, Class of 2016
Shultz ran a 7.70 60-yard dash and showed soft hands and the ability to play through the ball defensively. Shultz showcased a 77 mph bat exit velocity and some pop in his bat during his round of batting practice. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound right-handed hitter stayed behind the baseball well and used a strong lower half to drive baseballs consistently. Shultz displayed a 75 mph fastball, 59 mph curveball and 64 mph changeup during a solid bullpen session. He showed signs that his developing 11/5 breaking curveball could become an out pitch as he adds velocity to the pitch.

Joseph Kroeger, C, Central York HS, Class of 2016
Kroeger ran a 7.70 60-yard dash and showed development in his throwing techniques behind the plate. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound prospect has projectable size and receives the ball well. He showed pop times of 2.35-2.45 on throws of 69 mph out of the crouch. Kroeger had a solid round of batting practice using a 79 mph bat exit velocity to create barrel whip and some pop. He squared the baseball routinely and showed some gap to gap power.

Zeb Stough, 3B/RHP, Red Land HS, Class of 2018
Stough is a 5-foot-11, 165-pound 7th grader who showed advanced abilities as a hitter for a player his age. He showcased an 80 mph bat exit velocity and good lower half actions in his swing that allowed him to create barrel whip. Stough routinely squared the baseball and the ball jumped off his bat. The future Red Land HS prospect ran a 7.95 60-yard dash and showed a 63 mph arm across the infield. With his advanced offensive abilities Stough is a prospect to watch in the Class of 2018.

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