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By John Nolan
Assistant Director of Scouting/Content Management 

As we enter March, the high school season is quickly approaching. As we approach opening day, we will continue our look at high school programs throughout our coverage area as they prepare for the 2016 season.
 

 

Team: Potomac
Nickname: Panthers
Class: 5A North
Conference: 15
Coach: Mike Covington
Twitter: @pantherspotomac
2015 Record: 13-11
2015 Post Season: Regional Semifinals
Returning Starters/Position: 6
Returning Pitchers: 4

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Evan Antonellis (3B/C, 2017) Antonellis is a transfer from Paul VI that will hit in the middle of the Panther order.
Drew Blevins (C, 2016, Marymount) Blevins was named to the All-Conference team in 2015 and is a fast presence at the top of the lineup with a line drive stroke. He has a quick release behind the plate.
Mike Buchino (SS/RHP, 2017) Buchino is an athletic middle infielder with speed and a strong arm.
Alex Burke (OF/RHP, 2016) Burke has been named to the All-Conference and All-Region Teams each year of his career and was named Conference Player of the Year in 2015, also earning First Team All 5A State honors. Burke has a good swing and has pull power. He has a strong arm in the outfield that he takes to the mound with him.
Jonathan Caicedo (OF/RHP, 2016) Caicedo is a returning All-Conference player is poised to take a big step forward on the mound.
Colt Lee (UTL, 2017) Lee is a versatile player with speed and a solid line-drive swing with a gap to gap approach. He will have opportunity to contribute valuable innings on the mound this year. 
 

SEASON OUTLOOK
Potomac is coming off of a solid 2015 season that saw the Panthers finish as the Conference 15 runners-up and reach the Regional Semifinals before seeing their season come to a close. The Panthers bring back much of their lineup and solid depth on the mound. Blevins will anchor the defense from behind the plate and brings good speed to the top of a lineup which will be very athletic one through nine. Burke is back for one last ride in the middle of the Panther lineup with help from transfer Antonellis and will lead a deep group of pitchers that will also feature Buchino, Caicedo, and Lee. What Potomac lacks in power, they make up in speed and defensive ability. If Potomac gets the pitching that they expect and generate consistent offense, the Panthers will be a very dangerous team in the playoffs and could go deep again in the 5A North Regional.