Prep Baseball Report

Ohio Division IV Power Rankings: No. 21 - No. 25



By Chris Valentine and Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Director and Senior Writer

No. 21 New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic

Tuscarawas Central Catholic and head coach Jeff Fondriest are poised to make a tournament run after bowing out in the district semifinals to Berlin Hiland a season ago.


No. 22 Racine Southern High School

A 26-1 record that included outscoring its opposition 316-70 ended bittersweet for head coach Ryan Lemley, after losing in the regional semifinals to Newark Catholic. Southern will look to continue its dominance in the Tri-Valley Conference and hopes to take the next step in the tournament.


No. 23 Northwood High Schoolnorthwood

After a district finals loss to Ottawa Hills last season, Northwood looks to build on last season and make along tournament run. The Rangers have everyone back from last year and are poised to have a great season. Seniors Brandon Mahoney (LHP/OF), Evan Perkins (OF), Nick Russell (SS),Jordan Schell (OF), John Segura (1B/OF).

jeffpaulNo. 24 St. Henry High School

After a down 14-11 (5-4 MAC) season, St. Henry looks to reload and take a step up. Senior pitcher Alex Post (1st-team all-MAC) looks to lead the Redskins on the mound, while senior Derek Rindler looks to lead the way at the plate. Junior Jeff Paul will look to add depth in the IF as well as on the mound. Sophomore Andrew Lundvall is an interesting prospect.


No. 25 Buckeye Central High School

Buckeye Central and head coach Chad Jensen finished with a 23-7 record in 2012, capturing the Silver Division in the North Central Conference. However, this season the Bucks are possibly looking at a rebuilding year with just two returning starters and just one pitcher back. Two seniors will look to lead the team in Bryce Christy (IF-P) and Ryan Willfer (OF) while two underclassmen who need to step up for the Bucks are junior Eric Hanes (OF-P) and sophomore Jordan Hermstein (OF).