By Chris Valentine
PBR Ohio Scouting Director

The Newark Catholic Green Wave are coming off a 19-9 season. After the loss of ace Jimmy Lough andoutfielder Garrett Vernau (Tiffin recruit), Coach Cannizzaro finds himself looking to replace familiar faces from his everyday lineup.

In particular, the Green Wave will be looking for several players to set up to aid a pitching staff that returns one pitcher in senior right-hander Mitch Cox (Ashland recruit). Meanwhile, the lineup will be anchored defensively by senior short stop James Thomas (Walsh recruit). The candidates shouldn’t be short in supply as the Green Wave junior varsity team went 17-5 last year while the freshman team went 14-3.

Class of 2013

• SS, James Thomas – The 5-foot-8, 145 pound Walsh recruit returns as the team’s leadoff hitter for the third straight year.
• RHP/2B, Mitch Cox – The 6-foot-1, 155-pound wiry righty went 5-0 in 2012 as Newark Catholic’s number two pitcher.

Class of 2014

• 1B, Chayce Crouch – The 6-foot-4, 210-pound prospect hit .342 last spring as the cleanup hitter. He will also assist with pitching duties this year. He has emerged as a Division I quarterback with several offers.
• LHP/OF, Hunter Nance – The 5-foot-10, 175-pound lefty hit .338 last year.
• C, Mike Lohr – The 5-foot-9, 160-pound catcher hit .338 last year. His leadership will be key with the development of a young pitching staff.

Class of 2015

• RHP/OF, Ryan Fitzgerald – The switch-hitting prospect emerged as a starting outfielder towards the end of next season. He finds himself in a growing role as a sophomore.
• IF, Rob Engle
• IF, Pat Oehlman

Class of 2016

• C, Mitch Lohr
• RHP, Nick Cavinee – Interesting 6-foot-6, 165-pound prospect that could see time on the mound.
• C, Crew Young