Prep Baseball Report

Preseason Preview: Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy (Inter Academic League)



By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

The Chestnut Hill Academy Blue Devils went 13-10 overall and 4-6 in the Inter-AC League in 2012. Don't be surprised if those numbers improve dramatically if Coach Chris Lubanski can find enough pitching to support what appears to be a potent offense. Lubanski is in his first years guiding the Blue Devils and brings with him a solid background in baseball. Lubanski was the No. 5 overall selection in the 2003 MLB draft and played nine seasons of minor league baseball.

The Blue Devils return six starters from 2012 but only one pitcher who seen any varsity action. Following is a look at players Lubanski will rely on to help Chestnut Hill compete for an Inter AC-League title in 2013 and beyond.

KozemchakRowlandGerardJancarski
         Kozemchak                   Rowland                         Gerard                       Jancarski

Class of 2013

  • LHP/OF Matt Kozemchak - talented two-way player who is a Lehigh University recruit. Kozemchak is ranked No. 132 in the PA Class of 2013.
  • 3B Matt Rowland - University of Louisville recruit who is a talented prospect with all the tools. Rowland is ranked No. 2 in the PA Class of 2013 and No. 24 in the PBR combined rankings.
  • SS Matt Caldwell - potential to be an All-Inter AC League performer in 2013
  • 1B Zach Gerard - big bat in the middle of the Blue Devils order. The Widener University recruit is ranked No. 111 in the PA Class of 2013.
  • 2B Jake Banks - switch hitter that Lubanski feels has the potential to have a breakout year.

Class of 2014

  • OF Zach Jancarski - one of the top players in the Inter-AC League. Jancarski will be showcasing his talents on February 3 in the PBR Super 60 Showcase. He is ranked No. 2 in the PA Class of 2014 and No. 18 in the PBR combined rankings.
  • OF Craig Alleyne - above average defender who has plus foot speed.
  • RHP Ross Minzer - one of several players fighting to lock down the No. 2 starter position in the Blue Devils pitching rotation.

Underclassmen

  • C Matt Melady (2015) - backstop with lots of potential as a hitter.
  • IF A.J. LaBella (2016) - shows advanced skills for a player his age.
  • IF Nick Rowland (2016) - plus speed and potential to be very good.
  • C Jack Allison (2016) - solid in all facets of the game.

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