Prep Baseball Report

Class of 2016 Rankings Released



By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Wisconsin

With the recruiting process accelerating as much as it has around the country, high school freshman student-athletes are becoming more and more relevant in the recruiting world. That being said it is never too early to start the recruiting process and begin identifying the top players in the Class of 2016.

Granted the season has yet to start, but we have seen a number of 2016 prospects that could not only  make an impact on the varsity level right away, but project to have the tools to play at a high level beyond their high school years.

The top of the list was difficult to sort through but at the end of the day pitching takes precedent, and left handed pitching is one of the more highly sought after assets in the game. Jack Eagan (Wautoma HS) proved himself recently at the Preseason Identification Showcase when the 6-foot-2, 200-pound lefty poured in 81-84 mph fastballs with a devastating curveball that showed advanced depth at his age. His changeup also shows feel and looks to have all the makings of a high end left handed pitcher.

Ryan Selner (Milwaukee Lutheran HS) might be one of the more projectable young arms we’ve seen. Coming in at No. 2, his 6-foot-4 frame delivers the baseball with easy effort using a long loose arm action. His fastball already sits at 81-82 mph and there will be plenty more in the tank as he fills out. His curveball has plus potential showing 12/6 action with bite and depth that is advanced for his age. His changeup is still developing but Selner has all the makings of being a front line pitcher.

At No. 3, Justin Lavey (Kenosha Tremper HS) has easily shown the best bat in the class. His approach is quiet and he shows excellent extension through the baseball. His swing is highly repeatable and shows the ability to consistently square up the baseball. On top of that Lavey runs well (4.19 home to first) and shows advanced infield actions.

One of the most advanced tools in the class comes from the No. 4 prospect, outfielder Cyrillo Watson (South Milwaukee HS). Watson has a 90 mph arm from the outfield as a freshman which is impressive to say the least. Currently no one in the region compares to Watson’s arm strength from the outfield. As his bat progresses, Watson's stock will only rise.

Here's a look at the rest of the top ten.

Class of 2016 Rankings

Rank Name State School Class Pos Commitment
1 Jack Eagan WI Wautoma 2016 LHP
2 Ryan Selner WI Milwaukee Lutheran 2016 RHP
3 Justin Lavey WI Kenosha Tremper 2016 SS
4 Cyrillo Watson WI South Milwaukee 2016 OF
5 Dominic Clementi WI Arrowhead 2016 OF
6 Gavin Lux WI Indian Trail 2016 SS
7 Ty Weber WI Menomonee Falls 2016 RHP
8 Jack Kinzer WI Port Washington 2016 C
9 Keith Kutzler WI Kenosha Tremper 2016 RHP
10 Anthony Leedle WI Clinton 2016 LHP

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