2024 Spring Team Preview: Berkshire Badgers

January 17, 2024
Dylan Hefflinger and PBR Ohio Staff
PBR Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout

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With 2023 now in the past, PBR Ohio is eagerly anticipating bringing the Buckeye state the best high school coverage that can be found anywhere in 2024. Starting in February, we began releasing team previews for squads across the state. Ahead, we will have Preseason All-State Teams as well as the Preseason State Rankings coming your way.

To view the full list of 2024 Team Previews that we have already completed, please click here.

If you are a coach and haven't filled out your 2024 Team Preview, click here.

Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

2024 Spring Team Preview: Berkshire Badgers

Team Name: Berkshire Badgers
Head Coach: Nick Burzanko
Division: III
2023 Record: 15-10
2023 Tourney Finish: Sectional Finals loss to Perry
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 4/2

Coach Outlook: "2024 should be a year of optimism for Berkshire. We have a solid core group of student athletes returning from the 2023 campaign in key positions. Our pitching staff should allow us to compete in every conference game we play. The underclassman have put in a lot of work this offseason, in all fascist of the game. We are looking to make a big jump at the plate."

2024 Team Strengths:

Defense
Starting Pitching

Top Returning Players:

Patrick Brancel- (RH) (Catcher) (P) (IF) (OF) (Sophomore) Some players work their butts off to be good, some players have God given talent, then there are players like Patrick. He has all the tools one needs to succeed. The drive to be better, the talent to excel above the rest, while being humble and grounded, which is a tribute to his family and friends. AVG .333 OBP .480 RBI 11 R 19 (1st team all conference Catcher)
Ethan Martin- (RH) (P) (OF) (1b) (Senior) This will be the second year with Ethan in the program. He had a good season last year, pitching and playing right field. Feeling more comfortable this year, he has taken on a leadership role for the program. We see it daily, helping out the younger players. Discussing techniques and pushing others to be better every day. AVG .291 OBP .371 RBI 23 (2nd team all conference P)
Louie Filby (RH) (IF) (P) (Senior) Louie is going to be a 3-year starter at 3rd base. He has grown into a team leader. Louie has not pitched a lot at the varsity level, but we are expecting him to make a big jump on the mound this year. AVG .288 OBP .361 R 18 (2nd team all conference IF)
Jack Hastings (RH) (OF) (IF) (Senior) Jack will be a 3-year starter. He has also become a leader of the team. We are very fortunate to have him patrolling center field. He was one of the best defensive OF in the league last year. Naturally Jack will be one of the best defensive players again this season. We look forward to having Jack’s offensive ability catch up to his defensive ability. AVG .212 RBI 11 R 14 (Honorable mention all conference OF)
Sam Barcikoski (LH) (OF) (P) (1B) (Sophomore) Sam has put in a lot of work this offseason. It is possible that he could make the biggest jump from last year to this year. He was thrusted into playing some varsity last year. At times he was playing catchup to the speed of the game. But those growing pains last year set him up for a breakout year this year.

Class of 2024 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

Ethan Martin

Class of 2025 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

Paul Brent (RH) (OF) (Junior) Paul has put in a lot of work in the weight room from last year to this year. If he continues to grow this spring, there is a chance for him to be starting in the OF for us this year.
Abram Southern (RH) (OF) (IF) (Catcher) (Junior) Abram has played football at Berkshire in previous years. This will be the first year he plays baseball for Berkshire. His primary position is Catcher. Abram has a chance to be our Swiss army Knife. He can play almost any position in the field.

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On: