Prep Baseball Report

Whetstone Braves


Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout

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With 2020 now in the past, PBR Ohio is eagerly anticipating bringing the Buckeye state the best 2021 high school coverage that can be found anywhere. Starting in January, 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 2021 Team Previews that we have already completed, please click here.

If you are a coach and haven't filled out your 2021 Team Preview, click here.

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

2021 Spring Team Preview: Whetstone Braves

Team Name: Whetstone Braves
Head Coach: Tim Broskie
Division: I
2019 Record: 18-7
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/4

2021 Team Strengths:

  • Our team Strength is definitely leadership. Whetstone has 4 three starters and 1 four year starter. These guys have been around. Whetstone should have a very solid infield and catcher.

Coach Outlook: "Whetstone should be solid this year as they return six starters that have been in the program for a while. The Braves have four 3 year starters and one 4 year starter. Pitching will be a question mark, top three pitchers from last year all graduated. Many pitchers on this year’s team missed getting varsity experience/innings in 2020. The non-league schedule is very tough, spring break trip was cancelled again this year. With 46 players in the program and three teams the Braves have decent depth."

Top Returning Players:

  • Dominic Panzo- Catcher- Senior.
  • John Longar- 3B- Senior.
  • Alex Hurd- SS/2B-Senior
  • Jake Hoffman-LF/CF-Senior.
  • Zach Casto- 1B- Senior.
  • Charlie Burleson-CF/SS/2B-Junior.
  • Michael Newell-Dimoff-OF/2B-Junior.

Class of 2021 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Dominic Panzo- Catcher three year starter, four year letterman who is committed to Thiel College. 283 AVG, 19 RBI's, 23 Runs Scored, 12 BB's. 2nd Team all League 2019.7 Innings on the mound in 2019.
  • John Longar- Three starting 3B. 304 AVG, 22 Runs Scored, 15 RBI's, 4 D, 15BB's. 2nd Team all League 2019. Will also pitch in 2021.
  • Alex Hurd- Four Year starter at SS/2B. 354 AVG, 35 Runs Scored, 28 Hits, 18RBI's.2nd Team all League 2019. 4 Innings on the mound in 2019.
  • Jake Hoffman- Three starter in the Outfield.327 AVG, 26 Runs Scored, 17 BB's. 14RBI's Outstanding defensive outfielder. Honorable Mention All League.
  • Zach Casto- Three Letterman. 1B/3B/P 372 AVG, 22RBI's, 22 Runs Scored. 3-0 as a pitcher, 12 Innings, 17K's, 1 Walk in 2019.

Class of 2022 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Charlie Burleson SS/2B/P/OF Lettered as a freshman plays for 17U Columbus Cobras. Will be a varsity starter this year and is able to play a number of positions. 379 AVG, 13 Runs Scored. 2 Innings on the Mound in 2019.
  • Michael Newell-Dimoff Lettered as a freshman. Michael can play a variety of positions P/2B/SS/OF, he will be a varsity starter. Michael plays for the 17U Ohio Bison Gold. 2 Innings on the Mound in 2019.

Class of 2023 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Drew Burleson- Top Sophomore in the program plays for the 16U Columbus Cobras. Left handed 1B/Pitcher plays baseball 9 months a year. (Video Below)

Class of 2024 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Justin Liesinger- Top freshman in the program. Plays high level travel baseball (Ohio Surge) year round.

A Look Back At What Would've Been The 2020 Season:

To view each of the parts to the No 'Last Dance' Series, click below:

To view the 2020 Team Previews, click here.

To view the 2020 Preseason All-State Teams, click here.

To view the 2020 Virtual Ohio High School State Tournament/Preseason Team Rankings, click here.

A Look Back At The Last Decade:

To view the Ohio High School All-Decade Team 2010-2019, click here.

A Look Back At The 2019 Season:

To view the 2019 Team Previews, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

To view the 2019 All-State Teams, click below.

To view the 2019 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

A Look Back At The 2018 Season:

To view the 2018 Team Previews, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

To view the 2018 All-State Teams, click below.

To view the 2018 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

A Look Back At The 2017 Season:

To view the 2017 Team Previews, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

To view the 2017 All-State Teams, click below.

To view the 2017 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

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