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Updated Pennsylvania Class of 2017 Rankings Released

December 12, 2015

By Jacob Gill
Pennsylvania Assistant Director of Scouting

With nearly four months and four events since our last update, it was about time to release an up-to-date version of our Pennsylvania class of 2017 rankings. The list has grown to include 145 prospects from around the state, and will continue to grow as others develop and get their opportunity to showcase their skills on the varsity level this spring.

Top Ten

Rank Name State School Class Pos Commitment
1 Shane Muntz PA Malvern Prep 2017 C Virginia Tech
2 Trent Vietmeier PA Montour 2017 RHP Louisiana State
3 Joe Lancellotti PA Archbishop Wood 2017 OF North Carolina
4 Zach McCambley PA Pocono Mountain East 2017 RHP Coastal Carolina
5 Cole Stetzar PA West Scranton 2017 RHP Central Florida
6 Riley Christner PA Meyersdale Area 2017 RHP
7 Kyle Virbitsky PA Episcopal Academy 2017 RHP Penn State
8 Zach Kokoska PA Greater Latrobe 2017 LHP Virginia Tech
9 Brendan Cellucci PA William Penn Charter 2017 LHP Miami
10 Brandon Knarr PA Eastern York 2017 LHP Notre Dame

Athletic, three-sport athlete Christner is the sole member of the top 10 and one of only five members of the top 25 to still be in the midst of his recruiting process. At 6-foot-2, 185-pounds, the ball comes out of his hand nicely and we have seen his fastball up to 89-mph.

Risers

One of the top uncommitted prospects in this class, West Chester Rustin RHP/IF Christopher McMahon ascended just over twenty spots into the top 20. The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder has a loose, clean arm action and projectable, low-effort delivery. Works down in the zone with a fastball that we have seen top at 88-mph and has plenty more in the tank.

Penn Manor left-handed pitcher Jeff Taylor rose nearly 25 spots into the top 50. While the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder's velocity doesn't jump off the chart (81-83, touch 85), he has an advanced feel for his three-pitch mix. As a sophomore, he posted a line of 48.2 innings pitched (most on the team), 19 hits, 11 walks, and 53 strikeouts.

Malvern Prep right-handed pitcher Jimmy Kingsbury jumped more than 40 spots after an impressive bullpen at the Elite Prospect Showcase and committed to Villanova shortly thereafter. Kingsbury ran his fastball up to 88-mph with the makings of solid secondary offerings, a marked development from when we saw him over the summer and fall as mainly a one-pitch guy with a low- to mid-80s fastball.

Conestoga Valley catcher Luke Trainer climbed more than 50 places after his performance at November's Elite Prospect Showcase in which he staked his claim as one of the top defensive catchers in the state. Solid across the board skillset with good feel for blocking and arm strength that plays up (2.00-2.09 pop times) due to quick feet and fundamental throwing mechanics. 6-foot, 180-pound left-handed hitter also has some pop in his bat (87-mph exit velocity).

 

Notable Additions

Neshaminy right-handed pitcher Zach Boop impressed in his bullpen session at the Elite Prospect Showcase. The 6-foot-4, 170-pounder sat 84-86 with his fastball out of a high three-quarter arm slot, while also featuring a mid-70s curveball with 11/5 action and upper-70s change-up with late fade. He has also shown the ability to get downhill and throw a two-seamer with late action.

Bellefonte Area left-handed hitting first baseman Logan Mathieu has significant raw power in his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame and has verbally committed to Liberty.

Bethel Park infielder Colin Loughman shows a short, quick, repeatable right-handed swing and has some strength in his frame. Has been a varsity starter since his freshman year at one of the biggest high schools in western PA.

Somerset Area right-handed pitcher George Coyle sports a 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame and showed solid strike-throwing ability as a sophomore (nine walks in 33 innings) with a mid-80s fastball.

Others on the fringe of the top 100:
+ Twin Valley outfielder Colin Hartey
+ Parkland right-handed pitcher Ryan Giovenco
+ Cathedral Prep first baseman Nick Hess
+ Fox Chapel Area catcher Josh Kieffer
+ Cumberland Valley right-handed pitcher Mitchel Hoon

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