Prep Baseball Report recently caught up with Lakota West’s incoming freshman DJ Allinger. The 5-foot-10, 160 pound right-handed pitcher and middle infielder is one of the top prospects in the Class of 2015.  

PBR: Where will you be going into high school?
Allinger: I am just entering into my freshman year at Lakota West.

PBR: What are your expectations heading into your first year of high school baseball?
Allinger: My expectations are to play local competition and rivalries. My goal as a team is to win our conference and go as far as we can in state. My personal goal is to play varsity baseball as a freshman.

PBR: How did playing travel baseball prepare you for your freshman year?
Allinger: I think playing travel baseball has increased my baseball IQ and will prepare me to play varsity baseball physically but mostly mentally.

PBR: How closely did you follow Lakota East’s championship run? What did you take away from watching their success?
Allinger: I listened to every play by play of the championship game and kept up with their wins and who they played on the way to state. I had two Flames teammates on that team.  By watching their success it helped me have more confidence that Lakota West can do the same. 

PBR: Recently, you were clocked with an 82-86 mph fastball and a 74 mph curveball. Given your size (5-10, 160) and age, this is some pretty impressive stuff for a young pitcher. How would you describe your pitching style?
Allinger: I’ve been pitching every since I have been eight years old. I have been very fortunate that I have been taught good mechanics and later in my age I have learned more of the mental   strategy of one pitch to the next. I consider myself as a starting pitcher that can go more than five innings and that pitches to contact.

PBR: What is your favorite position in the field?
Allinger: My favorite position is pitcher. Next to that would be an infielder.

PBR: Do you view yourself as a pitcher or position player at the next level?
Allinger: I’m not sure right now. I really enjoy doing both.

PBR: What do you feel is your biggest weakness and what are you doing to improve it?
Allinger: I feel that I can get much better with more hard work and instruction. With pitching, fielding and hitting.

PBR: Do you play any other sports? What are your plans for the offseason?
Allinger: I play football. My plans for the off-season is to continue to play football. When that is over, I will continue to work out with pitching, fielding and hitting, including weights and bands.