9 to Know - 2019 LH Hitters

In this installment of the 9 to Know series we take a look at some must see 2019 left-handed hitters. These guys are dynamic players who can change the game with one swing of the bat!

- John Lanier (1B/LHP, Blythewood, 2019) The Citadel recruit has the physical presence to stand out in a crowd. There is separation in the swing and he generates some lag in the barrel. He showed good pop as a member of the Diamond Devils last summer. Look for the bat path to flatten out as he matures and continues to evolve as a hitter. There is also upside on the mound, don’t be surprised to see him get some two-way consideration next year at The Citadel.

- Dalton Reeves (C, Lugoff-Elgin, 2019) Erskine recruit with a 6 foot 3 frame and long limbs. Body control is good for a catcher his size, block and recover skills are there but will need to be further developed along with arm strength and transfers to be effective at the next level. The tall stance produces some low line drives up the middle and to the pull side.

- Connor Manco (3B/1B, Fort Mill, 2019) The UNC Charlotte recruit has shown a simple approach from the left side with very little wasted movement. He’s showed some power potential this fall with a lofted bat path and enough juice to ride the ball out of the yard. Average defender at 3rd w/ the athletic ability to play 1B at the next level.

- Bryan Helms (1B/OF, Dutch Fork, 2019)  6 foot 2 first baseman with a strong lower half and good athletic ability. Showed flashes of a plus power tool as a Junior and throughout the summer & fall circuits. A simple stride/load and good barrel release give him a chance to put up a strong offensive spring for Dutch Fork.

- Owen Morillo (OF, James Island, 2019) A lean 6 footer at 150 pounds. Put together a solid showcase campaign with the Carolina Combat. The swing can trend to the long side at times but there are flashes of a good hit tool. Not a burner but runs well when he gets underway. Will be worth following this year at James Island. NOTE: Shrine Bowl Cross Country Runner in 2018.

- Josh Wise (OF, Westwood, 2019) The Florence-Darlington Tech recruit sports a compact and strong frame with a good set of present tools. The rangy OF can run and swings the bat well from the left side. The arm strength could trend up with further development but the raw athletic ability makes it easy to see why this young man will fit into the Stingers program.

- Brandon Caughman (1B, Airport, 2019) the 6 foot 2 first baseman has a line drive swing that could produce some pop at times. He knows his way around the bag and is a skillful defender. With good athleticism and 60 time that hovers just around 7 if not a touch under that he could make an easy transition into a corner outfielder at the next level.

- Noah Lebron (SS/2B, River Bluff, 2019) Southern Wesleyan recruit is an athletic middle infielder that possesses an impressive array of tools. Rangy infielder can play either position up the middle. The bat to ball skills are good and there is some pop in the bat when he lets it eat. Well rounded player will take a strong set of skills to the next level.

- Henry Gibson (C, Colleton County, 2019) The Charleston Southern recruit has arguably the best natural hit tool in the class. The silky smooth swing puts the barrel on the ball with incredible consistency. The defensive tool has been trending up and there is a lot to like about the 6 foot 1, 200 pound frame. Look for Gibson to have a big spring at CC.

*Note: this is not a ranking, It is merely a listing of players in no specific order placed in this category because each one meets a specified demographic. This is a reference for fans, coaches, and parents to use in order to help identify top talent across the state and encourage people to take notice of these student athletes and their abilities.