Prep baseball: 5 players to watch
Published 9:21 pm Saturday, March 19, 2016
Jared Whitman
Lynnwood | Jr. | P/OF
As a sophomore, Whitman was instrumental in leading Lynnwood to a district title over perennial power Shorewood. The first-team all-state selection batted .303 with a .410 on-base percentage last season, as well as shining on the mound with a 7-1 record and 0.26 earned-run average with 55 strikeouts in 53 innings pitched.
“I think the key to his success is he throws a lot of strikes with all his pitches,” said Lynnwood coach Fraser Dizard. “He doesn’t walk a lot of guys. He gets ahead and doesn’t give any free bases away.
“He should be one of the top pitchers in the state again this year. He’s gotten a little bigger and stronger.”
Harrison Jacobs
Shorewood | Sr. | OF
It’s easy to look at who is gone for Shorewood, which reached the state championship last season, but the Thunderbirds are bringing a few key pieces back. Among the returners is Harrison Jacobs, who batted .351 with 24 RBI and 10 doubles with a .610 slugging percentage last season.
The senior captain is going to be instrumental for the Thunderbirds if they’re going to make another deep postseason run.
“The offseason work he’s put in is really showing in his bat. It’s much quicker,” said Shorewood coach Wyatt Tonkin. “He’s always been quick on his feet, his bat’s quicker this year. He’s a great leader, good student, great teammate.”
Tristan Sheward
Arlington | Jr. | C/P
Following in the footsteps of former Snohomish star Ben Dmochowsky, Sheward — who served primarily as a designated hitter and pitcher last season — will serve as a starting catcher and starting pitcher this season for Arlington.
A year ago, he batted .472 with nine doubles, 14 RBI and a .642 slugging percentage, while going 1-1 in 20.2 innings pitched with a 3.73 earned-run average.
“Tristan is a very positive, carefree kid,” said Arlington coach Scott Striegel. “At the plate he has very quick hands and really looks to square balls up. Tristan has taken on a new role this year … while we continue to have high expectations for him at the plate.”
Austin Earl
Archbishop Murphy | Sr. | OF
A first-team all-conference selection last year, Earl is one of nine varsity players returning for an Archbishop Murphy team that made it to the state baseball tournament for the fourth consecutive season last year.
Last season, Earl batted .353 with four doubles and a home run.
“He’s a solid athlete, hits with power and has a strong arm from the outfield,” said Archbishop Murphy coach Stan Taloff.
Justin Hampson
Sr. | OF | Jackson
A senior captain and three-year starter, Hampson is a key contributor for a Jackson team that hopes to battle in what many expect to be a wide-open Wesco 4A this season.
Last season, Hampson — who has been offered full tuition to play for Central Washington University — batted .346 with 15 runs scored, 10 RBI and nine stolen bases.
Hampson also struck out just twice in 75 at-bats.
“He’s a very hard worker that loves to be on the baseball field all the time,” said Jackson coach Kirk Nicholson. “He does a great job in center field.”
