Dakotas Scouting Reports
(North Dakota, South Dakota)
The Dakotas are rarely much of a factor on draft day, though Darin Erstad and Rick Helling became first-round picks after leaving North Dakota to play college elsewhere. South Dakota, which sent Mark Ellis to the University of Florida and then on to the big leagues, has a pair of interesting NCAA Division I recruits. Shortstop Dusty Coleman could be a decent 2009 draft pick after three years at Wichita State.
1. Dusty Coleman, ss, O'Gorman HS, Sioux Falls, S.D.
2. Ben Jukich, lhp, Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)
3. Jack Van Leur, lhp, Brandon (S.D.) HS
4. Tyler Lundy, of, Minot (N.D.) HS
5. Jake Rogers, ss, South Dakota State
Two Dakotas Athletes Could Emerge In College
The two best high school players in South Dakota are headed to Missouri Valley Conference schools. Wichita State-bound shortstop Dusty Coleman is a multi-sport athlete who has led O'Gorman High to state titles in baseball and football (as a quarterback) and has earned all-state honors in basketball (as a point guard). Six-foot-2 and 180 pounds, he offers arm strength, power potential and average speed.
Lefthander Jack Van Leur, a Creighton recruit, is also a three-sport star who played football (quarterback) and basketball (forward). He gets a lot of sink on an 84-86 mph fastball that should get quicker as he fills out his 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame. He has a short-arm delivery that isn't ideal, but it is deceptive.
Lefthander Ben Jukich led the NAIA in strikeouts (144) and strikeouts per nine innings (13.7) while setting Dakota Wesleyan records for whiffs in a season and in a game (17). He doesn't have overpowering stuff to match those numbers, though he does maintain an 88-89 mph throughout a game. His secondary pitches are just OK.
North Dakota's top prospect is outfielder Tyler Lundy, who'll play at Iowa Western Community College next year. His best tool is his bat.
(North Dakota, South Dakota)
E-mail
Print| THIS YEAR'S CROP | |
| ***** | One for the books |
| **** | Banner year |
| *** | Solid, not spectacular |
| ** | Not up to par |
| * | Nothing to see here |
1. Dusty Coleman, ss, O'Gorman HS, Sioux Falls, S.D.
2. Ben Jukich, lhp, Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)
3. Jack Van Leur, lhp, Brandon (S.D.) HS
4. Tyler Lundy, of, Minot (N.D.) HS
5. Jake Rogers, ss, South Dakota State
Two Dakotas Athletes Could Emerge In College
The two best high school players in South Dakota are headed to Missouri Valley Conference schools. Wichita State-bound shortstop Dusty Coleman is a multi-sport athlete who has led O'Gorman High to state titles in baseball and football (as a quarterback) and has earned all-state honors in basketball (as a point guard). Six-foot-2 and 180 pounds, he offers arm strength, power potential and average speed.
Lefthander Jack Van Leur, a Creighton recruit, is also a three-sport star who played football (quarterback) and basketball (forward). He gets a lot of sink on an 84-86 mph fastball that should get quicker as he fills out his 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame. He has a short-arm delivery that isn't ideal, but it is deceptive.
Lefthander Ben Jukich led the NAIA in strikeouts (144) and strikeouts per nine innings (13.7) while setting Dakota Wesleyan records for whiffs in a season and in a game (17). He doesn't have overpowering stuff to match those numbers, though he does maintain an 88-89 mph throughout a game. His secondary pitches are just OK.
North Dakota's top prospect is outfielder Tyler Lundy, who'll play at Iowa Western Community College next year. His best tool is his bat.
indicates Premium Content | Copyright © 1999-2013 Baseball America Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. All rights reserved. | Site Map | FAQs | Careers | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Return/Refund Policy.
Baseball America, 4319 South Alston Avenue, Suite 103, Durham, NC 27713. | Follow us on: 
