Class of 2009 College Commitments

Millard West's Brandon Bass Commits to Iowa Western

January 16, 2009

Brandon Bass, a 6’1 All-Nebraska shortstop from Millard West in Omaha, NE, has committed to Iowa Western Community College. Last season Bass had a season for the ages. Not only was Bass named as an All-State Infielder while hitting .390 and scoring 48 runs and driving in 28; but he also received the 2008 Louisville Slugger Award in the summer. The Louisville Slugger Award is given to the player with the highest batting average in American Legion National competition. Bass hit .576 to earn the honor and become the first Nebraska native to receive the prestigious award since 1985. During his outstanding season this past summer Brandon set the single season record for hits in a season (91), while finishing second in doubles (20), triples (8), and runs scored in a season (79). Bass is another highly touted recruit from Millard West High School the Reivers have received commitment from in the past; the last being John Reed who is currently the starting shortstop at Sam Houston State located in Huntsville, TX. (courtesy of IWCC Baseball website)

[Editor's Note: The Reivers have been picked 4th in the Collegiate Baseball News 2009 NJCAA Division 1 Preseason Poll. Head Coach Marc Rardin's squad will be led by three former Nebraska high school hurlers: Charlie Shaver (Elkhorn), Brian Feekin (Papillion-LaVista) and Ben Brown (Millard West). Other former Nebraska high school players on the Reivers '09 roster include sophomore outfielder Pat Boyd (Papillion LaVista), freshman third baseman Brandon Winkelmann (Omaha Gross), freshman LHP Dan Klusaw (Omaha Bryan) and freshmen RHP's Derek Landis (Ralston) and Scott Donner (Crofton). Former Prep All-Nebraska first baseman Derek Nelson transferred from IWCC to UNO at the semester and will sit out the spring under NCAA transfer rules.]

Southeast's Tarletsky Signs with Friends University

November 24, 2008

Lincoln Southeast pitcher / infielder Ryan Tarletsky signed a National Letter of Intent with Friends University (Wichita, KS) in a ceremony at the high school on Monday, November 24th. In attendance to collect the commitment of his first-ever Nebraska recruit was Falcons' head coach Derek Leppert. Leppert led the Falcons (29-17 overall, 15-9 conference) to a second place finish in the Greater Kansas Athletic Conference and an automatic bid to the NAIA Region IV Championship Tournament in his first year at the helm in 2008. The Falcons are projected to finish second again in 2009 to last year's conference champs, Kansas Wesleyan.

Leppert anticipates that Tarletsky will develop into his starting shortstop early in his career. "We're counting on him being a four-year player for us," commented Leppert. "We're excited to be getting a player of Ryan's caliber, and we're excited about the things he brings to our program, including the ability to get on base and make things happen with his speed."

Tarletsky came to Leppert's attention at a showcase event held this fall at the University of Kansas. Tarletsky also drew attention while playing for the Ultimate Baseball Academy Green Team this fall.

Ryan is shown at left with his father, Bruce Tarletsky (seated) and Coach Leppert (standing).

| Press Release | Friends Univ. Baseball | GKAC Baseball |

Lavelle Commits to Reivers

November 17, 2008

Adam Lavelle, a 6’1” 190 pound senior from Lincoln Southwest, has committed to play for Iowa Western Community College next season. Lavelle, a left handed hitting outfielder, looks to be a great addition to an already talented signing class. Lavelle is a three-sport athlete who plays football, basketball and baseball. His sophomore and junior years at Lincoln Southwest, Lavelle was named as the best male athlete in his school by the student body. Lavelle is a big physical kid that is very athletic and can run with a good arm from the outfield as well as a consistent bat at the plate. This summer Lavelle batted .419 with an on-base percentage of .579 while having 36 RBIs and scoring 45 runs in just 37 games. These stats are what excite the Reiver program with his addition and that kind of production in so few games. Not only is he a good baseball player with a bunch of potential but a very good student as well. He has been on the honor roll during his whole tenure at Lincoln Southwest, having a 4.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale. (courtesy of IWCC Baseball website)

Note: If you've had a baseball Letter of Intent signing event at your school, or are planning to have one, please send a digital photo and pertinent information to admin@metropreps.com, and we'll be happy to report your signing ceremony here.

The players listed below from the Nebraska high school Class of 2009 are reported to be pursuing opportunities to play college baseball at the listed colleges and universities.

Click here to add a player to the list.