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UNCG baseball signs five during fall period
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNCG baseball team will welcome four prep seniors and one junior college transfer to campus next year after they signed National Letters of Intent with the Spartans during the fall signing period, coach Mike Gaski announced on Thursday.
Julian Abreu, Adam Anderson, Ryan Clark and Colby Dishmond will come in as freshmen next season, while Dylan Thompson will transfer in as a junior.
"We are very happy with this recruiting class," said Gaski. "As always, there are needs that have to be addressed and we feel that with each our recruits, we've fulfilled our needs and more."
Abreu, a center fielder, will come to the Spartans from Miami, Fla. where he played at Florida Christian High School for coach Ernie Padron. As a junior last season, Abreu was named honorable mention All-Dade by the Miami Herald and also earned his team's coaches award. As a sophomore, he earned third-team All-Dade honors by the Miami Herald and was named the Impact Player of the Year for his team. In three seasons at Florida Christian, Abreu has helped lead his team to two district championships and one regional runner-up finish.
"Julian is a speedy outfielder who will be able to go and get balls in our spacious outfield," said Gaski. "He is a top of the order hitter with some bat speed who will get on base for us and start things up."
Anderson is a left-handed pitcher from Georgetown, Ontario, Canada where he was a member of the Canadian Junior National Team. As a member of the Junior National Team, Anderson had to opportunity to travel to Cuba and the Dominican Republic for a pair of tournaments before playing in the World Junior Qualification Tournament in Cartegena, Columbia. In Columbia, his team qualified for the 2012 World Junior Baseball Championship in Seoul, South Korea.
As a prep player, Anderson plays for the Christ the King Catholic Secondary School in Georgetown for coach Mr. McCloskey. In addition to pitching, he also plays first base when he isn't called to the mound. Anderson also played two years of hockey where he was named team captain and has been an honor student all three years.
"Adam had one heck of a summer that ended with a silver medal at the World Qualifying Championships in Cartegena, Columbia," said Gaski. "He will be able to use all of his experiences with the Canadian Junior National team to come in and make a name for himself. He will compete and get outs because he has the ability to throw three pitches for strikes."
Clark is a first baseman and right-handed pitcher from Johnson City, N.Y. where he has played on the varsity squad since eighth grade at Johnson City Senior High School. Clark has been named All-Southern Tier Athletic Conference (STAC) on the diamond and set a school record as a sophomore with a .556 batting average. He also helped lead his team to a STAC division title, despite missing time due to an ankle injury.
The 6-6 prep star is also a star on the hardwood as he was named All-STAC in basketball where he has earned three varsity letters. He also led his team to a STAC championship in basketball, as well as being the quarterback of the football team his freshman season.
"Ryan will be able to help us on the mound, as well as with the bat," said Gaski. "He is a big, strong kid that can hit for power and has a loose arm that will help him to keep adding velocity to his fastball."
Dishmond is right-handed pitcher from South Iredell High School in Statesville, N.C. where he plays for coach Trey Ramsey. He was named All-Catawba Valley Athletic Conference his first three years at South Iredell. He also was named all-county those three years, as well. Dishmond holds a career batting average of .380 and a .608 on-base percentage.
"Colby is a big, intimidating presence on the mound," said Gaski. "Along with his fastball, he has a very good breaking ball and changeup that will be able to get outs in the SoCon."
Thompson is the lone transfer in the group as he will join the Spartans after transferring from nearby Guilford Technical Community College where he plays for coach John Barrow. Last year in his first season at GTCC, Thompson appeared in nine games and had a 4.63 ERA, while striking out 28 batters and allowing 17 walks.
Prior to attending GTCC, Thompson attended Southern Alamance High School in Graham, N.C. for coach Jason Smith. While playing for the Patriots, Thompson earned All-Metro Conference honors for his play as a pitcher and first baseman.
"Dylan came into his own this fall," said Gaski. "His velocity keeps increasing, along with his command. He possesses a loose arm and has the frame to add a couple more pounds. He has quality off speed stuff and will make an impact here immediately."
- UNCG -
