Rick O'Brien: Slugger Ebert adds improved fielding

Thanks in large part to Eric Ebert's hitting and improved defensive abilities, Council Rock South is sitting atop the Suburban One League National Conference standings.

Previously, Ebert had struggled in making throws from third base to first. "Yeah, I was a little wild when it came to throwing across the diamond," the senior said. "I've gotten a lot better in that area."

In the off-season, Ebert lifted weights and performed agility drills three days a week. Twice a week, he took batting practice at Jeff Manto's Big Leagues Academy in Newtown.

The 5-foot-8, 200-pound Ebert, a No. 3 hitter for the Golden Hawks, is a feared slugger. Last season, he was walked 24 times.

"He has unbelievable bat speed and raw power," C.R. South coach Greg Young said. "If you fall behind in the count and are forced to pitch to him, he can really hurt you."

Fueled on offense by Ebert, who has belted three home runs, and sophomore shortstop Bill Fleming, the Golden Hawks were 10-1 overall and 9-0 in the Suburban One League National Conference entering yesterday's game versus Bensalem.

"For us, different guys have been getting the job done," Ebert said. "We have a lot of balance."

Key contributions have also come from senior outfielder-turned-catcher Alex Tomlinson, junior second baseman Jerry Mulderig, rotating senior cleanup men Mike Tomeo and Tom Boyd, and senior leftfielder Max Wheeler.

Ebert, a lefthanded batter and righthanded thrower, will continue his baseball career at Bloomsburg. There, the erstwhile wrestler will be reunited with former C.R. South players Keith Meyer (shortstop/pitcher) and Anthony Forman (outfielder).

Ricky Moses, a quick-footed senior centerfielder for Friends' Central, went 0 for 3 against standout lefty Jesse Biddle in Tuesday's 3-0 loss to host Germantown Friends.

"Sometimes, his curveball gets you," said Moses, twice caught looking at a called third strike. "It's hard to tell if it's going to stay in the strike zone or break out of it."

For Moses, that was an uncharacteristic day at the plate. From the No. 2 hole, the 5-11, 175-pounder is hitting .361 with 16 runs, 15 stolen bases and 2 homers. He has seven walks.

"Ricky works hard every time he steps on the field," Phoenix coach Ross Trachtenberg said. "He is coachable and a good role model for the younger players."

Moses, of Broomall, is bound for Spartanburg Methodist College in South Carolina. The Pioneers (47-6) were ranked No. 10 in the country in the most recent National Junior College Athletic Association Division I poll.

Said Moses: "They've produced [Dodgers second baseman] Orlando Hudson and former pros like Reggie Sanders and Mookie Wilson. Also, academically, it's a very good school."

Moses, also a relief pitcher, has been clocked at 6.2 seconds for 60 yards. He plays with other area standouts for the Philly Bandits organization, directed by David Amaro.

Methacton third baseman/pitcher Mark Romano is batting .445 with 16 RBIs, five doubles, and two homers. The junior has a .617 on-base percentage. . . . Spring-Ford's Mike Haslam is hitting .436 with 18 RBIs. . . . For Wissahickon, Drew Frankenfield (24 RBIs) and Brian O'Donnell (13 runs) are batting .458 and .385, respectively. . . . Haverford School pitching ace and outfielder Ben Ware is hitting .436 with 15 RBIs, seven doubles, and four homers. . . . Before yesterday's game vs. Kennedy-Kenrick, Neumann-Goretti sophomore centerfielder Dom Riverso was batting .421 with 16 stolen bases and 15 runs.

Jenkintown's leaders are first baseman Alex Flood (.476), catcher Chris DiValentino (.429), and shortstop Connor Beltz (.400). . . . Neshaminy has been sparked by Mike Kusters (.457, 17 RBIs, 13 runs, 2 homers) and Rick Brebner (.405, 21 runs, 3 homers). . . . Ian Smith, a junior shortstop for Devon Prep, is hitting .467 with 13 RBIs and seven stolen bases. . . . Strath Haven pitcher Matt Hanser is 4-0 with a 1.62 ERA and 32 strikeouts. . . . Frankford has been led by senior outfielders Edwin "Tito" Rohena (.576, 26 RBIs, 20 runs, 3 homers) and Wander Nunez (.567, 18 RBIs, 15 runs, 2 homers). . . . Great Valley has a solid one-two punch in junior shortstop Mike Douglas (.486, seven doubles, three homers) and senior designated hitter Bobby Williams (.432, 18 RBIs, three homers). . . . Kevin Gillen, St. Joseph Prep's ace, is 5-0 with a 2.70 ERA and 48 Ks. The Hawks' leaders on offense are Jeff Lynch (.366), Buddy Brooks (.349), and Ray Toto (.344). . . . North Penn's Scott Christy is batting .485. . . . Sun Valley third baseman and pitcher Sam Farnell is hitting .479 with 18 RBIs and 12 runs.