Lakeville North junior pitcher Billy Riach has played a key role in the Panthers’ path to a third consecutive state appearance and college scouts are taking notice.
A source with knowledge of the situation tells me that the right handed pitcher has received significant interest from Minnesota State and Winona State, both Division-II schools. Scouts from each team have attended multiple games that Riach pitched in this season for the Panthers. Other Division-II programs showing interest in Riach are Augustana and the University of Minnesota–Duluth.
While some Division-II schools are “extremely interested” in the Lakeville North pitcher, Division-I schools are also keeping a close eye on Riach. I’m told that Butler, Illinois, Illinois State, and Florida Golf Coast have expressed interested in the right handed pitcher.
Stanford University also contacted Riach recently, per source.
With the Panthers set to make a state tournament appearance this week, Riach will get even more exposure as a multitude of scouts are expected to be in attendance at both CHS Field and Target Field.
Once the season is over, Riach will play in several showcases this summer, including the Gopher Classic. Summer showcases often attract more coaches and scouts because college seasons are over thus allowing them to travel more to watch high school prospects.
The right handed pitcher who didn’t allow any earned runs in the 2015 Class 3A, Section 3 tournament could make a commitment as early as later this summer.
Nick Kelly 