Prep Baseball Report

Potkanowicz Has The Drive To Play At The Next Level


Bruce Hefflinger
Ohio Senior Writer

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Potkanowicz Has The Drive To Play At The Next Level

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Lukas Potkanowicz SS / 2B / Anthony Wayne, OH / 2026

WHITEHOUSE - It was only a short time ago that Lukas Potkanowicz had some uncertainty if college baseball was something that would be in his future.

“It’s hard to know if you can do this sport every day,” the Anthony Wayne High School junior explained. “I love it, but is it truly my dream? I was continually deciding that.”

A teammate set him straight on his views of the subject.

“In talking with Owen Graf, he said you only get one opportunity to do this in your life,” Potkanowicz related about a discussion with Graf, a senior at AW who is committed to Ohio State. “He said a lot of people don’t have this chance. That really helped me out. This is my dream.”

On Aug. 1, the first day college coaches could talk with players in the 2026 class, the dream began to formulate.

“I had a long talk with the BG coach and Toledo reached out to my high school coach and asked me to come to a camp,” the 18th-ranked junior shortstop in Ohio noted. “I was expecting more but can’t complain with two D-I schools.”

The 17-year-old went on to explain why it is tough on recruits these days.

“With the new rules they need time to find out what they need,” Potkanowicz said in reference to college coaches. “The BG coach was a nice guy and said they’re still trying to figure things out.”

There has also been a little conversation with Ball State, with a camp at Toledo in the plans for February.

“My eighth grade year I went to the Junior Future Games and I feel that got me out there a lot,” the 68th-rated 2026 in the state pointed out. “Then I dealt with an injury, but last summer I went to a Prep Baseball event and felt that helped me get exposure.”

Dylan Hefflinger, Prep Baseball Ohio Editor In Chief/Advanced Scout, sees Potkanowicz as the next in a long line of standouts at Anthony Wayne that have high-level college abilities.

“There are certain programs in Northwest Ohio that just produce college-level prospect after college level prospect, and Anthony Wayne is certainly one of those,” Hefflinger said. “From Evan Brown, to Brock Nartker, to Garrett Pike, to Ty Roder, to the newest D1 commit from the 2025 class Owen Graf, and many more in between, AW is a place that college coaches should always keep an eye on. Lukas is the next up for this group.

“A true gamer who produces every time I am at a game, his numbers show it. Lukas does every aspect well, from hitting, to fielding, to running the bases. Look for Lukas to have a big spring here soon and help lead the Generals on a long run.”

Potkanowicz, who last season batted .395 (34-86) with an OBP of .505, eight doubles, two triples, five home runs, 27 runs scored, 28 RBIs, 15 walks and four HBP while stealing seven bases, understands improvement is vital in getting the interest desired.

“My confidence has gone way up since a year ago,” Potkanowicz noted. “My speed and strength are constantly increasing. I feel everything in general has gotten better, hitting, field, base running … all of that.”

The 48th-rated uncommitted junior in Ohio believes he can be a valuable asset to any college program.

“I do well in school and I have good character, I’m not just a good baseball player,” the 6-2 190-pounder said. “I’m a good teammate and feel I will work harder than anyone else.”

A 3.7 student considering construction management as a college major, sees a busy time in his immediate future.

“It’s got to be a grind, I’ve got to constantly work to get myself out there emailing coaches and talking to coaches,” Potkanowicz said. “Anything to get my name out there. This is a big year ahead.

“I hope coaches see I’m a player they want,” the 13th-ranked 2026 uncommitted shortstop in the state continued. “I hope to have a better season than last year, for them to see I’m a better player than before. I’m hoping they see me as someone they need at their school.”

As for what he is looking for in a college, Potkanowicz has some ideas.

“I want a coach with good engagement with his players,” Potkanowicz explained. “I want a coach who really truly is interested in you, not just your skills. I also want a good place to live where you’re happy where you are.” 

There is no definitive timeframe in making a decision.

“I’m not sure, but a goal is to commit after junior year or maybe early next school year,” Potkanowicz concluded.

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