THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 10/1/2018

Sparks double-up at Kernels

Photo: Cangelosi Sparks (Perfect Game)

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – There was some rain to deal with and there were adjustments to be made playing in a four-day, single-elimination tournament without pool-play, but at the end of the Perfect Game WWBA Kernels Foundation Championship’s four-day run, history had once again managed to repeat itself.

Ryan Maher came through with a two-run single in the third inning and a run-scoring fielder’s choice ground-out in the fifth in support of 2020 right-hander Austin Greco, and the Cangelosi Sparks topped the Top Tier Americans, 4-0, in the PG WWBA Kernels Foundation championship game, played under overcast skies at PG Field-Veterans Memorial Stadium Monday afternoon.

The championship was the second straight for the Cangelosi Sparks Baseball organization at the Kernels Foundation event, which awards the champion a paid bid to the PG WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Fla., which will be jeld at the end of the month.

“They played hard all weekend,” Sparks head coach Tyler Thompson said of his team in postgame comments. “We’ve been preaching since the beginning of the fall (season) to just play team baseball (and) know your role.

“We hit nine guys in every game – we have 12 players – and some of the guys that had limited at-bats over the weekend came up big (today). … The kids have bought into what we’ve been preaching and it’s starting to show.”

The Lockport, Ill.-based Sparks (6-0) had left the bases loaded in each of the first two innings of the title tilt before finally pushing three runs across in the top of the third. Jack Payton led things off by getting hit by a pitch and one out later Ryan Cermak came through with a run-scoring single. Alex Helmin followed with a single of his own and both Cermak and Helmin scored when Maher lined a two-strike, two-out single into left field.

The game’s only other run was scored in the fifth when Helmin reached second base on an infield throwing error, moved to third on a fielder’s choice and then scored on Maher’s fielder’s choice groundout. Helmin finished 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored; Ryan Ritter tripled and singled.

Greco, a top-500 2020 right-hander and a Miami (Ohio) commit, pitched seven shutout innings, allowing four hits while striking out six and walking one.

The McCook, Ill.-based Americans (5-1) could come up with only four singles against Greco but did threaten to score in the bottom of the fourth. With two out, Ben Hernandez reached on an error and both Will Melby and Brendan Carrane singled to load the bases, but Greco struck out the next batter swinging, leaving the bases loaded.

Cangelosi’s Dylan Post was 0-for-2 with two walks in the championship game and performed especially well in the Sparks’ five wins coming in. A 6-foot-2, 205-pound 2019 top-500 catcher/utility from New Lenox, Ill., who has committed to the University of Houston, Post finished 7-for-16 (.438) with a double, four RBI and five stolen bases and was named the Most Valuable Player.

“I give all the credit to the players,” Thompson said of the championship repeat. “The coaches preach that they need to know their role and be ready to play, and don’t complain about sitting and be ready to be a good teammate. Credit to the coaches at the younger levels who have been preaching that to the kids, and the kids reacted.”

Top Tier 2019 right-hander Collin Wilma enjoyed a tournament for the ages. Listed at 6-foot-4, 180-pounds, Wilma – a Southeast Missouri State commit from Oak Forest, Ill. – went 3-0 in three appearances, pitching 10 2/3 shutout innings, allowing only five hits while striking out 16 and walking two; he was, perhaps needless to say, named the Most Valuable Pitcher.

The championship was not only the second-straight for the Cangelosi Sparks at the Kernels event but it was the third PG tournament title the program has won in Eastern Iowa in the last three weeks. Cangelosi Sparks age-group teams also took home gold at the PG WWBA Midwest Freshman Championship and the PG WWBA Midwest Underclass Championship Qualifier played in these parts in September.

The Sparks and the Americans both advanced into the championship game by winning their semifinal games Monday morning.

2020 right-hander Jack Crowder threw a four-hit, complete-game shutout, striking out four, and Post singled twice and drove in a pair of runs to lead Cangelosi past the MN Blizzard Blue 2019, 4-0, in one of the semis played at Mount Mercy University.

The Top Tier 2019 righty Wilma delivered six innings of three-hit, shutout ball, striking out eight, Melby tripled and drove in a pair of runs and Kevin Dowling had an RBI triple to lead the Americans past the Illinois Indians, 5-0, in the other semi played at PG Field-VMS.

Next up for this group of Sparks is a trip down to Jupiter, Fla., where they will once again compete at the PG WWBA World Championship, slated for Oct. 18-22 at the Roger Dean Sports Complex. It promises to be a lot of fun for everyone involved.

“We’ve been talking about this (event) since we met on day-one,” Thompson said. “This is just one of the steps on the way (to Jupiter), just to build confidence. We saw some great arms this weekend … that we just battled against, and we’re fortunate to be here; we’re looking forward to Florida, no doubt about it.”


2018 WWBA Kernels Foundation Championship runner-up: Top Tier Americans



2018 WWBA Kernels Foundation Championship MVP: Dylan Post



2018 WWBA Kernels Foundation Championship MV-Pitcher: Collin Wilma






Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
Article Image
Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
Article Image
Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
Article Image
James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
Article Image
Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
Article Image
Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
Loading more articles...