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Tournaments  | Story | 1/17/2019

West, East MLKs jump-start '19

Photo: Hayden Travinski (Perfect Game)

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Ball fields stationed on opposite ends of the country will be busy places over the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. memorial weekend, when the annual PG West and East MLK Championships are contested in the Phoenix, Ariz., and Fort Myers, Fla., metropolitan areas Friday through Monday (Jan. 18-21). They are the first major events on PG’s 2019 tournament schedule.

This marks the eighth year the Upperclass, Underclass and Freshman West MLK Championships will be played in Phoenix’s West Valley, with the Camelback Ranch spring training complex in Glendale serving as the host venue; seven high school fields in close proximity to Camelback will also be used.

One top travel team organization really looking to make some noise in the desert this weekend is Little Rock, Ark.-based Sticks Baseball Academy (SBA), with strong entrants in all three tournaments. The Sticks are the Underclass West MLK defending champions.

SBA is one of 34 teams from 14 states and Canada (one each from British Columbia and Saskatchewan) rolling the dice in the Upperclass West MLK. The Las Vegas-based Recruits won the 2018 Upperclass championship and another LVR team is in the field this weekend.

The Sticks come in with a roster anchored by 2019 catchers Hayden Travinski (PG All-American, No. 37-ranked, LSU signee) and Kurtis Byrne (No. 56, TCU). It also includes top 2020 outfielder Nicholas Griffin (No. 34, Arkansas commit), 2020 third baseman Ethan Long (No. 41, Arkansas) and 2021 outfielder Braylon Bishop (No. 10, Arkansas). Griffin and Bishop are also rostered with the Sticks’ entrant in the Underclass West MLK.

2019 outfielder Cole Hinkelman, a Stanford signee ranked No. 45 nationally, is expected to be suited up for the University Place, Wash.-based Pacific Northwest Regional Baseball Upperclass Royal.

Thirty-two teams from nine states and Canada will be in pursuit of the Underclass West MLK crown, and dozens of highly regarded prospects fill their rosters. If Griffin and Bishop play for the Sticks’ underclass team – they could play in both events if the schedule permits – they will be joining 2020 right-hander Markevian Hence (No. 160, Arkansas), 2021 left-hander Hunter Elliott (No. 33, Ole Miss), 2021 righty Samuel Dutton (No. 61, LSU) and 2022 outfielder Josh Pearson (No. 28, LSU).

GBG NW Marucci, also out of University Place, Wash., features four 2020s ranked in the top-434 nationally, including the left-hander Ronan Kopp (No. 198, Arizona State). Menifee, Calif.-based Dykstra Baseball has several highly ranked 2021s and 2022s on its roster with 2021 shortstop Isaac Rodriguez (No. 42, USC) and 2022 outfielder Mason Neville (No. 43) leading the way.

Another 24 teams from nine states and Canada comprised the Freshman West MLK field, and last year’s under-the-radar champion, Elite Squad 15u Texas, is not among them. Keeping with the theme of this year’s West MLKs, Sticks Baseball Academy has two of the highest ranked 2022 prospects with Pearson and shortstop Colton Sims (No. 71, Arkansas) both rostered.

The New Jersey-based Tri-State Arsenal Scout Team carries a roster with four 2022s ranked in the top 100: right-hander Brock Porter (No. 58), righty Drew Lafferty (No. 70, Kentucky), left-hander Dylan Dreiling (No. 73, Tennessee) and catcher Ike Irish (No. 100).

Nearly 80 teams will be competing at the five PG East MLK Championships – the 2nd annual Underclass, 4th annual Freshman, 3rd annual 14u, 4th annual 13u and 3rd annual 12u – with play taking place at the Lee County Player Development 5-Plex, Terry Park, City of Palms Park, the CenturyLink Sports Complex and various high schools.

The Underclass East MLK Championship features 24 teams, 20 of which are based in Florida; the other four are from Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico. The Elite Squad Underclass Prime took home the title a year ago, and the Pembroke Pines, Fla., program returns with another strong club this weekend.

First baseman CJ Kayfus (No. 49, Miami) and outfielder Enrique A. Bradfield Jr. (No. 51, Vanderbilt) are the top 2020s rostered; 2021 right-hander Nick Anello (No. 28, Miami) is also in the Elite Squad fold. 2021 outfielder Bryant Colon (No. 49, Miami) is another high-profile prospect expected to be on-hand, and he’ll be suiting up with the Banditos Prospects 2020.

Hit Factory PRO out of Tampa comes in with seven 2021s that are ranked in the top-499, including catcher Satchell Norman (No. 76, Florida State) and right-hander Austin Grause (No. 114).

Six teams – five from Florida and Turn 2 Baseball out of Fremont, Calif. – are in the PG Freshman East MLK field, and 2022 shortstop Nazier Mule (No. 26) is rostered with the Gamblers Elite (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.).

Eighteen teams are entered in the 14u East MLK, 15 in the 13u and another 14 in the 12u. Fifteen of the 18 14u teams are from Florida (two from Texas, one from Ohio), 14 of the 15 13u squads are Florida-based (one from Pennsylvania) and 11 of the 14 12u squads are playing in their home state (Georgia, Ohio, Puerto Rico are also represented).




Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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...
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