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 | 7/11/2020

Lessons learned at WWBA 14u North

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Dylan Dobratz (Perfect Game)

MARION, Iowa – Day 2 at the Perfect Game WWBA 14u North Championship offered a little bit of everything as the 17 teams in attendance from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin jockeyed to put themselves in position to claim one of the tournament’s seven playoffs spots.

Heck, the teams not only had to battle one another on the field Saturday, but they had to wait out a brief but strong thunderstorm that forced the staff at the Prospect Meadows Sports Complex to clear the facility for 45 minutes while the high-winded storm rolled through. Welcome to baseball among the Iowa cornfields in the middle of July.



With that said, these are talented 14U teams that began play here on Friday at an event that will conclude with bracket-play in its entirety on Monday (Monday is championship day at the PG 17U Midwest Elite Championship, as well, which is also being contested at Prospect Meadows this weekend).

One of the more intriguing pool-play matchups was contested Saturday afternoon when the Yorkville, Ill.-based Northern Illinois Reds-Harris met-up with the Wausau, Wis.-based JBA Clutch 14U Navy. Both teams came into the game unbeaten with legitimate shots at eventually winning the pool championship.

But, of course, at the 14U level, there is much more involved than winning a pool championship. It’s about the young competitors experiencing as much as they can and then learning from those experiences.

“Anytime you can come to a nice facility like this and play high-level competition, it’s always a good opportunity to learn baseball and just play at this younger age … and see what else is out there throughout the country,” JBA Clutch 14Navy head coach/program director Jeremy Jirschele told PG Friday afternoon.

Northern Illinois Reds head coach Tom Harris has his team here this weekend for exactly the same reason.

“The kids were definitely looking forward to coming here,” he told PG. “Perfect Game has done a fantastic job with the venue here and (the players)  were really looking forward to knowing that we were going to get some good competition. We kind of put them in these environments on purpose to prepare them for high school (baseball).”

When Harris originally made out the schedule for this Northern Illinois Reds-Harris team, the PG WWBA 14U North Championship was going to be its final event of the 2020 summer season. Then the global coronavirus pandemic took root and rendered any sports schedule drawn up before March 1 totally irrelevant.

“Everything else was going to lead up to this, which was kind of on purpose,” he said. “We had had other teams that had been here and had good things to say. Obviously, following the sport you learn about these types of facilities and venues so this was going to be kind of like the grand finale of things. It’s now turned out to be the middle of our season being that we’re stretching into August.”

Jirschele described this JBA Clutch 14u Navy team as the program’s “original” team that has been together since they were 7 years old. Now the program has teams in age-groups ranging from 8U to 16U and the plans are for continued growth in the years to come.

“I think it’s fun for those guys to see what else is out there and get out of Wisconsin a little bit,” Jirschele said. “And also, to play with wood bats, too, and see what that feels like, as well. I think that’s good for them because it really kind of locks down having good mechanics … because with wood you’ve got to have a good swing; otherwise you know about it.”

And so the stage was set for these two teams-their home cities are only about a 4 hour north-south drive from one another-to start playing some ball and they did what they had to do early on.

The Clutch 14U Navy opened on Friday with a 3-0 win over the Iowa Sticks Scout, thanks to a combined one-hitter from 2023 righthanders Bryce Popp and Tanner Nienhaus; Dylan Dobratz, a 2023 outfielder, doubled and drove in three runs.

JBA played its second pool-play game Saturday morning and slipped past the STL Scorpions out of Missouri, 4-3, with Dobratz going 2 for 2 with a double and two RBI. Keagen Jirschele and Flynn Huffman also singled, doubled and combined to score four runs, and Gavin Obremski singled and drove in a run. Those were the first four batters in the lineup and they combined for seven of the Clutch 14U Navy’s eight hits and all four RBI.

The NI Reds opened with a nail-biting 8-7 win over P2P Millers North 14u on Friday. They trailed 7-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth but pushed across two in that frame to make it 7-3, then scored five in the bottom of the seventh for the walk-off win; Vincent Farbo stole home to account for the winning run.

Hayden Bowman singled three times and had two RBI to lead the Reds’ 14-hit attack. Bryce Solek had a pair of singles and an RBI; Nate Harris doubled and drove in two and Kameron Yearsley delivered a two-run single.

The NI Reds-Harris did not have to play an early game Saturday – their final two pool-play games are Sunday – so those outcomes set-up the much-anticipated match-up between the Reds and the Clutch; it didn’t disappoint.

JBA held a 2-1 lead after five but Northern Illinois pushed three across in the top of the sixth to  take a 4-2 lead, and that’s where it stood going into the bottom of the seventh; it didn’t stay that way for long.

Emmitt Konieczny led things off with a single, and after Brock Massey walked, Tanner Nienhaus laid down a sac bunt back to the pitcher that moved the runners to second and third. A pop-out followed before Flynn Huffman was able to connect on a two-out, 0-2 fastball that he drove into right field for a double, scoring both Konieczny and Massey and knotting the game at 4.

Up to the plate stepped Gavin Obremski, who drove the first pitch he saw into centerfield fora  walk-off RBI single and a 5-4 JBA Clutch 14U Navy victory.

Dobratz continued his onslaught with yet another double (his third in three games) and drove in two more runs (seven total) and Huffman had the two-run double to lead JBA; Yearsley was 3 for 3 with a double and three RBI for NI.

During pregame comments, the Reds’ Harris showed a deep understanding of what it took to coach a 14U ballclub, and how important it was to deal with these young players when they experience this game’s ups and downs.

“They’re teenagers in the end, and so each of them are a little different and each of them have their own personality,” Harris said. “You’ve got be cognizant of that and work towards that and find out what pushes them and how to help each other get better. …

“In the end, we’re just  trying to prepare them for high school ball. We’re trying to put them into environments and situations that prepare for that.”

JBA’s Jirschele was no less understanding of his role as a 14U baseball coach:

“It’s one of those (deals) where you’re always teaching. You’re always teaching them the game, life lessons, all that stuff,” Jirschele said. “You’re always respecting your opponents and everything but you never go into a game thinking, ‘Oh, I hope we can win.’ You have to have that expectation of, ‘Hey, we’re going to give it our best shot and see what happens.’

“That’s why we’re down here, to play some high-level competition against teams from all over,” he concluded. “It’s a lot of fun to be able to compete and see where you (stand) amongst those teams.”
Give us your feedback
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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....
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2025 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.