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 | 10/5/2021

Textbook effort lifts Canes National 17u

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Canes National 17u (Perfect Game)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Finding a team at the underclass level that is capable of playing nearly textbook baseball during a title game at a major Perfect Game national championship tournament can be a difficult discovery indeed.

But here it was: Textbook pitching. Textbook timely hitting. Textbook defense. Textbook execution. In short, textbook Canes Baseball.



The Canes National 17u did a little bit of everything pretty darn well on Monday, breaking open a tight ballgame against the South Charlotte Panthers 2023 with a four-run fourth inning and settling in for a 6-1 victory in the title game at the Perfect Game WWBA Underclass World Championship.

Playing in near perfect conditions at JetBlue Park (Fenway South as the locals call it), the No. 5-seeded National 17u (9-0-0) proved to be just a tick better than the No. 2 Panthers (8-1-0) on this afternoon while claiming the Canes National 17u’s second WWBA Under World title in the last three years.

“When you’re playing against an incredible organization like the South Charlotte Panthers you know they’re not going to give you anything so you’ve got to earn everything you get,” Canes National 17u head coach Brian Hucks told PG postgame.

“For a championship game, the ninth game that you’re playing in four days, I thought both teams had pitchers that were throwing strikes; I thought the defense was outstanding on both teams.”

2023 right-hander Jonah Conradt may have been the real difference-maker for the Canes, getting the start and working five three-hit, five strikeout innings, while allowing just the one run. He gave way to fellow ’23 righty Aidan Teel in the sixth, who continued the shutdown by tossing two no-hit scoreless innings to bring the game to a close.

“Everybody’s pitching is on fumes at this point right now,” Hucks said. “To have a chance to get some length out of your starter is so important, and we were able to get five innings out of our guy (Conradt). We had some position players that are good arms but haven’t thrown a whole lot...so by him going out and giving us a five-inning quality start was the key to our win today.”

South Charlotte Panthers starter Morgan Padgett, also a ’23 right-hander, was pretty good himself early on but the Canes were finally able to get to him in the top of the third. Macon Winslow got it started with a one-out infield single and came racing across home plate with the game’s first run when Kevin McGonigle smashed a two-out, line drive RBI double to center.

The Canes National built a bit of a comfort zone between themselves and South Charlotte in the fourth. Ryan Jaros led-off with a ground ball single to left and Zach Wadas followed with a line-drive single to center to put runners on first and second with no one out; Trent Caraway then laid-down a bunt single to load the bases with one out.

Cole Eaton chased Jaros home with a sac fly – Wados and Caraway also moved up a base – and Colby Wallace hit a groundball single into left that scored both baserunners; Wallace eventually scored on a wild pitch to give the Canes a 5-0 lead.

The Canes added another run in the fifth when McGonigle reached on a lead-off infield single, stole second and came around to score on a wild pitch. He doubled and singled in the game with an RBI and a run scored and was the only Cane with multiple hits.

Hucks felt like in the early innings his hitters were experiencing some tired legs, at least the first time through the order, anyway. They gave some at-bats away, he said, by chasing pitches out of the zone but as the game progressed, the decision-making improved.

“I feel like everyone picked each other up,” McGonigle said. “When one guys strikes out, one guy grounds out the next guy is going to get on base and help the team out. We got a little rally started; it was good for the team. It was a team win – this is a great team here – and I couldn’t be more proud.”

The Panthers tallied their only score in the bottom of the fifth when Kyle Dobos received a two-out walk and raced home on a line-drive single off the bat of Aidan Paradine.

McGonigle, a ’23 middle infielder and an Auburn commit from Pennsylvania ranked No. 33 overall nationally, finished the tournament 11-for-25 (.440) with three doubles, a triple, eight RBI, seven runs scored and five stolen bases; he was named the MV-Player.

“I joined (the Canes) three tournaments ago so I’m new to this team and when I joined I knew it was the right spot for me,” McGonigle said. “It’s like a family and we know how to win ballgames so it’s a great experience with this team.”

The South Charlotte Panthers 2023 right-hander Chance Mako, an N.C. State commit ranked No. 49 nationally out of North Carolina, was named the MV-Pitcher. In one appearance, Mako threw a six-inning no-hitter, striking out 16 without a walk.

This was a particularly dominating championship run for the Canes National 17u once all the final numbers were tabulated: They outscored their nine quality opponents by a dizzying 59-5 final count.

And sometimes it is the little things that matter most when push comes to shove in the championship game at a major PG national championship tournament and sometimes it comes down to playing as close to textbook baseball as young players’ skills will allow.

“We were able to get that one big inning and that kind of gave us some separation,” Hucks said. “I felt like that we did a good a job of throwing strikes and making the routine plays and making them earn everything they got. Just an incredible run by this group of young men, and like I said (winning) nine games in four days is just amazing. …

“These kids are really, truly happy for others’ success and they want to be part of this program. I couldn’t be any prouder as a coach to coach these quality young me.”

THE CANES NATIONAL 17U turned the tables on what had been the shutout machine East Cobb Astros, blanking the Astros, 3-0 in a much-anticipated semifinal pairing Monday morning. Canes’ 2023 right-handers Dennis McCarron and Cade Cosper combined on an 11-strikeout three-hitter to stymie the top-seeded Astros (7-1-0), who won six of their previous seven games by shutout.

The Panthers rolled past the No. 27 Power Baseball 2023 Platinum (7-1-0) by a 9-4 count in Monday’s other semifinal. Evan Macintyre came through with a two-run single in the bottom of the second and a sac fly in the fourth, and Walker Jenkins hit a line-drive solo home run to leadoff fifth and a line-drive two run single in the sixth to pace the Panthers’ 10-hit attack.

 
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.