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 | 10/7/2021

SC Panthers prowl Jupiter once again

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Eli Jerzembeck (Perfect Game)

JUPITER, Fla. – Not long before the talented 2022 right-hander Eli Jerzembeck was to make his Perfect Game WWBA World Championship debut in front of many dozens of scouts on the Cardinals side of the Roger Dean Complex Thursday afternoon, he was asked how he was holding up.

A Jupiter debut is always a special moment for a young prospect, even for a high school senior like Jerzembeck who has performed on plenty of big stages, including the 2021 PG National Showcase at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.



“I’m pretty excited to get out there and show everyone what I’ve got because I don’t think I’ve fully done that enough,” Jerzembeck said while looking directly into the questioners’ eyes. “I think I need to go out there and prove myself even more.”

And that, at its essence, is what Jupiter entails. It’s about a prospect like Jerzembeck who has risen to No. 62 overall in the national class of 2022 top prospect rankings and has committed to South Carolina continuing to embrace a golden opportunity to prove himself in front of the national scouting community.

And it’s about his hometown team, the South Charlotte Panthers 2022 under the direction of Don Hutchins, continuing to pursue a PG WWBA World Championship that has eluded them for 15-plus years now. At least one PG prognosticator went on record calling the Panthers the team to beat here this weekend and there is no denying they look to have championship chops.

The South Charlotte Panthers 2023 club is coming off a runner-up finish at last weekend’s PG WWBA Underclass World Championship over in Fort Myers and nine players who with that team (it finished 8-1-0) are rostered with the 2022s this weekend.

Included among the high-impact players in that group are 2024 outfielders Evan Macintyre (No. 246, uncommitted) and Drew Downs (No. 383, uncommitted) and corner-infielder Ethan Wagner (No. 291, uncommitted), all three of whom started Thursday’s game for the Panthers 2022.

Macintyre turned-in an MVP-caliber performance in Fort Myers last week, going 9-for-13 (.692) with two doubles and a triple while boasting a .700 OBP, driving in 11 runs and scoring seven. His performance there, Hutchins said, earned him a spot on this Jupiter roster.

“We had all the guys pitching good and everyone was playing like we were supposed to and we just came up a little short in the end,” Macintyre told PG Thursday. “But it was a good run for all of us out there. All the guys that did well last weekend, it was just a warm-up for this week, pretty much.

“I’m just trying to catch a bunch of advice from the guys and know my place and take it all in at one time. This is a great organization and we do everything together and it’s a real tight bond here.”

When talking about the top sophomores on this Panthers 2022 roster, it would be a big-time drop the ball moment to not mention Samuel Cozart, a 6-foot-7, 240-pound righthander out of High Point, N.C. Cozart, a Mississippi State commit, is ranked No. 2 overall in national class of 2024.

The 2023 class is led by the right-handers Chance Mako (No. 49, N.C. State) and Heath Andrews (No. 299, N.C. State) and lefties K. Xavier Pelzer (No. 498, South Carolina) and Max White (t-500, North Carolina), and middle-infielder Isaac Armstrong (No. 131, East Carolina) is also highly regarded. Mako, a 6-foot-5, 180-pounder, was named the MV Pitcher at the WWBA Underclass World Championship.

Which at long last brings the 2022s to the forefront, where they so rightly belong. Hutchins pointed out that infielders Parker Byrd (No. 245, East Carolina), Logan Wagner (No. 178, Louisville), Matt Heavner (No. 395, N.C. State) and Garrett Michel (t-500, Virginia Tech), and outfielder Aiden Evans (t-500, UNC-Wilmington) were all starters for the Panthers here in Jupiter two years ago as sophomores.

“We only have one team per age-group and we bring what we feel like is our best,” Hutchins said. “So for those guys, this is their third year for (them) to be here and they’re a pretty special group. … Those guys are special in that they have been here in the starting lineup for three years with me.

“Part of our program is to bring those guys along that complement what we feel like is the best team we can put on the field. I’ve got three ‘24s in the lineup this week and they’ll be starters for us.”

Other top 2022s include the catchers Graham Smiley (No. 331, N.C. State) and Trey Way (t-500, Virginia Tech), the right-handers Cameron Padgett (t-500, North Carolina) and Mason Murdock (No. 343, UNC-Wilmington) and the lefties Andrew Sentlinger (t-500, Virginia Tech) and Ryan White (Western Carolina); the list goes on.

Experience can be an ace in the hole at the WWBA World Championship, and while there is absolutely no feeling of superiority with these Panthers veterans, it’s evident by the way they carry themselves that they have developed a quiet confidence.

They’ve performed on this incredible platform before so they know what to expect, they know what it takes to succeed and they ultimately pool their talents and get the job done. While there is a lot that goes into it in terms of being held accountable, it often comes down to simply maintaining a certain tunnel-vision.

“We’re really focused on not playing as individuals to (impress the) scouts; we’re focused on playing as a team,” Hutchins said. “So we try to focus on playing for the team and to win, and then the scouts will come.”

To that end, Hutchins has named Parker Byrd and Matt Heavner team captains for the week, something he said he rarely does. It’s really nothing more than a recognition of the leadership skills they’ve exhibited over the last three or four years. They are the guys he’s looking for to put their arms around a younger guy and assure them that no stage is too big.

“It’s an honor,” Byrd said of the captain designation. “To play with such a great organization like these guys and to be named captain is just an honor. There’s a bunch of great kids and great players in this organization and it’s an honor to help lead them all.”

When speaking with Hutchins and his players, a listener will hear the word “family” quite often and while that’s a work that can be overused when the conversation turns to team chemistry, with these guys it comes across as sincere.

This almost a neighborhood team, at least compared to the powerhouse scout teams that build rosters with players coming in from coast-to-coast. The Panthers are by and large Carolina boys and their college commitments are to schools like North Carolina, N.C. State, East Carolina and UNC-Wilmington. It’s understandable that Carolina kid wouldn’t want to venture too far away from his mom’s Carolina cooking.

“We just all kind of know what’s expected and we just go out there and compete,” Byrd said of the family atmosphere. “We think things will play out and pan out the way we want it to if we just go out there and play hard; everything will work out in favor of us. …

“Other organizations come in here and these guys are meeting for the first time while they’re getting their equipment. We have a bond and I honestly think that helps us win ballgames because we know each other and we know how we play.”

Added Jerzembeck, who has been with the program for three years:

“I’m the type of guy where I’m big on loyalty and you stay with the (people) who have done you right. They’re family and I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else. I’m the kind of guy that if I’m not comfortable I would get out of there but it’s not that way here.”

The Panthers were one of three dozen teams to play exhibition games either Wednesday night or Thursday morning before diving into pool-play, and in South Charlotte’s case, it played its exhibition just a couple of hours before its pool-play opener.

The main reason for doing so, Hutchins said, is to get pitchers out on the mound to get acclimated before they’ll be called upon later in the weekend. It’s a way to make sure those players see the mound and aren’t left high-and-dry in the event there is no deep playoff run, which with the Panthers’ recent history doesn’t seem likely.

“I just have a little problem with bringing a kid down here and not  putting him on the mound,” Hutchins said. “We treat it like a regular game and we coach it like a regular game and it just kind of takes the butterflies out because these kids may have played 150 travel ball games but they still come out here nervous at this event.”

The South Charlotte Panthers 2022 beat the San Diego Padres Scout Team 6-2, in their Jupiter opener Thursday behind a six-inning, five-hit, 10-strikeout effort from Jerzembeck, who didn’t allow an earned run. Logan Wagner doubled, tripled, drove in a run and scored two others and Nathan Chrismon singled with a pair of RBI.

“The environment is great; it’s kind of like one big competition,” Jerzembeck said. “Everyone knows they’re good; everyone else is good and it’s pretty exciting to go up against everyone who is just as good, and you’re right up there with everyone else.”

The old salt Byrd, playing in Jupiter for the third time, and the young gun Macintyre both expressed the excitement brought on just by being at the Roger Dean Complex where dodging scout-filled golf carts becomes a sport in itself. Don’t criticize a person on foot for feeling like a matador on occasion.

Macintyre spoke of how grateful he is for the opportunity while Byrd spoke with the wisdom of the veteran he is: “It’s kind of really bittersweet because it’s the last ride with these boys – I’ve been playing with them since my eighth-grade year – so we’re going to try it one more time as a family and win it all,” the senior said.

Hutchins, the program founder, spoke like the adult in the room, with a foot in the past, a foot in the present and an eye on the future.

“It keeps getting bigger and it definitely is something the kids in our program look forward to,” Hutchins said. “I challenge them and I said we’ve got to do well this year or we won’t get invited back next year. We’ve come since 2005 so we’ve been here quite a few years in a row but if we don’t show we deserve to be here we ain’t coming back. Winning it’s a goal but coming back is always a goal as well.”
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.