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Tournaments  | Championship | 7/18/2020

Canes National Take Home WWBA Crown

Photo: Canes National 16u (Perfect Game)
MARIETTA, Ga. – The week-long event with over 280 teams participating came to a close Friday afternoon with the Canes National 16U taking home the championship trophy. The Canes finished the week with a 10-0-1 record while beating a pesky Dirtbags 16U Tap Out team in the final game of the tournament, 7-3.

The Canes were powered behind their stellar pitching staff and timely hitting all week. They completed pool play undefeated scoring 40 runs while giving up only three. The Canes were tested in their second bracket play game, coming from behind to beat the Tri-State Arsenal 2022 Scout Team. Down to their last out, David Mershon hit a long ball which should have been a stand-up triple, but his aggressive base running turned it into an inside the park home run to tie the game. Coach Hucks says his team rallied behind Mershon’s aggressive base running all week and attributes a lot of their success to him.



In their third bracket game, the Canes were tested with a talented East Cobb Astros Texas Orange squad, a team who has Dylan Lesko, Jared Jones and others. Pitchers Evan Siary, Tristan Smith and Andrew Dutkanych IV worked to keep the talented bats of the Astros quiet and came out with a 4-3 victory. The quarterfinal and semifinal stage of bracket play presented no challenges for the Canes, winning 5-1 and 8-0. Nathan Fink led the charge over Team Elite in the semifinal posting three RBIs. The win over Team Elite propelled them to the championship game against the Dirtbags 16U Tap Out.

After giving up a lead-off walk to start the game, starting pitcher for the Canes, Kassius Thomas was able to get the next three batters out. The bottom of the first saw the Canes hitters jump on the Dirtbags pitchers. Cole Young singled to start off the inning but was thrown out on a fielder’s choice after Paxton Kling hit a groundball to the shortstop. Kling then stole second and came around to score after a Xavier Isaac double. After a walk and a stolen base, Nathan Fink continued his week-long tear with a two-run double. Thanks to heads up base running, Roman Anthony came around to score making it 4-0 after the first.

The Dirtbags answered back with a run of their own in the top of the second inning, as Andrew Walton walked and then scored after Hayden Friese doubled making it 4-1 after 1 ½ innings.

The top of the third welcomed new Canes pitcher, Bradley Gagen, who sat the Dirtbag hitters down in order. The same can be said for Gagen’s fourth inning. The bottom of the fourth is where the Canes extended their lead and put the nail in the coffin on their opponent. Lamar King began the bottom half with a single, which was followed by a walk and another single by Cole Young, scoring King. The Canes showed great situational hitting in their next two at-bats with both David Mershon and Paxton Kling being able to hit groundballs to score the runner from third extending their lead 7-1.

In the fifth, Tap Out showed some fight scoring another run to cut their deficit down to five. Starting right fielder, Nathan Fink was able to throw out a runner at home trying to score from second base to get the third out of the inning and avoid potentially more damage. The Canes bats quieted down after their fourth inning and did not score any more runs. The Dirtbags scored one more run in the bottom of the sixth when Kaden Varela Payne was called from the Canes’ bullpen.

The bottom of the seventh presented the Dirtbags with a golden opportunity to tie the game up and force extra innings. The Dirtbags had bases loaded with two outs before a new pitcher, Ashton Smith, came in for the Canes to shut the door on their title hopes. Smith struck out the Dirtbags batter for the final out of the WWBA National Championship game.

The Canes coaches and players began their celebration with a dogpile in front of the pitcher’s mound. The trophies were then given out and the MVP and MVPitcher of the entire tournament were awarded to two Canes’ players.

Cole Young, a Duke commit, was awarded tournament MVP while posting a .462 batting average with four doubles, six RBIs, seven runs scored, three stolen bases, and one home run.

“The pitchers kept us in every game,” said Young. “It makes it so much easier to hit when I know that our pitchers are so dominant.”

Jackson Ferris, a NC State commit, was awarded MVpitcher with nine innings of work while striking out 12 posting a 0.00 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP.

“This is pretty special for me because I did not play in this tournament last year,” said Ferris. “There was a lot of trash talk coming our way, so it is a good feeling to shut those players up and be champions.”

Coach Brian Hucks had this to say about his team shortly after their championship victory:

“I am so proud of these players, man. It is just so special to be a part of such a great group of guys who want to win and do not give up. We did not have an easy road to get here facing Tri-State, the Astros and Team Elite, so we are so excited for the players. David Mershon’s base running against Tri-State down to our last out propelled us to this championship victory.”

The Canes will be headed to Sanford, Florida in two weeks to participate in the Perfect Game 16U World Series and look to carry their great week of baseball into that tournament.

The 17U WWBA National Championship has begun and will be continued throughout the week with over 200 teams participating in this year’s event. The top amateur baseball in the country is being played at East Cobb this week with bracket play of the 17U WWBA beginning Wednesday, July 22nd. Stay tuned for another excited week of Perfect Game baseball.

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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