HARTSELLE, AL - The North AL Preseason All-State, one of the premier events on the Prep Baseball calendar, was held on Saturday, January 17th at Hartselle High School Indoor in Hartselle, AL. This invite-only showcase featured top prospects from the 2026-2029 classes, each looking to make a statement ahead of the spring season.

Participants took part in an extended, pro-style workout that included batting practice tracked by TrackMan and Blast Motion, 30-yard dash testing powered by VALD Performance, and a full defensive evaluation. Pitchers threw simulated bullpens during the workout, capturing advanced metrics via our TrackMan unit such as pitch velocity, spin rate, and horizontal and vertical movement. The event featured a strong mix of familiar standouts continuing to build on previous performances, along with several new names who emerged with eye-opening showings.

Continuing our post-event coverage, today we take a look at all of the catchers that were present at the event. Check back tomorrow as we take a look at all of the infielders that were in attendance.

View full event statistics HERE.

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Tripp Giangrosso, Hewitt Trussville (AL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-9, 151 pounds. Athletic, leaner build. More room for added size.
Hit: RHH. Neutral set up in the stance, balanced. Relaxed hand set. Mostly-level bat path. Showed the ability to work to all fields. Balanced throughout the swing. 64.3 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (79.3 avg.); 230-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73.00 mph. Higher slot. Shorter, quick arm.
Defense: 2.06-2.12 pop time range; Keeps chest square on balls in the dirt. Clean exchange.
Athletic Testing: 4.23 runner in the 30-yard dash; 17.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.43 Edge Score.

Brayden Hammon, James Clemens (AL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-2, 160 pounds. Slender, lean frame that maintains athleticism.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, taller set up in the stance. Mid-high leg lift. Balanced throughout the swing. Firm contact with several liners.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (81.5 avg.); 264-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 67.00 mph. Higher slot. Still developing strength.
Defense: 2.19-2.28 pop time range; Maintains body control. Fields clean. Keeps chest square on balls in the dirt.
Athletic Testing: 4.28 runner in the 30-yard dash; 19.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 64.16 Edge Score.

Cole Austin, Piedmont High School (AL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 5-9, 164.7 pounds. Proportional build, athletic look.
Hit: RHH. Balanced pre-pitch posture. Controlled load. Minimal stride. Middle of the field with present strength. 71 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (90.1 avg.); 293-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74.00 mph. INF - 76.00 mph. Shorter, quick arm. Still developing strength.
Defense: 2.00-2.06 pop time range; Comfortable on the backhand. Athletic mover to both sides.
Athletic Testing: 3.94 runner in the 30-yard dash; 19.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.55 Edge Score.

Mason Gandy, Brooks (AL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 168 pounds. Lean, athletic body.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open setup in the stance. Hands start by the ear. Minimal stride. Firm contact with several liners. Mostly-level bat path. 70.9 mph bat speed with 17g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 99 mph max exit velocity (88.5 avg.); 293-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74.00 mph. Clean arm action. Short, compact arm.
Defense: 2.01-2.08 pop time range; Clean exchange. Fields clean. Maintains body control.
Athletic Testing: 3.90 runner in the 30-yard dash; 22.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.29 Edge Score.

Miller McClure, Vestavia Hills (AL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 170.9 pounds. Athletic, leaner build. More room for added size.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, taller set up in the stance. Toe tap trigger into the swing. Mostly-level bat path. Firm contact with several liners. 66.7 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (79.4 avg.); 17-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74.00 mph. Longer arm path.
Defense: 2.01-2.09 pop time range; Fields clean. Keeps chest square on balls in the dirt. Fluid movements in the field.
Athletic Testing: 4.17 runner in the 30-yard dash; 24.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 78.57 Edge Score.

Brennen Charles, Spain Park (AL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-11, 171 pounds. Proportional build, athletic look.
Hit: RHH. Balanced pre-pitch posture. Hands start higher. Mostly-level bat path. Firm contact with several liners. 67.6 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (78.2 avg.); 236-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77.00 mph. Lower arm slot.
Defense: 2.03-2.08 pop time range; Clean exchange. Keeps chest square on balls in the dirt. Advanced blocking technique.
Athletic Testing: 4.18 runner in the 30-yard dash; 20.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 83.39 Edge Score.

Cooper Craycraft, Thompson (AL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-11, 174.2 pounds. Athletic, leaner build. More room for added size.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open setup in the stance. Hands start by the ear. Middle of the field with present strength. Present pop at the plate with strength to all fields. Balanced throughout the swing. 71.7 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (84.5 avg.); 315-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78.00 mph. Present strength. Shorter, quick arm.
Defense: 1.84-1.97 pop time range; Maintains body control. Fluid movements in the field. Advanced blocking technique.
Athletic Testing: 4.11 runner in the 30-yard dash; 21.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.36 Edge Score.

Jamison Barnes, Briarwood Christian (AL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11, 180.8 pounds. Lean, athletic frame that will continue to fill out.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open stance. Narrow, taller set up in the stance. Toe tap trigger into the swing. Balanced throughout the swing. Present pop at the plate with strength to all fields. 70.4 mph bat speed with 17g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (83.2 avg.); 329-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74.00 mph. Clean arm action. Higher slot.
Defense: 2.03-2.05 pop time range; Clean exchange. Keeps chest square on balls in the dirt.
Athletic Testing: 4.02 runner in the 30-yard dash; 21.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 64.99 Edge Score.

Mac Thompson, Boaz (AL), 2029
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 181 pounds. Compact build, strong body.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open stance. Relaxed hand set. Controlled load. Mid-high leg lift. Mostly pull side during BP. Present strength at the plate. 65 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (83.5 avg.); 318-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71.00 mph. Higher slot. Short, compact arm.
Defense: 2.14-2.24 pop time range; Fields clean. Smooth defensive actions. Keeps chest square on balls in the dirt.
Athletic Testing: 4.17 runner in the 30-yard dash; 17.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 75.34 Edge Score.

Ashton Clark, Oxford (AL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-1, 185 pounds. Lean, athletic frame that will continue to fill out.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, taller set up in the stance. Hands start by the ear. Middle of the field with present strength. Toe tap trigger into the swing. Firm contact with several liners. 73.3 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 83 mph max exit velocity (76.1 avg.); 297-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73.00 mph. Athletic arm. Shorter, quick arm.
Defense: 1.99-2.05 pop time range; Clean exchange. Keeps chest square on balls in the dirt.
Athletic Testing: 4.26 runner in the 30-yard dash; 17.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 54.55 Edge Score.

Grady Moore, Madison Academy (AL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 199.5 pounds. Proportional build, athletic look.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open stance. Narrow, taller set up in the stance. Mostly-level bat path. Occasional lift in the swing. Easy power to all fields. 70.8 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (87.8 avg.); 324-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75.00 mph. Longer arm path. Present strength.
Defense: 1.94-2.02 pop time range; Advanced blocking technique. Fields clean.
Athletic Testing: 4.24 runner in the 30-yard dash; 14.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 70.41 Edge Score.

Haines Bridges, Vestavia Hills (AL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-0, 220 pounds. Proportional build, athletic look.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open stance. Toe tap trigger. Middle of the field with present strength. Easy power to all fields. 72.9 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 103 mph max exit velocity (96.2 avg.); 354-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79.00 mph. Clean arm action. Higher slot.
Defense: 2.04-2.09 pop time range; Clean exchange. Advanced blocking technique.
Athletic Testing: 3.95 runner in the 30-yard dash; 21.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 79.78 Edge Score.

Kaden Walters, Sardis High School (AL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-11, 185 pounds. Proportional build, athletic look.
Hit: LHH. Narrow, taller set up in the stance. Controlled load. Firm contact with several liners. Mid-high leg lift. Present pop at the plate with strength to all fields. 80.5 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 101 mph max exit velocity (91.3 avg.); 303-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76.00 mph. Shorter, quick arm. Clean arm action.
Defense: 2.00-2.08 pop time range; Maintains body control. Smooth defensive actions. Clean exchange.
Athletic Testing: 4.15 runner in the 30-yard dash; 19.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 78.16 Edge Score.

Will Carter, Huntsville (AL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-1, 190 pounds. Longer-limbed athlete, leaner frame.
Hit: RHH. Even stance with a balanced set up. Relaxed hand set. Minimal stride. Balanced throughout the swing. Present pop at the plate with strength to all fields. 70.6 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (87.4 avg.); 252-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77.00 mph. Whippy arm action. Present strength.
Defense: 1.94-2.03 pop time range; Clean exchange. Blocks and defends well.
Athletic Testing: 3.98 runner in the 30-yard dash; 20.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 70.38 Edge Score.

Jake Fridley, Hoover (AL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-0, 190 pounds. Stocky build with strength.
Hit: RHH. Even stance with a balanced set up. Easy power to all fields. Mid-high leg lift. Present pop at the plate with strength to all fields. 83.4 mph bat speed with 29g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 102 mph max exit velocity (94.7 avg.); 365-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 80.00 mph. Shorter, quick arm. Athletic arm.
Defense: 1.94-2.02 pop time range; Fluid movements in the field. Clean exchange.
Athletic Testing: 4.04 runner in the 30-yard dash; 22.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.63 Edge Score.

Jonah Inman, Cullman (AL), 2026 Northwest-Shoals Community College
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-3, 190 pounds. Longer-limbed athlete, leaner frame.
Hit: LHH. Even stance with a balanced set up. Balanced throughout the swing. Minimal stride. Showed the ability to work to all fields. 73.2 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 101 mph max exit velocity (90.9 avg.); 341-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75.00 mph. Shorter, quick arm.
Defense: 2.02-2.09 pop time range; Clean exchange. Keeps chest square on balls in the dirt.
Athletic Testing: 4.09 runner in the 30-yard dash; 20.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.84 Edge Score.

Tayte Dunn, Bob Jones (AL), 2026 Itawamba CC
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-2, 191.4 pounds. Proportional build, athletic look.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, taller set up in the stance. Slightly open stance. Controlled load. Easy power to all fields. Present pop at the plate with strength to all fields. 72.6 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 101 mph max exit velocity (97.1 avg.); 309-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 83.00 mph. Loose, quicker arm. Athletic arm.
Defense: 1.93-2.04 pop time range; Blocks and defends well. Clean exchange. Keeps chest square on balls in the dirt.
Athletic Testing: 3.97 runner in the 30-yard dash; 21.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.51 Edge Score.

Cole Norris, Madison Academy (AL), 2028
Positional Profile: SS/C
Body: 6-2, 165 pounds. Slender, lean frame that maintains athleticism.
Hit: RHH. Balanced pre-pitch posture. Minimal stride. Middle and opposite field round of BP. Mostly-level bat path. 68.2 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (79 avg.); 285-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73.00 mph. Shorter, quick arm.
Defense: 2.04-2.11 pop time range; Clean exchange. Advanced blocking technique.
Athletic Testing: 3.96 runner in the 30-yard dash; 23.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 73.11 Edge Score.

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