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PBT Alabama Open (6/18-6/21): Scout Blog

June 24, 2026
Prep Baseball Alabama Staff

NORTHPORT, AL - The PBT Alabama Open took center stage at River Run Park in Northport, Alabama, from June 18-21, bringing together several teams from across the region for a competitive weekend of summer baseball. Featuring 14U-17U/18U divisions, the event provided players with an opportunity to compete against quality opponents while continuing to build momentum heading into the heart of the summer schedule.

Over four days of action, teams battled through pool play and bracket competition, showcasing a talented collection of prospects from across Alabama and neighboring states. With Prep Baseball staff on hand throughout the event, the tournament served as an important evaluation opportunity while also highlighting many of the players who are poised for strong summers on the travel circuit. As always, River Run Park provided a tremendous setting for high-level competition, with numerous standout performances emerging throughout the weekend.

PBT Alabama Open: Scout Blog 📓

+ C Aiden Molette (2029, AL) impressed throughout the weekend with his advanced offensive approach and ability to consistently drive the baseball the other way. The Oak Mountain product repeatedly stayed through pitches and peppered the opposite field, showing a mature feel for the barrel and an approach that should continue to play as he develops. Molette possesses a strong lower half that helps create stability and strength throughout the swing, allowing him to impact the baseball with authority. Behind the plate, he also showed solid defensive skills, receiving and handling the position well throughout the event. A well-rounded young catcher who left a strong impression and looks poised for continued success as he continues to progress.

+ OF Dalton Helms (2027) was one of the most impactful players of the weekend for Top Gun Baseball, consistently producing at the plate and coming through in key moments. During a pivotal Saturday matchup, Helms helped carry the offense when runs were hard to come by, launching a towering two-run home run that tied the game and ultimately helped send it into extra innings, where his team would go on to secure the victory. Helms swung the bat well throughout the tournament, showing an athletic operation with quick hands, present bat speed, and the ability to drive the baseball with authority. He also showcased his athleticism on the bases, applying pressure with his speed and aggressive instincts. A well-rounded player who impacted the game in multiple facets and played a major role in his team's success over the weekend.

+ 3B/RHP Gabe Che (2029, MS) put together a strong weekend at the plate, collecting multiple hits while consistently finding ways to contribute offensively. Che showed a mature approach throughout the event, producing quality at-bats and demonstrating the ability to square up pitches in a variety of locations. The athletic prospect possesses plenty of upside and continues to trend in the right direction as he develops physically and refines his game. With his combination of present skill and long-term projection, Che is a player who warrants close attention moving forward.

+ OF/RHP Cason Long (2029, AL) was one of the more intriguing two-way prospects in attendance, showing his impact potential both at the plate and on the mound. Offensively, Long displayed power to all fields, driving the baseball with authority and showing the ability to do damage against pitches throughout the zone. The bat stood out throughout the weekend, but he also flashed upside on the mound, giving evaluators a look at his potential as a two-way contributor. With his combination of physical tools and versatility, Long is a prospect with plenty of development ahead.

+ INF Sam Guin (2029, MS) The 2029 prospect consistently put together quality at-bats, showing a mature approach and competitive presence in the box. Guin displayed an advanced feel for contact and rarely gave away plate appearances, battling throughout counts and finding ways to impact the game offensively. His performance against older players was particularly impressive and speaks to the upside he possesses moving forward. A medium frame at 5-8, 160-pounds that will continue to develop and fill out.

+ 1B/OF Walker Sellars (2027, AL) was one of the most consistent offensive performers of the weekend, seemingly finding the barrel every time he stepped into the batter's box. The left-handed hitter showcased premium power potential with a swing built to produce loud contact. Sellars consistently drove the baseball with authority and showed the ability to impact the game with one swing. The combination of barrel accuracy, bat speed, and left-handed power makes him a highly intriguing prospect in the 2027 class.

+ INF Matthew Downs (2030, AL) continues to stand out physically for his age and backed it up with a strong offensive showing throughout the weekend. The 2030 prospect possesses a mature frame with present strength and plays the game with a high motor. Downs consistently competed at the plate, putting together quality swings and producing offensively throughout the event. The combination of physicality, effort, and offensive production makes him a young prospect worth keeping an eye on as he continues to develop.

+ 2B/RHP Maddux Cummings (2028, GA) impressed with his natural feel to hit and table-setting ability at the top of the lineup. The 16U prospect consistently found ways to get on base and put pressure on opposing defenses. Cummings showed a mature approach, quality barrel control, and an understanding of his offensive identity as a catalyst-type player. His ability to create offense and set the tone for his club stood out throughout the weekend.

+ MIF Ken Shelton III (2030, MS) was one of the top performers of the weekend, consistently finding the barrel and producing quality contact throughout the event. The 2030 prospect showed an advanced offensive approach for his age, working the baseball to all fields while displaying impressive barrel control and feel for contact. Defensively, Shelton stood out as an athletic mover up the middle, showcasing smooth actions, quality range, and a strong arm across the infield. His combination of athleticism, defensive versatility, and offensive production makes him one of the more intriguing young prospects to follow as he continues to develop.

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