2026 Florida Diamond Notes: Week 1
February 18, 2026
Welcome to Florida Diamond Notes. Each week, we shine a spotlight on exceptional high school baseball performances across the state, nominated by their coaches. From standout position players to dominant pitchers and versatile two-way players, we celebrate the best performances of the week. A heartfelt thank you to the many high school coaches who submitted nominations this week. Your contributions make this feature possible. Let’s dive into the highlights and honor the talent on display!
Diamond Notes: Week 1
Hitters
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Miguel Acosta 3B / RHP / West Orange High, FL / 2026Miguel Acosta went 5-for-11 with 1 RBI, 1 double, 1 triple, 3 runs scored, 3 stolen bases, .455 BA, and .500 OBP. |
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Julian Alvarez 2B / 3B / Westminster Christian Private School, Inc., FL / 2027Julian Alvarez went 5-for-7 with 1 double, 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. |
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Grant Arnold C / OF / Merritt Island, FL / 2028Grant Arnold went 4-for-5 with 7 walks, 3 RBIs, 1 home run, and 6 runs scored. |
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Blaize Baldepina RHP / 1B / North Fort Myers HIGH SCHOOL, FL / 2027Blaze Baldepina contributed significantly with 5 hits in 10 at-bats, driving in 9 RBIs including 1 home run and scoring 1 run. |
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Coleman Borthwick RHP / 3B / South Walton, FL / 2026Coleman Borthwick went 2-for-8 with 3 RBIs and 1 home run. |
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Jason Cantella C / John Paul II Catholic, FL / 2026Jason Cantella went 3-for-7 with 2 RBIs, 2 triples, and 1 run scored. |
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Logan Chen C / Belleview High School, FL / 2029Logan Chen went 2-for-6 with 4 RBIs, 1 home run, and 2 runs scored. |
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Gabriele Cirina OF / Marathon School, FL / 2026Gabriele Cirina went 5-for-8 with 7 RBIs, 3 doubles, and a .625 batting average. |
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Bryce Ciufo SS / The Masters Academy, FL / 2026Bryce Ciufo went 5-for-6 with 5 RBIs, including 1 double, 1 triple, 3 singles, and 3 stolen bases. |
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Kristo'pher Colondres C / OF / North Fort Myers High School, FL / 2026Kristopher Colondres went 5-for-10 with 6 RBIs, 1 double, 2 home runs, 8 runs scored, and 6 stolen bases. |
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Cam Cook SS / Crestview High School, FL / 2027Cam Cook went 3-for-5 with 2 RBIs, 1 double, 1 home run, and 2 runs scored. |
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AJ Cruz SS / 3B / West Broward High School, FL / 2026AJ Cruz set the tone for the Bobcats with a dominant showing at the plate to earn Hitter of the Week. The shortstop went 4-for-6, driving in 8 RBIs with 3 home runs and 1 double while scoring 4 runs. |
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Ander Elorriaga C / 3B / Stoneman Douglas, FL / 2028Ander Elloriaga went 4-for-8 with 3 doubles and 2 RBIs. |
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Eli Feld 1B / OF / DBA MOUNT DORA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, FL / 2026Eli Feld delivered consistent production, going 7-for-11 with 4 RBIs, 3 doubles, 1 home run, and 3 runs scored. |
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Jackson Fleming OF / Winter Park High, FL / 2027Jackson Fleming hit .444 (4-for-9) with a .583 OBP and 5 runs scored. |
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Garrett Harper LHP / OF / Cocoa Beach, FL / 2029Garrett Harper went 3-for-5 with 2 RBIs. |
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Joseph Lawson RHP / 3B / Bishop Verot, FL / 2026Joseph Lawson went 6-for-11 with 1 double, 1 home run, 4 RBIs, 1 walk, and 2 stolen bases. |
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Mason Laymon SS / 2B / J.R. Arnold High School, FL / 2026Mason Laymon went 6-for-12 with 2 RBIs, 1 double, 1 triple, 4 runs scored, and 4 stolen bases. |
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Carter Lee LHP / 1B / Viera, FL / 2028Carter Lee went 5-for-10 with 1 double, 1 triple, 5 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. |
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Jameson McGuire LHP / 1B / Santa Fe Catholic High School, FL / 2026Jameson McGuire had one of the hottest bats of the week, collecting 7 hits in 10 at-bats with 1 double, 1 triple, 2 home runs, 6 RBIs, and 8 runs scored. He added 2 stolen bases for a complete offensive showing. |
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Grady Messner OF / SS / Martin County High School, FL / 2026Grady Messner contributed 4-for-9 with 5 RBIs, 1 double, 4 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. |
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Michael Miraglia SS / 2B / Palmer Trinity School, FL / 2026Michael Miraglia went 5-for-8 with 3 doubles, 4 runs scored, and 1 stolen base. |
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Colin O'Malley 2B / Zephyrhills High School, FL / 2026Colin O’Malley went 4-for-8 with 4 RBIs, 1 double, 1 triple, 2 singles, and 1 stolen base. |
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Cameron Otterbeck C / COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF NAPLES, FL / 2026Cameron Otterbeck powered his team's early efforts, going 7-for-8 with 10 RBIs, including 3 home runs and 2 doubles. He scored 5 runs, providing a consistent threat from behind the plate. |
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Eisler Piloto 3B / Miami Springs Senior High School, FL / 2028Eisler Piloto posted a solid 5-for-8 week with 9 RBIs, 2 doubles, 1 home run, 4 runs scored, 1 walk, 1 stolen base, and 2 sacrifice flies. |
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Kannon Plain OF / C / madison County High School, FL / 2026Kannon Plain drove in 9 RBIs while going 6-for-7, adding 1 double, 3 home runs, 5 runs scored, and 1 stolen base. |
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Louis Prieto OF / Doral Academy, FL / 2029Louis Prieto went 3-for-4 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs. |
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Yodelkis Quevedo 3B / SS / Mater Academy, FL / 2026Yodelkis Quevedo contributed to a strong start with a .444 batting average over the week, driving in 5 RBIs including 2 home runs. |
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Tyler Rodriguez C / 1B / Doral Academy, FL / 2026Tyler Rodriguez had an impressive week, going 3-for-5 with a home run, four RBIs and five runs scored, posting an .818 OBP and 1.200 SLG in the early games. |
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John Rosette C / Clay, FL / 2027John Rosette went 6-for-9 with 5 RBIs and 1 home run. |
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Jackson Ross LHP / 1B / J.R. ARNOLD HIGH SCHOOL, FL / 2027Jackson Ross went 2-for-3 with 3 walks, 4 RBIs, 1 double, 3 runs scored, 1 sacrifice, and an .833 OBP. |
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Colby Smith SS / 3B / Jupiter, FL / 2026Colby Smith went 6-for-12 with 5 runs scored, 7 RBIs, 2 home runs, 1 double, 2 walks, and 2 stolen bases. |
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Nick Steibly OF / Florida State University School, FL / 2026Nick Steibly went 3-for-5 with 6 RBIs, 1 double, and 1 triple. |
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Tre Stropp OF / Palm Beach Central, FL / 2026Tre Stropp went 5-for-8 with 1 RBI, 1 double, 5 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. |
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Nick Tanko 2B / SS / Trinity Catholic High School, FL / 2027Nick Tanko went 5-for-12 with 6 RBIs, 1 double, 1 home run, 4 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. |
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Chaz Templeton C / OF / Braden River, FL / 2027Chaz Templeton hit 4-for-6 with 2 singles, 2 doubles, and 2 runs scored. |
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Wyatt Thomas C / McKeel Academy of Technology, FL / 2026Wyatt Thomas went 4-for-9 with 2 RBIs, 2 home runs, 4 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. |
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Diego Vazqueztell 2B / SS / Gateway, FL / 2026Diego Vazqueztell collected 8 hits in 17 at-bats for 7 RBIs, 1 double, 5 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. |
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Maddux Wolff OF / Canterbury School, FL / 2026Maddux Wolff went 5-for-7 with 1 RBI, 2 doubles, and 1 home run. |
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Dylan Zack SS / 2B / Foundation Academy, FL / 2027Dylan Zack went 5-for-9 (.556 BA) with 4 RBIs, 2 doubles, 2 runs scored, and 1 stolen base. |
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Christian Zahora 3B / Weeki Wachee High School, FL / 2027Christian Zahora went 5-for-7 with 5 RBIs, 1 double, and 2 runs scored. |
Pitchers
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Matt Altman RHP / 1B / Gaither, FL / 2026Altman earned the win: 1-0, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K. |
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Coleman Borthwick RHP / 3B / South Walton, FL / 2026Coleman Borthwick dominated: 1-0, 4.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 11 K (topped 99 mph multiple times). |
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Wyatt Cantella OF / LHP / St John Paul Ii Catholic High School, FL / 2028Cantella: 1-0, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 12 K. |
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Brendan Carbery RHP / Winter Park High, FL / 2026Brendan Carbery shut down Hagerty: 1-0, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K, 0 SV. |
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Logan Chen C / Belleview High School, FL / 2029Chen earned the win in relief: 1-0, 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. |
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Gavin Coffey RHP / St Johns Country Day, FL / 2027Gavin Coffey in multiple relief appearances: 1-0, 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 11 K, 1 SV. |
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Nathan Colon RHP / Trinity Catholic High School, FL / 2026Colon started one game and closed strong another: 1-0, 5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K, 1 SV. |
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DeAngelo Davila LHP / Palm Beach Central, FL / 2027Davila got the win: 1-0, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K. |
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Cole Dennis C / RHP / Bishop Snyder, FL / 2026Cole Dennis was lights out: 1-0, 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 12 K. |
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Kayden Dougherty 3B / RHP / Cocoa Beach, FL / 2027Dougherty came on in relief: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K. |
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Aahron Geleta RHP / Niceville Senior High School, FL / 2026Geleta earned the win: 1-0, 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 11 K. |
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Steven Gonzalez RHP / Mater Academy, FL / 2026Gonzalez went: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 9 K. |
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Gabriel Granadillo RHP / Mater Academy, FL / 2027Granadillo provided relief: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 K. |
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Parker Granse OF / LHP / South Walton, FL / 2026Granse was outstanding in relief appearances: 6.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 13 K. |
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Landon Green RHP / OF / Northside Christian, FL / 2027Green earned the win: 1-0, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K. |
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Adrian Henriquez 3B / RHP / Miami Springs Senior High School, FL / 2027Henriquez picked up the win: 1-0, 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K. |
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Jake Higgins RHP / 3B / MASTER'S ACADEMY OF VERO BEACH, FL / 2027Higgins threw a shutout: 5 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K. |
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Jaden Lao RHP / RHP / Mater Academy Charter School, FL / 2027Olson earned the win: 1-0, 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K. |
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Joseph Lawson RHP / 3B / Bishop Verot, FL / 2026Lawson secured the win: 1-0, 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 11 K. |
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Carter Lee LHP / 1B / Viera, FL / 2028Carter Lee threw a complete game gem: 1-0, 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2-3 BB, 4 K, 0 SV. |
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Jameson McGuire LHP / 1B / Santa Fe Catholic High School, FL / 2026Jameson McGuire was electric: 1-0, 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 13 K (67 pitches). |
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Brady Olson LHP / OF / Countryside High School, FL / 2026Olson earned the win: 1-0, 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K. |
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Landon Peters LHP / OF / Crestview High School, FL / 2028Peters threw shutout ball: 1-0, 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K. |
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Braden Phenneger LHP / Clay, FL / 2026Braden Phenneger went deep in a quality start: 0-0, 7.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 12 K, 0 SV. |
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Leodan Rodriguez LHP / Mater Academy, FL / 2026Rodriguez tossed quality innings: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 10 K. |
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Gio Rojas LHP / 1B / Stoneman Douglas, FL / 2026Rojas had a strong start: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R (unearned), 0 BB, 8 K. |
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Jackson Ross LHP / 1B / J.R. ARNOLD HIGH SCHOOL, FL / 2027Jackson Ross picked up multiple wins: 2-0, 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R (0 ERA), 6 BB, 12 K. |
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JD Sammons RHP / 3B / Weeki Wachee High School, FL / 2026Sammons secured the win: 1-0, 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K. |
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Javier Santana RHP / SS / John Paul II Catholic, FL / 2026Santana: 1-0, 6.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 12 K, 1 SV. |
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Maicol Santiago RHP / 3B / GATEWAY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL, FL / 2026Santiago went deep with high volume: 1-0, 12.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 29 K. |
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Ethan Savinon 3B / RHP / Jefferson, FL / 2027Ethan Savinon earned the win: 1-0, 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 11 K. |
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AEDAN TOMPKINS OF / RHP / Mckeel Academy Of Technology, FL / 2027Aedan Thompkins earned the win with a no-hitter effort: 1-0, 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 12 K, 0 SV. |
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Donovan Thiery RHP / 1B / Key West High School, FL / 2026Donovan Thiery dominated to claim Pitcher of the Week honors. The senior right-hander tossed 4 innings, allowing 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 earned runs, 0 walks, and striking out 12 batters. |
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Dillon Thomas RHP / Martin County High School, FL / 2027Dillon Thomas impressed with efficiency: 1-0, 4.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K (15 batters faced). |
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Ethan Trivison LHP / 1B / JUPITER HIGH SCHOOL, FL / 2026Trivison started going 3 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K vs. St. Thomas. |
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Bailey White RHP / Seminole High School, FL / 2027Bailey White delivered in a championship setting: 1-0, 5 1/3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 10 K, 0 SV.
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Jack Wilhoit RHP / St John Paul, FL / 2026Wilhoit earned the win: 1-0, 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K. |
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Dylan Williams RHP / SS / Marathon School, FL / 2027Dylan Williams tossed a strong start: 1-0, 6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 11 K. |
Upcoming Events
| Showcase | State | Date | Location |
| Panhandle Rising Stars ID (2030-2031 Grads) | FL | 03/09 | Northwest FL State College - Niceville, FL |
| South FL Rising Stars ID (2030-2031 Grads) | FL | 03/17 | Athletic Angels Field - Boynton Beach, FL |
| Orlando Rising Stars ID (2030-2031 Grads) | FL | 03/21 | TNXL Academy - Ocoee, FL |
| Florida Rising Stars Games (2030-2031 Grads) | FL | 04/04 | Jack Russell Stadium - Clearwater, FL |
| Tallahassee Summer ID | FL | 05/26 | Tallahassee State College - Tallahassee, FL |
| Tallahassee Rising Stars ID (2030-2031 Grads) | FL | 05/26 | Tallahassee State College - Tallahassee, FL |
| East Florida Top Prospect Games (Invite-Only) | FL | 06/02 | Cacti Park - West Palm Beach, FL |
| Tampa Summer ID | FL | 06/03 | Saint Leo University - Saint Leo, FL |
| Tampa Rising Stars ID (2030-2031 Grads) | FL | 06/03 | Saint Leo University - Saint Leo, FL |
| Bradenton Summer ID | FL | 06/10 | IMG Academy - Bradenton, FL |
| Bradenton Rising Stars ID (2030-2031 Grads) | FL | 06/10 | IMG Academy - Bradenton, FL |
| Fort Myers Summer ID | FL | 06/16 | Bishop Verot - Fort Myers, FL |
| Fort Myers Rising Stars ID (2030-2031Grads) | FL | 06/16 | Bishop Verot - Fort Myers, FL |
| West Florida Top Prospect Games (Invite-Only) | FL | 06/23 | IMG Academy - Bradenton, FL |
| Augusta Summer ID | FL | 06/23 | TBA |
| Augusta Rising Stars ID (2030 & 2031 Grads) | FL | 06/23 | TBA |
| Miami Summer ID | FL | 06/24 | Doral Academy - Doral, FL |
| Miami Rising Stars ID (2030-2031 Grads) | FL | 06/24 | Doral Academy - Doral, FL |
| Jacksonville Summer ID | FL | 06/30 | Jacksonville University - Jacksonville, FL |
| Jacksonville Rising Stars ID (2030-2031 Grads) | FL | 06/30 | Jacksonville University - Jacksonville, FL |
| Orlando Summer ID | FL | 07/07 | The First Academy - Orlando, FL |
| Orlando Rising Stars ID (2030-2031 Grads) | FL | 07/07 | The First Academy - Orlando, FL |
| Savannah Summer ID | FL | 07/07 | Benedictine Military School - Savannah, GA |
| Savannah Rising Stars ID (2030 & 2031 Grads) | FL | 07/07 | Benedictine Military School |
| Clearwater Summer ID | FL | 07/14 | Jack Russell Stadium - Clearwater, FL |
| Clearwater Rising Stars ID (2030-2031 Grads) | FL | 07/14 | Jack Russell Stadium - Clearwater, FL |