Emerson, GA: The 16U National Championship is a tournament we look forward to every summer, and this year was no different. In this week’s edition of the Director’s List, Assistant Scouting Director Ian Smith highlights some of the biggest standouts of the week alongside some superlatives and a shoutout for the outstanding week that the state of Pennsylvania had throughout the tournament. 

Biggest Winner: Lee Holt, C, 2027, Canes Southeast

Favorite Hitter: Leo Nockley, SS, 2027, Northeast Pride National

Favorite Pitcher: Chris Grasso, RHP, 2027, Canes Mid-Atlantic

Sleeper Winner: Brandon Bush, OF, 2027, Canes American 

Two-Way Talent: Carter Shouse, LHP/OF, 2028, Motor City Hit Dogs

Lee Holt, C, 2027, King’s Ridge Christian (GA)

From top to bottom, the performance from Holt stood out among his peers greatly. Armed with some of the loudest tools in Georgia’s 2027 class, the incoming junior backstop put it all together in-game with an 11-for-17 week that included 7 XBH (2 HR, 4 2B, 3B). Armed with present plus bat speed, Holt syncs up extremely well pre-pitch before unleashing violence through the zone with a budding accuracy in the barrel. Showed a keen eye to hunt early in counts paired with an impressive lack of chase and plus raw power that showed in triple-digit exit velocities across the field. Maybe his best swing of the week resulted in a no-doubt shot to center field that traveled 408ft. with an EV of 100.4. Defensive tools can be equally as loud with a plus arm and great flexibility in the crouch from a tall frame. Athleticism and improved receiving can keep him behind the plate long-term with some ability to profile in the corners as well. When Holt puts it all together like this, it’s nearly impossible to not be bullish on the ceiling and looks poised for a breakout showing at Future Games in just a couple weeks.

Brandon Bush, 2027, OF, Hoggard (NC)

It was loud from the start for the outfielder and only continued throughout a very strong week. Broad shouldered 6-foot-2 frame with present athleticism and some projection left in the frame. Bat path is flat that stays in-zone forever backed with present above-average bat speed and ability to match plane throughout that was displayed all week long. Everything that left the barrel was 93+ with multiple 100 EVs that included a no-doubt pull-side HR alongside extra-base knocks that hammered the walls in both left and center field. The power is obvious with the feel to hit not being far behind giving a significant floor with an even greater ceiling to project. Plus arm strength that profiles well in either corner OF spot and can profile in center on occasion with enough range and advanced instincts. Bush feels like an important name to know heading into the fall in what looks like a quality class for North Carolina in 2027. 

Carter Shouse, LHP/OF, 2028, Bishop Fenwick (OH)

The explosive profile for one of the top two-ways in the country (#13 overall nationally) brought the energy and high-level production all week while playing up for the Hit Dogs. Powder-keg athlete at 6-foot-0, 190-pounds with real strength throughout the frame, Shouse displays excellent hands with strong wrists at the plate. Coils well pre-pitch with tremendous length in-zone and shows an advanced ability to adjust mid-ABs. Worked deep counts all week long while spoiling good pitches regularly, including some of the best two-strikes swings I saw all week long. High-floor profile at the plate that could have above-average tools down the line. On the mound, Shouse brings big-time arm speed with a high-octane mix that shined in multiple looks on the week. Fastball runs up to 92 whenever he wants while sitting 88-90 with distinct cut/ride action that gets on top of hitters quickly from a lower three-quarters slot. Swing-and-miss at will when working up-and-in to both sides of the plate while generating some in-zones misses as well. Slider is sharp with some late horizontal at 75-79 while showing present ability to spin (2500+ RPM) and flashes potential as a future put-away offering. Changeup shows polish in the low-80s with advanced ability to tunnel backed by some late fade that misses barrels frequently. Confidence to throw in any count and could be an above-average pitch sooner than later. It’s a really buttoned up profile across the board with impact tools showing and Shouse will be a household name for years to come. 

The Quaker Statement

It was an explosive week all-around for Pennsylvania’s 2027 class with multiple names standing out all tournament long. Here’s an inside look at five of my favorites including my top bat and pitcher of the week.