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Director's List: Southeast Super Sophomore Games 2025

August 6, 2025
Hudson Graham and Ian Smith
Prep Baseball Georgia

Emerson, GA: This past weekend marked the first edition of the Southeast Super Sophomore Games, which brought some of the top talent in the class of 2028 from five states including Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.

With over 220 players in attendance, the talent was abundant across the board. From the #1 player in the country to multiple 90+ arms to even identifying potential future gamers for next summer, it was an impressive couple of days at Lakepoint Sports.

In this week’s Director’s List, State Director Hudson Graham and Scouting Director Ian Smith take a look at some of their superlatives for the week as well as some additional standouts from what looks like an impressive new event to end the summer calendar with going forward.

If you want to check out all the stats from the event click HERE

Ian Smith (@IanSmittyGA)

Biggest Winner: Dexter McCleon Jr., OF/RHP, Buford

It was our first time seeing McCleon since the spring, and the number one ranked 2028 in the country did not disappoint to close out the summer at Southeast Super Sophomore Games. With one of the most pro-ready frames in the class at 6-foot-2, 194-pounds, the talented two-way opened his weekend showing plus to future plus-plus speed with an event-best 6.42 60 while hitting a top speed of 21.6 MPH. The athleticism carried over into outfield drills where McCleon hit a new PR, grabbing 93 on a line and would be 2nd-best for the entire event. The quality day only continued in BP where the immense bat speed (Max 83.0) showed throughout in an on-plane path with advanced barrel lag in-zone. Finished with multiple 100+ exit velocities including a 101.8 bolt to the pull-side for a long HR onto the soccer field. In-game the barrel remained potent for McCleon as he notched multiple hits across the two games including scorching a backside 3B at 11.5 seconds from home to third as well as mishitting a ball to the pull-side that would one hop the wall for a ground-rule 2B. On the mound, the RHP continues to a sky-high ceiling in a brief look. Fastball lived 90-92, grabbing 93 multiple times with command throughout the zone. Low-80s changeup has made tremendous strides and looks like a future put-away offering with late tumble for S/M. Cutter and curveball both flashed as well to round out a quality four-pitch mix. I’ve used the term “alien” with McCleon before, and it’s easy to see why with performances like this.

Favorite Hitter: Brooks DeRosa, OF, North Gwinnett

I’ve been fairly bullish on the hit tool for DeRosa for the start but the ceiling has really made a jump this summer and is beginning to look like a future impact bat. Standing 6-foot-0, 154-pounds, the outfielder is up 10 pounds of good weight since we last saw him in this setting back in January at Preseason All-State. At the plate, DeRosa does a great job staying balanced and coiled in his back hip with length and feel to manipulate the barrel in-zone. Demonstrates advanced pitch recognition and a willingness to use the whole field. The profile may always be hit over power but the potential for a carrying hit tool is very real. Improvements made with athletic testing as well for DeRosa cutting nearly two-tenths off of his 30 yard split while being a 7.0 runner as well as grabbing an impressive 88 from the outfield. The entire profile only continues to grow every time we see him and could be one of my biggest breakout candidates this upcoming spring as he could be in-line for a major role with the departure of 17 seniors from North Gwinnett. A name to watch.

Favorite Pitcher: Gavin Gebhardt, RHP/SS, Cambridge

There’s a real chance for a premium arm for Cambridge two-way talent, and Gebhardt flashed that upside in a quick look this past weekend. The RHP shows whippy arm speed in a compact action while operating from a three-quarters slot that creates deception from a lower release point (4.8). Fastball lived 87-89 with immense ride that averages 20+ IVB (Max 27”) and gets on top of barrels in a hurry. Velo has made a huge uptick overall in 2025, adding 8 MPH since January and even more to project as he matures physically. Shows feel for two distinct breaking balls as well with a curveball at 68-70 that shows 12/6 shape and mid-70 slider that plays well off the fastball with late sweep. Offers innate feel to spin on both (2500+ RPM) and could both be effective as the feel only continues to grow. Gebhardt is just scratching the surface on what he can be on the mound and that's without mentioning the long-term tools he has at SS as well. It's the type of profile you tend to dream on.

Sleeper Winner: Matthew Zander, 3B/RHP, Calhoun

After a good performance at Top Prospect Games back in June, there were some expectations for the two-way and Zander proceeded to show out and improve across the board. An athletic 5-foot-11, 171-pound frame has become more physical in a short period of time and it showed in a big way. Quiet actions pre-pitch, Zander shows an excellent ability to stay on-plane in a direct path through the zone with an uphill finish at contact. Added an impressive 12 MPH to his average exit velocity from the early summer, going from 78 to 90.3 (Max 96.8) and showing ability to drive balls deep with carry in a gap-to-gap approach. Bat and hand speed both made big jumps alongside showing improved arm strength across the infield (78 to 82), the improved physicality was showing up throughout the day. The in-game instincts stand out for Zander as well with a keen eye for the zone and great positioning at the hot corner, and offers the type of high-floor profile that makes any ballclub better. Will be a name to know in the class.

Two-Way Impact: Lawson Moore, 1B/LHP, Gatewood

The barrel for Moore has been the definition of heavy since the first time seeing him and that was on full display at Southeast Super Sophomore Games. Barrel-chested 6-foot-0, 215-pound frame allows Moore to unleash huge bat speed (Max 81.2) in a well synced-up LH cut that's backed by massive strength in the lower half. Loose hands and accuracy in the barrel with easy carry to the pull-side that showed up in one of the loudest BP rounds of the weekend. Finished top-five in both average (93.5) and max (101.7) exit velocity while sending multiple balls over the LF wall including the longest batted ball of the event at 398ft. Barrel played in-game as well with a rocket 2B that nearly put a hole in the RCF wall. Moore would be impressive on the mound as well, showing a quality three pitch mix and advanced command of the outer half. Fastball lived in the mid-80s with some cut/ride action and ability to dot any spot he wanted for some called strike threes. Mixes in a tighter curveball at 74-76 and slider with some bite at 77-78 that both play off the fastball tunnel well. Nothing out of his hand is easy to barrel up. From a state championship to multiple good showings this summer, it's been a standout 2025 for Moore.

Gut-Feel Baller: David Vargas, SS, Cartersville

It’s hard not to love the profile for Vargas on paper, and the shortstop keeps producing in quality settings. Athletic 5-foot-11, 184-pounds with good projection remaining in the frame. Worked gap-to-gap in a mature round of BP while showing some pull-side carry when he turned on it and present impact in the barrel (Max EV 95.5). The in-game swings for Vargas may have been even more impressive, working deep counts while spoiling countless good pitches across the two games. Shows an aptitude to work backside with intent and came through with a loud 2b into the LCF gap off a quality arm. In the dirt, Vargas displays actions to stick on the left-side of the infield with bouncy lateral actions and soft hands. Ability to bend and attack balls with confidence stands out and pairs that with present arm strength (85 IF Velo) to make any throw needed. Played everyday at SS on a state runner up squad in the spring then proceeded to hold his own all summer long while playing way up in 17U, it’s a mature/high-floor profile that has a chance for a significant ceiling. Name to know.

Smitty’s Standouts

1. Dom Rossy, C, 2028, Walton

2. Cole Roberts, 3B/RHP, 2028, Walnut Grove

3. Peyton Osheaski, RHP/1B, 2028, Gainesville

4. Lio Garcia, SS, 2028, Buford

5. Anthony Agah, OF, 2028, Marist

6. Ty Page, C/1B, 2028, Blessed Trinity

7. Jaycob Veloz, SS, 2028, St. Anne Pacelli

8. Jayden Bibby, 1B/RHP, Kell

9. Santiago Fuenmayor, C, 2028, Duluth

10. Jayden Moss, 1B, 2028, Gatewood

Hudson Graham (@Hudson_PBR)

Biggest Winner: Zach Koons, SS, Greater Atlanta Christian
Koons made a lasting impression over the winter and carried that into the spring where he led GAC as a freshmen with not a single committed error all season. He showed up this summer with added strength and looked the part in every setting we saw him in. The Southeast Super Sophomore Games were no different. We preach progression to these 2028 grads and Koons is definitely doing that. The way he plays the game instantly stands out with a glove first mind set at the premium position, the hitting will continue to take care of itself.

Favorite Hitter: Joseph Nystrom, 2B, Denmark
Nystrom has battled a back injury since the spring, but he didn’t let that stop him from improving his game off the diamond. He has added 10+ pounds improving all metrics across the board. He has one of the smoothest swings from the left side for the class and put together a strong summer with a potential breakout spring on the way.

Favorite Pitcher: Evan Wylie, LHP, Sequoyah
Wylie is one of many talented lefties in this 2028 class. The 6-foot-4 frame standouts out immediately and has a 90mph arm written all over him down the road. The delivery is still a bit raw, but the arm really works from a deceptive ¾ slot. The fastball really sneaks up on hitters and he isn't afraid to attack the inner half of the zone. There are outlier spin metrics from that slot resulting in heavy swing and miss, especially at the top half of the zone. Look for Wylie to really contribute for the Chiefs in 2026 with much more on the way.

Sleeper Winner: Jax Foust, MIF/RHP, North Paulding
This was one of our 1st looks at Foust and he impressed in all aspects across the weekend. The metrics aren’t going to jump off the page right now, but the gamer qualities really stood out. The at bats were quiet, but confident resulting in multiple hits over the weekend. The most impressive was the backside double off the RD wall. Then to cap it off he hops on the mound, filling up the zone in the low 80’s with easy timing and rhythm. He is an athletic mover with much more on the way, and playing for a program like North Paudling where players like Foust thrive.

Two-Way Impact: Tripp Sapp,SS/RHP, Loganville
We got a chance to see Sapp throughout the spring playing a lot of different roles for Loganville in their efforts for another state title. He did everything from play a lockdown 3B to eating innings on the mound. He burst onto the scene this summer, showing well each tournament we saw him. He gained valuable time at SS that will have him competing for that spot at Loganville in a few months time. The actions are clean and effortless, plus with the added strength it's going to allow him to make the tough plays with a stronger arm. At the plate there is an easy feel for the barrel with gap to gap power that is only going to get better.

Gut-Feel Baller: Hudson Stanley, SS, Creekview
Stanley was a big piece in Creekview’s best finish in school history in 2025. He will be one of the top bats in the line up headed into 2026. His game speed is some of the best I have seen in this class, and the feel for the barrel plus sneaky juice could land him as a top athlete in the state. The actions will play at any spot in the dirt with the ability to make the tough player on the run since he is able to throw it from any angle. We have talked about the feel for the barrel a lot with Stanley, but he could easily hit 5+ home runs in his sophomore year, not to mention playing at a park where the balls do not carry.

Huddy’s Standouts

1. Caul Loquasto, SS, 2028, Blessed Trinity

2. Cal Pearson, SS/RHP, 2028, Pope

3. Brady Haff, LHP/1B, 2028, Johnson Ferry

4. Lleyton Bradley, LHP, 2028, Walton

5. Bankston Terrell, OF, 2028, Prince Avenue

6. Jackson Lee, SS, 2028, Landmark Christian

7. Andrew Akopov, OF, 2028, Mt. Paran

8. Caleb Barkwell, SS, 2028, Creekview


9. Grant Chaffin, OF, 2028, Central


10. Max Bowman, UTL, 2028, North Cobb Christian