Prep Baseball Classic: Scout Blog

EMERSON, GA: The Prep Baseball Classic Everything from uncommitted 2027's to up and coming underclass talent. Our scouting staff breaks down some players that stood out to them with notes and video over over 40 players. 

Prep Baseball Classic: Scout Blog 

Maddox Stephan, LHP, 2029, South Forsyth
The 2029 LHP really impressed on Friday of the Prep Baseball Classic. Stephan tossed a two-hitter across 5 innings of work while striking out 10 batters. He showcased a three pitch mix that kept hitters off balance. The FB sat 79-82 T83 with ASR. Stephan attacked the outer half to RHH living on the corner. The CB sat 68-70 with sweeping action. He displayed the ability to backdoor to RHH for strikes and generate a lot of chase. The CH sat 75-77 and kept hitters off the FB which kept a healthy balance. Stephan also worked with pace throughout his start keeping hitters uncomfortable in the box. He will be an arm to watch over the next few years as his development continues. 

Koa Peters, 1B, 2027, Lambert
Uncommitted. Peters put together a loud Saturday morning. He got off two line drive barrels during the game, each at 98.5 and 99.1 EV respectively, collecting two hits, a single and a triple. Starting with his hands at the center of his chest, Peters creates rhythm with his swing, bringing his hands back during his load. He pairs the hand shift with a quick leg kick to get into some power. His swing, and results like those on Saturday should make Peters a bat to watch this summer.

Finn Kelava, 1B, 2028, Etowah
The lengthy levers of Kelava’s 6-foot-4, 220 pound frame were all working in sync as he roped a pair of 2B’s and was a constant impact on the game. In his first AB, he had a chance to get some early runs and he delivered with a PS barrel at 89 EV to bring in 2. Next AB, he took no time to one-up himself as he smoked a liner over the CF head for another 2B at 91.4 EV. In both times on base he would come around to score. Kelava has a lanky look to him, but the big body looked comfortable and both upper and lower parts stayed connected from the load and through extension. With plenty of room to mature into the already present build, Kelava could see a big jump soon. 

Jayden Moss, 1B, 2028, Gatewood
The strength is clear from first glance for Moss as he stands with a very strong bottom half at 6-foot-1, 245 pounds. He gets his bottom up strength into the cut as he explodes upward through the zone. In his first AB of the late afternoon games, he took no time to display that strength with a booming HR over the LCF fence. He ran into some bad luck his next AB with a 96.1 rocket GB right at the 3B for the 5-3 putout. The load allows for good arm separation and he gets extension through contact, reaching an EV of 98 and LA of 39° for the 369 foot shot. With clear pop and some ability to control the barrel, Moss looks to be a fun slugger to keep an eye out for. 

Brodie Robbins, RHP, 2028, Tift Co.
From the first pitch there was clear confidence and poise coming from the hill as Robbins went right after batters early and often. Robbins only needed a two pitch mix to set down batters with ease as he showed ability to pitch both offerings in any count and sequenced with high efficiency. The FB had slight tail to it at 81-85 and spun in the 2100 range. This was paired with a SL that had minimal difference in release point, allowing for a decent tunnel and to induce uncomfortable swings (70-73). Across his 5 IP, he picked up 6 Ks and only allowed 1 H, 0 BBs, and an unearned run. Robbins also rocks a great swing with multiple doubles in bracket play. Robbins has a slow and controlled leg kick with high speed while working deep into counts and grabbing barrels across the diamond. With room to grow physically, there is M2C from Robbins this summer and upcoming Junior year.

Taylor Stone, RHP, 2027, Evans
Uncommitted. Despite running into some bad luck with mother nature, Stone turned in 2 quality innings of impressive starting pitching. His 3 pitch mix looked to be honed in as he was able to throw any pitch in any count. The FB has some run to it and a great range of 84-88, getting in on RHH hands and weak contact from both sides. The SL had a little sharpness to it and spotted well at 71-74. The CH played off both the FB and SL well as it dropped well in the 77-79 range. In his 2IP, he only walked 1 and gave up a bloop hit, but with these guys on he hunkered down and had the same intensity and purpose with each pitch. The movement to each pitch was enough to compete and win often. 

Tra Johnson, OF/LHP, 2027, White Knoll (SC)
Uncommitted. Regardless of the two rain delays and 4+ hour contest, Johnson left his mark both ways Sunday night. At the dish, he showed the comfort within his lanky 6-foot-3, 197 pound build. The hands were active and able to meet pitches at and spot, staying on the upper half as he lined a low LD/hard GB into CF for a 1B. Later he fought a longer AB and met one out front to drop it into the OF for his 2nd 1B of the game. He was given the pull in relief and shoved with a 3 pitch mix. The FB moved well with ASR at 83-85. This was paired with two breakers, a SL at 76-78 with some tunnel and a CB at 68-70 with more IZB. Johnson has all parts work together both with the bat and the ball, projecting to be a grindy athlete in the two positions. 

Cale Shellnutt, RHP,  2027, Providence Christian
Uncommitted. Shellnutt had an outstanding outing today for USA Prime Deep South’s 2nd pool play game today where he went 5 ⅔ IP, 1H, 0 ER, 11 K. Shellnutt had a really good feel for every one of his pitches and could consistently locate his pitches on all parts of the plate. Of Shellnutt’s 11 Ks today he had 5 of them Ks looking which was due to him locating each one of his pitches well. Shellnut had a three pitch mix working today which was a FB, CB, and a CH. His FB was a very firm FB that maintained a lot of spin all the way to the plate which would constantly have hitters swinging under it. The FB today sat around 83-86 with topping out at 87 x2, it also had high RPMs that sat around 2250+. To pair with his firm FB he had an absolute hammer of a CB that had plenty of vertical movement. His CB, which had RPMs that averaged 2550+, showed a good difference in velocity from the FB, with the velocity of the CB sitting 69-73. The final pitch of his three pitch mix was a nasty CH that showed really good arm side break. Shellnutt throughout his whole outing was consistently keeping hitters off balance in the box and having to guess which pitch was coming. Shellnutt is a strong arm from the right side that only looks to get even better with this summer season and his senior high school season.

Taven Harden, 3B/SS, 2027, Coffee
Uncommitted. Harden had a great game today for JCB’s second pool play game of the Prep Baseball Classic. Harden is a true five-tool player and showed all five tools in today’s game. In Harden’s first AB he rockets a FB back up the middle at 94.3 EV for a RBI 1B. When he got on first he would steal 2nd easily, showing off his speed. In Harden’s next AB he would ambush and early advantage count FB and drive it 99.3 EV up the middle into CF for his second 1B of the day. Harden has a very mature approach in the box, and he always has a plan on what to do when he gets in the box. He has a strong lower half and quick rotation through the zone which generates good power in the box. Defensively, Harden showed good arm strength and range today at SS. He consistently made the fundamental plays and made the harder plays look easy. He is a very smooth infielder with quick transfers turning double plays and throwing to first. Today, Harden saved multiple runs with his good plays at SS with a ball hit up the middle which he got to and turned a 6-3 DP to get JCB out of the inning. Harden is a true five-tool player that looks to finish out this summer season and make a big impact for Coffee in his senior season. 

Nolan Porch, LHP/OF, 2029, North Cobb Christian
Porch left his mark on both sides of the ball for the East Cobb Mariners today in bracket play. On the mound he had a great outing, where he would throw 5 shutout innings, giving up 0 hits, 0 ER, and 9Ks. Porch was utilizing a two-pitch mix today that was very effective. His FB was a firm FB from the left side where he would sit 82-84 and topped 85 MPH. To pair with his dominant FB he threw a wipeout SL that sat around 74-76 MPH. Throughout all 5 innings he would have great feel and control for both pitches. He could front and backdoor the SL really well and would paint the corners with his FB. Offensively, Porch would also have a good game as well. In Porch’s first AB he would rope a stand-up 2B down the RF line. Porch has quick hands and a quick rotation through the zone which helps him generate easy power to all parts of the field. Porch is a two-way player that will only get better with time. He looks to finish out this summer season hot and make a big impact on both sides of the ball for North Cobb Christian.  

Asher Evans, SS, 2028, Trinity Christian
Evans showed off his tools on both offense and defense this weekend at the PBClassic. At 6’2, 175 pounds, Evans is a premium athlete with all the tools to stick at SS. He showed off his range on a highlight play up the middle and his athleticism to throw from all arm angles, nabbing the runner at first. At the plate, Evans has a relaxed and repeatable swing and above-average bat speed, allowing him to tap into his power and drive balls to all fields. He showed barrel control and adjustability, pulling his hands in and turning on an inside fastball for a loud double down the line. Evans is an exciting follow this summer, and as he enters his junior season at Trinity Christian.

Caden Higginbotham, 3B, 2028, Randall K. Cooper High School
Higginbotham takes a simple swing and approach to the plate, looking to do damage on fastballs early in counts. Starting slightly narrow, Higginbotham times his load well to generate separation, which he unloads in a direct path to the ball. He showed an ability to keep his hands inside the baseball, with the power to carry the ball to the RCF wall for an easy triple. At 5’11, 165 pounds, Higginbotham has plenty of room to add power offensively. In his 2nd AB, Higginbotham drove another early fastball for another loud single to CF at 90 MPH off the bat. Defensively, Higginbotham showed quick footwork at the hot corner with plenty of arm strength and accuracy. 

Wesley Wilson, LHP, 2028, Dixie Heights High School
Wes Wilson went to work this weekend, tossing 5 innings of scoreless ball. Wilson got ahead of hitters with his upper-70s fastball that generated swings and misses. At 5’10, 150 pounds, Wilson still has plenty of room to add muscle to further tick up his velocity. Late in counts, Wilson turned to his 12-6 breaking curveball that sat in the upper-60s, which generated weak roll-overs and pop-ups. Wilson showed feel to land his curveball in the zone to steal strike one, and land it just below the zone, getting hitters to chase. Wilson would occasionally drop down to a lower sidearm slot to keep hitters off balance, where his fastball would generate additional sink. This was a clean outing for Wilson, who looks to continue his strong start to the summer on the mound. 

Nicholas Starlings, 2B, 2027, South Aiken (SC)
Starlings showed off his potential 5 tool game all weekend at the plate and in CF. A physical 5-foot-9, 180 pounds Starlings was a problem at the plate for Complete Game. Had a balanced setup with a short stride and a compact swing with lightning fast hands that exploded through the zone. Monday morning he showed off in his first AB hitting it 97 MPH over the LF wall for a no doubt homerun adding a hard hit single later on as well. Starlings showed good instincts in CF as well tracking down some tough fly balls. Starlings is someone to watch for as he finishes out the summer and he’s into his senior year. 

Cooper Fitch, RHP, 2027, North Cobb Christian
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound right hander impressed early before his start was cut short due to weather. During his outing, Fitch featured an effective four pitch mix including a FB that sat 88-90 T92 with ASR. He really got in on the hands of RHH and ran LHH out of bat with the run of the fastball. Fitch showcased two different breaking balls, the first being a 12/6 CB that sat 76-78 with 2600 RPM and a sharp SL which sat 79-81 with 2400 RPM. Fitch used the 12/6 majority to RHH and the SL to both get underneath the barrel and generate chase. Fitch also featured a CH that sat 80-82. He showed great stuff early in the game with the ability to get outs via strikeout and pitching to contact. Look for a breakout summer from this rising senior. 

Crawford Childers, RHP/SS, 2030, Farragut(TN)
Childers tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits. His fastball lived in the mid-70s, and he mixed in an upper-60s curveball with quality movement, showing an advanced understanding of sequencing to keep hitters off balance. What stood out most was his composure on the mound, quickly resetting after allowing a hit and consistently attacking the zone. Childers also made his presence felt offensively, hitting .333 with two walks and delivering a walk-off single, demonstrating his ability to perform in pressure situations on both sides of the ball. 

Michael Mendoza, C, 2027, Northview (CA)
Uncommitted. Mendoza showcased an impactful offensive presence throughout the tournament with explosive swings and an advanced feel for the barrel. He transfers his weight efficiently with controlled legkick load, and generates impressive bat speed through the zone while maintaining balance. The swing is compact yet powerful, allowing him to drive the baseball with authority to multiple parts of the field. Mendoza's ability to repeat his swing and consistently find the barrel stood out. 

Gavyn Nelson, SS/3B, 2027, Camden County
Uncommitted. Nelson put together a productive tournament at the plate, going 4-for-9 with three doubles and consistently producing extra-base contact. Nelson shows good rhythm in his load with quality separation between his upper and lower halves, allowing him to stay balanced through the swing and generate solid bat speed. He repeats his mechanics well, keeps the barrel in the zone for an extended period of time, and shows the ability to drive pitches to the gaps. Nelson also displayed athleticism on the field, moving well defensively and showing body control throughout the tournament. 

Jackson Glaser, C, 2029, Athens Academy
Glaser had a great day at the plate on Friday going 3 for 3 including a 2B and hitting 1.000 on the day. In his first AB, he worked the count hunting the heater driving it UTM for the knock. Glaser caught the FB out front working his hands TTZ reaching an EV of 88.8. In the next AB, he got into a hitter’s count sending a frozen rope to the wall in CF for the stand-up 2B. Glaser hit this 2B at 88.3 EV as he showed the ability to consistently piece balls with an UTM/OPPO approach. For his final AB of the day, he showed an advanced feel ATP with an ability to recognize his opponent’s plan against him resulting in a hard 1B from an aggressive swing on an 0-0 breaking ball. Glaser has an impressive swing with whippy actions ITZ including a twitchy lower half unloading like a spring. He also showed athleticism behind the plate with strong, accurate throws to 2nd. While Glaser still has a lot of time to grow into his 5-foot-11, 165-pound frame, he already shows an above average feel for using his body giving him an edge on the competition. It will be exciting to see what the young catcher does the rest of the summer. 

Zaiden Bailey, RHP, 2029, Winder-Barrow
Bailey dominated on the mound throwing a CG in 5 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, and 9 K. He focused on getting ahead of hitters so he could get to his sharp CB sitting 69-73 but he was not afraid to use his FB to get the whiff either. While many hitters find a weak spot to identify pitches in a delivery, Bailey made it really difficult as he understood how to tunnel his pitches. He also adds even more deception with his initial arm swing coming out of a cross-fire slot. Every batter received a different sequence of pitches which is a very impressive part of Bailey’s game. He had strong CMD on his CB throughout the game and worked his 75-80 FB AS giving hitters different looks. Both of these above average offerings got a lot of S/M because Bailey knew how to +/- movement anywhere ITZ. He is showing a lot of upside and has a bright future ahead of him. 

Brady Purcell, RHP, 2028, D.W. Daniel (SC)
Purcell was spectacular in a relief outing going 3 innings, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K. He came into a tight game and was in charge from pitch one. He worked a two-pitch mix consisting of a FB and CB. Purcell’s FB sat 80-84 reaching 85 and his CB sat 66-67. He threw his FB most of the time with CMD throughout and lots of late life within. Purcell used his CB to catch hitters off guard keeping them honest while he painted the corners with his FB. Purcell’s FB also lived up in the zone as a S/M pitch because of the high IVB on it and he worked the 12-6 CB off of it. He has a simple delivery getting downhill extremely efficiently with extension out front. Purcell is due for a breakout summer. 

Jack Graviss, 2029, OF/RHP, Dunwoody
Graviss had a stellar game where he had 2 XBH including one that was a poolside 2R Homerun that he crushed for his 1st XBH of the game as it came from a very rhythmic swing that stayed on plane allowing him to crush this one. His second came as a poolside 2B as he one hopped the wall as it came from a very aggressive swing that showed a ton of pop off his bat as he smoked this one , Graviss worked multiple counts well throughout the game and played good defense out in left field. Watch out for more to come from the rising sophomore as he plans to stay hot throughout the summer and into High school ball.

Luke Fessler, 1B/RHP, 2029, Chattanooga Christian (TN)
Great weekend for Luke, as he was able to capture 2 homeruns. An athletic build at 6-foot-1 weighing 175 pounds, very powerful lower body and you can tell that through his swing and the homeruns he hit this weekend. Another thing that stands out in his swing is the fast hands he brings through the zone, being able to get his bat to the ball to drive it every time he is up to bat. Also another thing you notice is his great deal of patience when he comes up to the plate. Never in a rush when he is up to bat, knows what he is looking for when he is up to bat. Knows how to battle deep in the count and make contact to get himself on base. Defensively, great frame for a 1B, ability to be a wall at the bag, flexibility to stretch and make catches at first. Luke is having a hot start to the summer and will continue to keep having a great summer as continue. 

Daniel LeBel, C/RHP, 2029, North Gwinnett 
Lebel had a great weekend through and through, behind the plate and on the plate. Lebel went 2 for 3 and worked well at the plate at this game. First thing you notice about Lebel is his big leg kick that helps him generate power to drive the baseball gap-to-gap when he is up to perform at the plate. Along with that leg kick he is able to keep his swing level when he is up to bat allowing him to level out the ball and keep the ball lined up to give himself an opportunity to get on base at all times. Smooth and fast swing through the zone and was able to showcase this all weekend. Behind the plate showed great pop time to throw batters out when they steal bags. Ability to be a wall behind the plate and block balls and stop them getting past him. Was great behind the plate and on the plate all weekend and showed great promise to become one of the top guys in his class at his position. 

Jackson Oceguera, 1B/RHP, 2029, Faith Lutheran (NV)
Jackson had a great weekend at the plate, which helped his team capture a championship. The first thing that stands out about The 2029 is his physical presence at the plate. Big frame at 6-foot-2 and weighs 215, and that power at that size is present when he swings the bat. Simple but effective is what you think when he swings. A simple leg kick to help generate power from the lower half and drive the ball PS for base hits. Power is also shown through his EV which got up to 95 this weekend. He can also recognize pitches out of the pitcher's hands and adjust his swing very well. WIth the size and the ability to recognize pitches early his feel for his bat will continue to grow and get better as we progress through the summer and he will be on the uprise as we continue. 

Bostyn Dart, SS, 2029, Canyon Del Oro HS (AZ)
Bostyn Dart made a statement at Prep Baseball Classic, whether that was in the field or specially at the plate, Dart was a pure gamer this past weekend. Hitting leadoff and within just three games of bracket play he was 7-8 not including more barrels he found before those games. Dart took a consistent grounded approach while keeping fluid bat to ball skills with great patience finding his pitch and drawing pitch count during his at bats. His best at bat he took an aggressive approach and roped a line drive double down the LF line with a 90+ exit velocity. At shortstop he looked comfortable and was a consistent playmaker with smooth feet with nice hands. Dart’s 6 foot 1 and 160 pound frame will allow him to be projectable with a high ceiling as a prospect. 

Cayden Dimitri, RHP, 2028, Harris County
Cayden Dimitri was a live arm shoving in the 16u PB Classic championship. The right-hander worked six innings on 90+ pitches while allowing just two hits, showing the compete deep into the game. Dimitri’s fastball worked 83-88 mph with great ride, and Dimitri lived in the zone and attacked both sides of the plate. He paired it with a 75-81 mph breaking ball that showed late action and he aggressively mixed early in counts to keep hitters off balance. The athletic mover worked with a slow, controlled delivery and showed great feel with his spin throughout the outing. At 6 foot 2 150 pounds he had great projectability and showed great command, pitchability, and ability to handle a big-game setting. A great prospect to keep your eye on as he continues to grow. 

Cooper Rice, LHP/1B, 2028, Jones County
Rice was a strong look on the mound, in on of his games he grinded through six innings and 90+ pitches while continuing to miss bats throughout the day. The left-hander worked 78-86 mph with the fastball, pairing it with a 69-73 mph breaking ball and a 69-72 mph changeup to keep hitters off balance. Rice showed a high leg kick with good sink into his back hip, working with a controlled descent down the mound and repeatable actions. He showed feel for the zone and was able to generate plenty of swinging strikes. He stood out with the ability to hold his stuff deep into the outing and continue competing. He also contributed offensively at Classic by collecting multiple hits and showing a simple, controlled swing with the ability to put the barrel on the baseball. At 6 foot 3 and 214 pounds with a high impact on the game on both sides of the ball, at Rice is a 2028 left-hander to follow. 

Carter Chavez, 1B/RHP, 2028, West Forsyth
Possessing an ultra projectable frame at 6’5”, 175lbs, Chavez is an extremely athletic mover on the mound with good feel for all three offerings. The FB plays well up in the zone sitting 84-86 w/ ~2350 rpm. Chavez primarily utilized a CB and tunneled it well off the FB at 62-64 to generate S/M. The CH was occasionally mixed in to LHH to keep them off balance and sat 65-67. Some deception generated from the delivery with a high ¾, almost OTT, slot out of the 6’5” frame. Created tough ABs for hitters all day. Scattered some hits in the outing, but minimized damage well, only allowing 1 ER through 3.0 IP and accumulating 4 Ks. Really exciting high floor, high ceiling right hander to follow as he enters his JR year. 

Cohen Higgins, RHP/2B, 2028, Briarwood Christian (AL)
Higgins put together a strong performance for the entirety of the Prep Baseball Classic. Higgins went 5/7 (.714) and added 6 BBs, good for a .846 OBP. Higgins started game 1 on the mound and posted a strong line of 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, and 4 K in the 11-1 victory, where he also went 2/2 w/ a BB, 3R and 2 RBI. A protypical table setter at the top of the lineup, Higgins possesses natural B2B ability and has an advanced knowledge of the K zone. Really athletic out the frame, Higgins still has room to fill out and add more strength to the profile, to go along with the already evident bat speed. 

Dane Brown, OF/RHP, 2028, Clinch County
Brown put together a solid performance on the mound, going 4.0 innings w/ 6 Ks and only allowing 3 hits. Brown worked a FB, CH and SL with good feel for all 3. FB had cut action and sat in the low 80s topping at 87 early. CH showed late tumble and generated plenty of S/M. Sat 72-75. The SL was 67-71 and showed tons of sweeping action to induce whiff. Brown delivers with a high leg kick and from a L3/4 slot, and utilizes the long levers of his 6’2” 190lb frame very well. Brown contributed offensively all weekend as well, collecting 7 RBI and scoring 5 runs at the top of the lineup. High upside 2W athlete entering JR year.

Alden Martin, 3B/RHP, 2028, Whitefield Academy
Martin had an impressive lone outing over the weekend. Generated weak contact all game, Martin took a no hitter into the 6th inning. Worked a 2-pitch mix of FB and SL. FB sat 79-82 later in the game but topped at 85 early. Showed good ASR and ability to locate. The SL sat 73-76 and generated plenty of S/M backfoot to LHH and on the outer third to RHH. Moves well within the filled out frame. Posted an impressive line of 5.1 IP, 1 H, and 3 K. Quality RHP with room for more. Exciting follow into JR year. 

Wilson Burns, RHP/3B, 2029, Lafayette (MS)
Burns had an impressive weekend on the bump and at the plate. His results from the plate were 3-7 with 4 RBI’s and worked himself 3 walks on top of that. What really stood out was his pitching performance in the 15u championship game. Coming out of the bullpen, Burns worked a quick first two innings before running into a little bit of trouble in his third. He had great feel for the strike zone and worked extremely quick on the mound which was a problem for the hitters. He showcased his FB and CB which were both extremely effective. His FB was 80-84; T85 and his CB was 64-66. His final stat line is 3.1 IP, 2 H, 5 K, 3 BB, 4 ER. The final stat line is not indicative of his actual performance as he gave up lots of soft contact in his final inning and some things just did not go his way. 

Anderson Banks, SS, 2029, Chattanooga Christian (TN)
Banks had himself a great weekend at the plate. He finished the tournament 7-12 and only 2 K’s. As the leadoff hitter for his squad, he did exactly what they were looking for as he constantly found his way on base and was constantly making hard contact. In the 15u Championship game, he was once again making his impact felt as he scored 2 runs in 2 ABs. As he continues to get older and plays more and more, we could see Banks turn into a legitimate prospect over at SS. 

Gunner Atkinson, OF/C, 2029, Lafayette (MS)
Atkinson was on absolute fire all weekend out of the leadoff spot. Went 6-12 with 8 RBI’s including a double, triple, and a homer. Also worked himself 4 BB’s and 2 HBP’s. He has a very strong/heavy load which is what helps him generate his power. Standing in at 5-foot-9, 145-pounds, we could see Atkinson turn himself into a name we will be talking about in a year or two if he continues on this trajectory and gets bigger and stronger as he gets older. He is going to be in store for a very exciting Sophomore season back home in Mississippi. 

Cason Gantt, 1B/RHP, 2027,Sequoyah
Uncommitted. Gantt delivered an impressive two-way showing throughout the weekend, making an impact both in the middle of the order and on the mound. The physical 5-foot-11, 203-pound left-handed hitter finished 5-for-13 at the plate while driving in six runs, consistently finding ways to produce in run-scoring situations. On the mound, Gantt first worked an inning out of relief and surrendered just one hit before taking the ball for a start on Monday. He turned in five strong innings, allowing only one run while punching out nine. The fastball sat comfortably at 82-85 mph and reached 86, generating plenty of empty swings throughout the outing. His ability to miss bats and compete in the zone allowed him to control the game and work through the opposing lineup effectively. With present physical strength, run-producing ability from the left side and legitimate value on the mound, Gantt established himself as an intriguing uncommitted two-way prospect to follow in Georgia’s 2027 class. 

Jack Scruggs, OF, 2027, Gulf Shores (AL)
Uncommitted. Scruggs put together a productive weekend on both sides of the ball, finishing 3-for-6 with two RBIs while also adding 1.1 scoreless innings on the mound. His biggest impact came during a key win, where he delivered two clutch RBI singles in separate at-bats. Both hits came with two strikes after Scruggs worked deep counts and stayed committed to a controlled approach. Rather than trying to force damage, he let the ball travel and drove each offering to the backside, showing strong bat-to-ball ability and an understanding of how to execute with runners in scoring position. Those two competitive at-bats proved to be a major factor in the final result. Scruggs also took the ball once during the weekend and did his job in relief, going 1.1, allowing nothing. At 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, Scruggs showed toughness in the box and the willingness to compete, making him an intriguing uncommitted player to follow in the 2027 class. 

Cade McElwee, 1B/LHP, 2028,Pepperell
McElwee continued his impressive start to the summer with another strong two-way showing. The physical 6-foot-2, 193-pound left-handed hitter finished the weekend 5-for-12 with two RBIs, repeatedly finding the barrel and giving his lineup quality at-bats. There is obvious strength in the swing, and his powerful left-handed stroke gives him the ability to drive the baseball when he gets a pitch to handle. McElwee also made his presence felt in his lone appearance on the mound, tossing four complete innings while allowing just one hit. He consistently kept hitters off balance and generated weak contact throughout the outing. After producing at past tournaments as well, McElwee has carried that success forward and continues to build momentum as an intriguing player in the 2028 class. 

Jack Scott, 1B, 2029, Oxford (MS)
The 2029 1B had a great showing at the plate during the Prep Baseball Classic. On Friday, Scott got his first hit of the tournament by lacing an RBI double that one hopped the wall in left center. Sunday, Scott continued to hit as he drove a triple into the right center gap. He showed a flat barrel through the zone with a strong lower half working from the ground up. Scott also displayed the ability to spray the ball all over the yard with authority. Look for this rising sophomore to keep developing over the next few years. 

Carson Mcquillen, SS/RHP, 2028, Walton
Mcquillen put together an impressive showing at the Prep Baseball Classic, both at the plate and on the mound. The 2028 took the mound on Saturday night, where he struck out 4 and allowed 0 hits over 2 innings pitched. Mcquillen works out of a balanced, fluid delivery with a live arm. His fastball (87-90) had plenty of life, forcing consistent swing-and-miss throughout his outing. The righty attacked hitters with fastballs and rarely went to offspeed, but occasionally flashed a slider (74-75) late in counts to put hitters away. On top of his performance on the bump, Mcquillen also left the yard for a 3-run no-doubt homerun. Featuring a twitchy, compact swing, the SS/RHP continuously impresses in every facet of the game. Expect the rising Junior to continue turning heads throughout his high school career. 

Andrew Rice, OF/1B, 2027, Denmark
Uncommitted. Rice has continued to impress at the plate throughout the summer. The righty works from a wide base with a strong lower half, consistently finding loud contact to all parts of the field. Standing at 6-foot-1 208-pounds, Rice flashes raw power with a great feel for the barrel. On Sunday night, the 2027 put this on display, as he unloaded on a fastball, driving it off the wall in LCF for an RBI double (100.1 EV). With a quick toe-tap load, Rice uses a twitchy lower half with explosive hands to supply his power. Look for the uncommitted OF/1B to continue impressing at the plate throughout the summer. 

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