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Preseason All-State Underclass: Quick Hits, Infielders

January 15, 2026
Prep Baseball Georgia
Staff

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - The Preseason All-State Underclass Showcase travels to IVSA where this invite-only event that features the top prospects from the 2028 and 2029 grad classes. Every year, the Preseason All-State Showcase highlights the "Who’s Who" of the Georgia baseball landscape. This event is limited and exclusive to the top prospects in Georgia and serves as a springboard as you enter the high school season. Throughout the week we will be pumping out the content from this event. 

View all stats from the event HERE 

Today, we take a closer look at the top infield performers from the event on Saturday . ⤵️

Preseason All-State Underclass Quick Hits- Infielders

Jackson Lee, SS/RHP, 2028, Landmark Christian
The switch-hitting SS provided yet another strong look on Saturday as his numbers were up across the board from August. Boasts tons of projection and athleticism in a wiry 5-foot-10, 152-pound frame. Transfers weight well through the zone with good balance and excellent barrel feel backed by present hand (Max 25.3) bat (75.7) speed. His hitting metrics jumped up from a max (82.6) exit velocity in August of '25 to now a max (94.4) exit velocity. On the mound, Lee moves well down the mound with feel for a quality 3-pitch mix. Fastball sits in the low 80's and curveball tunnels off it with 12/6 depth. Splitter consistently landed at the bottom half of the zone with tumble at 70-73. Lee will look to carry a major two-way impact once again this Spring after holding down an everyday role last season and a breakout could certainly be on the horizon.

Matthew Zander, 3B/RHP, 2028, Calhoun
It was seemingly barrel after barrel after barrel in one of the most pound rounds of the weekend for Zander. Stands a physical and broad chested 5-foot-11, 180-pounds with a well-connected RH cut. Utilizes a toe-tap look to stay balanced through the zone and stays extremely short to the ball with quiet, strong hands, and exudes innate barrel control. Finished the round with an average (92.0) and max (97.9) exit velocities, along with a (363ft.) max distance. On the mound, deploys a long operation and shows the ability to repeat well from a higher slot. Fastball shows ride through the zone at 85-86 and pairs a sharp slider with it at 75-78 (2400+ RPM). Changeup finishes off the arsenal and is thrown with arm-side fade at 75-77. Zander got in the mix last year as a freshman at Calhoun and looks to step into an even larger role with a breakout looming in ‘26.

Jacob Dockter, 1B/LHP, 2029, Mount Vernon
The 2025 Junior Future Gamer has made significant strides to his game in just a few short months. Stands a physical broad-shouldered 5-foot-10, 187-pounds with plenty more to project and well-connected LH swing. Shows good balance in the stride as he transfers weight well with present bat speed through the zone and advanced feel for the barrel. Ability to spray the ball to all-fields and finished the day with an average (92.6) and a max (97.0) exit velocity to go with a max distance of (364ft.). His hitting metrics were significantly up across the board from his numbers in July which were an average (80.6) and a max (88.6) exit velocity and max distance (306ft.) Dockter looks to make a real two-way impact this Spring for Coach Beckham as he boasts present pitchability on the mound with good feel for a deep four-pitch mix. Fastball shows hard arm-side run at 81-83 with command throughout the zone. Changeup creates late-depth off it at 70-72 and mixes in two breaking-balls in the upper 60’s to low 70’s. Freshman name to know heading into the Spring.

Cooper Rice, 1B/LHP, 2028, Jones County
Rice burst onto the scene this Fall and has been a big winner amongst staff these past few months with another standout showing on Saturday. Loads of strength in the physical 6-foot-2, 214-pound frame. Syncs up well with a leg-kick load and generates strength from the ground-up. Hands stay quiet and generates huge bat speed (Max 84.0) through the zone with accuracy in the barrel (Max EV: 95.8). Also posted a Max Distance of 363ft. On the mound, Rice creates deception from a tough angle with good feel for the 3-pitch mix. Fastball sat 83-85 with arm-side run and slider plays well off of it at 71-74 with feel to spin and sharp movement. Changeup is a quality third offering as it creates tumble with ability to consistently land at the bottom half of the zone at 72-73. Rice will look to be a fixture on both sides of the ball for Jones County this upcoming Spring.

Caleb Barkwell, MIF, 2028, Creekview
Barkwell continues to compile strong showings one after another since this Fall. Stands an athletic and wiry 5-foot-8, 156-pounds. At the plate, the RHH shows good balance with barrel length through the zone in an on-plane path and posted a max (90.2) exit velocity. Strong defensive makeup with tons of athleticism in the dirt as well with lateral quickness and soft hands. Will look to make an impact for the Grizzlies up-the-middle this Spring.

Ryan Reynolds, MIF, 2028, Cherokee Bluff
It was consistent line-drives in a strong round of BP as he perpetually lived on the barrel. Compact athleticism in a 5-foot-7, 149-pound frame with more to come with added strength. The RHH shows a quick trigger with whip in the barrel and present hand (24.8) speed, along with excellent ability to rotate (36.3 Rot. Acceleration) and stays well-balanced through impact. Posted a Max EV of 90.2.



Cole Roberts, 3B/RHP, 2028, Walnut Grove
The Walnut Grove sophomore put together a quality showing on both sides of the ball Saturday afternoon. The RHH found the barrel regularly throughout BP with consistent line-drives. Stands a lean, high-waisted with plenty more to project. Syncs up well and creates good separation as he works from a compact path with budding feel for the barrel (Max EV: 87.9). On the mound, Roberts filled up the zone with feel for a 4-pitch mix with a FB/CB/SL/CH that all play well off one another with more velo in the tank. Shorter, compact arm stroke and operates from a repeatable ¾ slot. Chance to make a two-way impact this upcoming season.

Jax Nystrom, MIF, 2028, Denmark
2028 MIF Joseph Nystrom (Denmark HS, GA), 5-foot-8, 162 pounds, put together an impressive all-around showing with advanced tools for the class. Offensively, produced loud contact with a Max EV of 102 and an average of 93, showcasing a smooth, loose left-handed swing with explosive bat speed and consistent barrel feel. Sets up in an open, shoulder-width stance with the hands extended low and away before working into a clean hand load with a leg lift. The barrel works with intent and strength, creating a violent yet fluid move through the zone and consistent impact. Defensively, showed an 85 mph arm from a higher three-quarters slot with strong, accurate throws. Solid footwork and smooth hands highlight a reliable middle-infield profile with athletic actions and present strength.

Tripp Sapp, SS, 2028, Loganville
5-foot-10, 173-pound Tripp Sapp showcased a polished, athletic look at the plate, combining strength, balance, and quickness. Sets up slightly open with narrow feet, hands resting low in front of the shoulder, and loads into a controlled rock-and-momentum stride. Hands stay quick and inside the baseball, creating a short, violent path through the zone and consistent hard contact. Produced an average exit velocity of 88.8 mph with a max of 94 mph and a max distance of 336 feet, with over 75% barrel rate. Defensively, flashes advanced infield fundamentals with smooth footwork, an 87 mph arm from a three-quarters slot, and accurate, efficient throws. A high-IQ, two-way athlete with present impact tools and clear future upside as a hitter and infielder.

Max Maher, SS/RHP, 2028, Walton
The 5-foot-8, 140 pound Max Maher from Walton had a strong performance on the day displaying his range and quick strength. A ton of projection remaining for Maher, his short and quick swing with ability to rotate with feel for the barrel highlights his round of the day maxing out at 92.5 exit velocity. Strength in the upper half is present and continuing to grow, mature. Has an athletic glove with a strong arm, firing 87 across the field. The future is bright for this sophomore and the Walton Raiders have to be excited to get going.

Joey Martincavage, 1B/OF, 2028, Blessed Trinity Catholic
The athletic 6-foot-0, 157 pound Joey Martincavage from Blessed Trinity Catholic produced some solid metrics for the day. His consistent smooth swing produced loud line drives throughout his round. Creates separation well with good length in-zone producing a loud exit velocity of 96.0. A lot of projection remaining for Martincavage makes him an exciting player to watch for in the future. Defensively possess a strong arm with a fundamentally sound glove. Martincavage looks ready to help Blessed Trinity defend the state title this spring.

Cael Loquasto, MIF, 2028, Blessed Trinity Catholic
The high-waisted 6-foot-1, 175 pound Cael Loquasto from Blessed Trinity Catholic put up some electric numbers over the weekend at All-States. Has a budding feel for the barrel with some length in-zone. Great balance and quick hands allows him to provide some power. Averaged 88.1 exit velocity, maxing out at 96 with a distance of 362ft. Defensively, he was smooth with the glove being active in his transfers delivering 88mph rockets across the field. A lot of upside for Loquasto making him another player for Blessed Trinity Catholic to look for. Should be another exciting year for the Titans.

Kellen Hoffman, 2B/3B, 2029, North Paulding
The physical 5-foot-11, 198 pound Kellen Hoffman from North Paulding is a name to watch in the ‘29 class. Displayed great power and athleticism throughout the day on Saturday. The freshman generates great strength from the ground up with feel for the barrel. His short, compact swing led Hoffman to a great round of BP averaging 87.9 exit velocity and maxing out at 95. Ran the 30-yard in 3.78 seconds and showed off his improved arm strength firing 88mph across the field. Hoffman has a chance to make an immediate impact at North Paulding. Can't wait to see what he can bring in the upcoming spring season.

Gavin Gebhardt, SS/RHP, 2028, Cambridge
The athletic 5-foot-11, 166 pound Gavin Gebhardt from Cambridge put together an all-around strong performance for the day. A strong two-way prospect to watch in the 2028 class. Ran the fastest 30-yard sprint of the day in 3.62 seconds. Offensively at the plate, he is well-connected and creates good separation with present bat speed and feel for the barrel. Averaged 87.0 exit velocity and maxed out at 96.0. Onto his pitching session, he has great feel for all 4 pitches. An athletic arm with plenty more to project, his fastball ranged from 88-91, topping out at 92 with ride. Threw a tight slider 79-83 and a fading changeup 82-85. Great command of his 12/6 curve 70-73. Has very high upside and should have a very strong season for the Bears.

Kingston Jones, SS, 2028, Pope
5-foot-10 166-pounds. Jones has been a steady performer over the years that has warranted the “gamer” quality due to his ability to make the tough plays, play hard, and always find ways on base. He is as versatile as they come with the ability to stick at SS long term. He has made some big strides, physically, with the increased metrics to show for. His max exit velo is up nearly 8mph with his average exit velo seeing a substantial jump since his last event with us. He had a heavy line drive round through the middle of the field on Saturday and will be a massive piece for the greyhounds this spring. 


Chase Michelson, SS/RHP, 2029, Lovett
5-foot-10 180-pounds. The athleticism has been the obvious standout attribute for Michelson since we first saw him last March in 14u. He put together a mature round of BP on Saturday with a max exit velo of 93.8. There are easy actions in the infield with present arm strength and the ability to be a short stop long term. Michelson will be fun to watch over the next few years with a chance to be one of the top names in the ‘29 class. 



Brodie Lewis, MIF, 2028, Hebron Christian
5-foot-11 132-pounds. Lewis put together an impressive freshman year, playing the premium short stop position for Hebron Christian. The defense is his biggest standout tool right now, which he takes a lot of pride in being a glove first player right now. The feel for the barrel is already there from the left side but with some added strength the game is going to completely transform and will have the ability to be one of the top shortstop prospects in the state. There has already been a big jump since we saw him over the summer. The exit velo is up nearly 6mph with the average up over 7mph. The 30-yard dash time has improved, showing more power/explosiveness out of the gate. Lewis will lead the charge for Hebron once again with another big year on the way. 



Fitz Stone, SS/RHP, 2028, Calvary Christian
5-foot-8 154-pounds. We got a chance to see Stone last year after hearing about the strong season the freshman was having. He impressed in this setting as well. He had a strong round of BP with a max exit velocity of 90.2 and average of 85.2. There is strength in the lower half with the ability to drive the ball through the middle of the field. There is present strength and was 84 across the infield. He is a low 80’s arm on the mound with good actions. Stone will be a key contributor for Calvary Christian with a chance to have another big year. 

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