Tales of the Quad: 16U National Championships

July 5, 2026
Ian Smith and Avery Fouts
Prep Baseball Georgia

The 15U National Championship opened the natty season with a bang as the talent showed extremely well throughout the week. High-level arms seemed to stand out every day of the week alongside huge power showings from teams across the country.

Tales of the Quad is an inside look at the tournament from Ian Smith and Avery Fouts featuring different categories that highlight some of the best talent from throughout the week as well as a hot list of different standouts.

This summer is our most extensive coverage with scouts across the complex at all times, so make sure to check out the weekly scout blog that will feature 50+ names at any given time.

16U National Championship Scout Blog: 16u National Championship: Scout Blog

Cream of the Crop

Tommy Driver, RHP, 2028, Ballston Spa (NY)
Upstate Academy 16U
The #1 in New York’s 2028 class put the Quad on notice Saturday afternoon with an eye-popping showing. It starts with the uber-projectable, high-waisted 6-foot-5 frame that has barely started to develop physically while already showing body control for the long levers. Leading me to the stuff that Driver possesses is one of the highest level FB/SL combos i've seen this summer regardless of class. Fastball was exploding out of the hand at 90-95 while running it up to 96 on a few occasions, but aside from the pure velocity, the metrics made it stand out that much more. Operating from a consistent sub-5.0ft release height paired with an average of 20”+ of horizontal run and deceptive crossfire delivery that was creating havoc throughout the zone. Slider pairs extremely well at 78-82 with tight, late snap that has an aptitude to miss barrels while holding the same plane as the fastball at a high-level. Attacked the zone with confidence with the feel to expand whenever he needed swing-and-miss. It’s an advanced two-pitch combo already but that doesn’t scratch the surface on what it can become with the pitchability to develop a third offering that can push Driver among the best RHP in the class.

Alec Cabrera, 3B, 2028, The King’s Academy (FL)
XE9 Baseball
The top 10 player in Florida’s 2028 class was on a mission to make a statement throughout the week and that's exactly what the third-baseman did in what could be a preview for what could be a full breakout at the end of the month at this year’s Future Games. Standing with a physical 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame, Cabrera flashed significant power potential at the plate backed by advanced zone awareness that points to a future hit/power combo. The third-baseman has a longer load at the plate that he syncs up well in-zone from a consistent hand trigger that gets him into hitting position. Keeps his weight back extremely well with ability to keep the barrel on-plane while creating length through the zone. Cabrera would generate some of the loudest contact on the week that included clearing the batter’s eye and a 418ft. pull-side shot in the midst of the 4 HR, 16 RBI week. You felt like every time that Cabrera stepped into the box, there was a real chance for damage and have a great feeling that reputation is going to draw a massive crowd every time he steps back on these fields in a couple weeks.

Owen Murphy, RHP, 2028, The Haverford School (PA)
Ascent Athlete 2028 Scout
Bullying showing would simply be an understatement for the type of performance Murphy put together to close out pool play. Durable 6-foot-5, 210-pounds with body control and creates easy drive downhill. Advanced arm strength from a compact stroke while repeating extremely well from a higher slot. Punched out 6 across 2.0 IP to send Ascent into bracket play with a 5-0 record. Fastball jumped out of the hand with life through the zone at 90-92 (T93 MPH) and generated plenty of in-zone misses with double-digit whiffs. Slider was used sparingly at 74-76 and showed depth and horizontal break with shades of a future advanced offering down the line. The Keystone state continues to churn out high-level arms at a rapid rate and Murphy fits that mold to a tee, as the Future Games participant will seemingly be a hot commodity come August 1st.

Kayden Wallace, RHP, 2028, Malvern Prep (PA)
Ascent Athlete 2028 Scout
It was a highly impressive look on the mound as advanced pitchability shined with innate feel for the full mix. QB1 in the fall and athleticism litters the 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame with present strength in the lower half and effortless mover downhill. Quality scrap retraction and arm speed stands out while working from a higher point towards velo gains down the line. Quiet moxie and confidence to go to any pitch in any count with repeatability in the delivery. Fastball creates carry through the zone for plenty of in-zone-misses at 87-89 (T90 MPH). Sparingly used a knuckleball that falls off the table at 77-78. Sharp slider shown at 75-78 with 2700+ RPM and generated some ugly swing-and-miss out of the same tunnel. Killed spin on the changeup at 79-80 and 800-900 RPM while mixing looks to LHH. Wallace put a stamp on the 16u national championship with one of the more eye-opening performances of the entire week and quickly cemented himself as a name to know in the class.

Connor Bresler, OF, 2028, Delbarton (NJ)
Diamond Jacks Super 16s 2028
Bresler put together the type of performance that will stick with me for years to come as he seemingly came through with a knock in each look. Lean, athletic 6-foot-1, 190-pounds and abundance of tools throughout the profile. Impressive at-bats one after the other with an advanced feel to use the entire field with ease. Tremendous zone awareness and pitch recognition alike with excellent adjustability allow for success amongst multiple different mixes. Quiet actions in the box with body control and zero wasted effort throughout the cut. Direct path to contact with significant bat speed while showing great hands in-zone and innate accuracy in the barrel. Stays in his back hip well while maintaining balance in a positive move forward and eliminates the stride with 2K. Effortless mover through impact and head movement stays to a minimum. Foot speed and arm strength should allow Bresler to profile across the grass as a present above-average defender long-term as well. As the saying goes “hitters hit” and Bresler looks like he is going to do just that for a very long time at an elite level.

Ryan Bahr, 3B/RHP, 2028, St. Paul Vi Catholic (VA)
Stars Baseball Marucci 2028
High-level, dual sport athleticism and immense projection in the 6-foot-5, 200-pound frame, Bahr fit the description of “what it looks like” then proceeded to put on a staggering performance in a loud week. The third-baseman would hit HR in each of the first 4 games he was in the lineup including multiple triple-digit EV, 400+ foot shots. The ball seems to come off the bat different every time he barrels up. Bahr shows an understanding to control the long-levers already, doing an excellent job to get fully extended in-zone while creating easy leverage in the barrel. The quick-trigger gets the front foot down quickly while keeping timing consistent and allowing the incoming junior to adjust well in-zone. There’s some similarities in the swing and batted-ball profile that remind me a ton of an All-American from last year in Graham Keen that could bode extremely well going forward for Bahr. Buy stock now.

Jakob Groeschel, OF, 2028, Kenton Ridge (OH)
Hit Dogs Ohio 2028
The #1 in Ohio’s 2028 class made a big jump into the top 10 nationally with the recent 2028 rankings update, and the outfielder had the toolshed profile on display in many ways throughout the week. A true plus-plus runner, Groeschel shows ability to track balls in all directions in CF with near-limitless range and explosive first step that can allow for a very high-level ceiling long-term. Speed carries over to the plate as well where Groeschel put pressure on the defense every time he was on base paired with a ridiculous 3.78 H-1st on a dribbler to the pitcher for an infield 1B. The power profile for the outfielder showed well throughout the week to highlight the premium power/speed combo as the twitchy setup at the plate keeps Groeschel on-time consistently backed by present above-average bat speed and the ability to keep the barrel on-plane forever from the right side. Capped off the week with a ringing no-doubter to LCF at 100 off the bat. With big performances in back-to-back weeks at MPL and 16U National Championship, Groeschel is well on his way to show why the rankings jump was right on time.

August 1st Names to Know

Cole Tucholski, LHP, 2028, Quakertown Community (PA)
Canes American 16U
Like clockwork, every summer the Northeast arms flock to Lakepoint for breakout performances across the quad, and the 2026 16U National championship was no different with the left-handed Tucholski being firmly among the talented group. Excellent mover with ability to repeat well and a stout lower half in the physical 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame. Shows athleticism and flexibility to maintain long-term with the pitchability in the three-pitch mix that really stands out. Fastball comes out of the hand well, working 88-91 with arm-side life and ability to land wherever he wanted in-zone. Ability to maintain velocity throughout stood out with more to come as the physical maturity continues to grow. Curveball pairs well with short, gradual break and the ability to create big velo separation at 67-70 that can freeze hitters from both sides of the plate. Changeup rounds out the mix at 75-78 with ability to tunnel off the fastball extremely well paired with some late fade. Tucholski showed tremendous ability to land the entire on the outer to both sides of the plate at will and that command will always shine alongside keeping any lineup off-balance. There’s a ton to like in the entire profile and could still have plenty to unlock going forward. There is a very good chance that Tucholski will be a popular name as we get further along this summer.

Spencer Schiff, C/3B, 2028, Mater Dei (IN)
Athletics Scout Team
The soon-to-be Future Gamer made one of the earliest impacts of the week as Schiff would live on the barrel and be a constant presence at the top of the order for the Athletics Scout Team. Well-proportioned at 6-foot-0, 185-pounds, Schiff shows strength throughout the frame with present athleticism that can hold long-term. The feel for the barrel for the soon-to-be Future Gamer was evident from the start as Schiff utilizes a wider base and quick trigger with a well-leveraged path that allows for the barrel to match planes throughout the zone at a high level. Showed ability to expand when needed and will frequently spoil good pitches for non-stop quality at-bats. The willingness to work backside with intent was advanced with raw power that flashed to the pull-side, and overall showed the feel to use the whole field at a high-level. Defensive profile will hold big-time value at the next level with actions to stick at either the hot corner or behind the plate long-term with tools to play in the corner OF as well. There’s a path to a very high-floor across the board and will be a name to circle for P4 schools come early August.

Mason Cevette, RHP/3B, 2028, Cedar Crest (PA)
FTB DB Phillies 2028
The path for Cevette into the upper echelon of Pennsylvania's 2028 class has been a steady one of the last 18 months and comes through with another loud look in a big-time setting. Physical presence both on the mound and at the plate at 6-foot-4, 219-pounds while holding significant strength throughout the frame. The RHP works downhill with intent from a higher three-quarters slot that allows for the full mix to get on top of hitters quickly. Fastball showed real carry through the zone at 88-91 while running it up to 92 when he needed and generating in-zone misses throughout the outing. Curveball has the makings of being a future hammer and above-average offering at 76-79 with ability to create depth while holding 12/6 shape at will. Slider was shown as well at 80-83 with some sweep and ability to hold the fastball tunnel well. Shows ability to sequence the mix at a high-level already while the velocity isn't anywhere near its ceiling. Cevette would help himself in a big way at the plate as well where the power profile was on display often throughout the week. Keeps a level-plane through the zone backed by huge bat speed and present barrel feel that allowed Cevette to generate triple-digits at will including a 102.4 frozen rope over the LCF wall. There’s a path to a very significant ceiling for the two-way talent and could be a quick household name as we move closer and closer to August 1st.

James Fenton, RHP, 2028, Metuchen (NJ)
Diamond Jack Super 16s
Fenton would close out the week by putting together one of my favorite looks of the tournament. Pristine frame for the #1 in New Jersey’s 2028 class with immense projection remaining at 6-foot-4, 195-pounds with a high waist and plenty of room to grow. Deploys a low three-quarters slot from a clean, compact arm action that boasts immense arm speed and ability to repeat. Showed a high-level FB/SL combo in this outing with both offerings showing above-average or better upside at their ceilings. Fastball generates easy ride and run out of the hand at 88-92 with ability to generate whiffs whenever he needs it and much more velocity to project as he develops. Slider looks like a weapon already with the ability to hold the fastball plane forever paired with sharp, late bite that was creating in-zone whiffs at will at 78-80. Feel to spin shows already and the advanced feel takes it to another level. Changeup has shown in the past and continued development can help take this profile among the best RHP in the country within time.

Tyler Wilhite, SS, 2028, Shady Spring (WV)
Athletics Scout Team
Wilhite performed at a high-level all week long in the midst of a deep bracket play run. All-fields barrels across the tournament including a 2-run home-run to the pull-side during my look late in pool play. Athleticism litter the 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame with strength and tools to project. Gets into his lower half as he stays coiled in his back hip as he transfers weight well through the zone within a balanced load. Hands stay quiet in an extremely compact in-zone zone with present bat speed in a tight turn and leverage in the barrel. Uphill intent and ability to create carry to the pull-side. Innate barrel feel is evident with tremendous coverage to all parts of the zone and balanced approach. Did damage amongst multiple various pitch mixes and feel to hit is present with power quickly developing. Athletic actions in the dirt with budding arm strength and chance to stick on the left-side of the infield long-term. In-game intangibles stand out with a gritty motor and high-floor tools to project as the sky's the limit for #1 ranked player in West Virginia's 2028 class.

Conor Alvezi, OF, 2028, Bishop Feehan (MA)
GBG Northeast
The #10th ranked 2028 in Massachusetts stood out in my look early in the tournament. The epitome of a high-level table-setter and took quality at-bats throughout as he came through with a ringing pull-side double into the left-field corner at 103 EV. Abundance of high-floor tools litter the profile with present strength and athleticism throughout the frame. Athletic, broad-shouldered 5-foot-11, 176-pounds with plenty more strength to project down the line. The right-handed hitter utilizes a slightly open-stance and extended handset out over the plate while syncing up extremely well through the zone. On-time through the longer load in a fluid move-forward and creates quality separation at the plate with zero wasted effort throughout impact. Twitchy hands with significant bat speed and advanced barrel feel that yields loud results in a linear path. Bat-to-ball skills are present with tremendous zone awareness and coverage alike. Impressive defender in centerfield and first step stands out with plus foot-speed (6.4 runner). Range and instincts could allow Alvezi to stick in centerfield long-term with excellent tracking in all directions. The blend of strength, twitch, and athleticism paired with a potential impact glove at a premium position could draw plenty of p4 interest come August 1st.

Owen Ehrenkranz, RHP, 2028, Princeton Day (NJ)
Diamond Jacks Super 16s 2028
It was clear to see that Ehrenkranz was dialed from the jump as he delivered in a high-pressure situation against a talented lineup. Picked up the win in a dominant effort to send his squad to bracket play undefeated. Tossed 5.0 IP with 0 hits, 0 R, 1 BB, & 4 K with soft contact throughout. Physical 6-foot-4, 200-pounds with body control and deception. Works from a rhythmic, rocker delivery with ability to repeat well from a low slot and feel for the entire mix. Fastball showed heaviness throughout the zone at 86-88 (T89 MPH) and generated plenty of roll overs. Slider has a chance to be a future advanced offering at 72-75 with command throughout and sharp break while manipulating for more or less horizontal movement. Quality changeup rounds out the arsenal and proved to be a weapon against LHH with depth and fade at 79-81. Ehrenkranz boasts high-level pitchability and looks the part of a must know right-hander in the class.

Jackson Lee, OF/3B, 2028, Landmark Christian
Canes Southeast/Team GA
Yet another showing where Lee just flat out rakes as he did just that across the entirety of the week. High-level hit tool showed throughout with all-field barrels and quality at-bats in each look. Present athleticism with lean strength in 5-foot-11, 153-pounds and plenty of upside remaining. Always on-time in a rhythmic load as he syncs up extremely well with present hand speed through the zone and advanced accuracy in the barrel. Quick-twitch in the box with tremendous ability to adjust in-zone and impressive hands while changing planes for excellent coverage to all parts of the zone. Mature approach and takes always stand out with ability to spoil tough pitches at will while hunting early, or working deep counts. Defensively has a chance to profile in CF long-term as athleticism & arm strength will carry. Lee carries the type of gamer mentality that you bet on and will be a must follow when Future Games rolls along later this summer.

Connor McDonald, RHP, 2028, Palo Verde (NV)
Canes American 16U
It was nothing short of a huge outing from McDonald as he faced the minimum to open pool play. Tossed 4.0 perfect innings-pitched as he struck out 6 in a run-rule win. High-waisted and projectable at 6-foot-2, 160-pounds with advanced pitchability and fills it up at will. Athletic mover and creates quality extension down the slope. Operates from a deceptive shorter arm action from a higher slot and some ability to repeat. Stays on top of his fastball well and misses barrels at 83-85 (T86 MPH). Sequences the changeup extremely well off the heater and generated double-digit whiffs throughout. Weapon to LHH at 71-74 with fade/depth out of the same tunnel. The 5th ranked player in Nevada’s ‘28 class will visit LakePoint late in July for Future Games and is a good name for coaches to circle.

Parker Alix, C, 2028, Dublin Jerome (OH)
Hit Dogs Ohio 2028
As the high-level defense showed all week long, Parker Alix shined as bright as anyone in the tournament with immense tools behind the plate that were on constant display. With present athleticism in the physical 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame, Alix is explosive out of the crouch backed by present plus arm strength that welcomed any challenge on the base paths. The 2026 Future Games participant would lead the tournament with 5 caught stealing and multiple back picks. Poise really shined and overall there wasn’t a time where Alix looked out of control behind the plate in any situation. Not to mention the incoming junior backstop was huge at the plate as well. Quick-trigger gets Alix in position and balanced regularly with present barrel accuracy in the steep path through the zone. Shows some carry in the gap-to-gap approach while hitting over .380 on the week. The chance for a high-floor all-around profile feels imminent with even more to tap into and that is always going to hold big value in recruiting season. Potential breakout name at the end of the month.

Carson Steingall, RHP, 2028, Nazareth Area (PA)
Diamond Jacks Super 16s
The track record of Pennsylvania pitching coming into Lakepoint and putting on a show seems to grow in spades with every event in the summer and Steingall joined the club this past week. Athletic mover in a lean 6-foot-3, 175-pound frame, showing whippy arm action from a higher three-quarters slot. Closed his week with an outstanding 5.0 shutout IP in bracket highlighted by double-digit whiffs and soft contact alike. Fastball is electric out of the hand with easy arm-side life and feel to land throughout the zone at 90-94. Showed the ability to confidently blow the doors off either side of the plate whenever he needed. Slider pairs well with a short, cutterish look at 78-82 that can freeze hitters at times from the late bite. Changeup flashes put-away upside at 82-84 with ability to kill spin with late tumble that fall off the table for swing-and miss and shows present feel to land for strikes. There’s projection in the stuff and profile alike with present ability to impact the game at a high level already. Steingall is well on his way towards becoming a household name in the near future.

Sleeper Standouts

Chase Martin, RHP, 2028, Padua Franciscan (OH)
Hit Dogs Ohio 2028
Pitchability backed by a bulldog, aggressive demeanor jumped out for Martin as he opened pool play with an outstanding showing. The RHP would put together 4.0 no-hit IP while mixing soft contact and swing-and-miss at will from a strong four pitch mix. Fastball works 86-89 while creating some deception from quality extension and some sink to miss barrels in-zone. Flashed two distinct breaking balls that would hold shape with the curveball at 66-69 showing 12/6 break and depth and shorter slider at 73-75 that offered late bite for whiffs. Changeup was shown sparingly at 78-80 and the overall ability to live in the lower half with the entire mix was obvious. There’s plenty more to unlock for Martin as the strength will grow in the lean 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame.

Alex Hood, C, 2028, Owensboro Catholic (KY)
Athletics Scout Team
High-level defense behind the plate will always stand out for me at the high school level and Hood would make sure of that throughout the strong week. Athletic in the crouch at 5-foot-11, 187-pounds, Hood shows advanced blocking and receiving with ability to control the base paths at all times. Ability to stick long-term feels abundantly obvious with a chance for an above-average defensive ceiling. At the plate, Hood furthers the profile with strong bat-to-ball skills that play in the gap-to-gap approach with some barrel feel that could point to even more down the line. Maintains balanced in the load with consistent ability to transfer weight and stay on time backed by a flatter path through the zone. Hood would quietly lead the team in hits as the Athletics Scout Team would make a deep bracket run. There’s plenty of boxes that Hood checks already and could make himself an immediate name to know as the summer pushes on.

Luca Catanzarite, SS, 2028, Immaculata (PA)
Diamond Jacks Super 16s
With bouncy actions and the ability to make the difficult look routine, Catanzarite would make himself impossible to miss on the week. Compact 5-foot-8, 160-pound frame holds strength throughout with range and impressive range in all directions that stems from an electric first step. The shortstop attacks balls with the utmost confidence and feels like a foregone conclusion to hold long-term value up the middle. At the plate, Catanzarite set the tons at the top of the order all week long while leading the Jacks in multiple categories and finishing top-five in the tournament with 12 hits. Simple, balanced setup with a short hanging trigger keeps the shortstop on-time with a linear path that allows for an easy gap-to-gap approach. The floor is fairly substantial for the incoming junior and can bring a ton of intangibles to strengthen any roster.

Austin Anderson, LHP, 2028, Northside Christian (FL)
Orioles Scout Team 2028
Outstanding showing from the southpaw as he kept a strong opposing lineup at bay. Struck out 7 across 4.2 no-hit innings pitched with innate feel for the 3-pitch mix. Physical 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame with a stout lower half and creates easy drive downhill. Present arm strength stands out from a lower three-quarters slot with body control and ability to repeat well. Moxie on the mound stands out with advanced pitchability and attacks in the zone with intent. Fastball lived 85-87 (T88 MPH) with ride and run through the zone for whiffs at will. Curveball creates 1-7 depth out of the same tunnel for freezes at 71-73. Mixed in a changeup with tumble that was consistently spotted at the bottom half of the zone at 73-76. Anderson flat out knows how to pitch and is the type of high-level competitor that one buys stock in as a breakout campaign could be well under way.

Anson Nguyen, 3B, 2028, Capstone Academy
ATL Lightning 16U Gold
Staff has seen Nguyen a handful of times over the years as he looked the part throughout and put together a statement week. Continues to make strides in his game with present athleticism in the broad-shouldered 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame and tools to project. Hard-hit contact across the week as he consistently set the tone out of the lead-off spot for ATL Lightning. Rhythmic setup and consistently gets the front foot down in time within a balanced load. Stays well-connected and compact through the zone with loose, strong hands in an on-plane path. Zero wasted effort throughout the cut with present ground-force strength and excellent hand speed shows often in a pull-side oriented approach. Versatile defender with athleticism to stick anywhere on the diamond long-term. Showed extremely well during my look defensively at the hot corner. Bouncy, athletic actions with a strong first step and instincts alike. Range stands out with lateral quickness while boasting fluid footwork and soft hands. Would make a ridiculous diving play for a clutch out late in the game as well. Nguyen offers a high-floor with the type of gamer profile that will have coaches chomping at the bit across multiple levels.