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Missouri State Games: Quick Hits

July 14, 2025
Eliott Wilk
Central Region Operations Director

On Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10, the Prep Baseball Missouri staff hosted our premier event of the summer, the Missouri State Games showcase. This event was host to roughly 100 of the best players in the state, selected by invite.

All of our events offer players the opportunity to update their recruiting resume and showcase their talents in front of our staff. We also use these events as identifiers for future invite-only events, like the Preseason All-State, our summer Top Prospect Games, and the prestigious Prep Baseball Future Games that takes place at the tail end of the summer. To see what our events offer, click HERE.

Today, we are taking a look at a number of the standouts from the day with scout notes and videos, below. 

POSITION PLAYERS

Coming off a dominant spring season with Liberty, INF/OF Logan Sutton (2026) delivered one of the most well-rounded performances at the Missouri State Games, flashing impact tools across the board and solidifying himself as a must-see name in Missouri’s 2026 class. The 5-foot-11, 173-pound athlete showed an aggressive, athletic right-handed swing in BP, producing loud gap-to-gap contact with a peak exit velocity of 100.2 mph and an impressive average of 94.2 mph. Defensively, Sutton displayed versatility and arm strength from multiple spots—topping at 85 mph across the infield and 84 mph from the outfield. He also turned in a 6.70 60-yard dash, one of the event’s fastest times, and consistently plays even faster in-game thanks to his high motor and competitive edge. Sutton’s blend of speed, strength, and versatility make him a high-follow name in Missouri’s incoming senior class.

After an all-around standout showing in both the workout and gameplay portions, OF Rylan Sutton (Ozark, 2027) was named this year’s Most Valuable Player at the Missouri State Games. The 6-foot, 192-pound junior turned heads during BP, posting a peak exit velocity of 100.3 mph and averaging 91.7 mph, with a max batted distance of 340 feet. His short, simple, on-plane swing—paired with impressive bat speed and hand speed—allows him to drive the ball with authority to all fields. That offensive impact carried into gameplay, where Sutton consistently found barrels and collected multiple hits against quality arms. With tools that translate across the board, Sutton continues to firmly established himself as one of the premier bats in Missouri’s 2027 class.

Rylan Sutton

After jumping onto our radar at the A’s Scout Day in Springfield earlier this winter, C Brooks Eaton (Kickapoo, 2026) has continued to impress with his physicality and all-around impact ability. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound backstop took one of the loudest BP rounds of the event, posting a peak exit velocity of 100.9 mph and averaging 91.2 mph per batted ball. Highly athletic for his size, Eaton clocked a 6.60 60-yard dash with a 3.67 30-yard split, showcasing rare speed for a catcher. Defensively, he fired pop times between 1.90–2.03 with a 79 mph arm from the crouch, displaying both quickness and arm strength behind the plate. With loud, in-game tools that have consistently shown throughout the summer, Eaton is firmly on the radar as a must-see name in Missouri’s incoming senior class.

OF Nicholas Weidler (Seckman, 2027) is a lean, athletic 6-foot-2, 180-pound prospect who continues to trend upward with each look. On Monday's workout day, Weidler showcased one of the most complete toolsets in attendance, blending premium speed and power with ease. He clocked a 6.60-second 60-yard dash—one of the event’s fastest times—and posted a max exit velocity of 100.9 mph, the third-highest of the event, while averaging 87.2 mph per batted ball. Defensively, he showed a strong, accurate arm from the outfield, topping at 79 mph, having been up to 84 mph in previous looks. With loud tools across the board and plenty of physical projection left, Weidler has firmly established himself as one of Missouri’s top underclass bats in the 2027 class.

One of the more intriguing underclass prospects in Missouri’s 2028 class, Jaxson Czerniewski (St. Dominic) delivered a strong, well-rounded performance at this year’s Missouri State Games. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 181 pounds, Czerniewski combines a long, projectable frame with smooth, athletic actions both at the plate and in the field, signaling a high ceiling. From the right-handed batter’s box, he consistently produced hard contact during batting practice, topping out at 93.5 mph exit velocity. His swing stays flat through the zone with quick bat speed, showing the ability to drive balls to both gaps and maintain barrel control. Defensively, Czerniewski showcased impressive arm strength, reaching 86 mph from the outfield with accurate carry and also registering an 85 mph arm across the infield.

At 6-foot-3, 218 pounds, 1B/RHP Keegan Brueggeman (Jackson, 2027) put together one of the more eye-opening offensive performances at the Missouri State Games. The soon-to-be junior ranked near the top of the leaderboard with a peak exit velocity of 100.8 mph and an average of 86.1 mph per batted ball. He launched his furthest ball 357 feet—one of the event’s longest, regardless of class—showcasing the advanced strength and raw power packed into his imposing frame.

Another physical presence to show well at the Missouri State Games was 1B Austin Jones (Lindbergh, 2026). The 6-foot-2, 200-pound uncommitted junior consistently found the barrel in BP, staying on plane and driving line drives to the middle/pullside gap of the field. He peaked at 100.8 mph exit velocity, launching his furthest ball 382 feet—one of the longest shots of the event. Defensively, Jones reached 84 mph across the infield, flashing solid arm strength to pair with his impactful left-handed bat.

1B Matthew Junghans (Francis Howell, 2026) flashed advanced raw power from a strong, physical 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame from this look. The right-handed slugger showed a more refined approach than in previous looks, pairing polish with his natural strength to produce some of the event’s top batted-ball metrics. He posted a peak exit velocity of 100.4 mph and averaged 92.7 mph per batted ball—both among the highest marks at the event—solidifying his status as a true middle-of-the-order threat in Missouri’s 2026 class. 

CIF Kale Richardson (Bell City, 2026) is a strength-packed 6-foot-2, 205-pound right-handed hitter who put together a loud round of BP at the Missouri State Games. He consistently found the barrel with intent to lift, averaging an impressive 94.2 mph per batted ball and peaking at 100.2 mph on his hardest swing. With a direct, elevated path and the ability to drive the ball back through the middle of the field, Richardson's power presence stood out among his peers.

A pair of Kansas City-area backstops—Xavier Ritchie (Rockhurst, 2026) and Jag Garrison (Summit Christian, 2026)—turned in strong offensive performances during Monday’s workout at the Missouri State Games. Ritchie impressed with a peak exit velocity of 98.3 mph and an exceptional 94.4 mph average, while also showing well behind the plate with a 1.90 pop time and 80 mph arm strength from the chute. Garrison showcased pull-side juice throughout his round, barreling his best ball at 98.2 mph, further highlighting the strength in his right-handed swing.

C Ty DuKate (St. Charles West, 2027), OF Dawson Eftink (Jackson, 2027), OF Carson Bass (Rock Bridge, 2028), OF Noah Willett (Ste. Genevieve, 2027), 1B Anthony Wohlstadter (Chaminade, 2026), and INF Jack Bogard (Francis Howell, 2028) were among the other standout bats from this look, each turning in strong performances both during the workout portion and in gameplay and are names to keep an eye on in the Show Me State.

Jack Bogard

OF Adam Scheperle (Jefferson City, 2026) turned in one of the most explosive athletic showings of the event, posting the day’s fastest 60-yard dash across all classes with a blazing 6.48 time. The lean, 6-foot-2, 170-pound outfielder paired that elite speed with impressive ease of effort at the plate, averaging 87.2 mph per batted ball and reaching 97.7 mph on his best swing during BP. With twitchy actions and plenty of physical upside, Scheperle is a high-ceiling athlete to know in Missouri’s 2026 class.

A pair of soon-to-be junior outfielders—OF Noah Johnson (Lafayette, 2027) and OF Jayden Flores (North Point, 2027)—flashed premium athleticism at the Missouri State Games, posting blazing 60-yard dash times of 6.51 and 6.52, respectively. Both showed easy speed that projects to impact the game on both sides of the ball.

Jayden Flores

INF Gabe Garcia (Timberland, 2027) continues to show well in front of our staff, building on a strong winter with another impressive performance earlier this summer in Columbia. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound infielder displayed advanced strength from the right side, staying on top of the baseball and using the whole field with comfort during BP. He flashed above-average pull-side juice for his age, peaking at 102.7 mph in exit velocity. Defensively, Garcia stood out with one of the top infield arms of the event, reaching 86 mph across the diamond.

PITCHERS

LHP/1B Derek Chupp (Francis Howell, 2027) emerged as one of the biggest winners from Tuesday’s gameplay portion of the event. Towering on the mound at 6-foot-6, 229 pounds, Chupp showed a notable uptick in stuff from his last appearance at the Missouri Preseason All-State earlier this year. In this latest look, the left-hander ran his fastball up to 88.9 mph, sitting comfortably at 85–88 mph with over 2,300 RPM and up to -12.6 inches of arm-side run at times. He paired it with a sharp 73–77 mph slider that helped him tally four strikeouts across two scoreless innings, and ultimately earning him Most Valuable Pitcher honors from the event. Chupp also impressed with the bat, posting a peak exit velocity of 100.1 mph for good measure. With a highly physical frame and plenty more in the tank, Chupp is a name to know in Missouri’s 2027 class.

Derek Chupp

One of the top uncommitted incoming seniors in Missouri, RHP Brady Smith (Van Buren, 2026) continued to impress with another strong outing during Tuesday’s gameplay. The 6-foot-2, 176-pound right-hander showed a live arm, running his fastball up to 90.2 mph and sitting comfortably in the 86–89 mph range with more in the tank. He paired it with a well-above-average 82–83 mph changeup that featured heavy arm-side fade, and a tight, hard 79–82 mph slider that generated swing-and-miss throughout his two scoreless innings. With advanced feel for all three pitches and a competitive presence on the mound, Smith remains a must-see arm for college programs.

Brady Smith

One of the premier arms in Missouri’s 2027 class, RHP Brody Simily (West County) showcased a fastball that topped out at 87.3 mph, sitting primarily in the mid-80s with late arm-side run coming from a loose, low ¾ slot. He complemented his heater with a well-turned changeup at 78–82 mph and a sharp curveball spinning north of 2,400 RPM in the 72–74 mph range. Simily’s advanced spin profile, combined with his physical projection, firmly positions him as a high-ceiling, impactful arm in Missouri’s Class of ’27.

RHP Samuel Smith (St. John Vianney, 2026) showed a notable jump in stuff during Tuesday’s outing. The 6-foot, 182-pound soon-to-be senior flashed a fastball that topped out at 87.3 mph and sat comfortably in the mid-80s, working from a low ¾ arm slot with late arm-side run that gave right-handed hitters fits. He complemented his heater with a sharp, tightly spun 74–76 mph slider featuring late, biting break, along with a developing 78–80 mph changeup that flashed subtle fade. Smith’s clean mechanics and advanced feel for pitching allowed him to command the zone with confidence and consistency.

Strong and physical at 6-foot-2, 209 pounds, RHP Paxson Schnieders (Mehlville, 2026) made a strong impression on the mound during Tuesday’s gameplay. The incoming senior ran his fastball up to 88.5 mph, sitting consistently in the 85–88 mph range. Working from a low ¾ arm slot, his fastball played with noticeable ride through the top of the zone, creating added deception and generating swings and misses up in the zone. Schnieders worked backwards effectively throughout his outing, consistently landing a sharp 75–77 mph slider with over 2,700 RPM for strikes, along with an 80–82 mph changeup that helped him miss barrels and keep hitters off balance.

Paxson Schnieders

Coming off an impressive winter and spring, RHP Klay Muser (Union, 2026) delivered another solid performance in this outing. The 5-foot-11, 162-pound right-hander topped out at 87.3 mph with his fastball, consistently sitting between 85 and 87 mph. Working from a low ¾ arm slot, his fastball showed occasional late arm-side run that added deception. He complemented his heater with a sharp 70–73 mph curveball, generating up to 2,230 RPM of spin, along with a 73–74 mph changeup that displayed promising feel and fade.

RHP Cade Cantrell (Knob Noster, 2028) has firmly established himself as one of the top young arms in the Show-Me State, and Tuesday’s outing further solidified that status. Lean and projectable at 6-foot-2, 172 pounds, Cantrell’s fastball jumps out of the hand, topping at 84.2 mph in this look, with other summer outings showing it as high as 87 mph. His go-to secondary offering was a sweeping 66–68 mph slider with over 2,300 RPM and an eye-opening -20.5 inches of horizontal movement, giving it true swing-and-miss potential. He also flashed feel for a fading 69–70 mph changeup to round out a well-advanced three-pitch mix. With present stuff, command, and plenty of projection left, Cantrell is a name to know moving forward in Missouri’s 2028 class.

A pair of Southeast Missouri arms—RHP Kade Huffman (Poplar Bluff, 2026) and RHP Grant Brown (Jackson, 2027)—turned in strong showings on the mound in this look. Huffman, an imposing 6-foot-5, 210-pound right-hander, showed plenty of upside with a fastball that topped out at 86.8 mph and more likely to come. Brown impressed with a polished four-pitch mix, sitting 85–86 mph with his fastball while mixing in a curveball, slider, and changeup for strikes, keeping hitters off balance throughout his outing.

Michael Sinn (Lafayette, 2027) and Logan Hansel (Union, 2026) are a pair of long-limbed left-handers who each turned in impressive, scoreless outings on the mound. Both worked comfortably in the mid-80s with their fastballs, showing feel and composure while attacking the zone. Their projectable frames and clean operation on the mound make them intriguing arms to follow in their respective classes.

Michael Sinn

TWO-WAYS

INF/RHP Carson Howard (Francis Howell North, 2026) delivered the loudest offensive showing of the Missouri State Games workout, turning heads with a staggering 99.8 mph average exit velocity and a peak of 104 mph—both top marks at the event. The 6-foot, 203-pound right-handed hitter continues to add strength and impact to his game, profiling as a true middle-of-the-order bat at the next level. His in-game performance backed it up, as he found multiple loud barrels against live arms throughout gameplay. Howard also showed off his arm strength across the diamond at 83 mph, and hopped on the mound to run his fastball up to 85.6 mph, mixing in a tight 71–73 mph slider. With physicality, versatility, and real thump in the bat, Howard is an uncommitted name to know in Missouri’s 2026 class and should see his name shoot up the rankings with the next update.

Another standout from the Springfield area, OF/RHP Nicholas Long (Kickapoo, 2027) impressed on both sides of the ball at the Missouri State Games. A compact, well-built athlete at 5-foot-11, 206 pounds, Long showcased strength and intent at the plate, driving balls gap-to-gap with a powerful, relatively flat swing that peaked at 98.7 mph off the bat. During gameplay, Long hopped on the mound and fired two perfect innings, mixing a heavy sinking fastball that topped at 84 mph with a 68–70 mph curveball he landed for strikes. With two-way upside and advanced strength, Long is an intriguing follow in Missouri’s 2027 class as he continues to polish his game.

Nicholas Long

RHP/OF Connor Basinski (Columbia, 2028) continues to solidify his status as one of the premier young talents in Illinois, showing across-the-board gains in this latest look. Now standing at 6-foot-3, 179 pounds, Basinski showed noticeable strength gains, resulting in a 9 mph jump in exit velocity—peaking at 99.5 mph and launching his furthest ball 354 feet during BP. He later hopped on the mound and worked in the mid-80s with his fastball, topping at 86.3 mph, while confidently filling the zone with a 69–71 mph curveball and a 70–73 mph slider. With two-way upside, physical projection, and tools that continue trending up, Basinski is a must-see name in Illinois’ 2028 class.

Well known to our staff, INF/RHP Luke Baer (Ozark) continues to impress with consistent performances each time out, and remains a high-priority uncommitted name in Missouri’s soon-to-be senior class. The physical 6-foot-3, 195-pound two-way talent found the barrel often during BP, using a long, leveraged right-handed swing to square up his hardest ball at 96.9 mph. He flashed arm strength across the diamond at 87 mph, and later hopped on the mound, sitting 85–87 mph with his fastball during his bullpen. Baer spun one of the event’s top sliders—a 72–74 mph offering with sharp sweep and up to -17.7” of horizontal movement—and also showed a deep pitch mix that included a tumbling 73–74 mph splitter and a 73–75 mph changeup that averaged 12.8” of horizontal action. With strength, versatility, and feel for a full arsenal, Baer continues to stand out as one of the more complete uncommitted players in the 2026 class.

Monday and Tuesday’s event offered another glimpse at the high-upside profile of INF/RHP Nolan Ash (Southern Boone, 2028), one of the top two-way prospects in Missouri’s freshman class and currently ranked No. 5. Lean and projectable at 6-foot-1, 162 pounds, Ash continues to trend upward following a strong spring season. He showed polish and barrel feel at the plate from a balanced, repeatable right-handed swing, setting new personal bests in both max exit velocity (95.7 mph) and average exit velocity (88.7 mph). Defensively, he reached 83 mph across the infield, flashing arm strength to pair with his smooth infield actions. On the mound, Ash tossed two scoreless innings, topping at 83 mph with his fastball and mixing in a 67–71 mph curveball for strikes. With present tools, projection, and two-way ability, Ash remains a high-follow name in Missouri’s 2028 class.

Nolan Ash

One of the most physical and versatile prospects in attendance, UTL/RHP Matthew Bell (Valley Park, 2027) delivered a loud all-around showing at the Missouri State Games. At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Bell brings imposing strength to the field and backs it up with advanced tools on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the left-handed hitter swings with authority, consistently lifting the ball to the pull side and barreling his best ball at 95.8 mph, sending it 315 feet. A true utility defender, Bell showed elite arm strength from nearly every spot—92 mph across the infield, 90 mph from the outfield, and 82 mph from behind the plate. He also hopped on the mound during gameplay, running his fastball up to 88.9 mph with over 2,400 RPM of spin, while mixing in a tight 68–72 mph slider, a firm 80–82 mph changeup, and a 66–70 mph splitter.

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