One hundred of the top players from across North Carolina converged on Pineville, NC and the On Deck Academy to take part in the PBR Preseason All-State event.  In its third year, the Preseason All-State event has become one of the premier events in North Carolina for high caliber high school players. 

Billed as one of the top events in the state, with an incredible roster put together the day did not disappoint.  Personal records, as well as event records were shattered throughout the day.  For the uncommitted seniors in attendance, the event provides good ammunition to fire at college coaches just before the spring season begins.  For the underclass, they were able to connect with college coaches as well as throw their hat in  the ring for future invite only events such as the Super 60, PBR Future Games, and Top Prospect Games.

CLICK HERE to see the full roster from the workout, along with the baseball analytics compiled on each player.
CLICK HERE to see the speed and agility numbers compiled on players in attendance.

As we continue our look at the Preseason All-State, we take a dive into the statistics from the event. We look at each area PBR Scouts collected analytical data to see who were the top performers in each category.

Preseason All-State - By the Numbers:

+ The event soldout in record time, over 20 days prior to the event
+ 95 of the 100 registrants showed up for the workout
+ 26 players in the Senior Class
+ 48 players in the Junior Class
+ 80 players ran a timed 30 yard dash.  Median time of 4.08 with 31 players running a 3.90 or better
+ 44 players worked out on the infield
+ 78 mph was median velocity of infielder’s positional throws.  12 players clocked 81 or higher
+ 28 players worked out in the outfield
+ 86 mph was the median positional throw from the outfield with 2 players above 90 mph.
+ 18 catchers workout behind the dish with 6 players recording a positional velocity of 76 mph or higher
+ 2.08 – 2.18 was the median Pop Time range for catchers
+ 9 catchers registered a best pop time of under 2.10 in the workout format
+ 35 pitchers worked out in the bullpen format
+ 83 mph was the median of the max fastballs from each pitcher
+ 13 arms touched 85 or better with one arm reaching 90 mph

Statistical Leaders

Max Fastball

With a median velocity of 83 mph in the 35 bullpens thrown, 13 arms worked at 85 or higher.  Inside the fastballs at 85 or higher, 11 of the 13 pitchers are 2020 or 2021 graduates.  The high velocity of the day belonged to RHP Seth Keener of East Surry, a 2020 graduate. 

Other arms at 85 mph: Daniel Brown (LHP, Broughton HS, 2020), Baxley Holshouser (RHP, Sanderson HS, 2020), Cyle Phelan (LHP, Fuquay-Varina HS, 2021)

Catcher Positional Velocity

Part of the defensive work for the catchers includes taking a positional velocity on throw downs to second base with the catchers working out of their crouch.  2020 Three Hillier led all catchers showing elite arm strength at 81 mph.  Close behind is NC State commit, 2022 Graham Smiley.

Other Catchers at 74 mph on positional throws: Lane Rhodes (C, Fuquay-Varina HS, 2019), Chet Sikes (C, Wesleyan Christian Academy, 2020)

Catcher Pop Times

Nine catchers flashed at least one pop time of 2.10 or better.  Chet Sikes led all catchers posting an accurate throw at 1.94.  Smiley and Wake Forest commit, Chris Katz each came in under 2.00 at 1.98.

Other Catchers at a 2.08 pop time:  Peyton Wilkins (C, Wayne School of Engineering, 2022)

Infielder Positional Velocity

Daniel Stephens followed up a strong workout in November at a PBR Scout Day showcasing advanced carry across the diamond again, posting the top infielder velocity of 87 mph.  Two 2021 graduates showed inside the top 10 with Will Marcy and Michael Gracer.

Outfielder Positional Velocity

Not one, but two players equaled or surpassed the event record on the positional throws from outfielders.  Zane Taylor posted a 92 and Matt Kelley touched 91.  Players were evaluated working through a ground ball, working to show arm strength, carry, and accuracy in their transtion.

Exit Velocity - Offensive

22 hitters posted an exit velocity of at least 90 mph off the barrel.  This was by far the deepest lineup of hitters flashing advanced strength with the barrel.  The median exit velocity of the 80 hitters landed at 86 mph off the barrel.  Two underclass players led the way, each at 96.

Other hitters touching 91 mph in testing: Jeb Despard (C, Marvin Ridge HS, 2021), Daniel Brown (LHP/1B, Broughton HS, 2020), Jermie Green Jr. (3B, South Iredell HS, 2019)

Top 30 Yard Dash Times

Players had the option to run a laser timed 30 yard dash on the turf surface at On Deck.  With 80 players running, the median time was 4.09 seconds.  Twenty-one players ran sub-4.00 with 2021 Archie Dean Herring tying the event record of 3.71 seconds.

Rank	Name	School	Class	Pos	30 Yd Dash
1	Archie Dean Herring	Westchester Country Day	2021	OF	3.71
2	Samuel Walker	NW Cabarrus	2019	SS	3.81
3	Matt Kelley	Corinth Holders	2020	OF	3.84
4	Grant Sutton	Hough	2021	SS	3.84
5	Wes Turley	Porter Ridge	2020	OF	3.87
6	Zack Michael	Apex	2019	OF	3.88
7	Darius Welcome	East Wake	2019	OF	3.88
8	Jermie Green Jr.	South Iredell	2019	3B	3.90
9	Matthew Walker	Saint Stephens	2020	OF	3.90
10	Jordan Thalacker	Marvin Ridge	2020	OF	3.91
10	Tommy Hawke	South Brunswick	2021	SS	3.91

Top 5-10-5 Agility Times

The 5-10-5 agility test allows players to showcase speed, lateral movement, and quickness.  Players begin in the middle of the testing area, running 5 yards to one side, back ten yards the other way, before finishing with a 5 yard spring through the start/finish line.  Players were hand timed. 68 players ran the 5-10-5 agility test with a median time of 4.62 seconds.  Only one player broke 4.30, with Matthew Walker running a 4.15.

Rank	Name	School	Class	Pos	5 - 10 - 5
1	Matthew Walker	Saint Stephens	2020	OF	4.15
2	Adam Quintero	Piedmont	2021	SS	4.32
3	Gavin Fragale	SouthLake Christian	2021	SS	4.34
4	Lane Rhodes	Fuquay-Varina	2019	C	4.39
5	Zane Taylor	Pro5 Academy	2020	OF	4.43
6	Colton Stotler	West Wilkes	2020	3B	4.44
7	Aly Dawood	Cuthbertson	2019	SS	4.45
8	Jordan Santos	Providence	2022	RHP	4.45
9	Grant Sutton	Hough	2021	SS	4.46
10	Daniel Brown	Broughton	2020	RHP	4.47

Top Standing Long Jump

67 players tested in the standing long jump.  The median result came in at 8'5".  The power produced in this test shows up in some of the quickness drills and in recorded velocities for many of these players. 

Rank	Name	School	Class	Pos	Long Jump
1	Samuel Fleming	North Mecklenburg	2020	SS	9'10"
2	Archie Dean Herring	Westchester Country Day	2021	OF	9'09"
3	Samuel Walker	NW Cabarrus	2019	SS	9'07"
4	Jackson Kirkpatrick	McMichael	2020	RHP	9'06"
5	Daniel Brown	Broughton	2020	LHP	9'05"
6	Zane Taylor	Pro5 Academy	2020	OF	9'03"
7	Will Marcy	Cardinal Gibbons	2021	SS	9'03"
8	Corey Avant	Sun Valley	2020	OF	9'02"
9	Daniel Stephens	Pro5 Academy	2020	SS	9'02"