Prep Baseball Report

BLAST Leaders: Top Prospect Games Underclass


Brandon Hall
NC / Mid-ATL Director of Scouting

Top Prospect Games: Underclass – Event Rewind

The Top Prospect Games: Underclass returned to McCrary Park in Asheboro, NC, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, showcasing many of the state’s top 2028 and 2029 graduates. This invite-only event brought together some of North Carolina’s most promising young talents for a full day of evaluation and competition in front of Prep Baseball’s scouting staff.

Players participated in a pro-style workout, featuring both offensive and defensive evaluations. Athletic testing, powered by VALD Performance, provided verified data on laser-timed 60-yard dashes, jump analytics, and other key athletic measures. During multiple rounds of batting practice, TrackMan tracked detailed ball flight data, offering insight into each hitter’s power and consistency.

Following the workout, players competed in a controlled scrimmage, giving pitchers and position players the opportunity to perform in live-game situations.

The Top Prospect Games serve as a key identifier for Prep Baseball’s regional and national events, including the NC/SC Border Battle and the Tobacco Road Games, both of which feature top talent from across the region.

As we look back at the event, we’ll break down the top performers, statistical leaders, and emerging prospects who could make a big impact as the recruiting calendar shifts toward their graduating classes.

CLICK HERE to see more on the event, including the roster and all statistical outputs.


BLAST MOTION DEEP DIVE - Top Prospect Games Underclass

BLAST’S CORE METRICS

Before we assess individual performers, it’s critical to understand the value and application of each metric and average and top numbers at each level.

BAT SPEED

Definition: The velocity of the bat barrel at contact, measured in miles per hour (mph).

Why It Matters: Higher bat speed increases exit velocity potential and improves a hitter’s ability to drive the ball with authority. It is the foundational predictor of raw power.

Benchmarks for top recruits:

  • Elite: 73-plus mph
  • Above-Average: 69-72 mph
  • Developmental: Below 65 mph (depending on age/class)

ROTATIONAL ACCELERATION

Definition: Measures how quickly (forcefully) a hitter’s bat accelerates into the swing (measured in Gs).

Why It Matters: High RA allows hitters to delay their swing decisions and still generate a high level of power—a crucial skill against velocity and pitch sequencing. It brings down time to contact and is a player’s power ceiling.

Benchmarks:

  • Elite: 17g or higher
  • Competitive: 12-16.9g
  • Work on it: Below 12g

On-Plane Efficiency% (OPE)

Definition: The percentage of the swing in which the bat barrel is on the same plane. Paired with a positive attack angle, it will keep the bat “on the ball” for a longer period of time.

Why It Matters: High OPE indicates an efficient swing and usually more opportunity for contact. It improves barrel control and raises both batting average and contact quality.

Benchmarks:

  • Elite: 80% or higher
  • Very Good: 70-79%
  • Needs Improvement: Below 60%

Peak Hand Speed

Definition: Maximum speed of the hands during the swing.

Why It Matters: High hand speed allows for better reaction time, quicker barrel path initiation, and effective swing adjustments, especially against advanced pitching.

Benchmarks:

  • Elite: 23-plus mph
  • Strong: 20-22.9 mph
  • Developing: <18 mph

For a complete list of Blast Motion metrics and averages by age/level of play, click here.


BAT SPEED LEADERBOARDS


Rotational Acceleration Leaderboards


On-Plane Efficiency% Leaderboards


Peak Hand Speed Leaderboards


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