Preseason All-State East: Quick Hitters - Position Players
February 9, 2026
Preseason All-State East Kicks Off at Next Level Training
Saturday, February 7, 2026, marked the start of the Preseason Events in NC. The Preseason All-State East at Next Level Training brought together some of the top prospects in the region. This invite-only event—curated through player evaluations and scout recommendations—gave participants an early opportunity to showcase their skills in front of college and professional scouts.
Pitchers threw a controlled bullpen while TrackMan captured ball flight data, giving scouts and players advanced analytics on velocity, spin, and movement. Position players cycled through a full offensive and defensive workout. The offensive session included TrackMan and BLAST Motion technology, measuring swing mechanics and ball flight, while defensive drills allowed scouts to evaluate arm velocity, pop times, and on-field movement, exchange, and release.
Athletic testing was also on the agenda, with laser-timed 30-yard sprints, jump metrics, and grip strength evaluations providing insight into each player’s physical tools.
In the coming weeks, we’ll break down individual performances and spotlight the top names to watch in the 2026–2029 classes. For these young athletes, the Preseason All-State East is just the beginning of a season full of opportunity and exposure.
CLICK HERE to see the full roster and stats from the event.
QUICK HITTERS - PAS EAST POSITION PLAYERS
The Quick Hitters section provides immediate observations from the Prep Baseball scouting staff following the event. Further information and a more in-depth analysis of the entire showcase will be subsequently released.
Standout Performers
While way too early in the evaluation process from the event to put a full grade on players and begin to order them, these players stood out and drew the eye of our scouts in attendance. We will continue to dive into all the information in the coming days and weeks as we work to give each player a full assessment from their workout.
Jason Moschella, OF/1B, Wakefield High School, 2027
Produced high-end impact at the top of the range, reaching a peak exit velocity of 97.0 mph, and exhibited high-level bat speed, averaging 73.0 mph through the zone. Ran one of the top 30 times ever recorded at this event. Max Exit Velocity: 97.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.7 mph
Giovanni Tafalla, 3B/C, Willow Spring, 2027
Produced high-end impact at the top of the range, reaching a peak exit velocity of 99.0 mph, and demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 89.8 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 99.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 89.8 mph
Tyce Thompson, C/1B, South Central, 2027
Showcased elite raw power with a triple-digit max exit velocity of 105.0 mph, a figure that immediately places him among the top power hitters in the class. Furthermore, he demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an impressive average exit velocity of 91.9 mph throughout his rounds. This combination of top-end power and sustained hard contact highlights a refined and repeatable swing geared for hitting the baseball with authority. Max Exit Velocity: 105.0 mph. Average Exit Velocity: 91.9 mph
Luke Tyndall, OF/RHP, Junius H Rose, 2027
Athletic and easy actions. Showcased elite raw power with a triple-digit max exit velocity of 102.0 mph, and demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 94.3 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 102.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 94.3 mph
Hayden Willoughby, C/OF, DH Conley, 2027
He displayed elite raw power, evidenced by a triple-digit max exit velocity of 100.0 mph. Furthermore, his bat speed was notably high, averaging 72.5 mph through the zone. His overall hitting data included an Average Exit Velocity of 86.8 mph and a Max Exit Velocity of 100.0 mph.
Kyler Gold, OF/3B, Wakefield, 2028
Showcased elite raw power with a triple-digit max exit velocity of 101.0 mph, and demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 90.7 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 90.7 mph
Corbin Kendrick, RHP/OF, Junius H Rose, 2028
Produced high-end impact at the top of the range, reaching a peak exit velocity of 98.0 mph, and demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 91.4 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 98.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 91.4 mph
Nicholas LaCugna, OF/RHP, Dixon, 2028
He showed off elite raw power, registering a max exit velocity of 100.0 mph. His advanced barrel consistency was also evident, resulting in an impressive average exit velocity of 91.1 mph.
Cameron Massey, C/OF, Heritage, 2028
Demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 88.8 mph, and displayed high-end linear speed and athletic twitch in the run portion. Advanced defender behind the dish with excellent carry out of the crouch. Max Exit Velocity: 94.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 88.8 mph
Zach Taylor, SS/OF, James Hunt High, 2028
Showcased elite raw power with a triple-digit max exit velocity of 101.0 mph, and demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 90.4 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 90.4 mph
Chase White, C/RHP, South Central, 2028
Explosive athletic actions. Whippy arm. Quick bat. Demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 88.4 mph, and showcased significant lift and carry with a max distance of 347 feet. Big arm behind the dish with athletic hips. Max Exit Velocity: 93.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 88.4 mph
Reed Holt, SS/2B, Ravenscroft, 2029
Did a lot things with some ease. Simple and direct with his actions. Featured a very consistent swing path with a tight dispersion of contact quality. Max Exit Velocity: 88.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.0 mph
Max Liriano, SS/3B, Eastern Carolina Academy, 2029
Long, lean athlete. Good rhythm defensively. Excellent catch, exchange and release. Performed as an explosive athletic mover with a top-tier vertical jump. Max Exit Velocity: 94.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.7 mph
Cooper Long, SS/RHP, Gray's Creek, 2029
Lots of ease in his game. Simple actions with electricity in his hands. Demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 89.2 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 89.2 mph
Breison Piwonski, OF/OF, Homeschool (NC), 2029
Lean and physical. Ball jumps off the barrel. Showcased elite raw power with a triple-digit max exit velocity of 102.0 mph, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 102.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 87.5 mph
Kaiwi Sharp, SS/RHP, First Flight High School, 2029
Potential dual follow. Athletic with explosive actions. Showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 94.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 80.2 mph
Class of 2026
Charles Puryear, OF/2B, Jordan, 2026
Methodist University commit. Demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 90.1 mph, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 96.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 90.1 mph
Class of 2027
Sheldon Brown, OF/1B, East Wake, 2027
Does a lot of things with some ease. Lean with long levers. Still a youthful look in the face and body. Performed as an explosive athletic mover with a top-tier vertical jump. Max Exit Velocity: 92.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 78.6 mph
Austin Clark, OF/RHP, Homeschool (NC), 2027
Displayed high-end linear speed and athletic twitch in the run portion. Max Exit Velocity: 92.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 81.2 mph
Lane Collier, 3B/C, East Wake Academy, 2027
Has leaned out and is moving well. Significant gains from summer of 2025. Produced high-end impact at the top of the range, reaching a peak exit velocity of 97.0 mph, and exhibited high-level bat speed, averaging 71.3 mph through the zone. Max Exit Velocity: 97.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 85.0 mph
Mac Corney, SS/RHP, Freedom Christian Academy, 2027
Displayed high-end linear speed and athletic twitch in the run portion. Max Exit Velocity: 94.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 79.1 mph
Maddox Deans, C/3B, Southern Nash, 2027
Physical with solid bend and athletic actions. Advanced strength. Produced high-end impact at the top of the range, reaching a peak exit velocity of 98.0 mph, and showcased significant lift and carry with a max distance of 362 feet. Max Exit Velocity: 98.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 86.3 mph
Brady Graffam, SS/3B, Millbrook, 2027
Solid mover. Good rhythm in the feet and hands on defense. Produced a consistent round of BP with a max exit velocity of 93.0 mph and efficient barrel tracking. Max Exit Velocity: 93.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 81.8 mph
Rafe Greer, LHP/OF, Leesville Road, 2027
Loose athlete with long levers. Exhibited high-level bat speed, averaging 70.2 mph through the zone, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 88.0 mph
Colby Harbin, SS/OF, Willow Spring, 2027
Demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 90.8 mph, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 90.8 mph
Brady Hastings, SS/2B, Junius H Rose, 2027
Featured a very consistent swing path with a tight dispersion of contact quality, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 92.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 85.9 mph
Calvin Hooks, 3B/OF, Bunn, 2027
Powerful, compact build. Swing continues to refine showing better and better ball to barrel skill. Showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.4 mph
Wesley Kennedy, C/OF, DH Conley, 2027
Produced high-end impact at the top of the range, reaching a peak exit velocity of 99.0 mph, and exhibited high-level bat speed, averaging 70.1 mph through the zone. Max Exit Velocity: 99.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 86.5 mph
Aiden Parker, SS/2B, South Central, 2027
Showcased significant lift and carry with a max distance of 356 feet. Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 83.7 mph
Landon Scott, 2B/RHP, DH Conley, 2027
Featured a very consistent swing path with a tight dispersion of contact quality. Max Exit Velocity: 90.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.0 mph
William Stanley, OF, Fuquay Varina, 2027
Showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball, and showcased significant lift and carry with a max distance of 340 feet. Max Exit Velocity: 93.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 83.5 mph
Taylor Stewart, SS/RHP, Hoggard, 2027
Displayed high-end linear speed and athletic twitch in the run portion. Max Exit Velocity: 86.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 74.0 mph
Class of 2028
Haitham Abulatifa, RHP/3B, Junius H Rose, 2028
Produced high-end impact at the top of the range, reaching a peak exit velocity of 97.0 mph, and demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 89.5 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 97.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 89.5 mph
Laith Abulatifa, C/C, Junius H Rose, 2028
Good defender. Easy to throw to. Solid bend in the hips. Showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 87.0 mph
Ryder Anderson, 3B/RHP, DH Conley, 2028
Featured a very consistent swing path with a tight dispersion of contact quality. Max Exit Velocity: 92.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 85.8 mph
Jack Catron, C/RHP, Kingsmen Baseball Academy, 2028
Performed as an explosive athletic mover with a top-tier vertical jump. Max Exit Velocity: 93.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 82.7 mph
Tristan Delaney, OF/RHP, Apex Friendship, 2028
Showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 90.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 77.6 mph
Tyler Garnett, LHP/OF, Northside High, 2028
Featured a very consistent swing path with a tight dispersion of contact quality. Max Exit Velocity: 92.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 85.5 mph
Miles Hamm, 2B/OF, Eastern Carolina Academy, 2028
Produced high-end impact at the top of the range, reaching a peak exit velocity of 99.0 mph, and demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 91.3 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 99.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 91.3 mph
Mikey Katz, C/OF, Wakefield, 2028
Has made strides from summer / fall of 2025. Powerful, compact build. Good leverage in the box. Better bend and quickness behind the dish from a year ago. Produced a consistent round of BP with a max exit velocity of 96.0 mph and efficient barrel tracking. Max Exit Velocity: 96.0 mph Catcher Velo: 76mph from the crouch
Drew Kinder, 3B/RHP, Cardinal Gibbons, 2028
Produced a consistent round of BP with a max exit velocity of 94.0 mph and efficient barrel tracking. Max Exit Velocity: 94.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 83.9 mph
Thad Parker, SS/2B, Eastern Carolina Academy, 2028
Solid mover. Good rhythm in the box and on defense. Produced high-end impact at the top of the range, reaching a peak exit velocity of 98.0 mph, and exhibited high-level bat speed, averaging 72.7 mph through the zone. Max Exit Velocity: 98.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.8 mph
Noah Price, C/C, Cleveland, 2028
Works with some ease in the box and behind the dish. Athletic build. Showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Accurate arm with solid carry behind the dish. Max Exit Velocity: 96.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 86.2 mph
Ellis Reed, C/1B, Gray's Creek, 2028
Produced high-end impact at the top of the range, reaching a peak exit velocity of 98.0 mph, and demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 91.7 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 98.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 91.7 mph
Caden Scott, 3B/RHP, Eastern Carolina Academy, 2028
Exhibited high-level bat speed, averaging 70.0 mph through the zone, and showcased significant lift and carry with a max distance of 363 feet. Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 87.7 mph
Gabriel Spears, 1B/RHP, Eastern Carolina Academy, 2028
Physical presence with strength and quickness. Continues to refine the swing. High level power tool could come soon. Produced high-end impact at the top of the range, reaching a peak exit velocity of 98.0 mph, and demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 90.1 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 98.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 90.1 mph
James Stalls, C/2B, Faith Christian School, 2028
Exhibited high-level bat speed, averaging 71.5 mph through the zone. Body continues to add strength. Accurate arm from the crouch. Max Exit Velocity: 90.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 75.0 mph
Aiden Thorbro-Steenberg, 2B/SS, Apex, 2028
Athletic mover. Has twitch. Exhibited high-level bat speed, averaging 70.2 mph through the zone, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 96.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 78.9 mph
Garrett Watkins, 3B/RHP, Wake Preparatory Academy, 2028
Produced a consistent round of BP with a max exit velocity of 95.0 mph and efficient barrel tracking. Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 85.1 mph
Davis Whitley, 2B/SS, Junius H Rose, 2028
Produced a consistent round of BP with a max exit velocity of 85.0 mph and efficient barrel tracking. Max Exit Velocity: 85.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 73.2 mph
Gavin Whitley, 3B/RHP, DH Conley, 2028
Advanced athlete. Has quickness and strength. Showcased elite raw power with a triple-digit max exit velocity of 101.0 mph, and demonstrated advanced barrel consistency, maintaining an average exit velocity of 89.8 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 89.8 mph
Class of 2029
Graham Albritton, C/SS, DH Conley, 2029
Performed as an explosive athletic mover with a top-tier vertical jump. Max Exit Velocity: 89.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 81.3 mph
Cooper Alexander, RHP/OF, Junius H Rose, 2029
Featured a very consistent swing path with a tight dispersion of contact quality, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 82.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 76.3 mph
Dennis Andrison, RHP/OF, Topsail, 2029
Young with solid feel for the frame. Produced a consistent round of BP with a max exit velocity of 82.0 mph and efficient barrel tracking. Max Exit Velocity: 82.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 71.0 mph
Bennett Bush, SS/RHP, Hoggard, 2029
Youthful look. Solid fundamentals. Featured a very consistent swing path with a tight dispersion of contact quality, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to the ball. Max Exit Velocity: 88.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 82.5 mph
Carson Byrum, 2B/SS, Junius H Rose, 2029
Performed as an explosive athletic mover with a top-tier vertical jump. Max Exit Velocity: 83.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 76.0 mph
Corey Cox, SS/RHP, Gray's Creek, 2029
Produced a consistent round of BP with a max exit velocity of 84.0 mph and efficient barrel tracking. Flat through the zone with a chance to see jumps as the frame matures. Max Exit Velocity: 84.0 mph
Grayson Durrant, C/OF, Pro5 Academy, 2029
Lean with length. Lots of skills showed with some ease. Intriguing follow. Featured a very consistent swing path with a tight dispersion of contact quality, and performed as an explosive athletic mover with a top-tier vertical jump. Max Exit Velocity: 91.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.8 mph
Wil Ebron, SS/2B, Cedar Ridge High, 2029
Increased strength in the frame was reflected in his numbers and performance. Performed as an explosive athletic mover with a top-tier vertical jump. Max Exit Velocity: 87.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 77.9 mph
Logan Grainger, 3B/RHP, Emsley A Laney, 2029
Good athlete. Does a lot of things with ease. Showcased significant lift and carry with a max distance of 345 feet. Max Exit Velocity: 91.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 76.8 mph
Anderson Hlavacek, RHP/3B, Wake Forest, 2029
Broad shoulders. Strength present. Produced a consistent round of BP with a max exit velocity of 88.0 mph and efficient barrel tracking. Max Exit Velocity: 88.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 73.5 mph
John Hlavacek, LHP/1B, Wake Forest, 2029
Physical but still with a youthful look. Demonstrated consistent quality throughout his batting practice, supported by efficient barrel tracking. Max Exit Velocity: 87.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 77.3 mph
Connor Stein, 1B/RHP, Emsley A Laney, 2029
Produced a consistent round of BP with a max exit velocity of 96.0 mph and efficient barrel tracking. Solid mover. Long limbs. Plenty of projection. Max Exit Velocity: 96.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.2 mph
Tristan Stewart, C/RHP, Hoggard, 2029
Improved several key stats from the fall. Increased strength and power in the frame. Still young. Produced a consistent round of BP with a max exit velocity of 87.0 mph and efficient barrel tracking. Max Exit Velocity: 87.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 78.4 mph
Jacob Zambardino, SS/RHP, Junius H Rose, 2029
Featured a very consistent swing path with a tight dispersion of contact quality. Lots of barrels. Works with intent in the box. Max Exit Velocity: 87.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 81.9 mph
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