Preview: 2026 Preseason All-State East

February 5, 2026
Brandon Hall
NC / Mid-ATL Director of Scouting

Preseason All-State East Preview

The Preseason All-State East returns on Saturday, February 7, 2026, bringing together a hand-selected group of top underclass talent from across North Carolina. This invite-only event is designed to give players a verified look heading into the spring, with updated metrics, analytics, and video that feed directly into individual Prep Baseball player profiles.

Beyond individual evaluation, the event plays a major role in the Team NC identification process, as 2027s, 2028s, and 2029s compete for future opportunities including:

NC/SC Border Battle (June 10–11 | Charlotte)
Future Games (Late July | LakePoint)
Super Sophomore Games (Early August | Richmond - New Prep Baseball Facility)
Tobacco Road State Games (Early August | Queens University, Charlotte)

With a strong mix of physical projection, athletic upside, and positional depth, the East roster offers an early snapshot of the next wave of impact players in the state.

Event Schedule & Check-In Information

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Roster: https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/event/NC/preseason-all-state-east-invite-only-?tab=rosters

Check-In Times

3:30 PM – Pitchers, Catchers (including anyone registered to catch), Two-Way Players
5:30 PM – Infielders & Outfielders

On-Field Schedule

3:50 PM – Intro & Stretch
4:15 PM – Catcher Pop Times
4:55 PM – Bullpens (PO then Dual)
6:00 PM – Position Player Intro & Stretch
6:15 PM – Athletic Testing
7:00 PM – Defensive Evaluations
8:15 PM – Offensive Evaluations
9:30 PM – End of Day

Each player will receive a comprehensive evaluation environment, blending traditional scouting looks with modern data capture.

Top Players to Know by Class (NC State Rankings)

Below are notable ranked players attending the Preseason All-State East, grouped by graduating class. Rankings referenced are Prep Baseball NC State Rankings.

Class of 2026

Charles Puryear, OF, Jordan – NC Rank: 198
Athletic outfielder with a chance to impact multiple phases of the game; physical maturation continues to trend up.
Dean Cappelletti, RHP, West Johnston – NC Rank: 99
Projectable right-hander with arm strength that plays at the next level; opportunity to solidify his role among the deeper 2026 arms.

Class of 2027

Stone Massey, RHP, James Hunt – NC Rank: 31
One of the premier arms in the class; advanced pitchability with present velocity and a strong track record.
Caleb Case, RHP, D.H. Conley – NC Rank: 48
Clean arm action with developing secondary stuff; trending up as a reliable strike-thrower.
Sheldon Brown, OF, East Wake – NC Rank: 119
Athletic mover with tools that flash; chance to make noise during athletic testing and offensive evals.

Class of 2028

Haitham Abulatifa, RHP, Junius H Rose – NC Rank: 28
One of the higher-ceiling arms in the class; strength gains and raw stuff make him a must-watch.
Laith Abulatifa, C, Junius H Rose – NC Rank: 53
Advanced defensive foundation with leadership traits behind the plate.
Jack Catron, C, Kingsmen Baseball Academy – NC Rank: 142
Strong receiver with physical upside; continues to progress as an all-around backstop.
Mikey Katz, C, Wakefield – NC Rank: 93
Solid catch-and-throw profile with good ball to barrel feel.

Class of 2029

Cooper Long, SS, Gray’s Creek – NC Rank: 8
One of the top middle infielders in the class; advanced actions and feel for the game at a young age.
Reed Holt, SS, Ravenscroft – NC Rank: 22
Athletic defender with confidence and polish; offensive upside continues to develop.
Max Liriano, SS, Eastern Carolina Academy – NC Rank: 40
Quick-twitch actions with emerging offensive tools; projects well long-term.
Logan Grainger, RHP/3B, Emsley A. Laney – NC Rank: 17
Advanced feel on the bump with an emerging out pitch in the change-up.

More Coverage: Podcast Preview

Be sure to check out the Prep Baseball NC Podcast, which features a full preview of both Preseason All-State events this weekend, including player spotlights and scouting context on several names attending the East session.