Preview: 2026 Preseason All-State West

February 6, 2026
Brandon Hall
NC / Mid-ATL Director of Scouting

Preseason All-State West Preview

The Preseason All-State West takes place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, bringing together an invite-only group of top underclass and upperclass talent from across western North Carolina and surrounding states. This event serves as an early-season checkpoint for players looking to update their verified metrics, analytics, and video within their Prep Baseball profiles heading into the spring.

With a roster featuring 2026s through 2029s, the West session plays a key role in the Team NC evaluation pipeline, as players compete for future opportunities at:

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

The West roster blends physical upside, athletic defenders, and a deep collection of arms, offering evaluators a strong look at both present ability and long-term projection.

Event Schedule & Check-In Information

📍 Sunday, February 8, 2026

Check-In Times

10:30 AM – Pitchers / Catchers / Two-Way Pitcher-Hitters
11:45 AM – Infielders & Outfielders

On-Field Schedule

11:00 AM – Introduction / Stretch / Arms Up
11:25 AM – Catcher Pop Times
11:45 AM – Pitcher Bullpens
12:30 PM – Position Player Intro / Stretch / Arms Up
12:45 PM – INF / OF Defensive Workouts & Athletic Testing
1:35 PM – Offensive Evaluations / Vizual Edge Testing

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

Players to Watch (By Grad Class)

The Preseason All-State West roster features several Prep Baseball NC ranked prospects across the 2026–2029 classes. These players enter the event with established state recognition and will be closely evaluated as they update metrics, analytics, and video within their Prep Baseball profiles.

Class of 2026

#94 — John Ingle, LHP, Cox Mill (Yale Commit)
Polished left-hander with strike-throwing ability and feel for multiple pitches. Ingle’s consistency and mound presence continue to make him a reliable evaluation piece.
#145 — Dylan Poling, OF, Marvin Ridge (Guilford Technical CC Commit)
Physical outfielder with present strength and offensive impact. Shows the ability to drive the baseball and profile as a run producer.
#181 — Caiden Rudisill, RHP, South Point (Catawba Valley CC Commit)
Competitive right-hander who works downhill with intent. Continues to develop secondary offerings to complement his fastball.

Class of 2027
#13 — Kameron Keenan, RHP, North Buncombe
One of the highest-ranked arms in attendance. Brings physicality, arm strength, and the ability to work through innings with confidence.
#20 — Lawson Copeland, RHP, Myers Park
Right-hander with a fastball-first approach and improving pitch mix. Consistently attacks hitters and shows competitiveness on the mound.
#23 — Colt Briggs, RHP, Saint Stephens (Appalachian State Commit)
Strong-bodied arm with present stuff and strike-throwing ability. Continues to trend upward within the state rankings.
#36 — Parker Filipek, C, TC Roberson
Well-rounded catcher whose defensive skill set stands out. Leadership, receiving, and versatility remain key separators.
#44 — Grant Helms, OF, Hickory Ridge
Athletic outfielder with tools on both sides of the ball. Potential impact bat at the next level.
#74 — James Price, 3B, Mount Tabor
Physical corner infielder with strength and the ability to impact the baseball. Offensive performance will be closely monitored.
#98 — Sam Rice, LHP, Reagan
Left-hander with deception and feel for pitching. Uses tempo and pitchability to disrupt hitters.

Class of 2028
#26 — Parker Williams, RHP, North Lincoln
One of the top-ranked arms in the class. Stuff creates discomfort for hitters. Has shown a high strike-throwing ability.
#30 — Yates Toney, C, Burns
Left handed bat with a chance to stick behind the dish as he continues to move up levels.
#31 — Cayden McFalls, LHP, Lincoln Charter
Left-hander with projection and feel for the zone. Continues to gain attention as his frame and stuff mature.
#42 — Gunnar Johnson, SS, Alexander Central
Athletic shortstop with smooth actions and confidence defensively. Offensive upside continues to trend upward.
#66 — Christian Cherry, OF, Lincoln Charter
Well-rounded outfield profile with athleticism and developing tools across the board.

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.