Quick Hitters: Preseason All-State Central - Position Players
February 20, 2026
Preseason All-State Central Showcases Talent at Diamond Xtreme Training in Kernersville
The Preseason All-State Central brought together a strong collection of prospects from across the region, following the same structure and evaluation process as the East event. This invite-only showcase — determined through player evaluations and scout recommendations — provided an early look at players expected to impact the upcoming high school season and beyond.
Pitchers opened the day with a controlled bullpen session while TrackMan captured detailed ball flight data, giving scouts measurable feedback on velocity, spin characteristics, and pitch movement profiles.
Position players followed with a full offensive and defensive workout. During the offensive session, TrackMan and BLAST Motion technology tracked swing metrics and ball flight, helping evaluate both bat speed and quality of contact. Defensively, players worked out at their primary positions, allowing scouts to evaluate arm strength, pop times, footwork, exchange, and release efficiency in a game-like evaluation setting.
Athletic testing rounded out the workout with laser-timed 30-yard sprints, jump metrics, and grip strength measurements, offering an objective snapshot of each player’s physical tools and explosiveness.
In the coming weeks, we will break down individual performances and highlight names to follow across the 2026–2029 graduating classes as players begin to separate themselves heading into the spring season.
QUICK HITTERS - POSITION PLAYERS
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Charlie Beck, SS/2B, Central Davidson High, 2027
Showcased high-end barrel strength, reaching a peak exit velocity of 95.0 mph, and maintained an advanced power floor, averaging 88.8 mph off the bat. Average Exit Velocity: 88.8 mph Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph
Miguel A Delgado, C/3B, Wake STEM Early College High School, 2027
Virginia Commonwealth Commit. Utilized high-level core strength to generate elite rotational acceleration, and proved to be a constant threat at the plate with an average exit velocity of 91.2 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 103.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 91.2 mph
Zeb Engstrom, OF/RHP, Covenant Day, 2027
Demonstrated high-octane power, reaching an event-best tier 101.0 mph max exit velocity, and exhibited elite bat speed through the zone, averaging 73.5 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Bat Speed: 73.5 mph
Brady Holmes, SS/3B, Person, 2027
Flashed top-tier impact potential, driving the ball with a max exit velocity of 99.0 mph, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to contact. Max Exit Velocity: 99.0 mph Average Bat Speed: 72.6 mph
Carter Huff, SS/OF, Reagan, 2027
Burned up the turf, clocking an impressive 3.85s in the 30-yard sprint, and flashed reliable power potential with a peak exit velocity of 93.0 mph. Barrel feel from both sides of the plate. Peak Jump Height: 24.8 in 30-Yard Dash: 3.85s
Jason Kuvik, RHP/OF, Garner, 2027
Dual potential. Produced elite-level peak impact, registering a max exit velocity of 98.0 mph, and showcased high-end arm strength from the grass, topping at 87.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 98.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 94.5 mph
Brandon Loehr, 3B/OF, Wesleyan Christian Academy, 2027
Maintained an advanced power floor, averaging 100.0 mph off the bat, and fired his hands efficiently, reaching a peak hand speed of 23.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 105.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 100.0 mph
Leo Lupienski, OF/RHP, Middle Creek, 2027
Displayed high-end linear speed and athletic twitch with a 3.8s 30-yard dash, and showed elite consistency and hard-hit ability, averaging 98.6 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 103.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 98.6 mph
Addison Terry, C/RHP, Oak Grove, 2027
Demonstrated high-level arm strength behind the plate with a 79.0 mph catcher velocity, and showcased a fast, whippy barrel that averaged 71.8 mph through the hitting zone. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Bat Speed: 71.8 mph
Jaylen Witherspoon, OF/LHP, West Forsyth, 2027
Unloaded on the baseball with advanced raw power, posting a max exit velocity of 100.0 mph, and showcased a fast, whippy barrel that averaged 71.6 mph through the hitting zone. Max Exit Velocity: 100.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 91.8 mph
Jesse Covington, SS/RHP, Wesleyan Christian Academy, 2028
Displayed fast hands at the plate, peaking at 22.0 mph, and burned up the turf, clocking an impressive 3.6s in the 30-yard sprint. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 95.8 mph
Gavin Gray, OF/RHP, West Forsyth, 2028
Flashed top-tier impact potential, driving the ball with a max exit velocity of 97.0 mph, and showed elite consistency and hard-hit ability, averaging 88.6 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 97.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 88.6 mph
Brody Michel, OF/OF, Middle Creek, 2028
Lived on the barrel during his session, posting a remarkable 88.9 mph average exit velocity, and burned up the turf, clocking an impressive 3.88s in the 30-yard sprint. Average Exit Velocity: 88.9 mph 30-Yard Dash: 3.88s
Mikey Papciak, SS/RHP, Wesleyan Christian Academy, 2028
Burned up the turf, clocking an impressive 3.86s in the 30-yard sprint, and showcased high-end barrel strength, reaching a peak exit velocity of 96.0 mph. Peak Jump Height: 24.3 in 30-Yard Dash: 3.86s
Whitton Butler, 1B/RHP, High Point Christian Academy, 2029
Lived on the barrel during his session, posting a remarkable 92.3 mph average exit velocity, and showcased a fast, whippy barrel that averaged 71.0 mph through the hitting zone. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 92.3 mph
Keaton Larsen, SS/RHP, Pinecrest, 2029
Showcased a professional and repeatable approach, finding the sweet spot regularly, and displayed high-end linear speed and athletic twitch with a 3.87s 30-yard dash. 30-Yard Dash: 3.87s Max Exit Velocity: 94.0 mph
Class of 2026
Cam Williams, 1B/3B, Garner, 2026
Fired his hands efficiently, reaching a peak hand speed of 26.0 mph, and showcased a fast, whippy barrel that averaged 70.6 mph through the hitting zone. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 88.7 mph
Class of 2027
Giovanni Buccino, 1B/3B, West Forsyth, 2027
Maintained an advanced power floor, averaging 94.4 mph off the bat, and exhibited elite bat speed through the zone, averaging 71.5 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 105.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 94.4 mph
Alex Caldwell, 2B/RHP, Combine Academy, 2027
Featured a repeatable swing path, resulting in consistent hard contact. Max Exit Velocity: 84.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 76.6 mph
Holden Carroll, C/OF, Garner, 2027
Generated firm contact throughout his round, topping out at 95.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.0 mph
Xan Charles, SS/3B, Elkin High, 2027
Showed explosive lower-half power with a top-tier vertical jump of 26.4 inches, and showcased carry and accuracy on throws from the left side of the field, peaking at 84.0 mph. Peak Jump Height: 26.4 in 30-Yard Dash: 3.86s
Gabe Deibler, SS/RHP, Reagan, 2027
Fired his hands efficiently, reaching a peak hand speed of 22.0 mph, and flashed reliable power potential with a peak exit velocity of 92.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 92.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 85.1 mph
Blake French, OF/RHP, Davie County, 2027
Demonstrated quick, twitchy rotational numbers that translate to immediate barrel speed, and displayed fast hands at the plate, peaking at 23.0 mph. Average Exit Velocity: 88.8 mph Peak Jump Height: 26.8 in
Ethan Gilchrist, SS/RHP, Garner, 2027
Flashed top-tier impact potential, driving the ball with a max exit velocity of 101.0 mph, and showed explosive lower-half power with a top-tier vertical jump of 24.4 inches. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph
Amaury Gonzalez, SS/2B, Apex, 2027
Maintained a tight dispersion of contact quality with excellent barrel control. Max Exit Velocity: 87.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 80.6 mph
Dylan Grimes, 2B/SS, North Davidson, 2027
Showcased a professional and repeatable approach, finding the sweet spot regularly. Max Exit Velocity: 88.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 80.4 mph
Parker Harpin, C/3B, Southeast Alamance, 2027
Displayed high-end physical explosiveness with a peak jump of 24.1 inches, and featured a repeatable swing path, resulting in consistent hard contact. Peak Jump Height: 24.1 in Max Exit Velocity: 86.0 mph
Kaiden Harris, OF/1B, Corinth Holders, 2027
Demonstrated solid power, reaching 97.0 mph max exit velocity, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to contact. Max Exit Velocity: 97.0 mph Average Bat Speed: 76.1 mph
Caleb Hasty, OF/2B, Wesleyan Christian Academy, 2027
Showed explosive lower-half power with a top-tier vertical jump of 24.5 inches, and exhibited elite bat speed through the zone, averaging 71.9 mph. Average Bat Speed: 71.9 mph Peak Jump Height: 24.5 in
Carson Hewlett, C/1B, Reagan high school, 2027
Generated firm contact throughout his round, topping out at 94.0 mph, and showcased a professional and repeatable approach, finding the sweet spot regularly. Catcher Velocity: 78.0 mph Max Exit Velocity: 94.0 mph
Griffin Kovalesky, 1B/3B, Riverside, 2027
Generated firm contact throughout his round, topping out at 96.0 mph, and showcased carry and accuracy on throws from the left side, peaking at 83.0 mph. Infield Velocity: 83.0 mph Max Exit Velocity: 96.0 mph
Evan Mason, SS/2B, East Wake Academy, 2027
Featured a repeatable swing path, resulting in consistent hard contact. Max Exit Velocity: 86.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 78.1 mph
Antonio Parrino, OF/RHP, Wake Forest, 2027
Demonstrated a good arm from the outfield, registering 86.0 mph on his throws, and showcased a fast, whippy barrel that averaged 73.7 mph through the hitting zone. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Bat Speed: 73.7 mph
Nathan Rice, SS/2B, Willow Spring, 2027
Generated firm contact throughout his round, topping out at 94.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 94.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 77.8 mph
Jessie Rice III, OF/3B, North Davidson, 2027
Showcased a professional and repeatable approach, finding the sweet spot regularly, and generated firm contact throughout his round, topping out at 90.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 90.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.0 mph
Carter Rodgers, OF/SS, Combine Academy, 2027
Displayed high-end linear speed and athletic twitch with a 3.68s 30-yard dash, and displayed a strong, physical swing that produced a max exit velocity of 91.0 mph. Peak Jump Height: 27.2 in 30-Yard Dash: 3.68s
Reign Taylor, OF/OF, Needham Broughton, 2027
Displayed high-end linear speed and athletic twitch with a 3.77s 30-yard dash, and exhibited elite bat speed through the zone, averaging 72.0 mph. Average Bat Speed: 72.0 mph Peak Jump Height: 26.3 in
Cash Tolley, OF/C, American Leadership Academy - Johnston, 2027
Demonstrated high-octane power, reaching an event-best tier 97.0 mph max exit velocity. Max Exit Velocity: 97.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 81.3 mph
Nicholas Trogdon, RHP/1B, Northwest Guilford, 2027
Generated firm contact throughout his round, topping out at 95.0 mph, and showed elite consistency and hard-hit ability, averaging 90.0 mph. Average Exit Velocity: 90.0 mph Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph
Gabriel Velazquez, SS/RHP, Grace Christian School, 2027
He demonstrated excellent barrel control, consistently generating firm contact during his round with a peak exit velocity of 95.0 mph and a tight dispersion of contact quality. He also posted a 3.66s time in the 30-Yard Dash and a Peak Jump Height of 25.6 inches.
Ben Wade, SS/2B, Morehead, 2027
Displayed fast hands at the plate, peaking at 22.0 mph, and maintained a tight dispersion of contact quality with excellent barrel control. Max Exit Velocity: 91.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 85.5 mph
Luke Waters, C/1B, Southern Lee High School, 2027
Lived on the barrel during his session, posting a remarkable 90.8 mph average exit velocity, and showcased elite twitch in the upper half with a max hand speed of 24.0 mph. Average Exit Velocity: 90.8 mph Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph
Alonzo Webster, 2B/SS, Freedom Christian Academy, 2027
Generated firm contact throughout his round, topping out at 91.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 91.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 79.0 mph
Logan Welsh, OF/LHP, Millbrook, 2027
Showed explosive lower-half power with a top-tier vertical jump of 24.0 inches, and displayed high-end linear speed and athletic twitch with a 3.85s 30-yard dash. Peak Jump Height: 24.0 in 30-Yard Dash: 3.85s
Matthew Winser, 2B/RHP, Homeschool (NC), 2027
Produced elite-level peak impact, registering a max exit velocity of 98.0 mph, and lived on the barrel during his session, posting a remarkable 88.6 mph average exit velocity. Max Exit Velocity: 98.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 88.6 mph
Class of 2028
Levi Bienstock, OF/2B, Carrboro, 2028
Displayed fast hands at the plate, peaking at 23.0 mph, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to contact. 30-Yard Dash: 3.89s Max Exit Velocity: 87.0 mph
Parker Brendle, 3B/RHP, Fuquay-Varina, 2028
Proved to be a constant threat at the plate with an average exit velocity of 90.1 mph, and fired strikes across the dirt with a high-end 84.0 mph infield arm. Max Exit Velocity: 97.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 90.1 mph
Trent Bryant, C/OF, North Carolina Leadership Academy, 2028
Showcased high-end barrel strength, reaching a peak exit velocity of 92.0 mph, and utilized high-level core strength to generate elite rotational acceleration. Max Exit Velocity: 92.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 83.6 mph
Tyson Cameron, C/RHP, Pro5 Academy, 2028
Showcased high-end barrel strength, reaching a peak exit velocity of 93.0 mph, and displayed fast hands at the plate, peaking at 24.0 mph. Peak Jump Height: 24.0 in Catcher Velocity: 78.0 mph
Chase Collins, C/SS, Providence Grove, 2028
Featured a repeatable swing path, resulting in consistent hard contact, and generated firm contact throughout his round, topping out at 94.0 mph. Peak Jump Height: 24.0 in Max Exit Velocity: 94.0 mph
Brandon Forrest, 3B/SS, Davie County, 2028
Showcased high-end barrel strength, reaching a peak exit velocity of 96.0 mph, and burned up the turf, clocking an impressive 3.86s in the 30-yard sprint. 30-Yard Dash: 3.86s Max Exit Velocity: 96.0 mph
Mason Hamrick, SS/2B, Holly Springs, 2028
Generated firm contact throughout his round, topping out at 93.0 mph, and displayed high-end linear speed and athletic twitch with a 3.88s 30-yard dash. 30-Yard Dash: 3.88s Max Exit Velocity: 93.0 mph
Cooper Hunt, SS/2B, Oak Grove, 2028
Displayed high-end physical explosiveness with a peak jump of 24.7 inches, and displayed fast hands at the plate, peaking at 23.0 mph. Peak Jump Height: 24.7 in Max Exit Velocity: 89.0 mph
Christopher Johnson, OF/LHP, Middle Creek, 2028
Featured a repeatable swing path, resulting in consistent hard contact. Max Exit Velocity: 88.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 83.8 mph
Lincoln Lawson, C/OF, Randleman, 2028
Showcased high-end barrel strength, reaching a peak exit velocity of 96.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 96.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 85.1 mph
Landon Lewis, SS/RHP, Leesville Road, 2028
Fired his hands efficiently, reaching a peak hand speed of 22.0 mph, and demonstrated high-octane power, reaching an event-best tier 99.0 mph max exit velocity. Max Exit Velocity: 99.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 88.0 mph
Jack May, C/SS, Western Alamance, 2028
Demonstrated quick, twitchy rotational numbers that translate to immediate barrel speed, and displayed advanced arm strength across the diamond with an 83.0 mph infield velocity. Infield Velocity: 83.0 mph Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph
PATRICK REYNOLDS, SS/RHP, Calvary Day, 2028
Showcased a professional and repeatable approach, finding the sweet spot regularly, and showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to contact. Max Exit Velocity: 87.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 80.1 mph
Cash Rowney, OF/SS, Roxboro Community, 2028
Burned up the turf, clocking an impressive 3.87s in the 30-yard sprint. 30-Yard Dash: 3.87s Max Exit Velocity: 86.0 mph
Carson Rush, C/2B, South Johnston, 2028
Maintained a tight dispersion of contact quality with excellent barrel control. Max Exit Velocity: 88.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 83.2 mph
JACKSON SESSOMS, 3B/OF, Middle Creek, 2028
Proved to be a constant threat at the plate with an average exit velocity of 90.2 mph, and swung with aggressive intent, generating a high-end 75.5 mph average bat speed. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 90.2 mph
Sully Sebastian, C/2B, Millbrook, 2028
Displayed a strong, physical swing that produced a max exit velocity of 94.0 mph, and swung with aggressive intent, generating a high-end 70.3 mph average bat speed. Average Exit Velocity: 90.1 mph Average Bat Speed: 70.3 mph
Tyler Sharp, 1B/3B, Leesville Road, 2028
Showcased elite twitch in the upper half with a max hand speed of 23.0 mph, and proved to be a constant threat at the plate with an average exit velocity of 90.4 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 101.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 90.4 mph
Carter Sheridan, SS/2B, Northwest Guilford, 2028
Featured a repeatable swing path, resulting in consistent hard contact, and displayed advanced arm strength across the diamond with an 85.0 mph infield velocity. Infield Velocity: 85.0 mph Max Exit Velocity: 86.0 mph
Evan Stowe, OF/RHP, Carrboro, 2028
Displayed fast hands at the plate, peaking at 22.0 mph, and showcased high-end barrel strength, reaching a peak exit velocity of 96.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 96.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.0 mph
Thurman Thomas, LHP/OF, Willow Springs High School, 2028
Showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to contact, and swung with aggressive intent, generating a high-end 70.3 mph average bat speed. Average Bat Speed: 70.3 mph Max Exit Velocity: 93.0 mph
Landon Welsh, SS/2B, Millbrook, 2028
Flashed reliable power potential with a peak exit velocity of 90.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 90.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 80.4 mph
Nate Womble, OF/3B, Wesleyan Christian Academy, 2028
Displayed fast hands at the plate, peaking at 22.0 mph, and displayed a strong, physical swing that produced a max exit velocity of 95.0 mph. Average Bat Speed: 70.3 mph Max Exit Velocity: 95.0 mph
Matthew Wright, SS/3B, West Forsyth, 2028
Showcased high-end barrel strength, reaching a peak exit velocity of 93.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 93.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 81.3 mph
Class of 2029
Cole Cavanaugh, C/1B, Wesleyan Christian Academy, 2029
Featured a repeatable swing path, resulting in consistent hard contact, and generated firm contact throughout his round, topping out at 91.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 91.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 85.6 mph
Tyler Fortson, OF/RHP, Randleman, 2029
Demonstrated high-level swing efficiency and a high floor for contact quality. Max Exit Velocity: 82.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 75.9 mph
Hiroki Hasegawa, RHP/SS, Carrboro, 2029
Maintained a tight dispersion of contact quality with excellent barrel control. Max Exit Velocity: 84.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 76.1 mph
Talon Lassiter, SS/RHP, Roanoke Rapids High School, 2029
Featured a repeatable swing path, resulting in consistent hard contact. Max Exit Velocity: 85.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 77.6 mph
CJ Nixon, LHP/OF, Grace Christian School, 2029
Showcased quick-twitch athleticism and top-of-the-scale speed with a 3.78s 30-yard dash, and tested as an elite athletic mover, registering a 27.4-inch vertical jump. Peak Jump Height: 27.4 in 30-Yard Dash: 3.78s
Bo Nunn, 1B/3B, Wesleyan Christian Academy, 2029
Displayed fast hands at the plate, peaking at 22.0 mph, and flashed reliable power potential with a peak exit velocity of 94.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 94.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 85.3 mph
Ty Pugh, 1B/3B, Northwest Guilford, 2029
Swung with aggressive intent, generating a high-end 72.4 mph average bat speed, and displayed a strong, physical swing that produced a max exit velocity of 96.0 mph. Average Bat Speed: 72.4 mph Max Exit Velocity: 96.0 mph
Owen Todd, LHP/1B, Pinecrest, 2029
Showed a solid foundation at the plate, topping out at 89.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 89.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 79.0 mph
Bryce Whitman, 3B/1B, Gray's Creek, 2029
Showed explosive rotational acceleration, indicating a quick transition to contact, and generated firm contact throughout his round, topping out at 93.0 mph. Max Exit Velocity: 93.0 mph Average Exit Velocity: 84.2 mph
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