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CT: College Interest In Future Games Continues To Soar

August 4, 2024
Bruce Hefflinger
New England Senior Writer

Follow on Twitter: @PBNewEngland
Follow on Instagram: @pbnewengland

The 13th annual Future Games took place on July 24-28 at LakePoint in Emerson, Georgia. Top uncommitted prospects in the classes of 2026 and 2027 participated in one of the most popular events each year.

There were 36 teams, including Team Connecticut, with players representing 43 states plus Canadian prospects. Each team played three games the final three days of the event after all position players are put through a showcase workout on Wednesday, the first day of the Future Games.

More than 300 colleges from across the country were looking on as approximately 500 players participated in this year’s event. This year, more than 450 college coaches from all over the country were in attendance.

To view the schedule and articles related to the 2024 Senior Future Games, please click here.

CLICK HERE to view the Future Games Statistics.

2024 Future Games: Team Connecticut - College Interest In Future Games Continues To Soar

EMERSON, Ga. - It was another record-breaking Future Games as interest in the event continues to rise.

The Prep Baseball event that started in 2011 drew an astounding 425 college coaches, surpassing last year’s previous high number of 375 in attendance.

The attraction? It was obvious with 36 teams featuring players from 43 states and four Canadian provinces. Adding to the interest was the addition of the Senior Future Games with a dozen teams for uncommitted players entering their senior year of high school.

“The sheer amount of talent stood out,” noted Shooter Hunt, vice president of scouting for Prep Baseball. “I had many of the 425 college coaches in attendance come by and say that this was the deepest class that they had ever seen at the event.”

The talent was obvious according to Hunt.

“It seemed like every single arm that toed the rubber had huge upside, and 87-90 became the norm,” Hunt noted. “While the arms were outstanding, I was even more impressed by how comfortable the position players were in the box against those studs. There were some downright scary position player prospects.”

Trevor Brown, Prep Baseball Connecticut Director of Scouting, was happy with what he saw in his players and the work provided by those involved with running the show for the New England states.

“The continuous amount of college coaches that attend the Future Games really stands out,” Brown said. “This event gives the players an opportunity to play against the best players in the country from their classes. Our Connecticut workers put in long days, helping with coaching the teams along with the constant social media coverage. It was a great show.”

There were three games played with a loss to Massachusetts sandwiched between a final-inning defeat to New York and a walk-off win over New Jersey.

“Team Connecticut competed hard,” Brown noted. “We showed good speed, with good arms off the mound. Carter Eagle, a first baseman, was our team MVP, collecting multiple hits.”

The players also drew attention from the coaches looking on.

“Team Connecticut gained a lot of interest from mid-major programs from the Northeast,” Brown related.

Hunt was thrilled with how it all turned out.

“A record-setting 425 college coaches were in attendance for this event, and that number alone speaks volumes to the importance of the event in the recruiting world,” Hunt said about the 14th annual Future Games for incoming sophomores and juniors along with the Junior Future Games for soon-to-be ninth graders and select eighth graders and, this year, the first Senior Future Games. “There is simply nothing else like it. Many schools were there with three and four coaches because there was so much talent.

“It was fascinating hearing how each school split up the event,” Hunt added in reference to the challenge at hand to see players at each of the three levels of play. “They all appeared to have full on meetings prior to coming to LakePoint to figure out how to dissect the coverage to get the most out of it.”

Brown pointed to the New England Senior Future Games team as well as the Juniors squad with making an impression.

“I thought the Senior Games were tremendous,” Brown said. “The arms that I saw were all high-level, with tons of athletes.

“The Junior team also had some good players. Lucas Mazzaro, a right-handed pitcher, showed well, Gavin Halovatch swung the bat really well, Blake Huston is a big-time athlete with tons of projection, and Artie McCormack has above average feel on both sides of the field.”

Cael Loria, a 2026 from Xavier High School, summed it up well.

“Thank you for the opportunity to play at the Future Games,” noted the fifth-rated junior shortstop in Connecticut. “It was truly the best baseball I have ever played at, so thank you.”

As for what lies ahead, that is still to be determined.

“Nothing has been set for 2025, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some changes and advancements,” Hunt concluded. “We are never satisfied, and always want to provide the best experience for both the player and college coach so that it is easier for the two to unite.”

A Prep Baseball thank you to all that participated and a special thanks to the players on Team Connecticut that gave their thoughts about the event (including what schools have been in contact with them since Aug. 1):

***** If you were on Team Connecticut and did not share your thoughts, feel free to email us and we will get them included within this article.

The Arms

Matthew Chirumbolo RHP / Salisbury School, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 203 / POS: 58

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
The opportunity to compete in front of so many scouts.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I feel that I pitched really well and gave my team a chance to win.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
I was proud to represent Team Connecticut and I was impressed with the level of talent on our team.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
Since I am a pitcher, I only faced one other team and found both teams competitive.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
This experience can open up doors and opportunities.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
University of Maine, George Washington, Wofford and Longwood.

Matthew DeFilippo RHP / Avon Old Farms, CT / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Being able to compete against the top competition along with the best uncommitted kids in CT, so that made it a great experience.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I threw a solid two innings for Team Connecticut, letting up 0 runs and I pounded the strike zone. I also spun my slider at a high rate and threw my fastball in the 87-89 mph range.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
All the kids on the team were positive and fun to be around. Even though I was there for only a day, I know they were all great teammates and, hopefully, I will see some of them another time.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The game I pitched was against Team NY and they were very talented. It was great to access my own skills against other great talent to see how I could handle it.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I think it can help my future with recruiting because over 400 college coaches were there to watch me.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Penn State, Boston College, Campbell, Harvard, Northeastern, Northwestern, Bryant, St. John’s, ETSU, Xavier, Rutgers, Stony Brook, Stonehill, Elon, Fordham, George Washington and Maine.

Jacob Felton RHP / OF / Weston, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 89 / POS: 30

Will update when a response is received.

Ryan Lavender LHP / 1B / Berlin, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 45 / POS: 6

Will update when a response is received.

Will Margolies LHP / 1B / The Cheshire Academy, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 33 / POS: 3

Will update when a response is received.

Brayden Menard RHP / OF / Moses Brown, RI / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 117 / POS: 36

Will update when a response is received.

Camden Ogden RHP / Stonington High School, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 30 / POS: 12

Will update when a response is received.

Nolan Plourde RHP / OF / RHAM High School, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 9

Will update when a response is received.

Matthew Shea RHP / SS / Westminster, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 38 / POS: 15

Will update when a response is received.

Landon Sumner RHP / Chariho High School, RI / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
At the Future Games, overall I did pretty well, pitching two innings and letting up two hits and one earned run. I also had a pickoff and a couple of strikeouts.

PBR: Assess your performance.
Personally, I think I did decent for my first time participating in this event. My velo improved when I threw.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
I thought that Team Connecticut had a great group of guys come out and play. My teammates got along well and had each other's back the whole showcase. Overall, it was a great experience and I enjoyed meeting new guys.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
Over the course of the couple games I was there and when I pitched, I think we faced great competition. Every ballplayer there had talent to show, which was why they were picked to play there.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
By participating in the Future Games I feel like this can help me in the future because the guys we faced had experience and great talent, which helps you improve as a player. In my opinion, by facing some of the best kids it now boosts confidence when playing other games. I would rather play really good competition than poor because you can learn from your mistakes and from the players around you.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
After August 1st, the Bryant pitching coach reached out to me and the Stony Brook pitching coach.

The Infielders

Rocco DeMaio III SS / RHP / Hopkins, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 58 / POS: 9

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My highlights of the Future Games were playing with and against the best talent in the country. And also getting an RBI single in my first at-bat of the week.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I performed well throughout the week, displaying my tools in the showcase and my competitive game play and speed on the bases in our games. I thought my hustle and team camaraderie was great through the week. I am grateful for the opportunity.  

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Being on Team Connecticut was an amazing experience, meeting the best players from the state that are very passionate about the game and making new friends.   

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
This was some of the better competition I have faced with many of the arms throwing in the upper-80’s and being able to be challenged in every at-bat. Also, it was great to show my success against high-level talent. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It can help me by putting me out in front of the best college coaches and showing them what I can do.

Carter Heagle 1B / RHP / Canterbury Academy, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 75 / POS: 4

Will update when a response is received.

Eliot Kwan 3B / RHP / Fairfield Ludlowe High School, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 209 / POS: 19

Will update when a response is received.

Cael Loria SS / 2B / Xavier, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 76 / POS: 12

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Game highlight was just playing with my team. It was super fun and there was great competition. Baseball-wise, my defense back hand in the field and walking off New Jersey were highlights.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I think I played pretty well. I had two hits so I was happy with that and I had a stolen base, too. I also played well in the field.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Being on Team CT was super fun. I was very proud to represent my state. Coach Trevor had very good coaching and teaching.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was amazing. Every kid was throwing mid-to-high-80s and some 90s. The hitters hit the ball hard and hit it well and the fielding was great, too.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I think the Future Games really got my name out there with the tons of coaches watching each game. I think this gives me a great opportunity to play baseball at the college level.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
I haven’t been in too much contact with coaches, more just talking to coaches at showcases I went to or just introducing myself to them.

Owen Palmer 3B / RHP / The Taft School, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 238 / POS: 14

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Seeing how many colleges/coaches there are in the world. Power 5s aren’t the only ones who go and recruit.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I did well in the BP forms. In-game it was an adjustment to the velo that I hadn’t seen since high school. The summer hadn’t brought such high velo till then.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Each kid was talented in their own ways, but I did not feel as though there was somebody that was much greater or less than everyone else.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
It was most definitely the best pitchers that I have seen since high school. In high school I was facing committed pitchers throwing high eights and low nines. I had not experienced that during the summer.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Whether you do good or bad or better in some parts than others, there are coaches always watching each way you play the game. If you don’t end up doing as well offensively but do well defensively or even vice versa coaches will realize that. It’s a stage event where there’s a lot of pressure put on the players and ultimately for each player to be recognized.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
St John’s and Missouri State through email, St John’s carried conversation.

Jack Treat 1B / OF / Montville, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 130 / POS: 11

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
The highlight of the Future Games was just the overall experience, being able to compete with some of the best players across all of the country. The LakePoint complex was awesome and the amount of college coaches that were watching was amazing. Truly a great experience.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought I performed well in the showcase events. I was able to showcase my skills in the BP rounds as well as the defensive portion. I felt I had some quality at-bats during the game portion. I found the barrel on multiple at-bats, hitting the ball hard right at the defenders. We faced some good arms and I felt that I showcased my abilities against quality competition.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
I enjoyed playing on Team Connecticut with some of the most talented players in the state. I knew a few of my teammates coming in and enjoyed meeting and playing with many new faces.  Everyone got along great and we played well together as a team.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
We faced teams from Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey and all had some top-tier talent. All of our games were closely contested and the competition was great. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Games gave me an opportunity to showcase my talents in front of 400+ coaches along with allowing me to compete against the best players in the country. The Future Games gave me confidence that I am able to compete at the next level.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
I have received interest from these schools that said they saw me compete in the Future Games: Bryant University, College of Charleston, Elon, Brown, Hofstra, Central Ct State University, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Fairfield, George Washington.

Brandon Venditto SS / RHP / North Kingstown, RI / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 19 / POS: 4

Will update when a response is received.

Gianni Vora SS / 3B / CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 70 / POS: 11

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Three things stick out to me as highlights of the Future Games. Walking in the first day and seeing all of the coaches was a surreal feeling and got me fired up for the week. The fields that we played on were some of the best fields I’ve ever played on. And getting Player of the Game in the last game we played was a good way to end the week.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I think that I got exponentially more comfortable as the days went on. The first day was the most intimidating for sure, but by the last game it was like the coaches weren’t even there and it was just the guys having a good time. My hitting got better as my confidence improved but my fielding stayed solid from the beginning.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Team CT was rolling. The guys were all hungry to win and happy to be there. Coach Brown and Ebert were both awesome throughout the entire event and helped out immensely. All in all there were just stand-up dudes and definitely a pleasure to be with them throughout the week.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
Really good arms. It was fun to see some high velocity and good off-speeds. We faced some really good bats as well. Now that I think about it, we saw some really good gloves as well. It was really inspiring to be around all of the best talent from my class.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Seeing where everyone else is at in my grade really motivated me. On top of that, I got a lot of looks from colleges and my August 1st was much busier because of it.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Multiple coaches from: Big 10, ACC, CAA, Ivy, Big East, A10, MAAC, America East.

Owen Widger 3B / 1B / Southington High School, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 28 / POS: 3

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were meeting the best guys from Connecticut and playing against the best competition from all the other states.

PBR: Assess your performance.
My performance was not up to my standards, but I think I took good at-bats and played well defensively. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Being a part of Team CT was great, I think we all got along really well for the days we were there and what stood out was the energy the team had.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
I faced some really good competition from the other close states and saw some great pitching and good hitters. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Futures can help greatly with my future as it attracts the most colleges in the country. Frankly, I’ve never seen more scouts in my life, and the exposure alone will help get you that next step. I haven't had any contact with coaches yet but hopefully that day will come.

The Outfielders

Logan Fesh OF / LHP / Bethel High School, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 100 / POS: 16

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My first highlight of the Future Games was being selected to represent Team Connecticut and showcase my talent in front of 400+ college coaches. My performance highlight was being able to throw the hardest outfield velo in the New England region.

PBR: Assess your performance.
As I look back at my performance at the Future Games I was able to compete and hustle against some of the best talent in the country. Although there are things I can improve on, I learned that the mental game can contribute to improvement and success.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
I got to meet a lot of cool guys and was honored to be coached by Trevor Brown and Brennan Ebert. Although I might not be the biggest, the strongest or the fastest, I went out there and played the hardest and hustled every moment of the game.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
It felt like I was right with the level of competition. The level of arms was way above average but I was able to compete against them.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It’s hands down the best exposure tournament an uncommitted player could experience being able to be seen by over 400 coaches from all levels. 

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
As of right now I have not heard from any schools, but I’m looking forward to bettering my game and having the opportunity to play at the next level.

Aaron Rich OF / RHP / Lyman Hall, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 122 / POS: 18

Will update when a response is received.

Lucas Tanous C / 3B / Barrington High School, RI / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 79 / POS: 12

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
The highlight of the Future Games for me personally was getting a game-tying hit in our first game.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I’m happy with my performance. You always want to do your best and these kinds of challenges just make you a better player.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Being part of Team Connecticut was great. Our coaches were phenomenal and, in addition to playing with a few teammates I already knew, I got to meet a lot of new athletes.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
There were some arms that we faced that were next level. I felt like our team really competed.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I think participating in the Future Games is great for a lot of reasons. First, you can’t get better as an athlete unless you put yourself out there and face really tough competition. Also, the exposure you get in front of so many coaches is unmatched.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
I heard from several coaches on Aug. 1st and I’m having conversations with a few of them right now.

The Catchers

Monty Gantz C / OF / Westminster School, RI / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 68 / POS: 10

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I hit a triple in the last game and had a lot of blocks catching throughout the three games.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I’m happy with the way I played. All I tried to do was go out and have fun and play my game stress free.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
I enjoyed meeting the new players and making some bonds from Team CT. Everyone on the team supported each other.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
I faced great pitching and good competition. I felt like it was the best competition I’ve faced overall this summer.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It’s a great opportunity to get in front of coaches and compete at a high level.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
I had just a few conversations with coaches and camp invites with NJIT, Fairfield and Northeastern.

Logan Martel C / 1B / Canterbury School, CT / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 13 / POS: 2

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Definitely the workout day and the visual edge.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought I definitely didn’t play my best, but I showed up and had some fun so I wasn’t too worried about it.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Being on Team Connecticut was amazing. I know a lot of those guys from school so it’s great to actually get a chance to play with some of them.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was amazing. The teams we faced were all very good.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It can definitely help because there are an infinite amount of schools and scouts there. It really gives you so much opportunity.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
I have been in contact with seven college coaches since Futures who have all said they saw me there.

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