Team Connecticut: Talent Continues To Stand Out At The Future Games

Jayden Montanez 2B / SS / Brunswick School, CT / 2027

Will update when a response is received.

Declan Ellingwood OF / RHP / The Loomis Chaffee School, CT / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games experience was amazing. I couldn't have asked for better. A few of my Future Games highlights were how hyped some of the guys got for me when I made my sliding catch in center field! I feel like some highlights were definitely just being with the guys again. That’s a great group of kids that all need to get back together. 

PBR: Assess your performance.
I feel like I showed off my talents as a baseball player very well. I showcased myself as a hitter with good plate discipline and that I am able to steal bases and be fast and be a very good defensive outfielder! 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Connecticut for the last four years of my life is the one tournament I can always look forward to! Some of my best friends are on that team who can never be separated from my life. The whole environment on Team Connecticut is that no one is left behind, everyone is brothers and everyone is there for each other. No one is negative and everyone wants everyone to succeed! I love all of the team and all of the people and couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity and the community of Team Connecticut! 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition that was faced down in Georgia was definitely the best competition I have faced all summer. Most definitely everyone there deserved to be there for their opportunity. It was fun playing against players who are really good and have a bright future. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
In my point of view, the Future Games is one of the biggest and most respected event during the summer. Every single time you showed up to Lakepoint there were over 300 scouts there and per game that we played we saw close to 100 scouts in the stands.

Benji Brown SS / 2B / The Morgan School, CT / 2027

Will update when a response is received.

Maddox Hoffman C / SS / New Canaan, CT / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I think the Future Games is the best way to be seen and get recruited for kids. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
It’s honestly probably my favorite tournament of the year because I get to see a bunch of kids I don’t see all year. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition is always great.

Brady Collins C / SS / Lasalle Academy, RI / 2027

Will update when a response is received.

Jack Henry Palazzo RHP / SS / The Morgan School, CT / 2027

Will update when a response is received.

Rock Arnold SS / 2B / North Kingstown, RI / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Future Games is with no doubt the best event in the country for uncommitted players with the dream of playing at the next level.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
I had a ton of fun playing with all of the top players from around my area. It’s great to get a feel for what it’s like playing with all like-minded players.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
It was such an eye-opening experience to see how talented everybody was that we played against. Every pitcher threw hard and had great offspeed to work off that. I can’t forget to mention that all of the position players mashed. 

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Since Aug. 1, I’ve gotten reached out to by about 60 different programs. These include: Wake Forest, Alabama, Maryland, University of Arizona, University of Oregon, and many more. Because of this event, PBR has allowed me the opportunity to receive a full ride, plus NIL to some of the top baseball schools in the country.

Ahmad Merritt SS / OF / Greenwich Country Day, CT / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I didn’t have many highlights during the Future Games but one thing I did very well was getting deep into counts and getting the pitcher’s pitch count up while working walks.

PBR: Assess your performance.
My performance wasn’t the best hitting-wise, but I was still able to get on base a lot while also playing very well in the field. I did miss my pitches when I was early in the count which is something I need to work on with being able to hit that 0-0 or 1-0 fastball and do damage with it.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Connecticut was a great experience with this being my first time playing in an event like this and being able to see what competition there is in the Connecticut area. The thing that stood out to me the most was the amount of athletic ability my team has as a group.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition at the event was what I was expecting, which was a lot of kids that want to play college baseball in the future and who want to work at completing that dream. This competition was some of the best I have seen all year with the pitching being a big part of a lot of teams. With almost every kid being able to throw 85 and above with an above-average off-speed, it changes the way you see the game, which is only getting harder and harder the farther into baseball you go.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Playing in the Future Games is going to help with my recruiting with schools that I haven’t had a chance to play in front of yet. Now playing in front of them gives me more opportunities as a player to go to college and play the sport I love.

Reid Glanville RHP / OF / Brunswick School, CT / 2027

Will update when a response is received.

Ryan DeGumbia LHP / OF / The Cheshire Academy, CT / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were being around the best competition from the state I was born and raised in and seeing it from different perspectives from other states while being able to compete against the best players in the country.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I think I did pretty good pitching. I thought it was a learning experience from the different size of kids we faced. I thought all around it went pretty well.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Connecticut was a once in a lifetime experience. Not too many kids can say they represented their own state and I think it was the most fun I’ve had in awhile. What stood out the most was the kids on the team and how they are all different while being from the same state.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was really good. Playing against kids from different states was special and the size of them was impressive. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
The Future Games can help out my future by committing to a college. Plus, if the transfer portal comes around I can get more opportunities since I played in front of most of the colleges already.

Harry Jones RHP / OF / St. Joseph High School, CT / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
One of my biggest highlights was hitting 88 mph on my fastball, which was a personal best for me. 

PBR: Assess your performance.
While I was proud of hitting my PR, I honestly don’t feel like I performed at the level I expected. I wish I had been able to call my own game instead of relying mostly on fastballs, especially against hitters this good. These guys are the best of the best, and you have to be on your A-game to compete.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
What made the experience even better was the camaraderie. I played with a lot of these players during the Sophomore Games last year, and we’ve kept in touch. It was really cool to reconnect and compete with them again. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and focused, and that energy was contagious.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was next level, far beyond what you typically see in high school or regular travel ball. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It really opened my eyes to what it takes to compete at the next level, and I’m thankful I was considered one of the players who belonged on that field, even if I know I can do better next time.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Since the event, I’ve had calls from University of Maine, Seton Hall, UMass Lowell and University of Maryland Eastern Shore, which has been exciting and motivating. I’m more focused than ever on development and getting ready for the next opportunity to prove myself.

Cade Rinehart RHP / 1B / Guilford High School, CT / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlight was being in the environment, and playing alongside the best talent as well as against it.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I felt that I had a pretty good performance during my outing. My velo wasn’t what I had hoped but I was around the zone and got some good outs, and only gave up one good barrel. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Team Connecticut is special. Our group of guys along with the addition of some new players has played together for a couple years making our connection as friends and chemistry on the field grow each time we play. The talent on the team is unmistakable. I would put our team among the top.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
In my two innings of work I got to face some of the best hitters in the country, which was an awesome experience. It was not only who I faced, but all the kids around me were elite which was quite inspiring. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
My time at the Future Games will be very influential in the long run. Not only does it allow me to display my talent and character to every top school in the country, but I got the chance to face top competition to prepare me for future seasons. 

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 yet to receive any college interest but I'm sure it will come with progress.

Tyrus Ostrowski OF / RHP / Brunswick School, CT / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Going 2-2 with a walk in Game 1 against Team New York. Also, throwing a scoreless inning in that game.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I believe I did pretty well. There is obviously always room for improvement but I felt like I was aggressive with pitches in the zone and was putting balls into play with solid contact.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
The coaching staff we have on the Connecticut team is amazing with coach Brown and coach Ebert. It’s a great environment and nothing but encouragement.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was great, everyone was out there competing. That’s all you can really ask for, just dudes who can compete.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It sets up great connections for future opportunities with schools, programs, etc.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Yale, University of Rhode Island, Wofford University, University of Virginia, Mississippi State University, Rice, UConn, Longwood University, JMU, George Washington University, University of North Carolina, Georgia Tech University.

Shane Berney OF / 1B / North Haven High School, CT / 2027

Will update when a response is received.

Jack Nolan 3B / C / Fairfield College Preparatory, CT / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were my double in the first game against Team New York and going 2-for-3 against Massachusetts in the final game. 

PBR: Assess your performance.
I feel like I performed very well. I was calm and prepared for there to be a lot of coaches there and for the tough competition. I was ready for everything that came my way. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Being part of Team Connecticut was an honor because of how many other elite players were on the team. It was unlike any team I’ve ever been a part of and I’m excited to see where all of these guys end up. Something that stood out was how much everyone wanted to work hard and get better, even in just the four days that we were there.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
This was the best competition I’ve ever faced consistently. The pitchers were locked in for every pitch of the game and there was never an easy at-bat. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
The Future Games can help me in the future because I was able to show the coaches that I can compete and succeed against the top talent in the area and there is nowhere else to get that 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?
Some schools that I talked to on Aug. 1: Maine, Wofford, Rhode Island, Georgetown, Princeton, Rutgers.

Jacob Budarz 3B / RHP / The Loomis Chaffee School, CT / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I think my highlights from the Future Games were mainly just playing with and facing some of the greatest competition in the country. It was really cool just to see how good some of the players there were and how you stacked up against that strong completion. The complex is amazing and all of the coaches there made the event such a cool experience. I think the final highlight of the trip for me was being able to have a successful week and play some great baseball in front of a lot of important people.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought I played very well, being able to go 3-5 with three walks and two homers was something that I was very proud to walk away with at the end of the week. On the defensive side of the ball, I made the plays when the ball was hit to me and there’s nothing more you can really ask for there. So all in all I was very happy with how the week went.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Connecticut was an absolutely amazing experience. In the past I’ve played on the Junior Futures and Super Sophomores teams with a bunch of the guys already, and it is always a highlight of the summer when I am able to come down south and play with these guys once every year. The guys on the team are not only phenomenal players but great people and teammates, too, which just enhances the experience so much more.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition at the event is the top-tier players in the country, so being able to face them down at Futures I had a really fun time. The competition is always going to be tough playing against that magnitude of players, but I enjoy the test whenever I get the opportunity to see where I fall within my class and next to these other great players.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I think that the Future Games is such a great opportunity to see what the competition at the next level starts to look like with all the great players that get invited to the event. It prepares you for not only playing against those types of players but also in front of all the coaches with that pressure constantly being there with all the eyes on you while playing. Through the years I have learned a lot through controlling my emotions while playing and trying to be the most relaxed as possible so I can feel and play well.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
The schools that have reached out to me since Aug. 1 are: Rutgers, UConn, Boston College, Northeastern, Northwestern, Rhode Island, NC State, Penn State, Bryant, UMass, Yale, Davidson, North Florida, Elon, Campbell and Akron.

Nolan Plourde RHP / Rham High School, CT / 2027

Will update when a response is received.

Andrew Valentino RHP / SS / Trumbull High School, CT / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
One of the biggest highlights for me was getting the opportunity to compete on a national stage and represent Team Connecticut. Playing in front of so many college coaches was exciting, and being able to perform under that kind of spotlight was a moment I’ll never forget. I also really enjoyed connecting with teammates from different parts of the state and even kids from Rhode Island. 

PBR: Assess your performance.
Overall, I feel like I held my own and made the most of my opportunities. I was proud of how I handled the pressure and stayed consistent.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
Being part of Team Connecticut was an honor. We had a really strong group, and I enjoyed every moment with them on and off the field. What stood out to me the most was how quickly we built chemistry despite coming from different programs. We pushed each other, supported each other, and had a lot of fun in the process. I met a lot of great players and even better people. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The level of competition was top tier. Every team was filled with talent, and you could tell that everyone there earned their spot. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Facing that kind of competition pushed me to elevate my game, and stay mentally locked in. It was a great challenge and a great measuring stick for where I am and where I want to be.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Vanderbilt, Clemson, Virginia, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Rutgers, Georgia Southern, Boston College, Ohio State, Penn State, University of Rhode Island, Seton Hall, Fairfield U, Delaware, Wofford, Elon, Campbell, Northeastern, Northwestern, Maine and Old Dominion.

Nate Kesselmark RHP / OF / Choate Rosemary Hall, CT / 2027

Will update when a response is received.

Chase Semenza OF / RHP / Xavier High School, CT / 2027

Will update when a response is received.

Reid Stanton RHP / OF / Fairfield Ludlowe High School, CT / 2027

Will update when a response is received.

Andrew Scarlett LHP / OF / Avon Old Farms, CT / 2027

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My highlight of the Future Games was being able to play with some of the top players in the country, and learn and develop with them. It was also cool to catch up with teammates from around the country, and talk baseball with them.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I didn’t have my best stuff on the mound, but I think that it was a good experience to be able to face top hitters. I have to keep working hard, and really focus on certain aspects of my game if you want to achieve the goals that I set for myself.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Connecticut and what stood out.
It was an honor to be part of Team Connecticut. Everybody on the team was very humble and friendly, and it was really fun to be around them for the two days that I was there. The thing that stood out most was the knowledge that both my teammates and coaches had around baseball, and how everybody knew what to do when it was their turn to make a play. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was very solid. All of the pitchers knew what they were doing, and the hitters were ready to make an impact on the game. Sometimes it’s hard in a showcase setting with lots of coaches watching, but everybody seemed to be up to the task and delivered when they had an opportunity.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I think it will help get my name to circulate around the baseball world a little bit more. Even though I didn’t have my best stuff or performance, I can say that I still believe that I can improve so coaches and scouts can see my development over the coming years. 

Bruce Schlegelmilch RHP / 1B / Staples High School, CT / 2027

Will update when a response is received.

Daniel DeLibro C / 1B / Fairfield College Preparatory, CT / 2027

Will update when a response is received.