By Nathan Rode
National Supervisor

CARY, NC—For 16 high school teams, the National High School Invitational is about chasing a trophy and claiming bragging rights. For the more than 100 scouts that come to the event, it’s about seeing top prospects compete on a big stage. Surely, LHP Braxton Garrett (Florence HS, AL) is focused on the trophy and potentially leading his team to a deep run in the state playoffs, but come June, he’ll probably find another reward for his Wednesday performance.

Garrett’s matchup against Liberty Christian Academy, VA, was highly anticipated as starting opposite of him was RHP Zack Hess. More than 100 scouts crammed in behind the plate to watch the two go head to head and it lived up to the hype. Hess through seven no-hit innings and the game went to extras, but Garrett stole the show and made himself some money in the process. Already one of the top southpaws in the country, the Vanderbilt recruit likely solidified himself as a first-round pick and multiple scouts commented that he made money Wednesday. Garrett pitched eight innings, allowing just four hits and a walk while striking out 11.