Prep Baseball Report

Impact 25: West Coast Super Sophomore Games


Shooter Hunt
Vice President, Scouting

The West Coast Super Sophomore Games brought the spotlight to the Pacific Northwest, where the next wave of elite talent in the 2028 class took center stage. With the event held at the University of Oregon’s PK Park, the setting was ideal for a weekend filled with high-end competition and emerging stars.

More than just a regional showcase, the Super Sophomore Games served as a key proving ground for players looking to make their mark on the national stage. From loud rounds of BP to polished in-game performances, this event offered a real opportunity for underclassmen to put themselves firmly on the map, not just with local eyes in attendance, but with college recruiters and national scouts tuned in from across the country.

Below, a look at 25 players who made an impact on Prep Baseball's Vice President of Scouting, Shooter Hunt, while in attendance at an event.

NOTE: There were significantly more than 25 players who made an impact, and college coaches will want to scour rosters from this event for spring and summer follows.



  1. SS Lincoln Moore (WA)
  2. C Kai Watanabe (HI)
  3. SS Daniel Sleeter (WA)
  4. C KJ Henrich (CA)
  5. SS Kekoanui Payanal (HI)
  6. SS Tyce Johnson (CA)
  7. SS Ryan Sheffer (CA)
  8. CIF Gregory Johnson (WA)
  9. SS Jacob Quintero (CA)
  10. OF Jake Carriere (CAN)
  11. SS Chase Kawakami (HI)
  12. OF Kobe Reese (WA)
  13. OF Oliver Dauskurdas (CA)
  14. IF Cooper Schneidt (ID)
  15. OF John DiLandri (NV)
  16. C Griffin Arnold (CA)
  17. C Joseph Bense (WA)
  18. 3B Russell Del Castillo (CA)
  19. RHP/OF Jason Taylor (CA)
  20. OF Sam Smith (OR)
  21. C Trigg Cloward (UT)
  22. OF Kylen Gravely (CA)
  23. OF Dominic D’Amico (WA)
  24. C Conner Cleary (CA)
  25. SS Kaleb Panui (HI)

 

+ C Kai Watanabe (Baldwin HS, HI)
Even as a young underclassman, Watanabe presented the look of one of the better defensive backstops in the class. Soft-handed with a weapon for an arm, his quick transfer and release (with carry) are sure to be welcomed by all pitchers in coming years. Adding to the potential impact is the upside of his left-handed stick. Gaining strength from the ground up, his sturdy base allowed the hands to flow with easy while presenting strength through the zone with a more direct path that still provided length in the zone. His batting practice provided a glimpse at some impressive pull side power, especially given his age, but it was the willingness to cover the plate and make pitch-to-pitch adjustments in game play that really stood out. 


+ SS Lincoln Moore (Kentlake HS, WA)
Moore looked the part of the top prospect in attendance, and should spearhead what is shaping up to be a dynamic class in the state of Washington. Already 6-foot-2, 177-pounds with broad-shoulders and an athletic look, the frame should add substantially more strength in coming years which will only aid in the increase in power production. The right-handed hitter took a polished round of batting practice on the first day including an average distance of 309 ft (343 ft. max) while belting balls up to 96.3 mph in exit velocity. Compact throughout a controlled approach that sees the hands separate with a normal stride, Moore moves well through impact, getting quality use of the hips and lower-half while showcasing some flick and impressive hand strength. The upside of the talented right-handed hitter is some of the highest in the class.

+ SS Daniel Sleeter (Gig Harbor HS, WA)

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