National Player of the Week: 3/30 to 4/5
April 10, 2026
Today, we’re announcing our sixth National Player of the Week of the 2026 campaign now that we’re into April and baseball is underway nationwide.
The following players were submitted by their coaches to our state directors and they went on to earn the Player or Pitcher of the Week award in those states. From there, we sifted through the country’s POTWs and selected the top performer among them, singling them out as the sole National Player of the Week. If you’re a coach interested in submitting a nomination this season but have not yet received that form so far this spring, visit our staff directory to find the contact information for the state director overseeing your state’s season coverage.
Our staff took player stat lines from the week of March 30 to April 5 into account when determining these awards.
🏆 NATIONAL POTW
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Jackson Ahrens SS / RHP / East Peoria, IL / 2026“Players typically only achieve the numbers that Ahrens put up last week in video games, helping the Raiders to a hot 6-3 start (now 7-3) while going 17-for-21 with four home runs, four triples, four doubles, 13 RBIs, 13 runs scored and two cycles. On March 26, Ahrens tallied his first cycle of this dominant stretch, finishing the day 4-for-4 with three RBIs, five runs scored and a walk in a 15-0 win over Richwoods. He carried things into their spring trip down to Georgia, at LakePoint, where he collected his second cycle in as many games, going 4-for-4 against Troy (OH), collecting three more RBIs and runs scored each. He did not slow down in their second game of the day, a 3-0 win over Revere (OH), where he went 4-for-4 with a home run, triple, RBI and two runs scored – missing his third cycle in a row by just a double. It didn't stop in the team's next game on March 31 either, in a 17-4 win over Marysville (OH), Ahrens missed the cycle by one knock yet again, this time a single, finishing 3-for-4 with a home run, triple, double, five RBIs, two runs scored and two walks. He capped his spring trip off with a 2-for-3 day against Southside (AL) in a 7-4 win, swatting a double with an RBI, run scored and a walk. The Kirkwood CC commit is one of the hottest names in Illinois right now, rising 141 spots in the rankings to No. 40 in our recent update. The right-handed hitter has clear bat-to-ball ability with a clean swing and power to all fields, pairing with steady actions on the infield with an accurate arm across. There are loud measurables to go along with his in-game ability, boasting a 6.79 in the 60 with a 100 mph peak exit velocity at the State Games this past summer.” – Peter Hamot, IL/WI Asst. Scouting Director |
STATE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Alabama
+ Brayden Entrekin, OF/LHP (Russellville HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Entrekin put together a dominant all-around week, impacting the game in a major way both at the plate and on the mound. Offensively, he went 7-for-14 (.500) with three home runs and three doubles, driving in 10 runs while consistently delivering extra-base impact. On the mound, he earned a win with a complete-game seven-inning performance, allowing just three hits and two earned runs while striking out 12 and walking only one. Entrekin’s ability to control the game on both sides makes him one of the top emerging two-way talents in the 2028 Alabama class.”
– David Sharp, Deep South Supervisor
Arizona
+ Kelton Floan, SS/RHP (Desert Ridge HS, 2026) | Chandler-Gilbert JC:
“Floan earns Arizona's Pitcher of the Week honors after a dominant return to the mound, showing he is fully back in form following a recent injury. The 2026 two-way has quickly settled back into an everyday role, reestablishing himself as a key piece for Desert Ridge and delivering one of the most overpowering outings of the week.
Kelton was electric in his start against Higley, attacking hitters with confidence and racking up swing and miss at a high rate. The right hander worked four shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out 10 with no walks, controlling the game from start to finish with his presence and tempo. He also made his impact felt at the plate in that same game, launching a three-run home run to further separate Desert Ridge, highlighting his ability to take over on both sides.
Kelton’s two-way production continued throughout the week, providing steady offense while anchoring the staff, and his performance signals a strong upward trend as he continues to build momentum.”
+ Kellan Tom, 1B/RHP (Corona Del Sol HS, 2026) | Arizona State:
“The ASU commit earns Hitter of the Week honors after putting together one of the most complete and impactful weeks in the state, continuing to solidify himself as a key component in the Aztecs lineup. The former West Coast Games attendee showed a polished, confident approach in the box, consistently finding barrels and producing extra base impact across multiple games. Kellan recorded a hit in each appearance, stacking multiple extra base hits while controlling the zone and driving in runs, proving to be a steady, middle of the order presence. Ultimately, he was 6-for-9 on the week with three doubles, a homer, and three RBIs.
Kellan’s impact extended beyond the batter’s box, turning in a dominant outing on the mound where he earned the win vs Millennium, making a case for himself as Corona’s ace this season. The two-way standout continues to elevate his profile with his ability to impact the game in all phases, showing the competitiveness, physicality, and consistency that is separating him as one of the top players in the state.”
– Antonio Torres, Arizona Scouting Director
Arkansas
+ Clayton Ballard, LHP (Beebe HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Ballard has impressed at previous events and showcased a dominant performance on the mound against a top-five opponent in the state. He pitched a complete game racking up 19 punchouts and gave up just one walk and no hits. Low-milage left-handed arm up to 88 mph.”
– Mikel Howell, Arkansas Asst. State Director
California
+ Parker Leoff, INF (Huntington Beach HS, 2027) | UCLA:
“Making his return after the transfer sit-out period, Leoff showed no rust, leading Huntington Beach to a 3-0 week and improving the Oilers to 11-2-1 overall, ranked No. 5 in California and No. 20 nationally. In a three-game sweep of Corona del Mar, he went 6-for-10 with three doubles, three RBIs, and eight runs scored, posting a .663 OBP and 1.592 OPS while keeping their league record perfect at 9-0. The junior UCLA commit, a standout at the 2025 Future Games, is off to a strong start in 2026 and has added even more depth to an already dangerous lineup.”
+ Mason Hackler, INF/RHP (Turlock HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“In a pivotal three-game set against Downey, Turlock handed the ball to Hackler in Game Two, and the right-hander responded with a dominant, near-flawless complete-game shutout. The NorCal Future Games standout was in complete control, allowing just one hit – the lone baserunner allowed – while striking out 10 and issuing no walks on 73 pitches. The outing continues an impressive spring, with Hackler now 3-0 and a 2.08 ERA across 33.2 innings, totaling 41 strikeouts to eight walks while helping Turlock improve to 10-4 overall and 6-0 in league play.”
– Vinnie Alfino, Manager, California Content & Operations
Colorado
+ Gunnar Garrison, RHP (Eaton HS, 2026) | Arizona State:
“Garrison has given us no choice but to award him his second Pitcher of the Week honor of the young season, after another staggering week on the mound. This time around, Garrison tossed a four-inning, 10-K no-hitter against Berthoud before the Reds jumped out to a big lead, allowing him to be saved for a top-ranked 3A matchup between Eaton and University.
Against University on Saturday, Garrison was pivotal in the win, going 6.2 innings with 15 strikeouts and just one earned run against a solid lineup. Overall on the week, he logged 10.2 innings with 25 strikeouts, one earned run, two walks, and just five hits allowed.
The Prep Baseball Colorado scouting staff has already seen Garrison up to 96 mph this spring, and his draft stock continues to rise. Through 25.2 innings, he’s compiled 57 strikeouts and a 0.55 ERA to go along with an impressive, still-evolving arsenal.”
– Caleb Dameron, Colorado Asst. Director
Florida
+ Jonathan Paniagua, 1B (Miami Southridge HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Miami Southridge senior Jonathan Paniagua delivered a strong week at the plate, securing Florida's Hitter of the Week honors with a highly efficient and explosive offensive showcase. The 2026 first baseman was a relentless force for the Spartans, proving nearly impossible to keep off the basepaths while doing massive damage every time he made contact. Paniagua put together a 6-for-8 stretch at the dish, constantly setting the table and clearing the bases while crossing the plate for seven runs scored. He was an extra-base machine, tallying four extra-base hits out of his six total knocks. With two doubles, one triple, and one home run, he drove in six RBIs to cap off an incredible week.”
+ Carter Cox, LHP (Venice HS, 2026) | Florida Atlantic:
“FAU recruit Carter Cox delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, taking home Florida's Pitcher of the Week honors. The 2026 left-hander tossed a masterpiece, firing nine no-hit innings to cement his status as one of the premier southpaws in the state. Cox showed incredible stamina and elite command, going deep into the game without allowing a single hit. He was essentially flawless, surrendering zero walks and zero runs, with his only blemish being a lone hit-by-pitch. He racked up 16 strikeouts as Venice won the game 1-0 in 11 innings.”
– Rocco Iervasi, Director of Operations
Kentucky
+ Cole McLean, LHP (Taylor County HS, 2026) | Kentucky:
“McLean has started off his senior year with a bang, continuing to improve on what has certainly been an outstanding career for the University of Kentucky commit. The southpaw made two starts last week allowing one infield hit in his first outing while following it up with a 19-K perfect game and finishing the game with an immaculate seventh inning.”
– Jamie Tessoff, Kentucky State Director
Maryland
+ Miguel Leon, SS (John Carroll HS, 2026) | Maryland:
“Leon put on a show at the dish, as the University of Maryland commit hit .600 across five games last week, including three homers, a double, eight RBIs, 10 runs scored, and four stolen bases. It was a tight race, as teammate Joey Coudon also had a huge week for the Patriots with three homers of his own and was also in consideration. Oakdale's Cooper DeWaal was the biggest public school contender, hitting three homers of his own as part of a .572 week over four games. Ultimately, Coudon held the RBI numbers, DeWaal put on the loudest swings, but Leon held the highest average. This was our closest race so far this season.”
– Jamie Naill, Maryland State Director
Mississippi
+ Paxton Wright, RHP (Amory HS, 2027) | Itawamba CC:
“Wright no-hit the top-ranked team in the 4A class, Mooreville, on Thursday evening. Then Itawamba CC recruit also added 14 strikeouts as the Panthers won a big district matchup.”
– Matt Miller, Mississippi State Director
Nebraska
+ Carson Hollst, LHP (Platte Valley HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Hollst won two games last week for Platte Valley, combining for nine innings, no runs, on just two hits, one walk with 16 Ks."
+ Zane Carroll, OF (Omaha South HS, 2026) | York (NE):
“It was a big week for the Omaha South senior, who went 9-for-17 with four extra-base hits, including a homer, that helped him drive in 12 runs, score five times himself, and he swiped six bases.”
– Pascal Paul, Nebraska Scouting Director
Nevada
+ Gavin Christensen, SS/RHP (Green Valley HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Christensen continued his impressive spring campaign on the mound, anchoring an 8-6 victory over South Pasadena. Christensen tossed five solid innings and allowed zero earned runs, and he kept South Pasadena hitters off balance by attacking the zone, racking up five strikeouts while surrendering just four hits. His ability to navigate high-pressure situations without issuing a single walk in the contest allowed the Gators' offense to maintain their lead and secure the non-league win.
Christensen’s season totals reflect one of the most reliable arms in the Gators' rotation. Through seven appearances, he has maintained a microscopic 0.59 ERA and a perfect 4-0 record in games where he was the pitcher of record. With 33 strikeouts over 35.2 innings and an elite .184 OBA.”
+ Keenan Dolan, RHP/INF (Bishop Manogue HS, 2026) | South Carolina:
“Dolan turned in a 'Player of the Year' caliber performance this week, serving as a dual-threat force that led the Miners to a perfect 3-0 record. Dolan’s week was highlighted by an electric power display on April 1 against Galena, where he blasted two home runs and drove in five RBIs. He followed that up on April 2 with a masterclass on the mound against the Tahoe Bears, tossing six innings of one-hit ball while racking up 12 Ks.
Across three games, he reached base in 10 of his 12 plate appearances, drawing five walks while only being retired twice in official at-bats since the start of April. His ability to impact the game extended to his baserunning and situational hitting, amassing 13 total bases and eight RBIs over the three-game span.”
– Brett Harrison, Mountain West Supervisor
New Jersey
+ Mickey Gilligan, C (Passaic Tech HS, 2026) | Rutgers:
“Gilligan put together an elite offensive stat line of 7-for-10 with four homers, a double and he drove in 12 runs and scored six times. Passaic Tech went 2-1 on the week with Gilligan's hot start offensively.”
– Nathan Goranson, Northeast Asst. Scout
Oklahoma
+ Hudson Morgan, SS (Marlow HS, 2026) | Oklahoma State:
“Morgan put together a monster week at the plate working out of the Marlow leadoff spot. The Oklahoma State signee went 8-for-11, added four freebies, and racked up counting stats as well. Over the week, he added nine runs scored, 10 RBIs, and five extra-base hits that included three homers. Further, on the mound he finished his week with two scoreless innings and punched out five batters with a low-90s fastball. Morgan's ability to impact games in a variety of ways, overall stat line including .727 batting average with plenty of slug, and performance against talented opponents gives him the state's Player of the Week honors.”
– Bret Schwartz, Oklahoma Scouting Director
Oregon
+ Danner Wertz, INF/RHP (Roseburg HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“The Roseburg sophomore takes home Oregon's 'Hitter of the Week' honors in Week Three after hitting .571 with a home run and two doubles. Wertz also walked five times, adding four runs and two RBIs as a part of his huge week. Wertz impressed at West Coast Super Sophomore Games in his latest showcase look.”
+ Ben Boman, RHP/INF (Rex Putnam HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Putnam was dominant in his start last week en route to winning the state's 'Pitcher of the Week' award. The junior struck out 18 batters over seven innings of work, allowing just three hits and two walks. Boman had a strong in-game look earlier this spring and is an intriguing follow.”
– Dylan Grenz, Pacific Northwest Asst. Scouting Director
South Carolina
+ Bryce King, 3B/RHP (Lake View HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Across multiple appearances last week, King was lights-out. He struck out 14 batters over seven innings and allowed no hits. He commands the zone and overpowers hitters and played a role in his team's success in a complete-game no-hitter.”
– Sammy Esposito, South Carolina Scouting Director
+ Carter Kelly, INF (Fountain Inn HS, 2027) | College of Charleston:
“Kelly, had some huge performances last week. He was on fire at the plate, hitting .667 on the week, with two home runs, nine runs, and two stolen bases.”
– Sammy Esposito, South Carolina Scouting Director
Tennessee
+ Lane Brown, OF/LHP (Dickson County HS, 2026) | Trevecca Nazarene:
“Brown delivered a standout two-way performance this week, going 15-for-23 (.652) at the plate with five doubles and six RBIs while consistently producing quality at-bats. On the mound, he was just as effective, tossing seven scoreless innings across two appearances, allowing only three hits and striking out 10. Brown’s ability to impact the game on both sides made him a key difference-maker all week.”
+ Lane Ayars, OF/LHP (Wilson Central HS, 2029) | Uncommitted:
“Ayars delivered a dominant outing on Friday night, tossing a complete-game no-hitter against Perkins. The freshman left-hander worked all seven innings, allowing no hits while issuing four walks and racking up 13 strikeouts.”
– Hunter Brown, Tennessee Scouting Director
Texas
+ Roman Martinez, RHP/OF (United South HS, 2026) | Ranger JC:
“Martinez had an all-around monster week, 5-for-10 at the plate with a double, triple, home run and nine RBIs. He also got it done on the mound, tossing a no hitter (7 IP), with 14 strikeouts and only one walk. Big-time stuff from the Ranger College commit.”
+ Jack Richard Vasquez, LHP/OF (San Marcos HS, 2027) | Texas State:
“Vasquez delivered a dominant outing, tossing a no-hitter with 16 strikeouts, no earned runs and two walks. He has swing-and-miss stuff in his arsenal and showcased it last week. The lefty can be very dangerous when getting ahead in counts and putting away hitters with the breaking ball.”
– Ben Green, Texas State Director
Utah
+ Lange Livonius, INF (Juan Diego Catholic HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Livonius was an absolute force at the plate this week, serving as the undisputed engine for a Soaring Eagle offense that outscored opponents 38-4 over a three-game stretch. Livonius turned in a clinical performance, hitting at a staggering .833 clip (5-for-6) while driving in eight runs and scoring six himself. His dominance was headlined by a monster outing against East, where he launched two home runs and accounted for five RBIs in a 9-2 victory. Showing advanced composure and elite power, Livonius finished the week with a massive 1.833 slugging percentage, consistently finding barrels and proving why he is one of the most dangerous middle-of-the-order threats in the 4A classification. The uncommitted senior is having a strong campaign in 2026 and doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon.”
+ Jack Salmon, MIF/RHP (Wasatch HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Salmon turned in a masterful, career-defining performance this week, delivering a dominant no-hit shutout in California to lead Wasatch to a 6-0 victory over Lincoln. The junior right-hander was absolutely untouchable from the first pitch, dismantling the Hornets' lineup by racking up a staggering 12 strikeouts over seven clinical innings. Salmon surrendered zero hits and consistently worked ahead in the count, living in the zone and maintaining elite composure throughout the high-stakes tournament outing. It was a true 'ace' performance that provided exactly the kind of shutdown dominance needed to anchor the Wasps' rotation and solidify Wasatch as one of the top teams in the 5A Classification.”
– Taylor Berg, Utah Scouting Director
Virginia
+ Wyatt Parker, SS (Mechanicsville HS, 2027) | William & Mary:
“If we look at just this past week, Parker hit .571, with a 2.286 OPS, 1.714 SLG, that includes two home runs, two doubles, six RBIs, and four runs scored. If we also included Saturday's game, their first game of the Deep Run Spring Break Tournament, Parker would have added a triple, with another RBI and run each. The William & Mary commit was named tournament MVP after his breakout performance last week, which included a three-run homerun that ensured a Mechanicsville win in the semifinals over host Deep Run. Congratulations to Wyatt on his big week, as well as his Mechanicsville team for bringing home the tournament title. The Mustangs beat Glen Allen 2-1 in the championship game.”
– Jason Burton, Virginia/DC State Director
Washington
+ Harlan Carrillo, INF (Curtis HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“The talented junior bat had a big week, slugging three home runs to win the state's 'Hitter of the Week' award for Week Four of Washington's spring action. Carrillo added six RBIs and four runs scored, reaching base at a .500 clip. The uncommitted junior builds off of what was one of the most impressive showcase looks we've ever seen this winter, with a peak exit velocity of 111.2 mph and average EV of 104.3 mph in his BP rounds.”
+ Zach Morris, RHP (Emerald Ridge HS, 2026) | Columbia Basin:
“The Emerald Ridge senior spun a gem against a Power 25 side last week, throwing a seven-inning complete game without allowing a hit. Morris struck out eight, walked three and allowed just one run to win this award in Washington. The Columbia Basin commit was seen earlier this spring with an intriguing arsenal and a fastball into the upper-80s at its best.”
– Dylan Grenz, Pacific Northwest Asst. Scouting Director
Wisconsin
+ Decker Kleppin, INF (Random Lake HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Kleppin has been a constant performer at the plate in front of our staff with tools to match. Across 13 plate appearances the right-handed hitter went 4-for-6 with a double, two home runs, and six RBIs, as well as eight runs scored, five walks and he added seven stolen bases. The barrel feel stands out with a similar stand-out impact for his size attached to a fast and twitchy bat.”
+ Clay Maxam, RHP (West De Pere HS, 2028) | Uncommitted:
“Starting off the game with a seven pitch at-bat that ended in a strikeout before walking the next batter on four pitches, Maxam went on to retire the next 10 batters, working more efficiently, striking out the side in the second on nine pitches, getting seven whiffs along the way. The sophomore struck out five more batters over the next two innings, earning his first win of the season in the process.”
– Josh Fields, Wisconsin Asst. Scouting Director