National Player of the Week: 3/31 to 4/6
April 10, 2025
Today, we’re announcing our sixth National Player of the Week of the 2025 campaign as the calendar flipped to April.
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.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Our staff took player stat lines from the week of March 31 to April 6 into account when determining these awards.
🏆 NATIONAL POTW
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Joseph Lawson C / RHP / Bishop Verot, FL / 2026“Lawson, a junior two-way, has been named both Florida's Pitcher and Hitter of the Week for his performances on both sides of the field. On the mound, Lawson threw a complete-game no-hitter. He went seven innings allowing zero runs, issuing just one walk while striking out an impressive 16 batters. At the plate, he was equally dominant, going 5-for-8 with five RBIs, crushing four home runs, adding a double, and scoring seven runs himself. Lawson's final statline in Week Eight: 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 16 K; 5-for-8, 5 RBI, 4 HR, 1 2B, 7 R.” – Rocco Iervasi, Director of Florida Operations |
STATE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Alabama
+ Sam Brown, 3B (Central-Phenix City HS, 2025) | Gulf Coast State JC:
“Brown has been named Alabama's Mizuno Player of the Week after an explosive offensive performance, going 11-for-14 (.785) with three home runs, five doubles, 10 RBIs, six runs scored, and four walks during a three-game sweep of arch-rival Auburn High to open area play. Widely regarded as one of the top left-handed hitters in Alabama’s 2025 class, the Gulf Coast State CC now has 11 home runs on the season. His dominant week helped lead Central-Phenix City to a 4-0 record, improving to 25-7 overall and earning a No. 5 ranking in the Class 7A state poll.”
+ Tyler Pierce, RHP (Boaz HS, 2025) | West Alabama (football):
“Pierce has been named Alabama's Mizuno Pitcher of the Week for the second time this season after another dominant performance on the mound. The West Alabama quarterback recruit tossed a seven-inning complete-game no-hitter, striking out 13 while issuing just two walks in a commanding outing. Pierce’s performance anchored a strong week for Boaz, helping the Pirates go 2-1 and improve to 19-7 on the season, placing them just outside the top-10 in the Class 5A state rankings.”
– David Sharp, Deep South Supervisor
California
+ Christian Garcia, RHP (Clairemont HS, 2025) | San Diego:
“Garcia was heavily considered for California Pitcher of the Week after a dominant no-hitter on Wednesday. He walked only two batters and allowed no hits while striking out 17 batters – including 10 consecutive Ks to start the game.”
– Matthew Monk, Manager, Content & Operations
+ Rashad Hayes, SS (Bishop O'Dowd HS, 2025) | Stanford:
“Hayes is the California Hitter of the Week for the second time this season after a stellar three-game stretch this past week. The Stanford signee led the Dragons to a 2-1 week facing league opponent Encinal for two games and crosstown catholic school rivals St. Mary’s for one game. Hayes finished the week with a .888 batting average, going 8-for-9 with five doubles. He knocked in four while scoring seven runs of his own. The shortstop also showed off the speed with three stolen bases. Hayes reached base all but once, collecting three walks and bringing his OBP for the week to .916.”
+ Kyle Pott, RHP (Franklin HS, 2025) | UC Santa Barbara:
“Pott is the California Pitcher of the Week after a dominant performance on the mound against Sheldon on April 2. The 6-foot-5 UC Santa Barbara signee tossed a perfect game over five innings en route to the Wildcats’ 10-0 mercy rule win. Pott went 15 up, 15 down while striking out 12. Pott has been instrumental to Franklin’s ascent up the Power 25 rankings, clocking in at No. 5 on this week's update. The Wildcats have a 12-2 record entering this week with big contributions on the mound from Pott. He currently owns a 4-0 record with a 1.11 ERA over three starts and six appearances. Across his 25.1 innings of work, Pott has struck out 45 batters while owning a sub 1.000 WHIP.”
– Les Lukach, California State Director
Colorado
+ Zack Young, LHP (Centaurus HS, 2025) | Uncommitted:
“Young has earned this week's respective 'Pitcher of the Week' award after going seven strong innings with 13 Ks against last year's 4A state champions, the Holy Family Tigers. The southpaw also only gave up three hits, no earned runs, and walked two batters in this one. Young comes with a fastball around the mid-80s with plenty of pitchability out of a deceptive slot. The uncommitted lefty and 2024 Prep Baseball West Coast Games alumni has chucked 27 innings this spring with 38 Ks and just eight walks, to go along with a 1.30 ERA.”
– Caleb Dameron, Colorado Staff
Georgia
+ Trey Luke, LHP/OF (Rockmart HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Luke had a huge week at the plate, going 10-for-11 with two walks, three doubles, a triple, three steals, and two RBIs. But even more special, Luke was a pitch away from tossing a no-hitter on a meaningful day, finishing a terrific shutout with this line: 7 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 9 K.”
– Hudson Graham, Georgia State Director
Illinois
+ Zach Toma , LHP (West Aurora HS, 2026) | Uncommitted :
“Toma had one of the most dominant outings we have seen in recent memory, striking out 20 in a seven inning no-hit effort. To take it further, Toma was one out away from a perfect game when a dropped-third strike ended the bid.”
+ Conor Essenburg , 1B/LHP (Lincoln-Way West HS, 2025) | Kentucky :
“Essenburg helped his club to a perfect 4-0 week down in Georgia on a spring break trip, and they now sit at 8-0 on the year and No. 1 in Illinois' Power 25 rankings. The right-handed hitter went 7-for-16 on the week with two home runs, three doubles, 10 RBIs, six runs scored and three walks. He also hopped on the mound and struck out 10 in three innings.”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Director Illinois/Wisconsin
Indiana
+ Brady Anderson, 3B/RHP (Lincoln HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Anderson got off to an outstanding start to his junior campaign and opens the season with Indiana's first Player of the Week honors of the year. It is fitting, after Anderson was a huge riser in our preseason rankings update, for him to begin the season 5-for-5 with a pair of doubles two RBIs. He also got a start on the bump and helped Lincoln to a win over Southridge, where Anderson threw a run-rule shortened, complete-game shutout with the following line: 6 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 13 K – and he threw 75 percent strikes in that outing, too.”
– Cooper Trinkle, Indiana Scouting Director
Kentucky
+ Ethan Jackson, SS (Clay County HS, 2025) | Uncommitted:
“The senior out of Clay County was on an absolute rampage in the box this week, mashing just about every pitch he saw in the zone. Working competitive at-bats to actually record more walks than hits, Jackson definitely made the most of them as all five hits went for extra bases. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound two-way boosted himself to the top of the Tigers' offense this week, now leading the team in almost all hitting categories, including a .556 average on the spring. Although it didn't even matter for this award, the two-way also recorded a win in a three-inning performance out of the 'pen, striking out a pair and allowing one earned. The Clay County squad rolls into the current week on a four-game win streak during Jackson's charge, outscoring opponents 55-11 during that span. The Tigers will look to ride this momentum back in the 13th Region as they return from spring break with a red-hot offense, led by this physical senior.”
+ Nolan Young, RHP (Christian County HS, 2028) | Uncommitted :
“The youngster had himself yet another fantastic start on the mound, leading the Colonels to an eye-catching victory over No. 6-ranked South Warren. Young held the dangerous Spartan bats to just five hits, two runs, striking out an impressive nine hitters. The freshman righty has been making his presence known in the western part of the state, as Young has now recorded the win in both of his starts, which just so happen to be against two of the top-10 teams in the state. At just 5-foot-10, 150 pounds and without much strength just yet, Young proves it doesn't take insane velocity to succeed on the mound. The freshman righty has had one of the best possible starts to a varsity career, a reflection of head coach Cole Isom's developmental influence.”
– Jamie Tessoff, Kentucky Scouting Director
Louisiana
+ Mason Leblanc, 1B (Ascension Christian HS, 2025) | Baton Rouge JC:
“Leblanc got things rolling last Tuesday in a tough 7-5 loss to St. John, going 1-for-3 with a home run, 2 RBIs, and a run scored. He followed that up on Wednesday with a big night against Holden, finishing 2-for-2 with a home run, a double, 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored. The hot streak continued Thursday versus White Castle, where he went 1-for-2 with a double, an RBI, and crossed the plate three more times. On Friday, he stayed locked in during a 14-1 rout of Southern Lab, going 1-for-1 with a double, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored. Leblanc saved his best for last on Saturday, capping off the week in dominant fashion with a 3-for-3 showing against French Settlement. He launched two home runs, added a double, drove in 3, and scored 4 times in a 16-1 win. All told, Leblanc went 8-for-11 (.727) with 4 home runs, 4 doubles, 11 RBIs, and 12 runs scored in a week to remember.”
+ Barrett Coody, INF/RHP (Rosepine HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“The uncommitted sophomore first turned heads at our Lake Charles Preseason ID back in January, showcasing eye-popping triple-digit exit velocities at the plate. But this spring, he’s proven he’s just as dangerous on the mound. Last Friday, Coody delivered his most dominant outing of the season in a district matchup against Vinton. The right-hander fired a complete-game, seven-inning no-hitter, allowing just one walk while striking out 14 to power Rosepine to a 9-0 victory. He didn’t just shine on the bump, either. At the plate, Coody stayed hot, going 4-for-8 (.500) across four games with two doubles, an RBI, one run scored, three walks, and a stolen base. It was a complete two-way performance from one of the top 2027s in the state.”
– Alex Armand, Louisiana State Director
Mississippi
+ Ethan Barnes, C/MIF (Magnolia Heights HS, 2025) | Liberty:
“The two-time Future Gamer and Liberty signee had an outstanding week for the Chiefs. Barnes went 7-for-9 with two home runs, four doubles, and 11 runs batted in. Barnes is hitting .426 on the season with three home runs, 12 doubles, and 31 RBIs.”
+ Jon Grey Morrisson, RHP (West Union HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“The former Future Gamer was dominant last week throwing a seven-inning no-hitter over Smithville. The 6-foot-6 uncommitted righty walked just one hitter while striking out 13. Morrisson is 2-1 on the season with a 2.88 ERA including 37 strikeouts in just 24 innings.”
– Matt Miller, Mississippi State Director
Nebraska
+ Jace Ziola, RHP (Skutt Catholic HS, 2025) | Nebraska:
“Ziola was phenomenal for Skutt Catholic last week, pitching against a program in a higher class ranked No. 7 in the state at the time, earning the win in the process. He finished the game with this final line: 6 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 4 BB, 12 K.”
– Pascal Paul, Nebraska State Director
Nevada
+ Braden Jones, RHP (Reno HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Arguably, no one has seen their stock rise more in the '27 class than Braden Jones as the value of the two-way players continues to skyrocket with the limited roster sizes at the Division-I level causing a trickle down effect all the way to the high school level, maximizing what each player can bring to the roster is paramount.
The sophomore continues his huge year for the Huskies with a complete-game no-hitter, going seven innings without allowing a run, hit, or walk on just 74 pitches with six Ks to complete the incredible feat. Jones has had his number called in a handful of the bigger matchups this spring for Reno and he is expected to be significant piece on both the mound and at shortstop as we get closer to the playoffs.”
+ Memphis Venis, RHP (Galena HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“The junior stood tall during his impressive five-inning no-hitter, striking out seven while needing only 85 pitches to complete the performance. Venis got stronger as the game progressed, striking out three of the last four batters he faced. This was Galena's first no-hitter since 2020, and it was no small feat to come against a tough Douglas squad.
We continue to see his game progress on both sides of the ball, but especially on the mound where he has continued to gain feel for each of the pitches in his mix. Keep an eye on this Galena product as one to be a key piece of the Grizzlies playoff push into a big Summer season.”
+ Tyson Pettingill, SS/C (Moapa Valley HS, 2025) | Arizona Western JC:
“The Arizona Western JC signee continues his historic season for the Pirates with this incredible week at the plate, going 11-for-14 with four home runs and four doubles. The obvious physical strength gains over the past year have taken his game to another level with even more expected to come at the next level. Pettingill's week only added to his massive start as he is now hitting .698 with six homers, 37 hits and 21 RBIs. Keep an eye on the Moapa Valley product as he continues produce a remarkable season.”
– Cam Black-Araujo, West Coast Content Manager
North Carolina
+ Amos Rich, RHP (Tuscola HS, 2026) | North Carolina:
“Rich was electric on the mound, tossing a complete game one-hitter with 19 strikeouts across seven innings. He allowed just one unearned run and two walks. Here's his final line: 7 IP, 0 ER, H, R, 2 BB, 19 K.”
– Brandon Hall, Mid-Atlantic Director of Scouting
Oklahoma
+ Easton Webb, RHP (Charles Page HS, 2026) | Oklahoma State:
“The Oklahoma State commit was outstanding both on the bump as well as in the heart of a Sandite lineup that put together an undefeated week. On the mound, Webb set the tone with a masterful Monday night performance beating Jenks in a 1-0 game. Webb did not allow a hit, going the distance for seven innings, striking out 12. At the plate, Webb went 6-for-10 and added five RBIs in the three games on the week as well. Sand Springs put it all together last week winning three close ball games and Webb's efforts on the mound and at the plate are a major reason as to why.”
– Bret Schwartz, Oklahoma Scouting Director
Oregon
+ Trenton Hertzog, C/RHP (Tualatin HS, 2026) | Oregon:
“The junior earns Oregon's Pitcher of the Week honors after a massive relief appearance, logging seven shutout innings, two hits, while striking out 17. The Future Games alum and Oregon commit is known for his skill as a position player but showed his versatility to win POTW in Week Three of Oregon's spring season.”
+ Teagan Scott, C (South Salem HS, 2026) | Oregon State:
“The top-ranked junior in the state earns Oregon's Hitter of the Week honors after hitting .636 with two home runs, three doubles and he walked three times. The Oregon State commit also scored eight runs and drove in 10. Scott is a premier talent at the catcher position and one of the most imposing bats in the area.”
– Dylan Grenz, PNW Associate Scout
South Carolina
+ Trip Ostergard, MIF (James Island HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Ostergard was on fire for James Island Charter last week, hitting .875 on the week, with three doubles, two walks, five runs, and he drove in seven total.”
+ Parker Reavis, RHP (Carolina Forest HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“This uncommitted junior delivered a dominant performance last week against North Myrtle Beach, tossing a two-hitter in a seven-inning masterpiece. Reavis was untouchable, striking out 10 batters, while allowing just one walk and two hits over his outing on 67 pitches (51 strikes). His ability to command the zone and overpower hitters played a key role in his Forest's success.”
– Sammy Esposito, South Carolina Scouting Director
Tennessee
+ KJ Anderson, C/3B (Cookeville HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Anderson is one of the top catching prospects in the deep 2027 class, and he finished last week hitting 7-for-11 with two homers, two triples and a double. He would also collect five RBIs, seven runs scored with three stolen bases, finishing the week hitting .636 with a 1.636 SLG, .667 OBS and a 2.330 OPS.”
+ Austin Grant, LHP (Powell HS, 2025) | Roane State JC:
“The Roane State recruit would throw his first no-hitter of the season in a complete seven-inning game, where he would give up only one walk, while racking up 11 Ks.”
– Hunter Martin, Tennessee Scouting Director
Texas
+ Gavin Barker, SS/OF (Reedy HS, 2025) | UT-Dallas:
“The UT-Dallas recruit was unstoppable at the plate in Week Seven, turning in a perfect 6-for-6 performance that fueled his team’s offense. He racked up three doubles, scored seven runs, and drove in seven himself, showcasing the ability to hit with RISP. Barker also showed patience and speed, drawing two walks and swiping two bases. A complete all-around performance that highlighted his ability to impact the game on offense.”
+ Sean Howell, RHP (Rockport-Fulton HS, 2025) | Texas A&M - Kingsville:
“The Texas A&M Kingsville recruit delivered in a dominant Week Seven, showcasing his elite command and strikeout power across two appearances. Against Port Lavaca Calhoun on Tuesday, Howell came in to shut the door, going two shutout innings and three strikeouts, while earning a save. He followed that up with a great outing versus Ingleside on Friday, tossing 6.2 innings and racking up 17 strikeouts. In total, Howell finished the week with 8.2 innings pitched, 20 strikeouts while earning one win and a save.”
– Brandon Gowins, Texas Scouting Director
Virginia
+ Ren Devereux, RHP (St. John's College HS, 2025) | Penn State:
“Devereux got the start against Paul VI and threw six scoreless innings. He worked his way through the lineup only allowing two hits and racking up seven strikeouts.”
+ Sean McCabe, RHP (St. John's College HS, 2025) | College of Charleston:
“McCabe got the save against Paul VI on Tuesday, then threw a complete game shutout againt Bishop O'Connell on Saturday. He only allowed two hits and picked up five strikeouts”
– Jason Burton, Virginia/DC Scouting Director
Washington
+ Cooper Markham, RHP (Enumclaw HS, 2025) | Oregon:
“The senior arm earns Washington's Pitcher of the Week after a dominant outing, going 6.2 innings while allowing no hits, two walks and striking out 19. The University of Oregon commit is the No. 10-ranked player in the state's senior class.”
+ Ryker Ruelas, C (Seton Catholic HS, 2025) | San Jose State (football):
“Ruelas earns Washington's Hitter of the Week honors for Week Four after going a perfect 7-for-7 at the plate with six RBIs and two runs. The senior two-sport athlete was most recently seen at PNW State Games last summer and he has since committed to play football at San Jose State next year.”
– Dylan Grenz, PNW Associate Scout
Wisconsin
+ Ira Hilbelink, RHP/OF (Cedar Grove-Belgium HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“On Tuesday, the Rockets opened the season against Ozaukee with Hilbelink slated to start on the mound, who only needed 70 pitches to get through 16 batters in a 10-0 victory. Hilbelink struck out 14 of those batters, issuing one walk while only one opposing batter put a ball in play. It’s also worth noting that 48 of Hilbelink’s 70 pitches were strikes to go along with 17 swings and misses.
The sophomore is one of the best players in the state’s sophomore class with two-way upside at the next level, also a middle of the order bat for Cedar Grove-Belgium driving in four RBIs on the week after going 2-for-5 with a home run and two walks. Defensively, Hilbelink is a versatile defender that can play multiple spots in both the infield and the outfield. On the mound, Hilbelink routinely pounds the zone with his entire arsenal, reaching 90 mph with his fastball and showing two complimentary secondary pitches including a sharp breaking ball that he throws with confidence.”
+ Chase Yinko, OF (Monona Grove HS, 2025) | Uncommitted:
“Yinko, a multi-sport senior, got off to a hot start for the No. 2 team in Wisconsin after going 6-for-8 over the first three games of the season. Monona Grove got off to a hot 3-0 start during a spring break trip to Florida where they scored 31 runs as a team over three games while only allowing four. Yinko was a key piece to the lineup, hitting two doubles and a triple while driving in seven runs on the week with two stolen bases while playing standout defense in center field.
The senior has provided a spark for a deep Monona Grove team helping them to a 3-0 record early on this season. His impact was not only felt with his performance at the plate but also in center field where he is also an impact player defensively.”
– Josh Fields, IL/WI Scout, Analyst