National Player of the Week: 4/7 to 4/13
April 17, 2025
Today, we’re announcing our seventh 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 April 7 to 13 into account when determining these awards.
🏆 NATIONAL POTW
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Dawson McInelly OF / Sugar Salem, ID / 2025“McInelly was an absolute work horse at the plate this week for the Diggers, blasting an incredible six home runs in four games. McInelly was able to propel Sugar Salem to four wins last week while pushing 15 runs across. The combination of speed and present power was on display as he also hit a triple and two doubles. The Utah Tech commit also landed himself in the top-10 in the nation for home runs on the season, now up to 10 total this year, entering this game week. He has been electric to watch this season and looks to continue to be a key part of the Digger line up. All in all, he hit .846 with six homers, a double, a triple, and he tallied 15 RBIs.” – Cam Black-Araujo, West Coast Content Manager |
STATE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Alabama
+ Jack Ross, 3B/RHP (Homewood HS, 2025) | Southern Union CC:
“At the plate, the Southern Union CC recruit went 7-for-12 (.583) with three home runs, a triple, a double, six runs scored, nine RBIs, and a walk. On the mound, Ross was equally impressive, tossing a complete-game shutout with seven innings of two-hit ball, no walks, and eight strikeouts on just 73 pitches – 58 of which were strikes. His efforts helped power Homewood to a perfect 4-0 week, improving the Patriots to 26-6 overall and securing a No. 5 ranking in the final Class 6A state poll.”
+ Harrison Cook, RHP (Fairhope HS, 2025) | Coastal Alabama-South CC:
“The Coastal Alabama-South CC recruit touched 91 mph with his fastball and tossed an eight-inning complete-game shutout, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out 13 in a clutch performance against an area rival. Cook’s effort earned him the win and helped lead Fairhope to a 3-1 week, improving the Pirates to 23-9 overall and securing a No. 8 ranking in the Class 7A state poll.”
– David Sharp, Deep South Supervisor
California
+ Matthew Witkow, 3B/OF (Calabasas HS, 2025) | Harvard:
“The Harvard signee did it all on offense for the Coyotes going 7-for-10 with three doubles, five runs scored, two RBIs, two walks, and even got hit by a pitch twice in the three game series as the Coyotes surged to third place in the six team league with two league series remaining. Witkow is having a very strong senior season hitting .550 with eight doubles, a triple, four home runs, 23 RBIs, and 26 runs scored to lead the Coyotes in each of those categories.”
– Les Lukach, California State Director
Colorado
+ Ethan Wachsmann, RHP (Grandview HS, 2026) | Wake Forest:
“Wachsmann is a 2024 Future Games standout who just might have the best overall stuff on the mound in Colorado. The Wake Forest commit comes with a fastball around 90-93 mph and a breaking ball with a max spin rate of 3,125 rpm. When Wachsmann is in the zone, he is virtually un-hittable, as showcased by his last outing where he tossed a 7-inning no-hitter against a top ranked team in Cherokee Trail. Wachsmann racked up 9 strikeouts in this performance with 3 walks and zero earned runs. The full season line on Wachsmann currently sits at 23 innings with 36 Ks, and a 1.83 ERA allowed (5A).”
+ Jack Phiel, OF/3B (Northfield HS, 2025) | Haverford:
“One of the top hitting performances we have seen in a single week in Colorado comes from Northfield's Jack Phiel. The senior went 11 for 15 with FOUR home runs, and 13(!) RBI, while adding in three triples, and a double. Phiel has helped lead his 5A Northfield program to an impressive 9-1 record this spring while hitting .516 overall with 5 homeruns. The senior will be attending Haverford College to continue his baseball career. ”
– Caleb Dameron, Colorado Staff
Florida
+ Ethan Wheeler, RHP (Trinity Christian Academy HS, 2026) | Florida:
“Wheeler, a Florida commit and 2024 Prep Baseball All-American, was named Pitcher of the Week after throwing a complete game, seven innings, allowing four hits, one run, two walks, and striking out 11 against Corona del Sol HS (AZ) at this year's NHSI in Cary, N.C.”
+ Tyler Boyesen, OF (Spruce Creek HS, 2025) | Stetson:
“Boyesen, a senior outfielder and Stetson signee, earned Hitter of the Week in Florida by going 8-for-11 with 11 RBIs, one double, four home runs, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases.”
– Rocco Iervasi, Florida Director of Operations
Idaho
+ Ian Lenius, LHP (Middleton HS, 2025) | Utah:
“Middleton, a Utah commit, really found his groove last week against Rocky Mountain. He struck out 11 hitters as Middleton's offense was able to push six runs accross and secure the win. Lenius relied heavily on his fastball that created 23 swing and misses at the plate, he threw a total of 98 pitches with 68 of them being strikes, and even more impressively 77 of those 98 pitches were fastballs. Lenius showed confidence and pose on the mound. He trusted himself and his defense to get the job done last week securing another Viking win.”
– Cam Black-Araujo, West Coast Content Manager
Illinois
+ Brady Cunningham , RHP/CIF (Brother Rice HS, 2027) | Uncommitted :
“Cunningham went 7-for-13 on the week with six of his hits going for extra-bases – tallying four doubles, a triple, home run, six RBIs, 10 runs scored and two stolen bases. To cap it off, he fired two shutout innings on the mound with five strikeouts.”
+ Brandon Shannon , RHP (McHenry HS, 2025) | Louisville:
“Shannon, a Louisville recruit, fired seven no-hit innings against the No. 10 team in Illinois, walking just one and striking out 14. It was a big outing for the budding MLB Draft prospect from McHenry.”
– Peter Hamot, Assistant Director Illinois/Wisconsin
Indiana
+ Anthony Suscha, C/OF (Brebeuf HS, 2025) | Trinity:
“Suscha had a huge week for the Braves and has begun his senior season on a hot streak. The Trinity University recruit went 9-for-14 at the plate, including seven extra-base hits – three homers and four doubles. In just four games, Suscha accounted for six runs scored and 10 total RBIs out of Brebeuf's three-hole. For good measure, Suscha also collected the game-winning hit for Brebeuf against 3A rivals No. 6 Cathedral in the bottom of the seventh during a back-and-forth Friday night matchup under the lights.”
– Cooper Trinkle, Indiana Scouting Director
Kansas
+ Ty Heitschmidt, 1B (Smoky Valley HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Smoky Valley received a huge boost from their junior first baseman at the plate last week. The left-handed slugger went 10-for-15 with three doubles, two homers, and he collected 14 RBIs in total.”
– Andy Urban, Central Region Scouting Supervisor
Louisiana
+ Mason Canter, SS (Covenant Christian Academy HS, 2025) | Nicholls State:
“Covenant Christian improved their season record to 33-0 by winning all five of their games last week and Canter was a big reason for the team's success. The Lions faced off against Class 5A opponent John Curtis Christian and Canter led the way with a 2-for-4 night that included 2 home runs, 2 runs batted in, 3 runs scored, and a stolen base. On Tuesday in 14-5 win over Erath, the Nicholls State recruit went 1-for-3 with a RBI, run scored, and two walks. He then went 1-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base on Thursday against Fisher, before going 1-for-1 with a run scored and two walks in the Lions 5-1 win over St. Charles Catholic on Friday. Canter then ended his week on Saturday with a 2-for-3 showing against St. Charles Catholic again, which included another home run, four runs batted in, two runs scored, and a stolen base.
Across the Lions five wins last week, Canter finished 7-for-14 (.500) at the plate with three home runs, seven RBIs, eight runs scored, and he also had three stolen bases.”
+ Karson Trichel, RHP (Ouachita Christian HS, 2025) | Nicholls State:
“The Nicholls State recruit has been stellar ever since he stepped foot on Ouachita Christian's campus and he'll leave as one of the most decorated players in school history regardless of how the rest of this spring finishes. The Eagles dropped a tough one-run game last Wednesday to Oak Grove, before Trichel made his start the next day against Mangham and he delivered a complete-game no-hitter and allowed only two walks with 13 strikeouts on 93 total pitches (61 strikes). Trichel was in control from the start and ended up throwing a first-pitch strike to 17 of the 23 hitters that he faced. Ouachita Christian is currently the No. 12 seed in the LHSAA's Select Division IV Power Rankings, but if Trichel can continue to throw the ball like this, then they may be primed for an upset or two over the next couple of weeks.”
– Alex Armand, Louisiana State Director
Nebraska
+ Brett Hoelscher, LHP (Papillion LaVista HS, 2025) | Iowa Western JC:
“Hoelscher took down No. 10 Creighton Prep last week with an excellent performance on the mound for Papillion LaVista, going seven complete allowing just one run, one hit, one walk, and he punched out a whopping 18 batters.”
+ Luke Mitchell, OF (Lincoln Southwest HS, 2027) | Uncommitted:
“Mitchell was clutch last week for Lincoln Southwest, and of the five games they played las tweek, three were against ranked opponents – Nos. 2, 5, and 6. Even so, the sophomore went 11-for-21 with two doubles, a homer, three RBIs, and he swiped four bags.”
– Pascal Paul, Nebraska State Director
Nevada
+ Caden Birch, SS (North Valleys HS, 2025) | Ohlone CC:
“The Ohlone College commit and Senior Future Games alum was swinging a hot bat this past week as he picked up a trio of multi-hit games, highlighted by a two homers, two doubles performance in North Valleys' 15-0 win over Hug on Saturday. Birch is now batting well above .500 following his 10 hits last week, and he also added 10 RBIs and 12 runs scored. The senior shortstop will be a key piece down the stretch here as postseason play slowly approaches.”
+ Wade Huntsman, RHP (Bishop Manogue HS, 2026) | Nevada:
“The Nevada commit went the distance this past week in Bishop Manogue's 8-0 win over Spanish Springs. The Northern Nevada native had his swing and miss working as he punched out 12 hitters throughout his seven-inning complete game shutout, while allowing just three hits and two walks. Huntsman has held steady on the mound for the Miners this spring, helping the team run their record up to 18-4 including 9-0 in 5A Northern action.”
– Cam Black-Araujo, West Coast Content Manager
New Jersey
+ Lizandro Perez, RHP (Rutgers Prep HS, 2026) | Seton Hall:
“In two outings last week, Perez was dominant in 12 innings of work, having K'd 30 batters over that stretch, allowing just two walks and two hits only, including a complete-game shutout in one of those starts. On the spring, the Seton Hall commit is up to 40 Ks in just 17 innings pitched, and he's yet to allow an earned run.”
– TJ Hunt, New Jersey State Director
Oklahoma
+ Eli Williams, LHP/CF (Community Christian HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“On the mound, Williams set the tone for what would be an undefeated week with his start Tuesday night. His no-hitter included 13 punchouts, no walks, and the only blemish coming on an error on the infield. At the plate, Williams was arguably just as impressive hitting out of the three-Hole. In total, he was 9-for-16 with six RBIs and he hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the seventh to give CCS a 3-2 lead, and win, over Purcell last weekend.”
– Bret Schwartz, Oklahoma Scouting Director
Oregon
+ Gavin Price, OF (South Salem HS, 2025) | Louisiana-Monroe:
“The senior wins Hitter of the Week honors in Oregon after hitting .636 with a home run, double and a triple. The senior also scored twice and had six RBIs overall for South Salem, and the program has now earned back-to-back HOTW honors.”
+ Cole Thomas, RHP (Central Catholic HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Thomas wins Oregon's Pitcher of the Week after spinning a seven-inning no-hitter last Friday. The multi-sport athlete struck out six batters and walked three in his dominant outing. The junior has been a big part of Central Catholic's hot start to the season, going 7-2-1 thus far.”
– Dylan Grenz, PNW Associate Scout
Texas
+ Bentley Blinka, INF (Victoria East HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“The uncommitted junior put together a dominant Week Eight, going a perfect 7-for-7 at the plate over three games. Blinka showcased his power and speed with three doubles, two triples, and he drove in 10 RBIs while crossing the plate six times himself. He also added two stolen bases, drew a walk, and was hit by a pitch, reaching base in every plate appearance. Blinka continues to have a solid junior season and, again, he's still uncommitted.”
+ Jordan Andrews, LHP (Liberty Hill HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Andrews was lights out in Week Eight, tossing a seven-inning complete-game no-hitter to lead his squad to a 1-0 victory. The right-hander was in full command, racking up 11 strikeouts while allowing just three walks. The uncommitted junior was untouchable all game, showcasing poise and dominance on the mound in a pressure-packed outing. He also helped his own cause at the plate with an RBI double in the top of the seventh, providing the only run he needed to secure the win.”
– Brandon Gowins, Texas Scouting Director
Washington
+ Truitt Madonna, C/INF (Ballard HS, 2025) | UCLA:
“The UCLA commit wins Washington's Hitter of the Week after a massive offensive performance, slugging four home runs and hitting .667 overall. The senior also walked three times and scored eight runs as well. Madonna is the No. 5-ranked senior in the state and a great offensive talent.”
+ Quade Gonzalez, RHP/INF (Othello HS, 2026) | Uncommitted:
“Gonzalez is Washington's Pitcher of the Week after a dominant outing, tossing a complete-game, seven-inning shutout and he allowed just one hit. The Othello High product struck out 16 batters and walked two, and he is one of the more intriguing uncommitted junior right-handers in the state.”
– Dylan Grenz, PNW Associate Scout
Wisconsin
+ Ethan Bauerschmidt, RHP (Tremper HS, 2025) | Penn State:
“Bauerschmidt toed the rubber for the Trojans last week against crosstown Bradford and he fired a seven-inning no-hitter, striking out 19 batters and walked just one. Even more impressively, the Penn State recruit did this on just 84 pitches (64 strikes) and he got Bradford bats to swing and miss 29 times in total. This was Tremper's first no-hitter since 2011.”
+ Christian Collins, OF (Notre Dame Academy HS, 2025) | Northern Iowa (football):
“With the help of Christian Collins, NDA went 4-0 last week in Wisconsin. Collins, a standout running back in the state, is also a major threat from the batter's box. He went 9-for-14 with a double, four triples, and a home run while driving in 10 RBIs, scoring 12 times, drawing five walks, and going a perfect 7-for-7 on stolen base attempts.”
– Josh Fields, IL/WI Scout, Analyst