PNW Underclass: Dandy Dozen Underclassmen
February 24, 2025
Since the inception of the Pacific Northwest’s Preseason All-State event in 2021, hundreds of players have kicked off their spring seasons by displaying the vast amounts of advancements made in their offseason. A rich history of professional prospects and impact collegiate players has long graced the region with a near “Golden Age” of talent gracing both Oregon and Washington being seen in the past five years including a multitude of first round picks, professional prospects, and All-Stars.
Situated in the upper left corner of the country, away from warmer weather hotbeds, these two states combine to go head-to-head with any talented region. For that reason, this event has become a marquee spot for players to show off their improvements and upside in hopes of grabbing the attention of the scouting community.
Below, a look at 12 underclassmen that made a big impact on Prep Baseball Vice President, Shooter Hunt, and who have a chance to make a national impact in coming years.
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Harrison Buckingham RHP / 3B / South Salem, OR / 2027Rankings StateRank: 4 / POS: 1
Buckingham’s upward trend simply refuses to slow down, and he asserted himself as a must-follow national name with his showing in Centralia. The wiry-athletic, 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-hander presented a true starter profile that included feel for three pitches and a fastball that effortlessly ramped up to 91 mph (2450 rpm max). Repeating a compact, polished delivery, the arm works loose and continuous throughout the stroke before quickly getting to a high ¾ slot with quality extension on a linear path. Pumping the zone with a fastball that he pinned to all quadrants he countered with a sweeping slider in the upper 70s with nearly 2700 rpm and a low 80s changeup which he killed spin with. Buckingham commanded each pitch with the slider exhibiting plus-upside along with innate aptitude for spin that may provide, also, for a curveball in coming years. Featuring a low pulse with aggressive intent, the Oregon native cemented himself as a player to know in the class.
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