NC/SC Border Battle: Leaderboards, Notes & Analysis

The 2026 NC/SC Border Battle once again brought together many of the top underclass prospects from the Carolinas, as more than 120 players from the 2027, 2028, and 2029 grad classes gathered at UNC Charlotte's Robert & Mariam Hayes Stadium for two days of evaluations and competition.

The event began on Tuesday, June 9th with a complete workout day. Position players participated in offensive and defensive evaluations while collecting a wide range of measurable data and advanced metrics. Hitters went through multiple rounds of batting practice with TrackMan technology capturing batted ball data and BLAST Motion providing swing analytics. Defensively, players worked from their primary positions, allowing the Prep Baseball scouting staff to evaluate athleticism, range, footwork, arm strength, and overall feel for the game.

Players also completed athletic testing throughout the day, including laser-timed 60-yard dashes with 10-yard and 30-yard split times, along with jump testing to measure explosiveness and overall athletic ability.

Competition shifted to game action on Wednesday, June 10th as players took part in 8-11 innings of controlled scrimmages. The live game environment allowed scouts to evaluate how each player's measurable tools translated at game speed while providing valuable opportunities for hitters and pitchers to compete against some of the top talent from both North Carolina and South Carolina. Pitching data was collected throughout game play using TrackMan technology, providing advanced metrics and in-game performance analysis.

Following the event, each player's Prep Baseball profile will be fully updated with statistics, advanced metrics, video, and scouting reports, allowing college coaches and professional scouts to continue tracking player development throughout their high school careers.

Prep Baseball North Carolina and Prep Baseball South Carolina would like to thank all of the players, parents, coaches, and scouts who helped make the 2026 NC/SC Border Battle another outstanding event.

Over the coming days, Prep Baseball will release statistical leaderboards, scouting notes, and player reports highlighting the top performers from both days of action.

More information, including the full roster, statistics, and advanced metrics, can be found here:

• 2026 NC/SC Border Battle

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SCOUTING REPORTS - MIDDLE INFIELDERS (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Caleb Anderson, Wando (SC), 2027
Positional Profile: 2B/C 
Body: 5-8, 141-pounds. Lanky build
Hit: RHH. Taller setup, gradual load to an easy swing Flat bat path that extends well through the zone
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 80.6 mph. 332' max distance. Gap to gap approach with ability to elevate, better contact than power
Arm: RH. INF-86 mph. Long, snappy action with above average arm speed and strength across the field.
Defense: Small prep step with smooth footwork to every ball, excellent defense
ATH: 7.17 runner in the 60. 1.69 and 3.94 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 21.50 max vertical.

Jacob Ballew, Eastside (SC), 2028
Positional Profile: SS/RHP 
Body: 5-8, 148-pounds. Lanky, athletic frame
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup with repeatable toe tap and smooth motion overall Bat lowers with the load and explodes upward through the zone
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 86.6 mph. 326' max distance. Stronger pullside power, solid contact to all parts of the field
Arm: RH. INF-81 mph. Short, extensive action across the diamond with average arm speed
Defense: Controlled and poised to every ball, solid defender
ATH: 7.19 runner in the 60. 1.69 and 3.96 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 20.80 max vertical.
Vizual Edge: 53.27 Edge Score

Brewer Cannon, Conway (SC), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/OF 
Body: 6-2, 199-pounds. Tall, athletic frame
Hit: RHH. Tall setup that flows downward into a load and swing Hands drop with the load and explode extensively through the zone
Power: 101 max exit velocity, averaged 89.1 mph. 369' max distance. Hits the ball hard to all parts of the field, even mix of power and contact
Arm: RH. INF-86 mph. Short action with average arm speed but solid strength.
Defense: Poised prep step to stay controlled to every ball, average fielder
ATH: 7.14 runner in the 60. 1.70 and 3.97 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 23.10 max vertical.

Brayden Easterling, James Island Charter (SC), 2028
Positional Profile: SS/RHP 
Body: 5-11, 166-pounds. Athletic, lanky frame
Hit: RHH. Tall, slightly offset setup with a small leg kick outward with the load Smooth, upward swing that stays consistent through the zone
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 89.1 mph. 355' max distance. Hits the ball hard with a pullside approach, able to elevate well
Arm: RH. INF-84 mph. Shorter action with average arm speed that drops down to a 3/4 slot
Defense: Smooth, controlled footwork to every ball, excellent defender
ATH: 7.05 runner in the 60. 1.66 and 3.92 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 22.70 max vertical.
Vizual Edge: 58.02 Edge Score

Reeves Israel, Southside Christian (SC), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP 
Body: 5-11, 152-pounds. Athletic build
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup with repeatable toe tap and smooth motion all around Controlled load with explosive bat path and follow through and quick bat speed
Power: 95 max exit velocity, averaged 87.4 mph. 337' max distance. Pullside approach with the ability to lace it up the middle as well
Arm: RH. INF-94 mph. Very strong across the field with a short, snappy action
Defense: Small prep step with a slight bounce to every ball, excellent defender
ATH: 6.76 runner in the 60. 1.66 and 3.81 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 23.90 max vertical.
Vizual Edge: 66.03 Edge Score

Kruse Kuhn, Ashley Ridge (SC), 2027