2016 Perfect Game High School Showdown-Academies Event Page | Schedule
Ballard Bruins (Louisville, Ky.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Jordon Adell (OF/RHP, 2017, 10)
• Jacob Snider (SS, 2016, 476)
• Blake Frost (RHP, 2016, Top 500)
Pitching
While Jordon Adell’s upside is markedly higher as a position player, he could also potentially be a high ceiling pitching prospect as well, simply due to his raw arm strength and athleticism on the mound. He can get into the low-90s with his fastball and complements it well with his off-speed stuff. Joining him on the mound will be Blake Frost, an unsigned senior with great size and raw stuff who projects very well.
Offense
Adell will almost assuredly hit in the middle of the order, where his plus bat speed and raw power will play nicely if he can make consistent contact. He’s also a threat to take extra bases and steal when he’s on, thanks to his double-plus speed. Fellow Louisville commit, shortstop Jacob Snider, will also be a key contributor both offensively and defensively for Ballard.
Synopsis
Ballard will certainly draw attention thanks to the star power they offer in Jordon Adell, who may have the highest raw upside of any prospect in the class of 2017. They should be able to balance both their pitching and offense to compete in this event overall.
Buford Wolves (Buford, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Brandon Marsh (OF, 2016, 337)
• Justin Glover (LHP, 2016, Top 500)
• Nick Wilhite (OF, 2016, 245)
• Austin Wilhite (OF, 2016, 248)
• Griffin Joliff (RHP, 2016, Top 500)
• Dillon Lancaster (IF, 2016, High Follow)
Pitching
Buford has one of the more loaded rosters in terms of depth in this event, but that doesn't mean they are without star power. Justin Glover has had some serious helium this spring as a potential draft prospect in June, and Griffin Joliff provides an excellent righthanded complement to the lefty Glover.
Offense
Top to bottom, Buford’s lineup is very strong. The Wilhite twins, Austin and Nick, are both everyday players and Georgia Tech signees, giving the lineup a good dose of athleticism, speed and hitting feel. Brandon Marsh, signed with Kennesaw State, has really put himself on draft radars this spring so far. Dillon Lancaster is unsigned right now but the coaching staff is excited about what he’s capable of doing.
Synopsis
This team finished the 2015 season as state champions and ranked No. 2 in PG’s final team rankings, and they started the 2016 season in the top 10 for a reason. They are extremely talented top to bottom, both with the bat and on the mound. They are a very dangerous team.
Cartersville Purple Hurricanes (Cartersville, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Elliott Anderson (LHP, 2016, 307)
• Carrington Evans (OF, 2016, High Follow)
• Parker Tidwell (OF, 2016, NA)
• Anthony Seigler (C/BHP, 2018, 65)
• Devin Warner (SS, 2018, 102)
Pitching
The Purple Hurricanes are led by senior lefty Elliott Anderson, an Auburn signee and nationally ranked prospect, who is capable of pitching in the low-90s and commanding the zone well. Sophomore Anthony Seigler is a bothhanded pitcher who is a matchup nightmare thanks to having very good stuff from both sides of the mound.
Offense
Senior outfielders Parker Tidwell and Carrington Evans are both mainstays in the lineup, holdovers from last year’s semifinal team. Seigler does some catching and is a serious offensive threat, while sophomore shortstop Devin Warner may have the best pure upside on the team.
Synopsis
Cartersville went a long ways in the state playoffs in 2015, and return a good majority of their talent from that squad. That’s part of the reason why they are nationally ranked to start the 2016 season, and pose a legitimate threat to Buford for the state championship this year.
Gulliver Prep Raiders (Miami, Fla.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Giovon Soto (OF, 2016, Top 500)
• Javier Valdes (SS, 2016, 260)
• Pedro Pages (C, 2016, 200)
• Adrian Del Castillo (C/OF, 2018, 185)
• Raymond Gil (3B, 2017, 94)
• Robert Touron (RHP, 2017, 62)
Pitching
The headliner here is Robert Touron, a junior righthander committed to Miami (as are many of these players). He is able to reach into the low-90s with his fastball, adding a lot of late life on the pitch as well, and complementing it with a curveball and changeup. Both of his off-speed pitches have bat-missing potential, and he can command all three offerings within the zone.
Offense
Several nationally ranked prospects fill out the Raiders everyday lineup. Outfielder Giovon Soto has plenty of power in his bat, infielders Javier Valdes and Raymond Gil can both hit and play defense well and catcher Pedro Pages does everything well.
Synopsis
Gulliver Prep’s everyday lineup is good enough to compete with everyone in this event, but the question is if they have enough depth in their pitching staff behind Touron to hold off the offensive firepower of the teams they’ll face. If they can do that, they have as good a chance as any to win.
Hillgrove Hawks (Powder Springs, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• John Devine (UT/RHP, 2016, Top 1000)
• Steven Minter (MIF, 2017, Top 500)
• Nate Richardson (RHP, 2016, NA)
• Jamie Boatright (LHP/1B, 2017, NA)
• Jacob Warren (C/RHP, 2017, High Follow)
• Dyson Douglas (RHP, 2016, NA)
• Luke Torbert (RHP, 2017, High Follow)
• Jared Rine (RHP, 2018, NA)
Pitching
The Hawks have a lot of depth in their pitching staff, with upwards of 5-6 different players looking to see time on the mound for them in this event. Several of those pitchers are also two-way players who will help Hillgrove with their bats as well. Seniors John Devine, Nate Richardson and Dyson Douglas are joined by juniors Jamie Boatright, Jacob Warren and Luke Torbert, with sophomore Jared Rine also jockeying for innings.
Offense
As stated above, the Hawks have several two-way performers who will help on the mound and at the plate. John Devine can play all over the place, Jamie Boatright will play some first base and Jacob Warren should do a good amount of the catching. Junior Steven Minter is a Top 500 prospect nationally and should handle the middle infield.
Synopsis
The Hawks have a lot of talent throughout both their pitching staff and everyday lineup, with good depth in both spots as well. They aren’t as star-studded as some of the other teams, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be just as dangerous in a smaller yet talent-packed event such as this one.
Houston County Bears (Warner Robbins, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Tony Locey (RHP, 2016, 49)
• D.L. Hall (LHP, 2017, 7)
• Tanner Hall (LHP/1B, 2016, High Follow)
• Jake Fromm (3B, 2017, Top 500)
• Austin Hittinger (RF, 2017, Top 500)
• Jordan Hampton (RHP/1B, 2017, Top 500)
Pitching
Houston County may have the best 1-2 punch as far as starting pitchers in the whole event, with Perfect Game All-American Anthony Locey throwing game 1 and D.L. Hall – the seventh ranked prospect nationally in the class of 2017 – throwing game 2. Locey can get into the mid-90s pretty easily and mixes in several off-speed pitches, while Hall is very deceptive into the low-90s with a very good curveball. They also have good depth, with senior Tanner Hall and junior Jordan Hampton giving them options.
Offense
D.L. Hall is also an accomplished hitter and outfielder, so he’ll almost assuredly be a key component to their offense. Junior Jake Fromm is a high-level quarterback prospect, committed to the University of Georgia, but is also a very good baseball player with high-end tools across the board. Fellow junior Austin Hittinger is a corner outfielder with middle-of-the-order hitting tools as well.
Synopsis
One would be hard-pressed to find a better 1-2 punch of starting pitchers than what the Bears are going to offer in Locey and Hall. Presumably, runs will be at a premium in their games, so it will be interesting to see how the Houston County bats perform against the other high-end pitching talents this event has to offer.
IMG Academy Ascenders (Bradenton, Fla.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Greer Holston (RHP, 2016, 153)
• Anthony Holubecki (RHP, 2016, 284)
• Ian McEachern (RHP, 2016, Top 500)
• Michael Feliz (SS, 2016, 475)
• Levi Kelly (RHP, 2018, 11)
• Tyler Esplin (RHP/UT, 2017, Top 500)
Pitching
IMG is going to roll out a bevy of talented, 90-plus mph arms throughout this event, both starting games and coming on in relief. Greer Holston is among the smoother, more projectable arms in this class, Anthony Holubecki can ramp his fastball into the 92-93 mph range, and Levi Kelly is the 11th ranked prospect in the class of 2018 for a reason. Ian McEachern is a quality arm, and uncommitted junior Tyler Esplin shouldn't be uncommitted for much longer.
Offense
Michael Feliz leads the charge here, as the Notre Dame signee has quality tools across the board and should hit in the middle of the lineup for the Ascenders. Tyler Esplin should also see plenty of at-bats, as he’s capable of playing a number of positions for IMG and has some serious power in his lefthanded swing.
Synopsis
Will IMG’s pitching depth allow them to dominate the other teams, even with all the offensive talent there is in this event? They will bring out several highly touted arms, so it will be very interesting to see just how well they fare when facing top-of-the-line competition.
Magnolia Heights Chiefs (Senatobia, Miss.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Riley Self (RHP, 2016, 204)
• Dustin Skelton (C, 2016, 315)
• Wyatt Young (OF, 2016, Top 500)
Pitching
Magnolia Heights has a bona fide ace on their staff in the form of Riley Self, who will take his talents to Mississippi State next fall. He combines great size and arm strength along with an advanced feel to pitch to give the Chiefs a legitimate chance of beating anyone in a single game setting.
Offense
Self’s battery mate, senior catcher Dustin Skelton, is also headed to Mississippi State in the fall, and brings a great combination of offensive prowess to the middle of the order as well as the ability to lock down the opposition’s running game from behind the plate. Top 500 senior Wyatt Young is an accomplished hitter who should also hit in the middle of the Magnolia Heights order.
Synopsis
The Chiefs have a chance to win any single game they choose thanks to their ace Riley Self, but how do they stack up behind him? That’s the question that will be answered at this event, and the question that will ultimately decide how they fare overall.
McEachern Indians (Powder Springs, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Alex Speas (RHP, 2016, 15)
• Troy Jones (RHP, 2016, High Follow)
• Sidney Ross (RHP, 2017, Top 1000)
• Keyshawn Askew (LHP/OF, 2018, High Follow)
Pitching
Alex Speas will draw as many scouts as anyone in this event, thanks to a mid- to upper-90s fastball and insane arm speed that has drawn comparisons to former first rounder Touki Toussaint. And behind him, the Indians have a good amount of depth with senior Troy Jones, junior Sidney Ross and sophomore Keyshawn Askew.
Offense
Seniors Rod Ransom and Stephen Wells have started hot so far on the young 2016 season, and McEachern will surely lean on them to provide a good amount of offensive firepower in this event. Sophomore Keyshawn Askew is a two-way contributor who should start in the outfield when not on the mound.
Synopsis
Speas is the draw here, undoubtedly, and for good reason. But beyond him the Indians have quality pitching depth and should have enough offense to compete throughout the event.
Montverde Academy Eagles (Montverde, Fla.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Conner Nurse (RHP, 2017, 85)
• Ryan Williams (RHP, 2016, NA)
• Nander De Sedas (IF, 2018, 84)
• Alfredo Carabello (1B, 2018, NA)
• Omar Vigil (OF/LHP, 2017, High Follow)
Pitching
Conner Nurse will lead the way for the Eagles, and the No. 85 prospect in the class of 2017 will do so with outstanding size, projection and a fastball that already sits in the low-90s with a quality curveball that can miss bats. He’s joined on the pitching staff by senior Ryan Williams and junior two-way prospect Omar Vigil.
Offense
Sophomore Nander De Sedas is ranked 84th overall in the class of 2018 rankings, and he’s ranked there because he’s an impact offensive performer who can hit for some serious power. Fellow sophomore Alfredo Caraballo has some thump from the first base spot, and Omar Vigil will start in the outfield when he’s not toeing the slab.
Synopsis
The Eagles have underclassmen star power, with Nurse on the mound and De Sedas in the infield, and they back up that star power with solid depth both on the mound and with the bats. They will be very interesting to watch as a team led by younger players.
Mountain View Bears (Lawrenceville, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Cameron Hankins (LHP/CF, 2016, Top 500)
• Sam Freitas (RHP/3B, 2016, NA)
• Chandler Powell (2B, 2016, NA)
• Zack Miller (OF, 2016, Top 500)
• Robert Kwiatkowski (RHP/IF, 2016, Top 500)
• Tyler Zak (RHP, 2016, High Follow)
Pitching
The Bears are interesting in that their pitching staff isn’t made up of pitcher-only prospects, as most teams in this event are. They have several quality two-way performers who will do the bulk of the pitching in addition to swinging the bats and playing the field when not on the mound. Cameron Hankins, Sam Freitas, Robert Kwiatkowski and Tyler Zak figure to eat up the bulk of the innings for Mountain View.
Offense
In addition to pitching, Hankins will play center field, Freitas will play third base and Kwiatkowski will play somewhere in the infield for the Bears. They are joined in their lineup by senior second baseman Chandler Powell and senior outfielder Zach Miller, forming a quality lineup from top to bottom.
Synopsis
Mountain View has a good combination of pitching and offensive talent, thanks in large part to the host of two-way players who will contribute in both areas extensively. It’s becoming more and more rare to find a team so full of two-way players so it will be very fun to watch how they compete in this event.
Oxford Chargers (Oxford, Miss.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Thomas Dillard (C, 2016, 56)
• Grae Kessinger (SS, 2016, 78)
• Jason Barber (RHP, 2016, Top 500)
• Houston Roth (RHP, 2016, Top 500)
• Ben Blanco (C, 2017, Top 500)
• Drew Blanco (SS, 2018, 99)
Pitching
Oxford boasts two Top 500 pitching prospects in seniors Jason Barber and Houston Roth. Both are righthanders committed to Ole Miss, and both can reach up near or above 90 mph with their fastballs, giving the Chargers a legitimate 1-2 punch for their first two games of the tournament.
Offense
Thomas Dillard and Grae Kessinger lead the way here, with both having draft aspirations in June. Dillard is a switch-hitting catcher with thunder in his bat from both sides of the plate, while Kessinger is a plus running shortstop with outstanding defensive and contact skills. Junior Ben Blanco can also do some catching and will contribute offensively, while sophomore Drew Blanco is ranked in the Top 100 of the 2018 class and can do a little bit of everything.
Synopsis
Oxford is ranked highly (the No. 3 team in the nation) as they are loaded with talent both on the mound and at the plate. They’ll be able to score lots of runs, regardless of who the opposing team throws, and should be able to do just fine in preventing runs with their combination of pitching and defensive prowess. They are in the running for the No. 1 team in the nation for a reason.
Parkview Panthers (Lilburn, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Will Ethridge (RHP, 2016, 73)
• Austin Biggar (C, 2016, 96)
• Garrett Fowler (RHP, 2016, High Follow)
• Brian Kregel (OF, 2016, NA)
• Johnathan Whitmer (1B/C, 2016, NA)
• Cody Collett (LHP, 2017, High Follow)
• Caleb Mitchell (LHP, 2017, NA)
Pitching
One of the main scouting draws of the weekend will be Parkview’s Will Ethridge, a highly projectable righthander who some scouts have on the fringes of a Day 1 selection in the draft. He’ll start game one for the Panthers. Joining him in the rotation are senior Garrett Fowler and a pair of junior lefthanders in Cody Collett and Caleb Mitchell.
Offense
Austin Biggar leads the offensive attack for Parkview, and the Georgia signee is a high level prospect both with the bat as well as defensively behind the plate. Outfielder Brian Kregel and first baseman Johnathan Whitmer are both potential Division I talents who will be key components to the Panther offense.
Synopsis
The defending PG High School Showdown champions, defending Class 6A Georgia state champions and current No. 2 team in the nation; the Parkview Panthers are one of the preeminent high school baseball teams in the nation. They have a target on their backs after that much success, but they’ll be ready for any and all competition.
Sparkman Senators (Harvest, Ala.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
• Brock Anderson (OF, 2016, 163)
• Breonn Pooler (RHP, 2016, Top 500)
• Drake Sanchez (OF, 2016, Top 1000)
• Seth Gulley (RHP, 2016, Top 1000)
• Alex Strachan (3B, 2017, Top 1000)
• Reid Powers (C, 2017, Top 1000)
• Jared Howell (C, 2017, Top 1000)
Pitching
Two senior righthanders in Breonn Pooler and Seth Gulley, both nationally ranked prospects, head up the pitching for the Senators of Sparkman High School. Pooler can reach up towards 90 mph with his fastball and shouldn't remain an uncommitted prospect for very long. Gulley is a highly projectable righty with plenty of gas left in the tank, and can still work in the upper-80s with his heater.
Offense
The star prospect from Sparkman is senior outfielder Brock Anderson, a very physical prospect who will show all five tools at times and figures to anchor the Senators lineup. Fellow senior Drake Sanchez will also patrol the outfield, while junior Alex Strachan figures to lock down the hot corner. A pair of juniors, Reid Powers and Jared Howell, both figure to do the catching for Sparkman and both will contribute with the bat as well.
Synopsis
Brock Anderson will get plenty of attention, and deservedly so, but this team is plenty deep beyond him, both on the mound and with the bats. They have a good mix of upper and underclassmen, so it will be interesting to see just how well they fare at this event.