THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,576 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,576 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 7/22/2014

Shumpert shines on day 3 at PGWS

Todd Gold

On day three there were several position prospects whose elite tools have been on display throughout the tournament that elevated their game further during the playoffs.

Outfielder Ryan Johnson (2015, College Station, Texas) possesses arguably the highest offensive ceiling not only of the loaded PG World Series field, but possibly the entire 2015 draft class. He has tremendous bat speed from the left side and good present strength to go with remaining projection. His power ceiling is very lofty and while he hasn't squared the ball up all that frequently this week while being pitched carefully, the amount of force he generates on his mishits come off the bat hard enough to to pick up hits at a good clip. He's currently 6-for-13 on the tournament and has shown off big time arm strength in right field.

While Johnson has the tools to headline just about any group of prospects, day three's biggest highlight was middle infielder Nick Shumpert (2015, Lone Tree, Colo.). He and his Prospects National Team teammates suffered a pair of walk-off losses today and were eliminated from the playoffs. But Shumpert wouldn't go down quietly. He led off the elimination game with a seven pitch at-bat, which included well struck foul balls against an upper 80s fastball as well as a pair of breaking balls, before unloading on a 91 mph fastball for a double in the left center field gap. Shumpert has consistently wielded his above average present bat speed throughout the week and his big league average raw power has manifested itself both with an in game home run, hard hit balls in play and loud fly outs. While his all-out aggression leads to empty swings and throwing errors, it also creates plenty of 'wow' moments. With continued development and game repititions in games played at this pace, those wow moments should gradually increase while the miscues decrease over time. While there are several other prospects with high end offensive upside on display at the PG World Series, Shumpert has arguably the highest ceiling given that his loud tools pair with an up the middle profile.

Another up the middle athlete with a high offensive ceiling who has really opened eye this week has been Jagger Rusconi (2015, Valencia, Calif.). The switch hitter heated up in the biggest games of the week, going 5-for-7 with a pair of triples in GBG Marucci's two intense playoff battles. He's a plus runner who has quality bat speed from both sides of the plate and present gap power that projects. His athleticism is an asset up the middle where he and double play partner Alejo Lopez (2015, Glendale, Ariz.) have been a force on defense and in the top two spots in the lineup. Lopez is also a switch hitter with some pop, particularly from the right side and is a smooth fielder at short with a solid arm.

It comes as a surprise to report that we've yet to see the first homer of the tourney from slugging catcher Chris Betts (2015, Long Beach, Calif.). Conditions were ripe during CBA Marucci's winner's bracket matchup against the Houston Banditos as temperatures soared north of 100 degrees and the desert winds blew out towards right field. Unfortunately for Betts they blew a bit too hard as he hammered a ball down the line that sailed foul with plenty of distance. The night before he smashed a towering shot that landed on the right field warning track and continued to threaten to leave the yard throughout the day but ultimately came up short. The stage was set for him to play the hero when he came to the plate with the winning run in scoring position with two outs in a tie game but after a wild pitch opened up first base the Houston Banditos intentionally walked him before escaping the inning and ultimately pulling out the W in exras.

Johnson and EvoShield Canes teammate LT Tolbert (2015, Piedmont, S.C.) have been an impressive tandem for the Canes and it comes as no surprise that when paired with a dominant pitching staff, the Canes can earn a return trip to the championship game with a win tomorrow. Tolbert went 3-for-4 in the Canes' extra innings thriller against GBG Marucci and has played well defensively. The Canes are extremely deep and depending on the game they find themselves with significant offensive contributions from several other hitters in the lineup in addition to Tolbert and Johnson, some of whom will be covered in this space in further updates from this and future tournaments, but those two have blatant future upside to go with their present production.

While most of the top arms have been burned to reach the playoffs, the never ending depth of the EvoShield Canes allowed them to roll out lefty Dylan Cyphert (2015, Oil City, Penn.) for their opening playoff matchup. Cyphert topped out at 88 mph with his fastball and worked up and down the 80s but his ability to hide the baseball allows it to play up a tick and his command was sharp. He slowed down a GBG Marucci lineup that had been firing on all cylinders during pool play and was coming off of a 12-0 mercy rule shortened blowout in their previous game.

Cyphert was opposed by GBG Marucci right hander Cody Deason (2015, Ojai, Calif.). Deason made his PG debut the day before, throwing 10 pitches in relief, all of them for strikes. A former football player who has relatively little pitching experience, Deason was unfazed by being thrown into the fire to face an EvoShield Canes team that has the highest pedigree of any travelball team in the nation. While he works in the low 90s in short bursts he took the mound knowing that he'd need to navigate the deep Canes lineup a couple of times through to give his team a chance to win and while dialed back to 84-88 he not only competed but had the defending champs on the ropes. He threw nearly two thirds of his pitches for strikes and struck out six compared to just two walks over five strong innings of work. We are told that Deason has developed rapidly since shifting his focus to the mound and now that he has given up football there is a chance that he can continue to do so. He is currently uncommitted, though there is certain to be strong interest in his services going forward with what he has shown over the past three weeks at the Area Code tryouts and here at the PG World Series.

One player who has continually flown a bit under the radar that must be mentioned is Arizona Prowlers infielder Tyler Wyatt (2015, Peoria, Ariz.). The six foot shortstop climbs north of 90 mph when he takes the mound and shows a quality curveball and could potentially come out of the bullpen as a two-way player at the college level. He shows quality bat speed and sees the ball well at the plate and flashes power when appropriate. His hands work well defensively, and while he isn't a plus athlete who commands close attention of scouts, he's a very solid defender and is currently 4-for-8 with three walks and two doubles.

These observations and opinions are those of one member of the PG scouting staff. With games being played on up to eight fields simultaneously, it is impossible for the preceding recap to be fully comprehensive. Rather these are the players and moments that stood out the most while watching some of the top players in the country compete in an intensely competitive atmosphere. 
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Championship | 7/20/2026

FTB National Completes Elite Run
Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
Championships are never won in a single game. For FTB National 2027, this one has been in the making for years. An 8-0 victory over Team Elite 17U Scout capped off an unforgettable week at the 2026 Perfect Game 17U National Elite Championship, but according to those inside the dugout, the championship was a product of friendships formed long before the tournament ever began. FTB took their first national elite win in team history, giving one of the nation’s top 2027 teams an elite ending to their 17U summer. “This is a homegrown group,” head coach Will Haynie said. “This team has been together for the last four or five years, and I think a lot of them have been together since the Little League World Series when they were 12. It’s been fun, and a nice little cap off to their 17U summer, especially after winning a big event like this.” That chemistry...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/20/2026

16u World Series Scout Notes: Days 3-4

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
16u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Lucas Sullivan (2027, Winder, GA) absolutely shoved in the first round of the playoffs. He racked up a total of 13 strikeouts across his seven inning, complete game shutout performance. Sullivan worked three pitches for strikes with lots of comfort and only allowed two hits. Ran the fastball up to 86 and he got lots of swing and miss on the 11-5 curveball. Mixes speeds well and was electric to watch. Landon King (2028, San Mateo, CA) was just one of the best players on the field the first two rounds of the playoffs. Totaled four hits, two of those were for extra bases and scored three times. Has lightning quick hands in the left-handed batter's box and produced loud contact constantly. Top of the class barrel skills with twitch in the turn.  Jacob Piles (2028, Cape Coral, FL) is hitting an astounding .615 with a pair of doubles in the...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/20/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 ‘29 RHP Bryson Auten (NJ) comes out throwing absolute flames to get out of a jam. Sitting 92-94 & does it with ease. Comes out of the hand well & challenging hitters with the FB. #WWBA @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/Tf18Rdk4mx — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 19, 2026 Bryson Auten (2029, Flemington, N.J.) came in out of the bullpen in a brutal spot and recorded back-to-back strikeouts to get out of it. He would then register another pair of strikeouts in his second inning of work, ending the game going 1 2/3 innings with four strikeouts. The fastball was electric, working at 92-94 and does it super easy, coming out of the hand great. Command was excellent in this outing as well, throwing 70% strikes. It’s a power type arm with advanced arm talent for the age and any time you see 92-94 at a 15u event, it’s notable...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 7/20/2026

Legion Captures 16u WWBA West

Emily Hicks
Article Image
After five days of competitive baseball, Legion Baseball emerged as champions at the Perfect Game WWBA Championship, completing an impressive tournament run with a victory over ‘28 San DIego Ghost 10-3 in the championship game at Surprise Stadium.  The tournament brought together talented programs from across the West and beyond, with teams competing in the 15U and 16U divisions. Throughout the week, players showcased their skills in front of coaches, teammates, and families while battling through pool play and the championship bracket for the opportunity to hoist the trophy.  From the opening day of competition, Legion established itself as one of the tournament's top contenders. The club relied on hitting, quality pitching, and consistent defense to navigate a challenging field and earn its place in the championship game.  In the title matchup, Legion received key...
Read More
Draft | Story | 7/20/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Roster Challenge

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
With the 2026 MLB Draft complete, our own draft team put together a fun exercise. Using a snake style draft format, we each had to build a roster using players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. There was one catch. Each team could select only one player from each of the first 10 rounds, plus one player from Rounds 11-20. You did not have to go in order of each round, meaning you could jump between rounds and pick which players you thought had the most value. Each team installed a different strategy, balancing between star power, positional value, and depth. You tell us, which team do you think has the most talent? Team Albee C: Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech (1st rd) 1B: Will Adams, Hoover HS (11th rd) MIF: Cole Prosek, Magnolia Heights HS (2nd rd) MIF: Eric Guevara, Auburn (7th rd) 3B: Robert Omidi, Fieldhouse Pirates (8th rd) OF: Kevin Roberts Jr, Jackson Prep HS (4th rd) OF: Alex...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 7/20/2026

LGND Becomes Official Glove of PG

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME PARTNERS WITH MLB SUPERSTAR MOOKIE BETTS, NAMING LGND OFFICIAL GLOVE OF PERFECT GAME   Partnership Officially Kicks Off with LGND Block Party on July 27 in Fullerton, California   Los Angeles, California (Monday, July 20, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a landmark partnership with Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star and 6-time Gold Glove Award winner Mookie Betts, naming recently-announced LGND Glove the Official Glove of Perfect Game. The collaboration establishes a first-of-its-kind relationship between baseball’s most influential amateur ecosystem and an active MLB superstar at the height of his career. The...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

17u WWBA North Champ. Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Ty Teske (2027, Merrill, WI) worked a complete-game seven-inning shutout while striking out 12 and never allowed the game to speed up on him. The fastball sat 79-81 and touched 83, consistently working to both sides of the plate and getting him into favorable counts. Repeats the delivery exceptionally well and maintained command throughout all seven innings. Mixed in a 69-71 curveball with depth that he showed confidence landing for strikes early or using to finish at-bats. Did an excellent job changing eye levels and preventing hitters from sitting on one pitch.   Landon Sanderson (2027, Lake Crystal, MN) attacked hitters with an 85-87 fastball that reached 89 and showed quality arm-side movement through the zone. The ball comes out with some jump and continued to play throughout the outing. Stayed on the attack from the first inning, consistently getting ahead and forcing...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

17u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Hayden Brock (2027, Nicholas, KY) is a athletic shortstop who showed off exactly why he is ranked highly in Kentucky for his class. He commands the batter's box with an smooth but explosive approach, showing quite a bit of upside and projection as a high-impact top-of-the-order bat. He put his raw power and lower-half efficiency on full display in the first game of the tournament, letting the ball travel before dropping the barrel. He does a great job at using his lower half through his turn, and he generates some serious pop from it—absolutely smacking a fastball deep to left field for a hard-hit ground-rule double. Beyond his loud offensive tools, he is equally high-impact on the other side of the ball, flashing lateral range and very quick hands on defense at shortstop to secure the middle of the field. His stellar production set the tone for his club early in the event. In game...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

SW Select Champ. Loaded With Talent

Emily Hicks
Article Image
After the intense week of the WWBA Championship, another weekend of Perfect Game baseball is set with the Southwest Select Championship Tournament, with three days of competitive action. Taking place at Goodyear Ballpark, teams in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions will take the field looking to build momentum, showcase their talent, and compete for a championship against some of the top travel ball programs in the region. The tournament brings together teams from across the west, creating a competitive field filled with established organizations and rising clubs. Throughout pool play and the championship bracket, every game will present an opportunity for players to make an impact. The 15U division features a talented group of rising prospects eager to prove themselves against quality competition. As players continue to develop, this tournament provides another opportunity to gain valuable...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

16u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Cal Pearson (2028, Marietta, GA) is a 6’1/175lb utility athlete who has performed from a couple different spots on day one. Pearson came in to relieve in the bottom of the fifth and filled up the strike zone with predominantly fastball. Stepped up for an at bat in the next inning and helped himself out by sending a 2-1 heater into left field for an rbi double. Following that he got back on the mound and delivered a scoreless inning to put the finishing touches on the save. Was up to 89 and showed a ton of 2-way ability.  Marcus Labouchere (2027, Powder Springs, GA) the Navy commit could not be stopped at the dish on day one going 2-2 with a double and an rbi. Opened up the game getting the barrel on a heater and smoking it into left for a single. After getting hit by pitch in the third, Labouchere lined another fastball into left field for an rbi double. Really gets deep into...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.