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| 2,404 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,404 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Draft  | State Preview | 6/1/2015

State Snapshots: Great Plains

Photo: Missouri State

Perfect Game 2015 MLB Draft Preview Index

South Atlantic – FL, GA, NC, SC
Southeast – AL, KY, MS, TN
South Central – AR, LA, OK, TX
Mountain – AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, WY
Pacific – AK, CA, HI, OR, WA
Great Plains – IA, KS, MO, NE, ND, SD
Great Lakes – IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
Mid-Atlantic – DE, DC, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV
New England – CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
Canada and Puerto Rico




Iowa

BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Iowa
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: Iowa Western
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Kennedy, Cedar Rapids

PROSPECT ON THE RISE:
Blake Hickman, rhp, University of Iowa
WILD CARD: Dom Thompson-Williams, of, Iowa Western CC

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Iowa Connection:
Alec Rash, rhp, University of Missouri
Top 2016 Prospect: Spencer Van Scoyoc, lhp, Jefferson HS, Cedar Rapids
Top 2017 Prospect: Cam Baumann, lhp, Fairfield HS

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
Mike King, lhp, Morningside College (1980, Athletics/1st round, 4th pick)

2010 Draft: Kellen Sweeney, 3b, Jefferson HS, Cedar Rapids (Blue Jays/2nd round)
2011 Draft: Brandon Platts, rhp, Mason City HS. (Pirates/13th round)
2012 Draft: Alec Rash, rhp, Adel-Desoto HS (Phillies/2nd round)
2013 Draft: Dakota Freese, rhp, Des Moines Area CC (Athletics/12th round)
2014 Draft: Mitch Keller, rhp, Xavier HS, Cedar Rapids (Pirates/2nd round)

2014 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 4/4
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 4/2
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 3/1

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• 
Blake Hickman, rhp, Iowa (90)
• Luke Farley, of, Columbus HS, Denver (439)




Kansas


BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Kansas State
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: Cowley County
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: St. Thomas Aquinas

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Nate Griep, rhp, Kansas State

WILD CARD: Garrett Benge, 3b, Cowley County CC

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Kansas Connection:
 Garrett Cleavinger, lap, University of Oregon
Top 2016 Prospect: Riley Pint, rhp, St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Lenexa
Top 2017 Prospect: Gunnar Troutwine, c, Wichita State

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
Joe Carter, of, Wichita State (1981, Cubs/1st round, 2nd pick); Darren Dreifort, rhp, Wichita State (1993, Dodgers/1st round, 2nd pick)

2010 Draft: Ryne Stanek, rhp, Blue Valley HS (Mariners/3rd round)
2011 Draft: Bubba Starling, of, Gardner-Edgerton HS (Royals/1st round, 5th pick)
2012 Draft: Collin Wiles, rhp, Blue Valley West HS (Rangers/1st round, 53rd pick)
2013 Draft: Jared King, of, Kansas State (Mets, 5th round)
2014 Draft: Casey Gillaspie, 1b, Wichita State (Rays/1st round, 20th pick)

2014 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
14/14
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 4/3
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 2/0

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

Isaac Anderson, rhp, Wichita State (320)
Garrett Benge, 3b, Cowley County JC (323)
Connor McKay, of, Kansas (325)
• Nate Griep, rhp, Kansas State (387)




Missouri


BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Missouri State
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: St. Louis
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Rock Bridge

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Jonathan Harris, rhp, Missouri State
WILD CARD: Matt Vierling, of/rhp, Christian Brothers HS, St. Louis

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Missouri Connection:
Colton Howell, rhp, University of Nebraska
Top 2016 Prospect: Tyler Benninghoff, rhp, Rockhurst HS, Overland Park
Top 2017 Prospect: Tanner Houck, rhp, University of Missouri

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
Roy Branch, rhp, Beaumont HS, St. Louis (1971, Royals/1st round, 5th pick)

2010 Draft: Bret Nicholas, c, University of Missouri (Rangers/6th round)
2011 Draft: Johnny Eierman, of, Warsaw HS (Rays/3rd round)
2012 Draft: Pierce Johnson, rhp, Missouri State University (Cubs/1st round, 43rd pick)
2013 Draft: Rob Zastryzny, lhp, University of Missouri (Cubs/2nd round)
2014 Draft: Monte Harrison, of, Lee's Summit West HS (Brewers/2nd round)

2014 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
10/9
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 4/3
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 4/2

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

Jon Harris, rhp, Missouri State (10)
Tate Matheny, of, Missouri State (187)
Breckin Williams, rhp, Missouri (196)
Matt Vierling, of, Christian Brothers HS, St. Louis (229)
Ethan Clark, rhp, Crowder JC (333)
Marquise Doherty, of, Winnetonka HS, Gladstone (344)
Ryan Howard, ss/rhp, Missouri (444)
Parker Fairbanks, rhp, Missouri (481)
• Matt Hall,, lhp, Missouri State (492)




Nebraska


BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Nebraska
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: Southeast
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Westside

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Nebraska Connection:
 Tyler Peitzmeier, lhp, Cal State Fullerton
Top 2016 Prospect: Ryan Boldt, of, University of Nebraska
Top 2017 Prospect: Luis Alvarado, of, University of Nebraska

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
Darin Erstad, of, University of Nebraska (1995, Angels/1st round, 1st pick)

2010 Draft: Michael Mariot, rhp, University of Nebraska (Royals/8th round)
2011 Draft: Corey Asche, 3b, University of Nebraska (Phillies, 4th round)
2012 Draft: Ty Blach, lhp, Creighton (Giants/5th round)
2013 Draft: Sam Tewes, rhp, Waverly HS, Lincoln (Blue Jays/22nd round)
2014 Draft: Jakson Reetz, c, Norris HS, Firth (Nationals/3rd round)

2014 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 9/8
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: None
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 1/1

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

Colton Howell, rhp, Nebraska (217)




North Dakota

BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
 North Dakota
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: Williston State
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: West Fargo

Best Out-of-State Prospect, North Dakota Connection:
Andy Young, 3b, Indiana State
Top 2015 Prospect: Andrew Thome, rhp, University of North Dakota
Top 2016 Prospect: Zach Muckenhirn, lhp, University of North Dakota
Top 2017 Prospect: Jayse McLean, of, North Dakota State

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
Zac Elgie, 1b, Minot HS (2008, Athletics/12th round)

2010 Draft: Andy Leer, ss, Mary University (Twins/25th round)
2011 Draft: Alex Kreis, rhp, Jamestown University (Nationals/35th round)
2012 Draft: Nick Anderson, rhp, Mayville State University (Brewers/35th round)
2013 Draft: John Straka, rhp, North Dakota State University (Rangers/32nd round)
2014 Draft: No selection

2014 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 None
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: None
High School Players Drafted/Signed: None




South Dakota


BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
South Dakota State
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Rapid City More

Best Out-of-State Prospect, South Dakota Connection:
 Connor Schaefbauer, 2b/ss, University of Minnesota
Top 2015 Prospect: J.D. Moore, rhp, South Dakota State
Top 2016 Prospect: Matt Johnson, 1b, South Dakota State
Top 2017 Prospect: Tony Kjolsing, 3b, South Dakota State

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
Wade Adamson, rhp, South Dakota State (1978, Reds/4th round)

2010 Draft: Blake Treinen, rhp, South Dakota State (Marlins/23rd round)
2011 Draft: Blake Treinen, rhp, South Dakota State (A’s/7th round)
2012 Draft: Derek Hansen, rhp, Augustana College (A’s/23rd round)
2013 Draft: Layne Somsen, rhp, South Dakota State (Reds/22nd round)
2014 Draft: No selection

2014 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 None
High School Players Drafted/Signed: None



Draft | Story | 4/10/2026

PG Draft: Favorite Position Group

Tyler Henninger
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Every draft class has its strengths. Some years its a loaded group of prep infielders, some years its a deep collection of college arms. In this year’s class, certain position groups stand out above the rest to us. This week, the draft team dives into their favorite position groups. Groups that we believe are loaded with depth, upside, and big league potential. College Infielders It’s hard not to get excited about the crop of college infielders in this year’s class because of who is at the top. Roch Cholowsky alone makes the group exciting. He’s got gold glove potential at the next level and an offensive profile that should make him one of the Top 15 to 20 prospects in all of baseball the second he gets drafted. Justin Lebron is another player with as much upside in the class. He is a premium athlete that can really pick it at short and has big upside with the...
Press Release | Press Release | 4/10/2026

Perfect Game and vivenu Partner Up

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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME PARTNERS WITH VIVENU TO POWER DIGITAL COMMERCE ACROSS YOUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL    Sanford, Florida / New York, New York (Friday, April 10, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, has selected vivenu as its ticketing and commerce partner to unify revenue operations across its tournament ecosystem.    With 1.6 million tickets sold annually, 9,800 events in 40+ states and an immense social footprint, Perfect Game has built the most influential pipeline in amateur baseball. The organization has produced over 2,200 MLB alumni, and...
General | Blog | 4/10/2026

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 64

Ron Wolforth
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What Do Barry Zito, Justin Verlander, Trevor Bauer, and Dallas Keuchel All Have in Common? By Ron Wolforth | Texas Baseball Ranch® | PG Arm Care Take a second and think about the question posed in the title before you read on. Four Cy Young Award winners. Four of the most decorated pitchers of their generation. What's the common thread? The first answer is obvious… they all won the most prestigious individual award in pitching. Most of you probably got there immediately. The second answer is less obvious… they all trained at the Texas Baseball Ranch® at some point in their development. Interesting, maybe, but not the point of this article. The third answer is the one I really want you to sit with, because it has direct relevance to your career right now: they all move completely differently. And they all attack hitters completely differently. Don't rush past that....
College | Story | 4/9/2026

Coppy's Corner: April 6 POY Deep Dive

Perfect Game Staff
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I’m beyond thrilled to be a contributor to Perfect Game, widely recognized as the premier organization for amateur baseball. Working in baseball operations for the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves for nearly 20 years, the importance of amateur baseball cannot be understated. Nobody does it better and I am honored to be working with great baseball people like Jered Goodwin, Vinnie Cervino, Craig Cozart, and many others.  Each week I huddle with Vinnie and Craig to discuss Top 25 rankings and Players of the Week. In "Coppy’s Corner", I will dive deeper into these Players of the Week, providing analysis from 20+ years working in baseball front offices at the highest level. My hope is that you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it.  Player of the Week: Andrew Williamson – University of Central Florida (UCF)  Williamson can flat-out hit. While...
High School | General | 4/10/2026

High School Notebook: April 10

Jheremy Brown
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You like 6-foot-9 lefties up to 100 mph? 2026 Brody Bumila (MA) was electric in season opener, super easy upper-90s, multiple 100s. Easy operation w/ simple delivery despite size. Punched out 9 over 3, double digit whiffs. @PG_Draft pic.twitter.com/BChMhKIIhO — Perfect Game New England (@PG_NewEngland) April 2, 2026 Brody Bumila, LHP, Bishop Feehan (MA), Class of 2026 He's 6-foot-9, 18 years old, left-handed and was up to 100 mph (upwards of 3 times on some guns) in his first start of the year in low-30 degree temperatures. That's really all you need to know. Oh, and the opposing team arrived 40 minutes late. Coming off a state-championship run in basketball, Texas signee Brody Bumila made his first start of the spring on April 2nd and didn't disappoint in front of at least 40 scouts packed tightly together behind the backstop.  Knowing it was going to be a quicker look given...
Tournaments | Story | 4/9/2026

Don't Boot the Loot Scout Notes

Cam McElwaney
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‘30 UTL Chase Jelks (GA) lifts this one deep into the gap & rolls around the bags for a triple. Loose LH swing w/ feel to lift. #DontBootTheLoot @PG_Georgia pic.twitter.com/leF4GMTawJ — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) April 4, 2026 Chase Jelks (2030, Atlanta, Ga.) put together a great weekend for The Dream 14u Black in their run to a championship game appearance, hitting .444 with two triples and a double along with three RBI. He controlled the zone throughout the event in the box and finished with a 6:1 BB:K ratio because of it while also swiping five bags as well. It was a strong showing for Jelks, something that’s becoming common this spring in PG events.    ‘30 MIF Cohen Carter (TN) hits this one on the screws into the gap for a triple. Functional & compact swing. #DontBootTheLoot @PG_Tennessee pic.twitter.com/YVUfxbHBxx — Perfect Game...
Juco | Story | 4/8/2026

JUCO Top 25: April 8

Troy Sutherland
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Another week of conference play down and Johnson County continues there tear through the spring of 2026, they retain the top spot with Gaston nipping their heels at number 2 for the third consecutive week. McLennan jumps up to number 3 with a big series sweep over rival Texas powerhouse, Weatherford. Out west, Cochise just keeps rolling in the desert and California looks to be hotly contested all the way down the final stretch. A couple of debut appearances down the board with Harford, CCF, and Linn Benton all earning their spot on our top 25 for the first time in the first week of April. So many great records out there it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out with so many teams vying for seeding and conference championships on this final stretch run. Rank Team Record 1 Johnson County (KS) 38-2 2 Gaston (NC) 38-3 3 McLennan (TX) 29-7 4 Chipola (FL) 34-7 5 Walters State (TN)...
College | Rankings | 4/8/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: April 8

Nick Herfordt
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We are past the midpoint of the college baseball season and the stakes are rising by the week. Conference races are tightening, schedules are getting harder, and the résumés that will matter in the selection room are being written right now — one series at a time. This week's most significant development came in Division II, where North Greenville swept Young Harris in three consecutive one-run games to claim the top spot for the first time this season, knocking Tampa from a perch they've held most of the year. It's a genuine changing of the guard at the top, and it's exactly the kind of shakeup that makes this stretch of the season worth paying close attention to. Across all three divisions the picture is coming into focus. In Division I NAIA, Georgia Gwinnett remains the standard while Taylor and Cumberlands continue to make their cases from behind. In Division III,...
High School | General | 4/7/2026

Iowa Spring League Notes: Week 1

Perfect Game Staff
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Brooks Mitchell-Birdsell (2027, Atkins, Iowa) was solid on both sides of the ball this weekend. He was able to show a clean move working into it, with the feel to impact it out in front and drive hard through contact. He had good barrel accuracy with feel to drive the ball well, especially working pull-side. He was 4-for-8 on the weekend with a double to his credit, driving in 7 runs as well. Mitchell-Birdsell also put together a good outing on the mound, delivering 2 innings of scoreless work with 3 punchouts. He worked the low 80s with some run, flashing a mid-70s curveball with good 11-5 shape and depth.  Maddux Mueller (2026, Amana, Iowa) LH bat with plenty to like in the batter’s box, and he put together a solid showing this weekend. He finished 2-for-3 with a double, demonstrating both contact ability and the capacity to drive the baseball for extra bases. Mueller...
College | Story | 4/7/2026

College Players of the Week: April 7

Craig Cozart
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April 7th Perfect Game/Player of the Week:  Andrew Williamson, OF, UCF  The UCF Knights (20-9) are coming off one of their biggest series victories in years when they went to Morgantown and took down the Mountaineers to take control of the Big 12 regular season standings.  The offense put on quite the performance and Andrew Williamson set the tone by leaving the yard in his first at-bat of the weekend launching a towering home run over the centerfield wall.  The 6-0/195 lefty from St. Petersburg, FL has one of the sweetest strokes in the college game today and when he goes, so do the Knights.  In the 3-game series, the junior collected 6 hits in his 10 at-bats, scoring 6 runs, on 5 walks, a double and he launched 3 home runs all told.  While he had a stretch earlier in the season where he was searching for his stroke a bit, he is getting locked in at the...
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