THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Tournaments  | Story | 3/18/2017

TNXL runs through Showdown

Photo: Perfect Game

EMERSON, Ga. – “I think we’re the hardest working team in the country."

Tournament MV-Pitcher Jack Leftwich echoed the sentiment of the entire TNXL Academy Ducks team with his thoughts on the teams overall tournament performance. 

The TNXL Ducks defeated Next Level Academy by a score of 7-1 in Saturday night's championship game that capped an impressive run by the Ducks all tournament. After Next Level took an early lead in the top of the first inning, the Ducks stormed back to score seven unanswered and take home the trophy. 

The Ducks were extremely confident coming into this event, after participating in the Showdown-Academies a year prior, and it showed on the field. They ran through the field, posting an absurd run differential of 60 runs scored to only three runs against.

The strength of their pitching staff is the obvious factor to highlight, after the arms for the Ducks allowed only three runs for the entire event, an average of a half of run per game. Leftwich performed admirably during his outing and it was a big one. He twirled a gem, a complete game shutout in the semifinals while striking out 10 batters.

“Fastball and slider were working and my command was really important," said Leftwich. "They (CBC Elite, TNXL's semifinal opponent) were really aggressive so I just let them keep getting themselves out.”

Not to be outdone was the starter of the championship game Ryan Dease. The righthander tossed five innings of one-run ball in the championship game to bring his event total to 18 strikeouts in 10 innings while only allowing one earned run.

The offense was also locked in for the entire event, scoring an average of 10 runs per game. The tournament MVP Elijah Cabell is the cog that makes the offense turn, providing a ton of offensive value from the two-hole. Cabell hit over .500 while leading the team in runs scored and hitting a home run, part of a back-to-back-to-back that showcased TNXL's offensive prowess early in the tournament.

“I was staying simple and seeing the ball really well," said Cabell. "I was making really good contact to start off; going to the opposite field. I knew they were going to pitch me away so I tried to relax and not do too much. I know my ability and my ability is strong enough to go out there and compete. I made contact and the ball did good things.”

The amount of talent and execution of ability can be boiled down to the hard work, dedication, and focus that comes from TNXL's core message. These players have been playing together for a long time and they work extremely hard to stay in top shape and be able to perform to the best of their abilities. This seeps through when talking to the players as they are quick to give credit to the organization as a whole and, obviously, the amount of work and effort that they put in to the sport.

“I think we’re the hardest working team in the country," said Leftwich. "Everyday we’re in the weight room and focusing on our hitting and pitching. There’s not another school in the country that does that together, every day, for five days a week. We just came in here and let all that hard work and effort show on the field.”

TNXL prides themselves on their hard work and determination. Those factors would aptly describe the performance of the Ducks over the weekend but it goes beyond one tournament. Head coach Brian Martinez wants to make sure his players are developing and preparing to succeed at the next level and beyond. 

“TNXL is a state of the art facility that we run our training out of. It is an everyday grind: they run every day, they hit every day, they throw every day, our pitchers are consistently working. For us, we’re trying to get these kids ready for the next level. This isn’t about winning championships this is about development, and if they develop in the right way and did things the right way, then at the next level they are going to be competitive. That’s our focus at TNXL.”

Hard work and determination aren't the only descriptors of the program as Martinez focuses on preparedness and consistency, the latter of which is key to success in the sport of baseball.

“Preparation is our focus," said Martinez. "We work harder than most high schools in the country and we get to stay together every single day. What I told them coming into this, from last years’ experience, is consistency. If we can be prepared and stay consistent then we are going to win.”

Regardless of how focused or prepared a team is, there is nothing quite like the sweet taste of victory. The state of Florida does not afford academies the opportunity to compete for a state championship, so to the Ducks winning the PG High School Showdown-Academies is even better than a state title.

“I’ll tell you what, this is like a state championship for us," said Martinez. "We talk about this event as soon as they step on campus in August. It’s a big deal to be able to do this because we’re not offered this in Florida. To be able to come up here and do it on a high scale with professional scouts here and have PG run it, it’s first class as usual.”

Coming into this event, and now securing the title for it, TNXL had a swagger about them from the get-go. They knew internally that they were the best team and they did their talking on the field. TNXL can walk away knowing that they came to Emerson, Georgia and took care of business while putting the rest of the country on notice as to just how talented and hard-working they are. Their swagger was apparent both on the field and off, but MVP Cabell put it best.

“I thought we had the best pitching staff, the best hitters, and were the best team overall. We had a lot of confidence as a team we’ve been together since we were little. We knew exactly what we had to do. The chemistry and energy was very strong.”

The Next Level Academy was dominant in their own right over the course of the three-day event. Coming into the playoffs they had only allowed three runs to score, which allowed them to clinch the No. 2 seed in bracket play, and made it to the championship game after defeating East Cobb Academy by a score of 6-3 in the semifinals.


2017 Perfect Game High School Showdown-Academies runner-up: Next Level Academy



2017 Perfect Game High School Showdown-Academies MVP: Elijah Cabell



2017 Perfect Game High School Showdown-Academies MV-Pitcher: Jack Leftwich





Tournaments | Story | 10/29/2026

WWBA Underclass Prospect Recap

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
WWBA Underclass Scout Notes: Days 1-2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in Fort Myers were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  Kasen Langerhans (2028, Round Rock, Texas) batted leadoff and stuck at the hot corner for Texas Twelve Red Sox 2028 in Fort Myers. The Texas native has the looks a young left-handed power bat and the swing is built for it. Langerhans produces easy bat speed, delivering a fast and leveraged barrel through the zone. He creates backspin and uses the ground well, really getting into the legs. The infielder has excellent power projection and took comfortable, intentful cuts in the box. Langerhans got the job done at the top of the order...
Draft | Story | 10/30/2026

2027 Draft Preview: Prep Middle Infielders

Ryan Miller
Article Image
2027 MLB Draft Profile Preview: Collegiate Right-Handed Pitchers | Collegiate Left-Handed Pitchers The premium profile in each class often are prep middle infielders, a sought-after group with the athletic ability to stick on the dirt or land throughout the diamond long term. This demographic has produced the superstars of today’s game and therefore are selected in prime spots while demanding high-end signing bonuses. This group features a mix of loud tools, high level projection, and impact defenders. Below we break down at the top prep middle infielder in the 2027 cycle.  ‘27 SS Dylan Seward (CA)- liftoff from the No. 1 player in the class. A solo blast to RCF to extend the lead for @TheCanesBB #WWBA @California_PG @Vol_Baseball commit https://t.co/lJjNg6T7PS — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 27, 2026 SS Dylan Seward, Norco (CA)  The Southern...
Tournaments | Story | 10/28/2026

WWBA Sophomore Prospect Recap

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in Fort Myers were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  2029 MIF Easton Housewright (Knoxville, Tenn.) currently stands at 6-foot,175 pounds with strength in the lower half, present above-average athleticism. Continued to shine at the top of the lineup as the left-handed hitter is your prototypical leadoff hitter, consistently finding a way on and scoring. Takes quality at-bats with an above average awareness of the strike zone. Loose hands with easy bat speed that find the barrel often for hard line drives into the gaps that frequently turn into XBHs. Confident and balanced approach. Also...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

Beyond the Board: SS Malachi Butler

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
As the 2027 draft cycle moves through the fall and into the offseason, we kick off a new series called Beyond The Board. With each installment, we will provide an in-depth scouting report for some of the top players in the class, breaking down their tools, strengths, question marks, and overall projection. This week we take a look at Georgia prep shortstop Malachi Butler. The Georgia Tech put together an outstanding showing on the circuit this summer and has been a significant riser early in the 2027 cycle.  Player: Malachi Butler Position: SS B/T: L/R Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 190-pounds School: McEachern HS Hometown: Powder Springs, Ga.  Physical Description: 6-2/190. Strong, athletic build. Well-proportioned body. Has strength with room to continue to add more.    High speed BP swing from '27 SS Malachi Butler (GA)... #PGNational @PG_Georgia https://t.co/M9OWUX9rPw...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

South Fall World Series Scout Notes

Jay Vossler
Article Image
Kason Mead (2029, Spring, Texas) had a great weekend for Premier Baseball Donato 2029. Went 5-9 with a pair of doubles and a home run, driving in five without striking out. Physical frame with a lot more strength on the way. Impressive bat speed that attacks the top of the zone well. Works to all fields consistently and the profile indicates that he’ll be able to build off that with more impact. Lot to like, should be a riser as he goes into his sophomore season. Sterling McCormack (2029, Magnolia, Texas) performed well for Premier Baseball Donato 2029. Reached four times, including a double. Gains ground well on the stride, using his physicality to his advantage as he stays on an uphill plane, geared for slug. Plenty of strength at the point of impact. Landon Hardy (2029, Spring, Texas) had a strong showing for Scorpions Team Easton 2029. Went 4-11 with a double and homer, driving...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

WWBA Freshman Prospect Recap

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in West Palm were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  Kolt Hampton (2030, Chandler, AZ) is a left-handed hitting infielder with present barrel speed and twitch in the turn. Turned around an upper 80s heater that plated two runs in the first inning of the quarterfinals and never looked back. Also got it done on the rubber punching out three and topping out at 86. The number one player in Arizona produced all week and took care of business defensively.  Landen Davis (2030, Beaufort, SC) showed up at the dish this event hitting .500 with four doubles and five RBIs. Stays tight in the turn with present strength and the approach plays to all fields....
Tournaments | Story | 10/24/2026

SBA Takes 14u Title Behind Offense

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
To say there were standouts all over the field for the 14u WWBA World Championship would be an understatement as the matchup of Team Elite 14u Scout and SBA Bolts National 14u saw two of the more loaded rosters going head-to-head with a title on the line. And after weather threw a giant wrench into pool play, both Sunday and Monday were nothing but sunshine and high intensity baseball leading into the final game of the event.  While the game ultimately ended via run rule after five in favor of SBA upon a 9 run inning, it was a tight contest up until that point with Team Elite carrying a 3-2 lead thru four innings.  Team Elite drew first blood as a Ross Logan walk quickly turned into the first run of the game following a well struck single by Cooper Ooten into left field who eventually came around to score following a double steal, scoring before the third out of the inning was...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 10/22/2026

PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase High School Division

Erica Beach
Article Image
PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase HS Division Oct 17-18, 2026 Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex CHESTERFIELD, MO — It was a perfect weekend for softball, with 16 teams converging on the Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex to compete in the High School Division. Teams from Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa were there to battle it out, and there was only one undefeated team in the tournament: the Southeast Iowa All-Stars 16U Gold Flowerbach, who went a stellar 5-0 on the weekend. We were treated to some stellar performances all weekend and below we highlight some of the standout athletes who caught our eyes.  Lucy Turner (2027, Marion, IA) of the Cedar Rapids Reds was a truly dynamic two-way player this past weekend. Offensively, she batted .444 with 5 RBIs and an impressive 6 stolen bases, which led the tournament. She also scored 6 runs for her team and...
Tournaments | Championship | 10/22/2026

Wildcatters Reign Supreme at 13u WWBA

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
After both the Best of the West and the Beast of the East wrapped up, a big conglomerate of high end talent and stacked teams descended upon West Palm for both the 13u and the 14u WWBA World Championships. While the weather threw a wrench into the plans early on and some adjustment was needed to ensure the event moved forward, it was nothing but sunshine and competitive baseball throughout Sunday and into the early morning Monday.  Kicking off with the 13u WWBA World Championship, the first thing to point out is the fact this was a wood bat tournament played on 60-90 fields and while the combo was a first for most, you wouldn't know it with their level of play throughout the weekend. In an unsurprising twist and a continuation of their 12u dominance, the 13u championship saw the #2 seeded Goldin Prospects lock horns with the top seeded Houston Wildcatters, aka the champion of the...
Tournaments | Story | 10/22/2026

17u Coastal Fall Invitational

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Dalton Fisher (2028, China Grove, NC) stands at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, with a lean, projectable frame and room to add strength as he develops. Bats and throws right-handed and plays the outfield. Shows a good approach at the plate with quick hands, solid bat speed, and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Fisher went 2-for-3 with 1 RBI, putting together a great day at the plate. Bradley Edwards (2028, Summerville,SC) Stands at 6-feet-5 225 strong build and the potential to generate considerable power. Bats and throws right handed is a right handed pitcher. Shows good arm strength and the ability to attack hitters while generating swings and misses. Demonstrates a competitive approach on the mound with the ability to challenge hitters in the zone. Recorded 4.2 innings pitched with 10 strikeouts, a 56% strike rate, and a fastball that topped out at 85 mph. Jackson Pierce (2028,...
Loading more articles...