THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,453 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,453 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Draft  | State Preview | 5/30/2017

State Snapshots: Southeast

Photo: Vanderbilt Athletics

 


Perfect Game 2017 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


Alabama


BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Auburn
BEST JUNIOR COLLEGE TEAM: Wallace Dothan
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Helena

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Bubba Thompson, of, McGill-Toolen Catholic HS
WILD CARD: Caden Lemons, rhp, Vestavia Hills HS

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Alabama Connection:
 Kyle Wright, rhp, Vanderbilt
Top 2018 Prospect: Casey Mize, rhp, Auburn
Top 2019 Prospect: Davis Daniel, rhp, Auburn (?)

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
Gregg Olson, rhp, Auburn University (1988, Orioles/1st round, 4th pick)

2012 Draft: David Dahl, of, Oak Mountain HS, Birmingham (Rockies/1st round, 10th pick)
2013 Draft: Phillip Ervin, of, Samford University (Rockies/1st round, 27th pick)
2014 Draft: Cody Reed, lhp, Ardmore HS (Diamondbacks/2nd round)
2015 Draft: Mikey White, ss, Alabama (Athletics/2nd round)
2016 Draft: Braxton Garrett, lhp, Florence HS (Marlins/1st round, 7th pick)

2016 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 30/24
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 3/1
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 4/2

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Bubba Thompson, of, McGill-Toolen (27)
• Jacob Heatherly, lhp, Cullman (41)
• Tanner Burns, rhp, Decatur (44)
• Caden Lemons, rhp, Vestavia Hills (75)
• Jordan Anderson, of, James Clemens (162)
• Blake Rivera, rhp, Wallace State (204)
• Keegan Thompson, rhp, Auburn (277)
• John Mason, rhp, Wallace-Dothan (334)
• Chad Bryant, rhp, Thomasville (433)
• Nick Eicholtz, rhp, Alabama (442)
• Cody Greenhill, rhp, Russellville (469)
• Owen Lovell, of, Cullman (496)


Kentucky


BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Louisville
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Trinity (Louisville)

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Evan White, 1b, Kentucky
WILD CARD: Riley Mahan, inf, Kentucky


Best Out-of-State Prospect, Kentucky Connection: 
Jeren Shelby, of, State College of Florida
Top 2018 Prospect: Sean Hjelle, rhp, Kentucky
Top 2019 Prospect: Tyler Fitzgerald, ss, Louisville

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History:
Drew Hall, lhp, Morehead State University (1984, Cubs/1st round, 3rd pick)

2012 Draft: Matt Koch, rhp, University of Louisville (Mets/3rd round)
2013 Draft: Clinton Hollon, rhp, Woodford County HS, Lexington (Blue Jays/2nd round)
2014 Draft: A.J. Reed, 1b, Kentucky (Astros/2nd round)
2015 Draft: Kyle Funkhouser, rhp, Louisville (Dodgers/1st round, 35th pick)
2016 Draft: Corey Ray, of, Louisville (Brewers/1st round, 5th pick)

2016 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
19/18
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 2/2

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• 
Brendan McKay, lhp/1b, Louisville (3)
• 
Jordon "Jo" Adell, of, Ballard (15)
• 
Evan White, 1b, Kentucky (28)
• 
Lincoln Henzman, rhp, Louisville (114)
• 
Riley Mahan, inf, Kentucky (127)
• 
Zach Pop, rhp, Kentucky (133)
• 
Drew Ellis, 3b/1b, Louisville (145)
• 
Zac Lowther, lhp, Xavier (149)
• 
Logan Salow, lhp, Kentucky (184)
• 
Riley Thompson, rhp, Louisville (200)
• 
Kade McClure, rhp, Louisville (213)
• 
Devin Hairston, ss, Louisville (280)
• 
Ben Jordan, rhp, West Carter County (316)
• 
Justin Lewis, rhp, Kentucky (354)
• 
Colby Fitch, c, Louisville (361)
• 
Rylan Bannon, 3b, Xavier (401)
• 
Ryan Noda, of/1b, Cincinnati (424)
• 
Jack Schneider, of, Daviess County (441)
• 
AJ Bumpass, of, Cincinnati (443)
• Joe Boyle, rhp, North Oldham (501)


Mississippi


BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Mississippi State
BEST JUNIOR COLLEGE TEAM: Hinds
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: West Lauderdale

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Brent Rooker, 1b/of, Mississippi State
WILD CARD: Jake Mangum, of, Mississippi State

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Mississippi Connection:
 
Top 2018 Prospect: Joe Gray Jr., of, Hattiesburg HS
Top 2019 Prospect: Will Ethridge, rhp, Mississippi

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Highest Pick, Draft History:
Will Clark, 1b, Mississippi State (1985, Giants/1st round, 2nd pick)

2012 Draft: D.J. Davis, of, Stone County HS, Wiggins (Blue Jays/1st round, 17th pick)
2013 Draft: Hunter Renfroe, of, Mississippi State (Padres/1st round, 13th pick)
2014 Draft: Blake Anderson, c, West Lauderdale HS, Collinsville (Marlins/supplemental 1st round, 36th pick)
2015 Draft: Austin Riley, 3b, DeSoto Central HS (Braves/1st round, 41st pick)
2016 Draft: Dakota Hudson, rhp, Mississippi State (Cardinals/1st round, 34th pick)

2016 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 22/21
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 2/2
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 4/1

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• 
Brent Rooker, 1b/of, Mississippi State (72)
• Jake Mangum, of, Mississippi State (150)
• Cordell Dunn, c, Center Hill (255)
• Myles Christian, ss, Olive Branch (391)
• Ryan Gridley, ss, Mississippi State (473)



Tennessee


BEST COLLEGE TEAM:
Vanderbilt
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: Dyersburg
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Spring Hill

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Steven Jennings, rhp, Dekalb County HS
WILD CARD: Michael Gigliotti, of, Lipscomb

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Tennessee Connection:
 Wil Crowe, rhp, South Carolina
Top 2018 Prospect: Ryan Weathers, lhp, Loretto HS
Top 2019 Prospect: Zach Linginfelter, rhp, Tennessee

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Highest Pick, Draft History:
David Price, lhp, Vanderbilt (2007, Rays/1st round, 1st pick); Dansby Swanson, ss, Vanderbilt (2015, Diamondbacks/1st round, 1st pick)

2012 Draft: Sam Selman, lhp, Vanderbilt (Royals/2nd round)
2013 Draft: Kevin Ziomek, lhp, Vanderbilt (Pirates/2nd round)
2014 Draft: Tyler Beede, rhp, Vanderbilt (Giants/1st round, 14th pick)
2015 Draft: Dansby Swanson, ss, Vanderbilt (Diamondbacks/1st round, 1st pick)
2016 Draft: Nick Senzel, 3b, Tennessee (Reds/1st round, 2nd pick)

2016 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed:
 26/19
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 4/2
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 6/1

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Kyle Wright, rhp, Vanderbilt (2)
• Jeren Kendall, of, Vanderbilt (11)
• Steven Jennings, rhp, Dekalb County (60)
• Michael Gigliotti, of, Lipscomb (108)
• Jordan Fowler, lhp, Dyer County (113)
• Phillip Clarke, c, Christ Presbyterian (190)
• Will Toffey, 3b, Vanderbilt, (202)
• Colton Hathcock, rhp, Memphis (211)
• Spencer Strider, rhp, Christian Academy (212)
• Jason Delay, c, Vanderbilt (231)
• Brady Puckett, rhp, Lipscomb (289)
• Reed Hayes, rhp, Vanderbilt (293)
• Collin Snider, rhp, Vanderbilt (306)
• Matt Ruppenthal, rhp, Vanderbilt (328)
• Hugh Fisher, lhp, Briarcrest Christian (337)
• Mason Hickman, rhp, Pope John Paul II (369)
• Zach Warren, lhp, Tennessee (393)
• Jordan Rodgers, 3b, Tennessee (414)
• Hunter Martin, rhp, Tennessee (479)

Draft | Story | 5/8/2026

PG Draft Top 400: Biggest Risers

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
The draft cycle is officially in full swing. With the college season nearing postseason play and high school baseball underway across the country, the board is beginning to shift in a major way. Over the past month, a number of players have significantly altered their stock, whether by continuing dominant spring performances or showing improved tools that warrant a jump. That movement was evident throughout our latest Top-400 update, which featured several notable jumps across the board. Here’s a look at the biggest risers from the newest rankings update. Biggest Risers Overall  Huge day at the yard for James Tronstein (‘26, CA). 3-for-4 which included 2 HRs, one to dead center and the other to straight away right. Now up to 8 on the year. Has been a consistent @PG_Draft riser this spring and is getting hot at the right time. #PGHS @PG_Scouting pic.twitter.com/6grT1zZ9lg...
Tournaments | Story | 5/28/2026

14u Windy City Classic Scout Notes

Donovan May
Article Image
’30 Kingston Dumes (IN) barrels a line drive up the middle. Strong, physical athlete with bat speed. Does a nice job staying in the lower half with quick hands through contact. PG High Follow. #ILMemorial @PG_OhioValley pic.twitter.com/LfQ6T9WqZn — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) May 23, 2026 Kingston Dumes (2030, Indianapolis, Ind.) put together a solid performance for Filthy Ellis this past Memorial Day weekend. The physical 6-foot-3, 225-pound right-handed prospect displayed present bat speed with strength in the swing, finishing with a .500 average across three games while collecting three hits and driving in two runs. He also showed intriguing upside on the mound, running his fastball up to 79 mph while mixing in a slider and changeup. Currently a PG High Follow and the No. 2-ranked player in Indiana, Dumes remains one of the more projectable long-term profiles in...
Tournaments | Story | 5/28/2026

BCS Qualifier Event Preview

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
The sixth annual Perfect Game BCS Qualifier will bring nearly 60 teams from across the region to Fort Myers, Florida from May 29-June 1 as programs battle for championship titles and coveted bids to the BCS National Championship tournament.   Shortstop Jayden Portes will be the highest-ranked player in attendance. Ranked No. 45 nationally, Portes enters the event as one of the premier young prospects to watch and will look to continue building on an already impressive resume. The Fort Myers native will compete in his hometown in the 14U division as a member of CBU North Nation Alpha. At 5-foot-8, 145 pounds, Portes is the No. 1 ranked shortstop in Florida and the No. 7 player overall in the state.   Portes brings an impressive blend of athleticism and offensive ability, highlighted by an 86 mph exit velocity and 78 mph infield velocity. This season, he has posted a...
Tournaments | Story | 5/28/2026

Hoover Invitational Set to Kick Off

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
The 4th annual Hoover Invitational is set to bring another loaded weekend of travel baseball to Hoover, Alabama, as more than 120 teams from across the Southeast will compete from May 28 through June 1. With talent spread across all four age divisions, the event continues to establish itself as one of the premier early-summer tournaments in the region. The tournament will feature 22 teams in the 14U division, 36 teams in 15U, 34 teams in 16U, and 28 teams in 17U play. Several nationally ranked prospects and highly competitive organizations are expected to make noise throughout the weekend, with many players already drawing significant attention on the recruiting and showcase circuits. The 14U division enters its second year as part of the event and will feature several intriguing young prospects. Birmingham Stars infielder Caden Kappler headlines the group as the No. 110 ranked player...
High School | General | 5/28/2026

Ohio Valley High School Notebook

Jordan Gates
Article Image
‘27 LHP Max Phillips (@TrinityHSBBall) settled in after a busy 1st frame. FB lived 87-89/90 & flashed 91 (3x) during his 4 innings. Sweeper @ 76-79 ~2400 rpm was a constant & flipped for Ks. CH (82-84) missed a lot of bats. Immense two-way upside for the top ranked player in the… pic.twitter.com/Vly2ebwxTU — Perfect Game Ohio Valley (@PG_OhioValley) May 15, 2026 Max Phillips, 2027, LHP/OF, Trinity (KY) checks in as the number one player in the Kentucky class in the most recent update. It’s easy to see why as he has arguably the highest ceiling in the class, both on the mound and as a bat. In my look, a few backs, Phillips got the start on the mound during his team’s last regular season game. The Wake Forest commit in four innings, saw his FB up to 91 a handful of times, while living 87-89 for the majority. The changeup sat in the low 80s while he...
Tournaments | Story | 5/28/2026

PG SE Elite Championship Preview

Will Dembo
Article Image
More than 100 of the Southeast’s top teams across the 13u-18u age groups will travel to East Cobb this weekend with hopes of showcasing their talents and competing for a championship in the PG Southeast Elite Championship. This premier event will get underway on Thursday, April 28th with each division battling through bracket play before eventually crowning a champion on Monday, June 1st. 13u will host 17 teams including two nationally ranked squads in a silver and gold bracket setting for the major draw. Amongst the notable clubs are the East Cobb Astros who enter the weekend ranked No. 8 in the country as well as the West Boca Panthers White (No. 53) who will be traveling from Boca Raton, Florida in hopes of winning their second Perfect Game tournament in a row. The 14u division is loaded with talented rosters as seven of the 28 teams are in the top 100 rankings for their age,...
Tournaments | Championship | 5/28/2026

TG DBacks Take Home SE Memorial Title

Will Dembo
Article Image
As summer baseball got underway, East Cobb Baseball welcomed some of the top 16u teams in the nation for the highly anticipated annual PG Southeast Memorial Day Classic. TG DBacks 16u National exited the weekend victorious, going 6-1 en route to defeating ECB Astros 16u Navy in the championship game by a final score of 9-3 to open their summer with a statement win. “It was just a team effort,” DBacks head coach Scott Collett said. “We needed all 16/17, guys to contribute. You know, we shift the guys around, playing different positions they normally don't do in high school, so it was just a great team effort. Everybody did their job at the right moment in the right game. So, kudos to those kids who just competed all weekend, going from a 10 seed, barely making bracket, to running and making it all the way to the championship and dominating.” The DBacks came out of...
Tournaments | Story | 5/27/2026

East Memorial Day Scout Notes: Days 3-4

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
East Memorial Day Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Trigg Listerman (28, Tampa, FL) had a great showing on the mound Sunday, throwing 4 inning while allowing only 2 hits and no earned runs. Listerman is a quick, athletic righty arm with a fastball that ran up to 90 with some run to it and a sharp breaking ball with sharp, late break to it. Kept hitters guessing at the plate all game and struck out 7 batters. Brody Root (28, Saint James City, FL) had a good start on the mound in the first round of the playoffs, throwing 5 innings allowing only 3 runs and sitting 6 batters down on strikes. pounded the zone with the fastball that ran up to 86 and complimented it nicely with a late breaking slider with tight spin to it. Drives hard down the mound and has an explosive, quick arm. Hayden Pelegrin (27, Miami, FL) had a great day at the plate today going 2-2 with 2 doubles and bringing in 2 RBIs. Smooth...
Tournaments | Story | 5/27/2026

Southeast Memorial Day Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘27 SS Malachi Butler doesn’t miss a stitch of this one, hitting it out to the PS for a 2-run HR. Profile littered with tools & performs at an elite level. @GTBaseball commit. #SEMemorialDay https://t.co/WOCXkOZmiL pic.twitter.com/lSHadfcfKZ — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) May 22, 2026 Georgia Tech commit Malachi Butler (2027, Powder Springs, Ga.) hasn’t missed a beat since the summer began, putting up gaudy numbers through the first two tournaments. A week ago, he hit .500 while taking home MVP honors, well he almost replicated those numbers over the weekend, hitting .412 across six games with three doubles and a homer. He showed elite strike zone awareness throughout, finishing with six walks to zero strikeouts and the impact has ticked up in a big way. Butler recently took over the top spot in the state and it’s easy to see why. He checks a ton...
Tournaments | Story | 5/27/2026

USA Prime Claims 17U Title in Thriller

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
USA Prime Tampa Scout 2027 edged VSA Scout 17U 4-3 Monday afternoon, using strong defense and a walk-off RBI from Bryce Flemming to secure the title. A light breeze helped cool down an otherwise warm afternoon at JetBlue Park during the championship game. USA Prime jumped out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning to apply early pressure on VSA. VSA responded behind relief pitcher Finlee Crowder, who settled the game down after entering in the second inning and helped keep his team within reach as the game turned into a back-and-forth battle. VSA eventually battled back to tie the game at 3-3, but several momentum-shifting defensive plays from USA Prime catcher Marcello Fraccola helped preserve the tie throughout the middle innings. “I feel like a huge motivator on the team,” Fraccola said. “The catcher is a big position on the field. You have to make...
Tournaments | Story | 5/27/2026

West Memorial Day Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
West Memorial Day Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Hawk Licari (‘27,AZ) lambastes this one to the LCF gap for a triple. Finished the day 1-for-3 with an RBI. This kid can swing it. He’s a legit @PG_Uncommitted 2WP and the #1 ranked LHP in the state. Get in to see this one. #MDWest pic.twitter.com/9gKjZdkcLq — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) May 23, 2026 Hawk Licari, LHP/1B, Scottsdale, AZ. Canes West National (2027) Licari is a high-upside uncommitted 2027 who can really swing it from the left side. The combination of hit tool, athleticism, and left-handed pitching projection makes him a priority follow for college programs. Continued strength gains and refinement on the mound will only elevate his stock. Colin Murphy (‘27,CA) Stands 6’1/190 and shows athletic actions and promising offensive traits. Stays inside this one and shoots it to the back side for a...
Loading more articles...