THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
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2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Tournaments  | Story | 3/14/2018

Showdown-Academies Preview

Photo: Perfect Game

2018 PG High School Showdown-Academies Event Page

CBC Elite (Puerto Rico)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Henner Gonzalez (C, 2019, NR)
Carlos Alberto Perez (1B, 2020, NR)
Luis Manuel Perez (OF, 2020, NR)
Elvis Jr. Dones (OF, 2020, NR)
Carlos Lopez (OF, 2020, NR)
Jose Cedeno (RHP, 2018, NR)

Synopsis
CBC Elite brings in a bit of unknown to the High School Showdown-Academies as none of the players on their roster have attended a Perfect Game event before. With multiple young and talented players from multiple countries, CBC Elite has a few key players to look out for. Sophomores and 2020 draft eligible outfielders Luis Manuel Perez, Elvis Jr. Dones, and Carlos Lopez will man the outfield and each boast strong righthanded swings. 6-foot-6, 202-pound Carlos Alberto Perez will cover the right corner of the infield at first base and is a big power threat each time up to the plate. Jose Cedeno is the team’s top pitching prospect at 6-foot-5, 195-pounds.


Central Pointe Christian Academy (Kissimmee, Fla.)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Calvin Olavarria (RHP, 2018, High Follow)
Justin Tejeda (OF, 2019, 388)
Keniel De Leon (SS, 2019, 500)
Adonis Javier (SS, 2019, Top 1000)
Sebastian Velez (C, 2019, High Follow)
Xavier Cintron (MIF, 2021, 155)

Synopsis
Central Point Christian Academy is arriving to PG Park and the PG High School Showdown-Academies from Kissimmee, Florida. Central Pointe has a very talented lineup, although, mostly young consisting of mostly underclassmen. Calvin Olavarria is the team’s leader on the mound. The righthander stands at 6-foot-1, 190-pounds and has topped out at 87 mph at Perfect Game events in the past. The CPCA offense is led by multiple young players including outfielder Justin Tejeda and freshman Florida International commit Xavier Cintron.


Citadels Baseball Academy (Peachtree City, Ga.)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Makenzie Stills (RHP/MIF, 2018, 208)
Oscar Santos (SS, 2019, 392)
Ty Hitsos (RHP, 2018, Follow)
Zachary Mills (RHP/1B, 2018, Follow)
Elijah Hilton (OF, 2019, 500)
Kameron Gay (1B/3B, 2019, 500)
Myles Holloway (OF, 2019, Top 1000)

Synopsis
Citadels Baseball Academy comes to PG Park and the PG High School Showdown-Academies from Peachtree City, Georgia. Makenzie Stills, whose fastball has been as high as 94 mph in the past, is the headliner for Citadels Baseball Academy’s roster. The former 2017 PG National Showcase invitee and Vanderbilt commit is the team’s top prospect in the 2018 class and the highest 2018 ranked player in the entire event. Citadels’ shortstop Oscar Santos is the team’s top hitter as the Puerto Rico native is a quick-twitch athlete with a balanced righthanded swing. Other top prospects for Citadels Baseball Academy include Ty Hitsos, Zachary Mills committed to Oglethorpe University, Elijah Hilton, Kameron Gay, and Myles Holloway.


Dux by TSD (Cayey, Puerto Rico)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Carlos Yariel Martinez Rivera (3B/1B, 2018, High Follow)

Synopsis
Dux by TSD consists of players all from Puerto Rico and is making the flight to Cartersville, Georgia this week for the PG High School Showdown-Academies. Dux’s top prospects include corner infielder Carlos Yariel Martinez Rivera. Rivera is one of the top 2018 graduates who still remains uncommitted and headlines the lineup for Dux by TSD. Dux’s pitching staff should see Rivera tally some innings as well as Jeriel J. Ayala Negron getting good use as well.


East Cobb ATEC HS (Marietta, Ga.)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Hollan Johnson (C, 2019, Follow)
Logan Martin (RHP, 2019, Follow)

Synopsis
With two teams from the legendary travel baseball organization that is East Cobb, it is easy to see how much talent is in the metro Atlanta area and with East Cobb ATEC HS it is no different. The top two prospects for East Cobb ATEC both happen to be junior and 2019 graduates. Catcher Hollan Johnson is the team’s top hitter and defensive presence behind the plate. Logan Martin is a pitcher to keep an eye on as the junior 6-foot-1, 170-pound righthander features a lively fastball in the low-80s coming from a low arm angle. East Cobb ATEC is a team to look out for in this year’s PG High School Showdown-Academies.


East Cobb Baseball (Marietta, Ga.)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Zachary Ottinger (RHP, 2018, 500)
Michael Buice (RHP, 2018, 500)
Kennedy Norton (RHP, 2018, 500)
Bryar Hawkins (INF/RHP, 2018, 500)
Caleb Reis (C, 2019, 209)
Ethan Bowdoin (LHP, 2019, 318)
Alex Espinel (SS, 2019, Top 1000)

Synopsis
The historic travel ball organization that is East Cobb enters the High School Showdown-Academies with a slew of Division I prospects and a loaded overall roster. Headlined by West Virginia commit Zachary Ottinger on the mound, East Cobb’s pitching staff is quite possibly the deepest in the event. Five of East Cobb’s pitchers are committed to Division I schools and ten pitchers all together are committed to play college baseball. The offense for East Cobb is as deep as any in the tournament led by Clemson commit Bryar Hawkins. The primary middle infielder and secondary submarine pitcher has very good barrel skills and commands the strike zone on the mound as well.


Fieldhouse Baseball Club (Burlington, ON)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Matthew Nolin (LHP, 2019, High Follow)

Synopsis
Fieldhouse Baseball Club from Ontario, Canada will be making the long trip from the north down to PG Park in Cartersville, Georgia for the PG High School Showdown-Academies. Matthew Nolin, who recently impressed at the PG West MLK Underclass tournament, will likely play a key role for Fieldhouse on the mound. The lefthander tops out at 84 mph and has a highly projectable 6-foot-4, 188-pound frame. As for the offense, multiple players should make immediate impacts for Fieldhouse as they get their tournament started this Thursday afternoon at 4:00 p.m against a young and talented Central Pointe Christian Academy team.


Georgia Premier Academy Sox (Hinesville, Ga.)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Daniel Espino (RHP, 2019, 153)
Daniel Cerda (SS, 2018, High Follow)
Myles Green (OF, 2018, NR)
Javier Rojas (OF, 2018, NR)
Dylan Ross (RHP, 2019, High Follow)

Synopsis
Headlined by PG National invitee and recent LSU commit Daniel Espino, Georgia Premier Academy takes to the field a talented group of players. On the mound, Espino can run his fastball into the mid-90s and overpower hitters. The offense for the Sox is led by shortstop and Chipola commit Daniel Cerda as well as quick-twitch outfielder Myles Green. Georgia Premier Academy has a strong history in the PG High School Showdown-Academies event. The Sox won the event in 2014, 2015, and 2016 and hope to bring that title back to Hinesville, Georgia.


Johnson Ferry Saints (Marietta, Ga.)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Daniel Southern (SS, 2018, High Follow)
James Bailey (MIF, 2020, NR)
Ryan Plunk (RHP, 2019, NR)
Evertt Apple (C, 2018, NR)

Synopsis
With over half the team consisting of sophomores, the Johnson Ferry Saints are quite young, but have some senior leadership. Led by switch-hitting shortstop Daniel Southern, the Oglethorpe University commit is the team’s leading offensive threat. Righthander Ryan Plunk is the top pitching prospect on the staff and should provide key innings for the Saints during the PG High School Showdown-Academies.


Knights Baseball (Nashville, Tenn.)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Sean McLaughlin (1B, 2018, Top 1000)
Trevor Eidson (SS, 2018, Follow)
Jackson Walker (OF, 2019, High Follow)

Synopsis
Knights Baseball enters the PG High School Showdown-Academies as one of the younger teams in attendance although their top prospects do consist of mostly 2018 graduates. First baseman Sean McLaughlin and Bryan College commit Trevor Eidson both lead the way for the Knights offense along with junior outfielder Jackson Walker. The pitching is still young, but will likely see guys like lefthander Chase Nelson and righthander Landon Schroeder lead the way on the bump.


Next Level Academy Rays (Montgomery, Ala.)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Jacob Gilliland (RHP, 2018, 500)
Chase Bessard (SS, 2018, NR)
Troy Bearden (C/1B/RHP, 2018, 500)
Coleman Fleming (OF/RHP, 2018, Top 1000)
CJ Keckler (C/OF, 2018, 500)
Xavier Torres (MIF, 2018, High Follow)
Evan Waterbor (LHP, 2018, Top 1000)
Colin Smith (LHP, 2018, High Follow)

Synopsis
Led by a very strong senior class, Next Level Academy has an impressive lineup being sent to the field each day. After a second place finish in the Academy Showdown a year ago, the Rays are looking to avenge last year’s defeat and win this year’s event. Senior righthander and Chattahoochee Valley commit Jacob Gilliland heads the pitching rotation for the Rays. Gilliland’s fastball runs up to 94 mph with a four pitch mix for strikes. The future Pirate is accompanied in the rotation by lefthander Evan Waterbor, Motlow State commit Colin Smith and Auburn commit Troy Bearden. Next Level Academy’s lineup is led Chase Bessard and two-way prospect Troy Bearden. Bessard is a lefthanded shortstop with good barrel skills and some pop. Bearden is a strong righthanded bat with big-time power.


Pro5 Academy (Raleigh, N.C.)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Trent Harris (SS, 2018, Top 1000)
Davis Balentine (MIF, 2018, Top 1000)
Tyler Tuthill (LHP, 2018, Top 1000)
Ronald Evans II (3B, 2019, 500)
Tyler Driver (RHP, 2019, Top 1000)
Greyson Bailey (3B/OF, 2019, NR)
C.J. Martin (C, 2019, NR)
Daniel Padysak (RHP, 2019, NR)

Synopsis
Pro5 Academy has a loaded roster for the PG High School Showdown-Academies and they bring that talent to the field this Thursday night. Pro5’s pitching staff has three committed pitchers all to D1 schools. Their staff includes two-way talent Trent Harris committed to High Point, Tyler Tuthill committed to Appalachian State and Tyler Driver committed to UNC-Charlotte. The offense is led by Harris and middle infielder Gardner-Webb commit Davis Balentine. Other notable prospects include catcher C.J. Martin, third baseman/outfielder Ronald Evans, physical two-way prospect Greyson Bailey and righthanded pitcher Daniel Padysak.


SBO Florida (West Palm Beach, Fla.)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Steven Ondina (MIF, 2020, 267)
Alexis Davila (C, 2018, Top 1000)

Synopsis
SBO Florida, based out of West Palm Beach, Florida and consisting of players from both Florida and Puerto Rico, enters the tournament with a well-balanced lineup with both pitching and offense. Led by recent standout at PG National Underclass Showcase Main-Event Steven Ondina on offense and in the middle infield, SBO should bring to the field a strong hitting lineup with Ondina and uncommitted catching prospect Alexis Davila. The pitching staff is still young consisting of all underclassmen. The likes of Javier Acevedo, Gian G Ortiz, and Juan Toledo should be key assets on the mound for the club.


SBO Team Underclass (Caguas, Puerto Rico)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Carlos J Vicente-Velez (OF/LHP, 2020, High Follow)

Synopsis
The youngest team in the event is SBO Team Underclass. The team consists of all players grades 11th or younger including top prospect outfielder Carlos J Vicente-Velez. Vicente-Velez most recently stood out at PG National Underclass Showcase Main-Event where he sprinted a 6.70 second 60-yard dash and showed the ability to switch hit. Vicente-Velez should likely log some innings on the mound during the event along with lefthander Fernando Rodriguez and young righties Persio Diaz, Gian Sebastian Mejias and Simon Sobellia.


SmarTense Training Academy

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

JonPaul Wheat (OF, 2021, Follow)

Synopsis
Very well likely the youngest team at the event, SmarTense Training Academy boasts a roster with no seniors and just three juniors. Coming to PG Park and the High School Showdown-Academies from Alpharetta, Georgia, SmarTense has a young group of players from all around the metro Atlanta area. Although still a freshman, JonPaul Wheat is the team’s top prospect as a 6-foot, 154-pound outfielder and righthanded pitcher. The team’s top pitchers are righthanders Wheat, Aiden Berggren and Quinn Petty, as well as lefthander Sean Tucker.


Trinity Christian Sharpsburg (Sharpsburg, Ga.)

Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)

Calin “Cal” Smith (OF, 2019, 243)
Kyle Riesselmann (OF/LHP, 2019, Top 1000)
Shep Hancock (3B, 2020, 323)
Jake Estes (RHP, 2018, NR)
Thomas Cordier (RHP/OF, 2019, Top 1000)
Jayce Blalock (1B, 2022, High Follow)

Synopsis
After a second-place finish in the GISA 3A state championship a year ago, Trinity Christian enters the PG High School Showdown-Academies as a strong contender to be crowned champions. Mississippi State commit Cal Smith is the team’s top hitter and top overall prospect ranked 243rd in Perfect Game’s 2019 rankings. Kyle Riesselmann is also receiving Division I offers as an outfielder. Riesselmann is a lefthanded outfielder/pitcher that bats righthanded for Trinity Christian. Riesselmann and Jake Estes are the team’s two top pitchers both with fastballs that have topped out at 83 mph at Perfect Game events.

Tournaments | Story | 11/13/2026

National All State Preview: Week 2

Hannah Jo Groves
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The second week of of PG All-State National Championships starts this weekend - this particular one featuring the 9U, 11U and 13U age groups. Last week, the 10U, 12U and 14U divisions got their chance to represent their states and compete in the Houston, Texas area. This weekend, there will be 23 teams competing in the 13U and 11U divisions and 15 teams competing for the 9U title. “For Tony [Harper] and I, it’s an early glimpse of guys yearning to impress as we head to the new year…for those seeking consideration for the Select Festival,” National Cross-Checker and Northeast Scouting Director, John McAdams, said. For those competing in the 11U division, this event marks their first opportunity to show out, get some recognition and potentially receive a coveted invitation to the 2027 11U Select Festival. Some names that have already stood out to PG’s scouts...
College | Recruiting | 11/12/2026

Head of the Class: No. 4 Arkansas

Jordan Gates
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Complete 2027 Arkansas Recruiting Class No. 4 Arkansas Head Coach: Dave Van Horn | Recruiting Coordinator: Nate Thompson Total Signees: 18 | Top 100 Signees: 3 Top 5 Recruits: Rk. Name Pos. HT WT B-T High School Hometown ST 42 Christopher (CJ) Wall C 6-1 195 L-R Georgia Premier Academy Statesboro GA 52 Jake Ivey LHP 6-3 200 L-L Gunter Gunter TX 91 Conor Rae SS 6-1 170 R-R Corona Del Sol Gilbert AZ 102 Charlie Sarsfield OF 5-10 170 L-R Linn-Mar Cedar Rapids IA 107 Bear Calvo SS 6-1 200 R-R Orange Lutheran Fullerton CA Over the last decade, Arkansas has found themselves ranked inside the top ten in recruiting classes eight of the last ten years. They are no stranger to being ranked towards the top either with a handful of top five finishes, with their 2027 class checking in at number four. While the transfer portal has had the largest impact on college baseball and sports in general, the...
College | Recruiting | 11/12/2026

Head of the Class: No. 3 Texas A&M

Vincent Cervino
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Complete 2027 Texas A&M Recruiting Class  No. 3 Texas A&M Head Coach: Michael Earley | Recruiting Coordinator: Nolan Cain Total Signees: 17 | Top 100 Signees: 6 Top 5 Recruits RK. Name Pos. HT WT High School Hometown State 11 Striker Pence RHP/1B 6-6 215 Santiago Corona CA 15 Brady Cunningham 3B/RHP 6-3 225 Brother Rice Mokena IL 40 Isaiah Snavely SS 6-3 195 Zionsville Community Zionsville IN 77 Jordan Ayala RHP 6-1 185 Norco La Habra CA 88 Clyde Williams III OF 5-11 178 Magnolia Magnolia TX The Aggies jumped into the top 10 with their 2026 high school recruits and in his third season Michael Earley has achieved a the highest ranked recruiting class of his career at No. 3 for the 2027 class. Credit due as well to RC Nolan Cain who rejoined the Aggies just this past summer.  There’s star power littered throughout this class including four PG All-Americans, led by...
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Texas Defends Home Turf at All State

Hannah Jo Groves
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Texas American Dominates for the 12U All-State Select Championship A run-rule, 11-3 victory over California National sealed the deal for Texas American’s 12U PG National All-State Select Championship win. 6 different players combined for Texas American’s 11 total runs - Ishmael Ruiz knocked in 2 runs with a double in the bottom of the second, Cannon Hughes knocked in 5 runs with 2, 2-run home runs in the first and second innings and an RBI walk to seal the game. Though it’s clear Texas American’s offense was explosive, right-handed pitcher Martin Vazquez did his part on the mound, striking out 6 batters and only dealing 1 walk in his 4 innings and 61 pitches of work. Earlier in the tournament, Lucas Bingham, the tournament’s MVPitcher, struck out 11 batters over 6.1 innings in his outing - and despite that impressive stat line - Bingham said he was not...
Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 11/12/2026

2027 Draft Board Update: Biggest Risers

Tyler Henninger
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2027 MLB Draft Content Hub With our latest draft board update, several prospects have made significant moves up the rankings following strong performances throughout the fall. From prep talent finishing off the circuit to college players ramping up for the spring, the latest update features plenty of new names and notable jumps. Here we will take a closer look at some of the biggest risers, highlighting the players who have done the most to improve their draft stock and have positioned themselves well heading into the winter.  Biggest Riser John Hucko (‘27 NC) lifts this one into RF for an RBI 2B, does a nice job of recognizing off speed w/ good adjustment; athletic frame w/ strength present. @AuburnBaseball commit #WWBAWorlds @PG_Coastal https://t.co/GXnZlsMidh — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 8, 2026 OF John Hucko, Charlotte Catholic | Pres. Rank: 23...
College | Recruiting | 11/11/2026

Head of the Class: No. 5 Vanderbilt

Kyler Peterson
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Complete 2027 Vanderbilt Recruiting Class No. 5 Vanderbilt Head Coach: Tim Corbin | Recruiting Coordinator: Scott Brown Total Signees: 16 | Top 100 Signees: 5 Top 5 Recruits RK Name Pos. HT WT B-T High School Hometown ST 21 Ethan Gustus RHP 6-6 192 R-R Roseville Roseville CA 55 Broder Katke C 6-2 205 R-R Brother Rice Bloomfield Hills MI 61 Graham Keen 3B/RHP 6-4 185 R-R Mt Lebanon Pittsburgh PA 63 Stephen Bobo OF 5-11 175 L-L Shelbyville Central Shelbyville TN 85 Derek Yormack RHP 6-3 220 R-R Bellmore JFK Merrick NY The Dores check in at No. 5 in the recruiting rankings with a loaded 2027 class. The class holds five players currently ranked in the top 100 and ten total ranked within the top 200. Coach Corbin and his staff dipped into the west coast to head their class with one of the best arms in the country, California native Ethan Gustus. The 6-foot-6 right-hander has touched triple...
College | Recruiting | 11/11/2026

Head of the Class: No. 6 Alabama

Jay Vossler
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Complete 2027 Alabama Recruiting Class Head Coach: Rob Vaughn | Recruiting Coordinator: Jason Jackson Total Signees: 17 | Top 100 Signees: 4 Top 5 Recruits RK Name Pos. HT WT B-T High School Hometown ST 29 Finnian O'Loughlin OF 6-2 200 R-R Delbarton Jersey City NJ 31 Mac Morris SS 6-0 187 R-R Dorman Taylors SC 47 Harry Chubb Jones Jr. * SS 6-4 190 R-R McEachern Douglasville GA 86 Anderson Lambert OF 6-0 180 R-R McDonogh Laurel MD 108 Jude Carter RHP 6-5 210 R-R Alexander Central Taylorsville NC * denotes enrolling early for upcoming spring After three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament, including a trip to Omaha in 2026, Rob Vaughn and the Alabama Crimson Tide have seen their recruiting class skyrocket in the rankings. After checking in at 24 in 2024, they took a huge leap up to 8 in 2025, stayed close to that at 13 in 2026, and now sit at 6 in 2027, the highest under Rob Vaughn....
Tournaments | Championship | 11/11/2026

Florida Offense Paces All State Crown

Hannah Jo Groves
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Florida National got off to a hot start in Monday’s championship game against Texas National. Scoring all their runs in the first and second inning, Florida National held off Texas National and won 5-3 for the 14U PG National All-State Select Championship title. An electric and fun-filled weekend all led up to this final game on Field 3 at Premier Baseball of Texas. The players geared up under the lights for what would surely be another great meeting between stacked teams. Texas National was up to bat first, but Florida’s pitcher, Lucas Diaz, struck out 2 batters in a row before fielding a ground ball for the third out. Though the bottom of the first started with a strikeout for Florida National, Diaz reached first base on a dropped passed ball and Jayden Portes got on with a walk. With two on and only one out, Florida National was primed to pounce. Lucas Viera singled to...
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14u National All State Scout Notes: Day 3

Donovan May
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14u National All State Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 Cody Bloomfield ('31, FL) tallied three hits on Championship Monday and capped off an impressive weekend at the plate, finishing with a .455/.538/.636 slash line. Repeats a compact stroke and consistently gets the barrel to the baseball. Shows present strength in the hands and lower half with the ability to drive the ball from gap to gap. Mature all-fields approach continued to produce quality at-bats throughout the event.  Levi Munoz ('31, CA) worked 6.0 innings and struck out five in a strong start on the mound. Attacked hitters with a 77-80 mph fastball that showed life through the top of the strike zone and paired it with a mid-60s curveball featuring 12-to-6 shape. Worked ahead in counts throughout the outing and consistently controlled the tempo. Flashed present swing-and-miss stuff while maintaining command of the...
College | Recruiting | 11/10/2026

Head of the Class: No. 7 TCU

Quinton Hall
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Complete 2027 TCU Recruiting Class No. 7 TCU Head Coach: Kirk Saarloos | Recruiting Coordinator: John DiLaura Total Signees: 16 | Top 100 Signees: 5 Top 5 Recruits RK Name Pos. HT WT B-T High School Hometown ST 19 Cooper Goff OF 6-0 185 L-R Mountain Ridge Herriman UT 41 Andrew Carlson RHP 6-3 230 R-R Trinity Classical Academy Valencia CA 79 Joe Mendazona Jr C 6-3 200 L-R Central Monmouth OR 94 Cooper George LHP 6-3 175 L-L Long Beach Wilson Long Beach CA 98 Blake Ragsdale SS 6-0 175 R-R Lyons Twp Burr Ridge IL Head Coach Kirk Saarloos and his staff have put together another impressive recruiting class, landing at No. 7 in the Class of 2027 Recruiting Rankings. With 16 commitments spanning 11 different states, including five prospects ranked inside the Top 100 nationally, the Horned Frogs have made their presence felt across the country. Leading the offensive talent is PG All-American...
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