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Tournaments  | Story | 3/14/2018

Showdown-Academies Preview

Greg Gerard
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.
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