THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,416 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,416 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 6/25/2018

Squad National eyes 15u prize

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Irving Carter (Perfect Game)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – With apologizes to the great Willie Nelson while stealing from his classic ballad "Me and Paul," it was rough and rocky traveling but by the time last month’s Perfect Game WWBA 15u East Memorial Day Classic called it a wrap, Elite Squad 15u National definitely found itself standing upright on the ground.

Weather forced the Squad 15u Nationals to play all four of their games on one day at that particular event – a total of 22 innings due to run-rule victories – but they were able to win all four and secure the event’s championship.



In retrospect, maybe it wasn’t quite as stressful as it may have seemed at the time because any kind of PG tournament championship is a championship well-earned. Or, as Willie sang, after taking several readings they were surprised to find their minds still fairly sound.

“It’s always nice to start (the summer) off on the right foot,” ES 15u National head coach Scott Morrison told PG Monday morning. “The schedule was kind of hectic … but I thought it was kind of a good way to get the guys out there (and) get a feel for which guys can play where in certain situations. It’s always good to enter into an event and come out with a championship.”

That is exactly what every player and coach that is part of this very talented Elite Squad 15u National team had on their collective mind Monday morning, opening day at the 80-team PG 15u BCS National Championship.

Morrison was speaking from the third base dugout at Terry Park Stadium before the Squad 15u Nationals opened play against US Elite 15u-Florida, the first of six pool-play games they will play over the next four days. (The tournament format can be found by clicking here).

Elite Squad Baseball, under the impeccable stewardship of organization owner Richie Palmer, has done an excellent job of creating a culture within the program that starts with teams playing at the 9u level and keeping those teams together as much as possible through the years.

The staff doesn’t want to create entirely new teams year in and year out, opting instead to keep a core group of players together as they rise through the ranks. By the time they reach the 15u level, that culture of excellence is ingrained in the players.

“Chemistry is super important and big part of who we are and what we do,” Morrison said. “Culture is a big thing that Richie has been real successful in building.”

Elite Squad teams have won multiple Perfect Game national championships through the years, and this ES 15u National squad comes out of the same mold of some of those outstanding teams from the past.

There are 10 prospects from the high school class of 2021 (sophomores in the fall) ranked in the top 125 nationally on the roster, including No. 14 right-hander/first baseman Irving Carter and No. 25 outfielder/right-hander Justin Quintana.

Carter, a U. of Miami commit from Boynton Beach, Fla., and Quintana, a Florida International commit from Miramar, Fla., were both members of the East Team at the 2017 14u Perfect Game Select Baseball Festival held here last Labor Day Weekend.

No. 47-ranked outfielder/first baseman Kyle Tako (Hollywood, Fla., uncommitted); No. 50 third baseman/right-hander Bryan Loriga (Hialeah, Fla., Florida International); No. 57 third baseman/catcher Juhlien Gonzalez (Southwest Ranches, Fla., Florida International) and No. 89 corner-infielder Marcus Franco (Miramar, Fla., Florida International) are the other top-100s on the roster.

Nine of the 15u National players were named to the all-tournament team at the PG WWBA 15u East Memorial Day Classic, including Carter and Quintana, who were also named the Most Valuable Pitcher and Most Valuable Player, respectively, at that tournament.

The others were Nick Anello (No. 110, U. Miami commit), Alex Ulloa (No. 125, Miami), Sebastian Rigueiro, Geovanny Cueto, Jorge De Goti, Connor Manning and Mario Felipes. Other highly ranked players on the roster that deserve attention include Andrew Painter (No. 111, Florida) and Sammie Sloan (No. 114).

“We’re brothers; we always do everything together,” Quintana said Monday. “When we’re at home, we hit together, we work out together; we go through the struggles and the success together. We have each other’s backs and we think we’re just as special as any other team out here.”

Morrison put it even more succinctly: “I would say this is probably one of the more talented groups that I’ve ever been a part of, especially with Elite Squad. The most important thing that these guys have is chemistry and unity. They’ve been together for a long time and I think it’s important that they’re going to take the next step and kind of put it all together not just on the field but off the field, as well.”

Morrison called the 15u age division “an interesting age-group, to say the least,” and went on to say that biggest challenge and he and the ES 15u National’s other coach, Chris De La Rosa, face is teaching these players the little things that are so important in playing the game well.

The players on a team like this have so much natural ability that they’ve been able to accomplish a lot already just by letting their talent take over.

“Teaching them how to play the game the right way, instilling in them what it means to play for Elite Squad and to play a certain way … it’s important for us to teach them the little things and how to continue to grow as a ballplayer,” Morrison said.

The Elite Squad staff feels that another way they can help these young prospects grow as ballplayers is to make sure they have a grasp on the organization’s rich history. The coaches constantly remind today’s players of the prominent prospects that put on the “Squad” uniform before them because without those guys the program wouldn’t be as strong as it is now.

It’s important for them to not only understand what came before them but to also understand the future of the program is now, somewhat at least, in their hands. Those are big shoes to fill, of course, but these guys seem to get it and doing a pretty good job of carrying the torch.

Carter said it’s special “every single day” to put on the Elite Squad jersey: “The guys that came before us have been really, really good.”

Added Quintana: “It’s awesome to think about the guys that did it before us and to keep up the legacy is awesome. When we see these guys get drafted we always talk about how we want to be like that and win championships just like they did.”

Elite Squad 15u National got off to a good start at the tournament on Monday, topping US Elite 15u-Florida, 8-3. Carter started and threw 3 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits while striking out eight and walking three; his fastball topped-out at 89 mph. Gonzalez doubled and drove in two runs and Quintana and Franco each singled and drove in two.

From here, this Elite Squad 15u National team will next take part in the PG WWBA 15u National Championship July 13-20 at PG Park-LakePoint in Emerson, Ga., and then Elite Squad staff will assemble a team to compete at the 15u PG World Series at PGP-LakePoint July 21-25. Morrison said it is likely that the majority of the spots on the 15u PGWS roster will be filled by players on this ES 15u National roster.

But first things first. These players are at the PG 15u BCS National Championship with the idea in mind of winning the whole thing. That will, of course, mean getting past some other very talented teams boasting their own assortment of highly ranked players, like Team Elite 15u Prime, Banditos Florida 15u Black and 5 Star National Black.

“We have high expectations and they understand that,” Morrison said. “From an organizational standpoint, across the board we all have certain expectations but at the same time, coming to an event like this that is so large – there’s a lot of teams – but we have our expectations and then we’ll kind of see what happens here. The players have the understanding of what’s at stake and what it means to try to get through this.”

Yes, they do, and the top prospects Carter and Quintana still believe they can use what they experienced at the PG WWBA East Memorial Day Classic to their advantage.

“The guys that we have in this dugout, we think we can (take it) to the next level,” Quintana said. “We came off that (East MDC) on a good note and I think we can come out here and give teams a run for their money.”

“It’s always good to win (a championship) so I think that going into this tournament we’re prepared,” Carter concluded. “It’s amazing be a part of this team. With Elite Squad, I just think that this team has the opportunity to do great things.”

And, once again using Willie’s words, a chance to one more time find themselves standing upright on the ground.
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 4/21/2026

Southeast Super NIT #2 Scout Notes
Jason Phillips
Article Image
Chase Jelks (‘30 GA)- with a long double to deep CF. Huge day from the primary SS, 5-for-6 w/ 4 doubles & 6 RBI. #SESuperNIT @TheDreamBall @PG_Georgia https://t.co/biFSzXCrUt pic.twitter.com/HCQMduedb5 — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) April 20, 2026 Chase Jelks (’30, Atlanta, Ga.)- the left-handed hitting Jelks was all over the barrel on Sunday in a pair of games for The Dream 14U Black. He finished the day with five hits in six at-bats which included four doubles and six runs batted in. His two doubles and four runs batted in played a big part in the Gold Playoffs Round 1 victory over the talented BPA squad out of California. He backed up that performance with three more hits in a quarterfinal’s loss to the East Cobb Astros 14U Orange to finish the tournament with a .600 batting average and 1.636 on-base plus slugging percentage. A primary utility infielder,...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 4/23/2026

Kash Shaikh Named Perfect Game CMO

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME NAMES KASH SHAIKH CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AND HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL   Sanford, Florida (Thursday, April 23, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Kash Shaikh has been named the company’s new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Head of International. In this role, Shaikh will serve on Perfect Game’s executive leadership team, overseeing global marketing, brand strategy, creative, partnerships and sponsorships, while leading the company’s international P&L and expansion. Shaikh brings more than two decades of experience building brands, businesses and communities across sports, media and consumer...
Read More
Softball | Softball Tournament | 4/22/2026

PG Softball Battle for the Belt

Article Image
Perfect Game Softball Battle for the Belt April 18-19, 2026 Des Moines, Iowa It was a cold and very windy weekend, but the girls still came out and put in their best efforts. If you wanted the place to see some of the state’s top talent, this was the tournament to be at. The 18u division was quite the slugfest! The Ankeny Centennial 18U -Kennedy team took down a tough Iowa Alliance Select-Benge team in the championship. Both teams had double digit homeruns on the weekend. In the 16u division the Iowa Aries CE Fire Black took control of the game from the start and never let up on the gas, taking down a solid Alliance Select- Harper team. 18U Division Kori Lincicum (2026 Ankeny, IA) of the Centennial Jaguars- Kennedy and Drake Bulldog softball commit was the weekends MVP Pitcher. Lincicum defeated a tough Alliance team in the championship game finishing with that game with 11...
Read More
High School | General | 4/23/2026

Northeast High School Notebook

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
In a season that has already had many exciting matchups across various events, we as a staff would like to highlight or “Shout-Out” notable performers along with an Uncommitted Spotlight and Team Spotlight.  Uncommitted Spotlight: Mason Rosenberg, 1B, 2027, Bishop Eustace Prep  Uncommitted Mason Rosenberg (2027, NJ) has been an absolute force within the Bishop Eustace lineup, as the left-handed hitting slugger is hitting .481 through eleven games including six homers. The strength has vastly improved, allowing for Rosenberg to impact the baseball with authority to all fields. Couple that with improved speed and athleticism, this uncommitted 2027 can be a welcomed addition to a class looking for offense.  Team Spotlight: Northern Burlington (9-0) Northern Burlington is once again off to a hot start, as the Greyhounds sit at 9-0 thus far and have continued to...
Read More
Juco | Rankings | 4/22/2026

JUCO Top 25: April 22

Blaine Peterson
Article Image
Another week down and Johnson County continues their torrid run to remain at number 1. They're 46-2 on the season with multiple hitters over 25 bombs which is astonishing for the level as the Cavs have announced themselves as title favorites. Just a couple of weeks left heading down the stretch and our field remains mostly the same with the two additions of midwest powerhouse Iowa Western and the Warriors of East Central who will have a tough test Wednesday in Poplarville against fellow Mississippi adversary Pearl River in a mid-week double header.   Rk. School Record 1 Johnson County (KS) 46-2 2 Gaston (NC) 47-3 3 Walters State (TN) 42-10 4 McLennan (TX) 38-8 5 Southern Nevada (NV) 33-9 6 Chipola (FL) 39-9 7 Blinn (TX) 33-12 8 Florida Southwestern (FL) 32-13 9 Florence-Darlington (SC) 42-10 10 Pearl River (MS) 39-9 11 Cloud County (KS) 40-4 12 Cochise (AZ) 39-11 13 Midland (TX)...
Read More
College | Story | 4/23/2026

Coppy's Corner: April 23 POY Deep Dive

John Coppolella
Article Image
Each week I huddle with Vinnie Cervino and Craig Cozart  to discuss Top-25 rankings and Players of the Week. In Coppy’s Corner, I dive deeper into these Players of the Week, providing analysis from 20+ years working in baseball front offices at the highest level.     Player of the Week: Tague Davis – University of Louisville  Between 2016-2022, the University of Louisville produced 14 players taken in the Top 5 Rounds of the MLB Draft, seven of whom were taken in the 1st Round. The Cardinals haven’t produced a Top 5 Rounds pick since 2022, but that will change soon with Davis. Still only 20 years old and not draft-eligible until 2027, Davis continued his assault on college baseball this weekend with a 7-for-12 performance that included 5 HR. On the 2026 season, Davis is hitting .389 AVG / .489 OBP / .911 SLG / 1.392 OPS. That’s a 400+...
Read More
College | Rankings | 4/22/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: April 22

Nick Herfordt
Article Image
The final weeks of the college baseball regular season have a way of separating programs that are genuinely postseason-ready from those that have simply been good enough for long enough. Conference tournaments loom, selection committees are paying close attention, and every game on the schedule carries weight that it simply didn't in February. This week's action, combined with the latest Perfect Game Top 25, paints a picture of a college baseball landscape where the top is clearly defined — and where the middle is a genuine battle. What follows is a cross-level look at teams across the NAIA, NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division III ranks who find themselves in that uncomfortable space: not safely in, not clearly out, but firmly on the bubble. Some have built compelling résumés that should hold up under scrutiny. Others have excellent records against soft competition...
Read More
High School | Rankings | 4/21/2026

High School Top 50 Update: April 21

Tyler Russo
Article Image
Another few weeks have wrapped up this high school season as we’re flying through the spring and most southern states are starting playoffs right around the corner. With the end of the regular season, we have another National Top 50 update to bring to you, along with this will be the start of the weekly editions of our National Top 50. We have a change at the top of the rankings as Venice (FL) takes over the top spot after just dominating their competition in the state of Florida this year. Orange Lutheran (CA) drops one spot to No. 2 after dropping a series but still holds firm at No. 2 in the country. Barbe (LA) has continued to dominate and holds onto the No. 3 spot while Tomball (TX) skyrockets in this update to No. 4 in the country, currently holding an incredible 30-0-1 record. The rest of the top-10 is names we’ve become accustomed to see with Aledo (TX) at No. 5, IMG...
Read More
PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 4/21/2026

Select Festival Dates/Locations Announced

Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES DATES AND VENUES FOR   2026 SLATE OF SELECT FESTIVALS    Sanford, Florida (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced dates and venues for its 2026 Select Festivals, a premiere series of invitation-only events showcasing many of the nation’s top young prospects at the 11U, 12U, 13U and 14U levels.    The Select Festivals provide elite players with a unique opportunity to compete alongside and against the best talent in their age group while experiencing a...
Read More
College | Story | 4/21/2026

College Players of the Week: April 21

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
April 21st Perfect Game/Player of the Week:  Tague Davis, IF, Louisville  The Louisville Cardinals (22-18) haven’t been able to get themselves in much of a groove this spring, their longest winning streak is 5-games, and they are (4-6) in their last 10-games.  The issue has not been the offense as the Cardinals are averaging over 8-runs per game and Tague Davis is leading the club in virtually every offensive category.  His calling card is his 70-grade power and that was on display last weekend in their series against Cal.  In the three-game series, Davis went 7 for 12, scoring 4 runs, launching 5 home runs and collected 7 RBIs.  The 6-4/220 lefthanded hitter from West Chester, PA has a pure stroke, is one of the premier power hitters in the nation and has significantly improved his plate discipline from a year ago.  After his big weekend, he is...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.