THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,397 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,397 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 6/11/2019

Team Halo rises above competition

Cory Van Dyke
Photo: Breon Horne (Perfect Game)

MARIETTA, Ga. – At the 2019 WWBA 16u National Championship Qualifier, there’s one team elevating above the rest of the competition. It’s Team Halo.

Team Halo has jumped out a 4-0 record in pool play, outscoring opponents 24-4 through those games. However, the team’s journey to get to this point could be considered an anomaly in today’s travel baseball landscape.

Team Halo originally began under the name of the Atlanta Angels back when head coach Curtis George inherited the team full of seven year olds. George and Co. had to play up a level with eight year olds in order for it to be kid pitch. And ever since, the Atlanta Angels transformed into one of the premier youth travel teams.

They traveled to Yuma, Arizona where they faced teams from California and Mexico as eight year olds, eventually finishing in third. At ten years old, the Angels made the journey to Puerto Rico and finished in second. The team ran through their competition in Georgia, and eventually teams in the area started combining.

The team eventually made the switch to Team Halo and competed in the National Youth Baseball Championship at 12 years old where the top eight travel teams in the nation come together every year, finishing fourth in that tournament.

So what makes the current Team Halo 16u team so unique? Half of the current roster has been together since they were 10 years old, with a handful of players being on the team since the very beginning.

“That is the pedigree of this team,” George said. “One thing I can tell you I do like, watch how they play together, how they communicate, how they have fun… I like the way they fight. I love what I do. I have a passion for all of these guys.”

Where there’s a revolving door of different players coming and going over the years, the same core for Team Halo has largely remained the same year after year. Michael Braswell, the No. 17 ranked player in the 2021 class, is one of those players who’s been there from the beginning, and he insists that it forms a bond that cannot be found elsewhere.

“It creates a brotherhood,” Braswell, a South Carolina commit, said. “I’d die for a lot of these guys here. It shows on the field. We have conversation. It’s past baseball. A lot of the travel teams, they just come to the field and play and don’t really form bonds with everybody. We’re a brotherhood and we’re a family. I think that helps us with team chemistry and all that stuff on the field.”

Breon Horne is another one of those players who’s been around the block with Team Halo. The No. 209 player of the 2021 class shares a similar sentiment.

“We stay together since the beginning,” Horne said. “It shows where our loyalty lies. It helps us chemistry wise because we’ve all been with each other since we were young. We all know what we’re trying to accomplish. It’s the same goal of getting to the next level.”

It’s helped George focus on the product on the field when he doesn’t have to iron out any intricacies and cultivate relationships between the players off the field. They’re already best friends having been around each other and a part of the same team for all those years in the past.

“Half of them, they grew up together,” George said. “When I say that, all of these guys are friends. 

“Once you play with each other for a while, it’s chemistry… They know each other. They don’t have to hang out, but on the field they’re the best friends and brothers. They want to win. That’s the biggest key.”

So how exactly does that chemistry built over time manifest itself between the lines? They’ll communicate with each other about a pitcher’s pick off move or what pitches he starts most at-bats with. The communication has become second nature and led to the players calling their own plays.

“They give each other signs,” George said. “It’s a plus to play together. That’s the biggest benefit they get. I get that I don’t have to coach now. I’ve been coaching them since I was seven, so I just stand over there. Everybody has the green light. I don’t throw in a sign unless the game is close. That’s what I appreciate.”

It’s all created a distinct style of play that Team Halo prides itself on. The team is filled with athletes, and they use that adroitness to be menaces on the base paths in order to manufacture runs differently.

“Being able to go first to second, steal third base,” George said. “It takes a lot away from bunting. We get to swing the bat. It’s all about our athleticism and everybody knows it. They know we’re going to run. You either have a good catcher or you don’t.”

The summer ahead for Team Halo is jam-packed with a competitive schedule. The team is no stranger to it, though, as they’ve been playing up an age group every other year since they started. JonPaul Wheat, another player who’s been around from Team Halo’s early stages, says it’s what has helped them develop into the players they are today.

“It’s a big journey that’s going to come,” Wheat, a top 500 prospect for the 2021 class, said. “Everybody knows it. We’re up there in the nation, so everybody pitches their best pitcher against us. We get good competition, so that’s what’s good for us.”

For George, who played his college ball at Florida A&M and was eventually drafted by the Indians in the 18th round in 1992, the ultimate satisfaction for him is helping his players accomplish their dreams by reaching the next level.

“It’s a trust factor,” George said. “If you’ve been together since you were 10, parents trust we can pick them up and get them there. It takes a village, and I think we have a pretty good village over here to help kids succeed to the next level.”

Right now, Team Halo currently has six players who are signed to play in college and a handful of others who have offers on the table. It’s all about reaching the pinnacle of the mission that was birthed nearly a decade ago with all these stepping stones along the way.

“Being a small organization out of Atlanta and you wouldn’t know unless you look us up, but everybody in Atlanta who’s been playing since seven knows us,” George said. “It’s been a good run. I’m waiting to see the finished product and see how it ends… My boys are who they are. I can appreciate coming out and watching them play hard. 

“At the end of the day, I’m just enjoying the moment.”
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 3/31/2026

14u East Spring Opener Scout Notes
Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Roman Keister (2030, Dade City, FL) Could not miss the barrel this weekend tallying 6 hits including 2 triples and 4 RBI. Starts the load early and controls his body well, the up the middle approach really plays in game. Also worked from off the mound for an inning and picked up a punch out.  Colton Russo (2030, Coral Springs, FL) Showed off the power burning outfielders all weekend. 5 hits including two triples that carried over the CF and RF heads. Has a good understanding about using the lower half in the swing and the bat to ball skills really impressed.  Karson Blakney (2030, St. Augustine, FL) Made his impact in a big way this week, collecting the win in the quarterfinals. In his outing he went 5 shutout innings and struck out 5 while only allowing 2 hits. Worked in the mid 70s with the FB and topped out at 78. Also produced on offense driving in 5 RBI on 4 hits. ...
Read More
Draft | Mock Draft | 4/3/2026

PG Staff Mock Draft

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
Welcome to another Perfect Game Mock Draft. This is not your typical mock draft as it features 15 different GMs drafting the first two rounds of the draft. Each member of the mock draft was assigned two teams and as such will be drafting all of the picks in the first two rounds for each responsible team. The actual draft order will be presented below and we will dive into how teams made their selections and how they feel about the players drafted. It is important to note that this is not how we think the draft will play out in almost any capacity. This is simply an exercise 4 months ahead of time with a large portion of the scouting staff and some picks fall under personal favorites, best available, and a multitude of other factors. Chicago White Sox 1:1 Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA | 1:41 Jack Radel, RHP, Notre Dame The White Sox don’t overthink here and select Roch Cholowsky, who has...
Read More
High School | General | 4/2/2026

High School Notebook: April 2

Steve Fiorindo
Article Image
Lennex Minor (‘28 CA) absolutely destroys this offering to the PS for a 2-run shot. 2-4 on the day w/ 4 driven in. Athletic in the box w/ a quick stroke and strength throughout the frame. Also closed out the game running the FB up to 88 in a St. Bernard win #PGHS @PG_Scouting pic.twitter.com/KF7BsKGcm7 — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) March 29, 2026 Lennex Minor, MIF/P, St. Bernard (2028) Minor had a massive day in my look this past Saturday in a game being played at the University of San Diego.  The sophomore had a pair of hits, one which was a no-doubt homer, and drove in four.  Minor’s athleticism jumps out on the field with twitchy actions both at the dish and in the dirt.  He features a 6-foot, 170-pound frame with room to add and generates from a strong lower half and exceptionally quick hands.  Showing two-way potential, he made an...
Read More
High School | General | 4/2/2026

NHSI Scout Notebook

Cam McElwaney
Article Image
An extended look at ‘26 RHP Wilson Andersen… 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 6 K. @HailStateBB signee. #NHSI26 @JesuitBaseball @Florida_PG @PG_Draft @PGAllAmerican https://t.co/VLwECd2qZ8 pic.twitter.com/JbTFR3Gd2l — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) March 30, 2026 Wilson Andersen, RHP, Tampa Jesuit  Andersen got the ball on day two of the event and showed a quick tempo, pounding the zone with a power mix. He ran the fastball up to 97 mph, working comfortably in the mid-90s, with a power curveball/changeup mix he showed confidence in. He’s one of the top right-handers in the class that saw his stock rise in Cary. Andersen is signed with Mississippi State.    An extended look at ‘26 RHP Cooper Sides… 5 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K. @LSUbaseball signee. #NHSI26 @olubaseball @PG_Draft @California_PG https://t.co/Ag1MfBAR5a pic.twitter.com/5wSszVjBn8...
Read More
All American Game | Story | 4/2/2026

All American Classic Heading to Citizens Bank

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME DICK’S ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC HEADED TO CITIZENS BANK PARK IN 2026   Perfect Game makes debut at iconic Phillies venue during America’s 250th birthday celebration   Former Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel named Honorary Chairman of All-American Classic   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Thursday, April 2, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that the 2026 Perfect Game DICK’S All-American Classic will be played at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, marking the first time a Perfect Game event has ever been held at the iconic home of the Philadelphia Phillies.   The game will take place on...
Read More
College | Rankings | 4/1/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: April 1

Nick Herfordt
Article Image
Welcome to another week of Perfect Game Small School baseball — and if you're looking for clarity at the top, you've come to the wrong place. Across all three classifications, the No. 1 spot is very much an open question, and nobody is sleeping comfortably right now. In NCAA Division II, Pittsburg State is stumbling at precisely the wrong moment, leaving the door cracked wide open for hungry challengers to come knocking. In the NAIA, defending national champion LSU Shreveport has dropped four straight and suddenly looks far more vulnerable than a program of their pedigree ever expects to be. And in NCAA Division III, the race for the top ranking is less a competition and more a ten-car pileup of elite programs, none of whom have done enough to pull away — and all of whom have done plenty to deserve it. Three classifications, three vacancies at the top, and a whole lot of...
Read More
Juco | Story | 4/1/2026

JUCO Top 25: April 1

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Another week of JUCO baseball and another week full of wins for No. 1 ranked Johnson County . The Cavaliers have won 18 games in a row and have swept through the Jayhawk Conference to this point, setting a new school home run record along the way. Walters State returns to the top 5 this week on the strength of a 12-game winning streak. Both McLennan and Pearl River are coming off of undefeated weeks and look like strong top 10 caliber teams, while Midland (now 30-3) continues to climb in the rankings for the third consecutive week. For the first time all year this ranking will feature 4 California schools as Palomar joins Ohlone, Fresno City and Santa Ana in the JUCO rankings. Check back in next week for an update as most of JUCO baseball is now past its halfway point in the 2026 season. RK School Week Overall 1 Johnson County (KS) 4-0 34-2 2 Gaston (NC) 2-1 35-3 3 Walters State (TN) 3-0...
Read More
College | Story | 4/1/2026

Collegiate Midseason All-Americans

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Collegiate Midseason Awards * denotes Midseason Award Winner - All-Americans chosen based on statistics, prospect status, future projection, among other factors - Only true freshmen considered for Freshmen All-American teams - All Statistics as of Monday, March 30th First Team Hitters Pos. Name School Class AVG OBP SLG R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB C Vahn Lackey Georgia Tech JR .423 .541 .845 36 41 9 1 10 36 7 1B Quinton Coats Cincinnati SO .360 .441 .896 38 45 8 1 19 46 7 2B Jarren Advincula Georgia Tech JR .411 .489 .563 31 46 2 0 5 30 5 3B Ace Reese Mississippi State JR .330 .417 .661 32 36 12 0 8 37 1 SS Roch Cholowsky UCLA JR .350 .493 .730 39 35 8 0 10 32 1 IF Dee Kennedy Kansas State JR .430 .549 .910 44 43 10 1 12 43 15 OF Will Gasparino UCLA JR .351 .468 .794 31 34 5 1 12 38 1 OF AJ Gracia Virginia JR .350 .504 .650 37 36 7 0 8 24 1 OF Landon Hairston* Arizona State SO .469 .551 1.027 44...
Read More
High School | Rankings | 3/31/2026

High School Top 50: March 31

Tyler Russo
Article Image
Another pair of weeks has gone by this high school season and with that we have another High School Top-50 Update. Southern states are within a few weeks of the end of the season while some northern states are just getting started this week. Through the end of the spring, we will be bringing you updates to the Top-50 along with state rankings updates coming soon. For the first time in 2026, we have a new #1 in the country as Orange Lutheran (CA) takes over the top spot after winning the NHSI. Venice (FL) came in second place at the NHSI after a thrilling game against Orange Lutheran and comes in at #2. Previous #1 team in the country St. John Bosco (CA) rounds out the top-3 and will have a big showdown against Orange Lutheran starting tonight. Barbe (LA) boasts a 26-1 record and comes in at #4 while Corona (CA) continues to string together wins and holds down the #5 spot in this update....
Read More
College | Story | 3/31/2026

PG Collegiate Midseason Awards

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Midseason Awards  Perfect Game Midseason Player of the Year:  Landon Hairston, OF, Arizona State  The season sophomore outfielder Landon Hairston is putting together is generational, even amongst the Hall of Fame talent Arizona State has fielded over the years.  Hairston, the 5-11/195 sophomore outfielder from Queen City, AZ has his club on track for another postseason appearance and they will make plenty of noise in the Big 12 regular season.  To put things in perspective on Hairston’s season, he is currently 5th in the nation in batting average, 3rd in hits, 8th in hits per game, tied for 2nd in home runs, tied for 5th in runs scored and is 4th in runs batted in so far.  He holds a batting average of .469 while slugging 1.027 and reaching base over half the time with an OBP of .551.  Hairston walks more than he strikes out and has 12 doubles, 17...
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.