THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 7/1/2019

16u South Day 3 Scout Notes

Nate Schweers
Andrew Jenkins
Photo: Colton Shaw (Perfect Game)

2019 16u WWBA South Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2

Though Jacob Ruiz (2021, Austin, Texas) did not record an official at-bat in Sunday’s game, his presence was felt in PNT 2021 National Team’s victory. Ruiz walked, was hit by a pitch, and had a run-scoring sacrifice fly at the plate on Sunday, and he also made a couple of really nice plays at shortstop Ruiz has some present arm strength across the diamond, generating good backspin and carry to his throws. Ruiz has a physical, 6-foot, 170-pound frame, and moves well at shortstop, rounding the ball well and showing good lateral range. Ruiz is currently uncommitted in the 2021 class.

Nash McMahon (2021, Friendswood, Texas) was 2-for-3 at the plate for PNT 2021 National Team on Sunday with a pair of RBI. After helping to start a rally with a double down the right field line in his second at-bat, McMahon put the game out of reach in the bottom of the sixth with single back through middle that scored two. McMahon has a smooth and fluid swing from the left side of the plate, and he does a great job of getting his hands extended with a middle of the field to pull side approach.

Jason Hawkins (2021, Allen, Texas) was another hitter to impress at Trinity High School on Sunday morning. Hawkins was 1-for-3 at the plate, highlighted by a loud, two-run double over the head of the center fielder. Hawkins swings with intent to drive the baseball, and he has plenty of room to grow into his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame and add strength. Hawkins, who is a primary catcher, looked comfortable at third base in Sunday’s game as well.

Ben Smedshammer (2021, Lorena, Texas) tossed just 61 pitches in his five inning, complete game effort for Stix 2021 Heitz. Smedshammer showcased a fastball in the low-80s, topping at 86 mph. Smedshammer was able to keep hitters off balance all day, striking out six and allowing just one hit. Smedshammer also showed good feel for a mid-60s curveball, using it as a show pitch before coming back to the fastball as the strikeout pitch.




Reese Ratchford (2022, Sulphur, Okla.) was very impressive during his start on Sunday, tossing five scoreless innings while striking out nine and allowing just three hits. Ratchford used a heavy dose of his fastball with good down plane and late run to the arm side at 82-85 mph, topping at 87 mph. Ratchford has an athletic frame with a smooth and effortless delivery down the mound, creating good linear direction toward the plate at foot strike. The right-hander also showed good feel for spin, showing a curveball with tight spin, late depth, and 11-to-5 shape in the low-70s.

Ethan Marszalek (2021, Katy, Texas) has an athletic and projectable frame, showing a lot of things to like for the future during his outing on Sunday. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound right-handed sat 83-86 mph with the fastball, topping at 87 mph. Marszalek has a long and loose arm action, releasing from a mid three-quarters slot. He also showed some developing feel for a breaking ball in the low-70s, using it as a show pitch before going back to the fastball. As Marszalek learns to work down toward the knees and command the fastball with more precision, more success will come with it.

Blake Morrow (2021, Frisco, Texas) followed up a strong performance on Saturday with another strong day at the leadoff spot for Dulin’s Dodgers – Doan. Morrow was 2-for-2 at the plate on Sunday, with a pair of singles, a sacrifice bunt, and a walk. Morrow makes this go for his team at the top of the order, and consistently works counts and puts together quality at-bats. Morrow starts from a slightly crouched and slightly open stance at the plate, and has a simple bat path and high contact approach.

In a game that featured excellent pitching from both sides, Colton Shaw (2021, Richardson, Texas) got the start and was very impressive for Dallas Tigers Ahearne. Shaw has an athletic and projectable, 6-foot-1, 163-pound frame, and he uses it well, gaining good momentum with linear direction down the mound. Shaw has a fast arm from a high three-quarters slot, and featured an electric fastball up to 89 mph on Sunday night. Shaw’s ability to use both halves with the fastball paired well with his hard slider that flashes plus at times. The righty’s slider was in the upper-70s when at it’s best, and he was able to get a lot of swings and misses.




After making some noise at the plate during the first two days of the tournament, Connor Carson (2021, Bullard, Texas) had an outstanding start on the mound for the Dallas Patriots 16U – Sherard on Sunday. Carson tossed 5 1/3 innings, allowing just three hits and striking out six. Carson has an athletic frame, getting down the mound with good pace and power. Carson has a long and stiff arm action from a three-quarters slot, getting some good arm-side run to the fastball up to 88 mph. Carson attacked hitters all night, pitching to contact and getting a lot of quick outs. The primary shortstop is showing the tools this week to be a standout two-way player at the next level.

– Nate Schweers




Aaron Garcia (2021, Chula Vista, Calif.) had a good performance at the plate in day three action. Listed as a primary catcher, Garcia was the designated hitter for Blackhawks National 16u and went 2-for-2 at the dish with one walk. He started with his weighted pre-loaded into his stance, a high hand set with a high back elbow, and he stayed balanced through his swing with a middle-of-the-field approach. Showing patience at the plate, Garcia hit a line drive in his first at-bat followed by a fly ball single to center field.

Ethan Adkisson (2022, Diana, Texas) is a 5-foot-9, 155-pound shortstop. Adkisson has had a productive tournament through two days and continued to do so in day three of pool play. The righthanded hitter started off his day with a double down the right field line, then hit a hard ground ball to shortstop in his second at-bat. He led the way for the T.H.A. STIX - Thomas offense going 1-for-2 in the game and is now hitting .500 through three games. Adkisson showed semi-soft hands at shortstop with above average footwork and slight carry to his throws.

Hitting leadoff and playing right field, Elijah Wohl (2020, Ponca City, Okla.) helped guide the Academy Select 16u Ingram offense going 2-for-3 with one home run and two runs scored. He found barrels in all three of his at-bats, including a deep home run that hooked just far around the foul pole down the left field line. He proceeded to hit a towering shot to center field that was caught just short of the wall in his third plate appearance. Wohl showed some raw power on the day with an aggressive approach.




Hitting cleanup for Banditos Scout Team 16uis Trey Rucker (2021, Boerne, Texas) who had a strong day at the plate. In his first at-bat, Rucker waited back on a curveball and drove it to deep left-center field for an RBI double and then showed off his light-tower power by hitting a no-doubt home run that was three-quarters up the light pole when it left the yard. Rucker is an uncommitted utility player that has the tools to be an elite hitter and should continue to impress during the over the next two years at IMG Academy.

Mentioned in day one scouting notes as a hitter, Houston commit Brandon Burckel(2021, Lindale, Texas) started on the hill for Banditos Scout Team 16u. He had a smooth, downhill delivery with a solid arm action. His fastball was 86-88 mph, topping out at 90 mph, and flashed a 12-to-6 curveball at 75 mph that created swings-and-misses during his outing. He throws from a high three-quarters arm slot, creates run and cut along with the ability to work at the knees. Burckel threw 2 1/3 innings and struck out two. This two-way athlete could be a major contributor to the University of Houston in the future.




Baylor commit Cody Howard (2021, Conroe, Texas) needed only 10 pitches to retire the side in his brief outing for Banditos Scout Team 16u. His fastball sat 88-91 mph with slight arm-side run and tunneled his slider at 77 mph that had tight spin. Howard worked one inning and struck out two. He pitched from a high three-quarters arm slot with a long arm circle in the back, created good angle with an extended release. Howard will be a nice addition to the Baylor Bears pitching staff when he arrives on campus in Waco.

– Andrew Jenkins
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 1/27/2026

MLK East Scout Notes Recap
Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘28 OF Jakob Groeschel (OH) continues to impress with the bat on the circuit, picked up 2 2Bs in the first game today. Really athletic, went 4.4 on turn; easy to dream on all the traits. #MLKEast @PG_OhioValley pic.twitter.com/wOIwnGKnkg — Perfect Game Florida (@Florida_PG) January 17, 2026 2028 OF Jakob Groeschel (Springfield, Ohio) broke out at this event last year hitting a casual .909, and although he didn’t turn in quite the same performance, he hit a strong .462 with 4 extra-base hits, 5 walks, 5 bags and only struck out once. He’s a pretty dynamic athlete who can do a lot of things well, but the bat is the calling card as he just lives on the barrel and has no problem handling all kinds of pitching. It’s a simple swing, but he’s got fast hands and he can really impact the ball without being overly physical yet.  2030 RHP Michael Vazquez...
Read More
High School | General | 2/27/2026

HS Showdown Scout Notes: Day 1

Tyler Russo
Article Image
High School Showdown Event Page | High School Showdown Preview ‘27 1B Frank Thomas (FL) goes liftoff once again for 2nd HR, again in the L on L. Leveraging w/ such easy juice. #PGShowdown @IMGABaseball @Florida_PG https://t.co/BgWiDyMiMo pic.twitter.com/IC6sdAkhmT — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) February 26, 2026 Frank Thomas III (2027, Sarasota, Fl.) was all over a breaking ball in the first inning of an IMG Academy offensive explosion, making it back-to-back-to-back homers to start the game. He did not turn back from there, homering on two more occasions. The ball explodes off the barrel with low effort strength and he showed the ability to manipulate the barrel to lift with authority. Thomas III is built strong and physical and he is just beginning to tap into that huge power upside. He showed no issues handling left on left matchups, with his first two homers coming...
Read More
Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 2/26/2026

PG Draft: Early Season Underclass Performers

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Dax Whitney (@BeaverBaseball) showed LOUD stuff. FB up to 100, cruised at 95-98. Pair of plus secondaries. CB at 77-79 (2923) with sharp, 12-6 action. Firm SL at 89-91 (2714) with bite. Flashed fading CH at 87-88 (1425). Ranked No. 1 on the ‘27 board @PG_Draft So./‘27 elig. pic.twitter.com/9PNbjJ53Zo — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) February 13, 2026 RHP Dax Whitney, Oregon State (‘27 elig.) Whitney may not just be the best arm in next year’s class, he may be the best arm in the entire country right now. The right-handed sits 98 mph with the heater and has been up to 100 mph. Both the slider and curveball are plus offerings that he spins extremely well. Whitney will mix in a quality Gavin changeup that sits in the upper-80’s and has also introduced a new cutter. All the pitches come from the exact same release point and jump out of the hand. He...
Read More
High School | General | 2/26/2026

PGHS Showdown: Academies Scout Notes

AJ Denny
Article Image
Jordan Burwell (‘26 NJ) going WAY out to right. Rhythmic approach and smooth swing get into big time power. #Mountaineers commit. @PGMidAtlantic #PGShowdown pic.twitter.com/qyDaIPxIol — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) February 22, 2026 Jordan Burwell (‘26 NJ) First live look at the left-handed hitting West Virgina commit. The power is real, launched two long homers in game action this weekend. Easy mover with very clean path with sky high offensive ceiling if he continues to show like this. Swing is built for power and lofted pull side impacts.    CJ Alfano (‘26 NY) long PS bomb this morning. Just leaning on everything that’s thrown over the heart. #WVU commit. @PGMidAtlantic #PGShowdown pic.twitter.com/4lGnhOEyrl — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) February 22, 2026 Cj Alfano (‘26 NY)Just an impossible out throughout the weekend....
Read More
High School | General | 2/27/2026

SoCal High School Notebook: Feb. 27

Steve Fiorindo
Article Image
5 K's over 4 hitless innings of work for Jared Grindlinger (2026), making first start as member of the 2026 class. 92-94 t95 w/ the FB, SL 80-83, CH 81-83, CB 77/78. Efficient outing, 50 pitches, 39 strikes. #PGHS @PG_scouting @PG_Draft @HBHS_basebll @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/y7jwX1oPyB — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) February 25, 2026 Jared Grindlinger, LHP, Huntington Beach High School (2026) Gringlinger’s first start as a member of the 2026 class was a good one… 4 innings of no hit ball with 5 strikeouts.  Ran the fastball to 95, lived 92-94, throwing a ton of strikes.  50 pitches on the day, 39 strikes, pretty much landing all four pitches in the zone.  Went to the slider early and often, quadrupling up on the slide piece to the first hitter of the game. The slider shows late lateral action with some vert, living 80-83.  Used...
Read More
Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/25/2026

Perfect Game Softball 16U Winter Elite Showcase

Dave Durbala
Article Image
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Perfect Game Softball 16u Winter Elite Showcase, February 20-22, 2026. Twenty-Four teams arrived in Springfield for the opportunity to showcase some of the best talent in the midwest. After 3 pool play games,  the field was split and seeded into either the Platinum or Gold Division to begin bracket play.  With several highly sought after young arms on display, it was Indiana Magic Gold 16U Carroll and Indiana Magic Gold 14U National making it into the Platinum Division Championship, and through a mutual agreement, they decided to end the tournament as Co-Champions. In the Gold Division, it was Gts 16u Elite-Gonzalez with a 7-2 win over Cedar Rapids Blue Devils 14u, to earn the championship. Below are some of the players that played their way onto the top performers list, including the MVP and MV-Pitcher from both the Platinum and Gold Divisions. Earning the...
Read More
College | Recruiting | 2/25/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: Feb. 25

Nick Herfordt
Article Image
A few weeks into the season and the shape of the national picture is starting to emerge (slightly, let’s get too silly about early results). Some preseason favorites are humming exactly as advertised, a few dark horses are pawing at the gate, and a handful of early contenders are discovering that February optimism and March reality are not always the same thing. Across DII, DIII and the NAIA, pitching staffs are setting the tone, offenses are either detonating or recalibrating, and the Top 25 is already beginning to feel less theoretical and more earned.   DII UT Tyler is performing as predicted with a 12-2 start that includes a series win at Angelo State. The Patriots’ offense has not exactly been knocking the cover off the ball, but the pitching staff has been stingy, holding opponents to a .228 batting average.  They have not faced a ranked opponent yet, but...
Read More
Juco | Rankings | 2/25/2026

JUCO Top 25: February 25

Blaine Peterson
Article Image
Another strong week for many of the top teams in junior college baseball. Walters State put together another undefeated weak and sticks in the top spot for the 3rd consecutive ranking. Chipola on the strength of a 20-1 start has established themselves early as one of top teams in the country. Johnson County put together a 2nd consecutive undefeated week and moves into the top 5 with a 15-1 overall record. They will play 4 games against #22 Iowa Western this week who is also coming off an undefeated week. Fresno City (15-0) and Midland (13-0) are two undefeated programs to begin 2026. They have gone from not in the preseason top 25 to the top 15 in our rankings in less than a month. And welcome to the PG Juco Top 25 Cloud County (KS) who debuts at #23 and is coming off a huge 3 game sweep on the road in Texas of a previous top 10 program in our rankings. Plenty of good matchups ahead this...
Read More
Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/24/2026

Perfect Game Softball February Frenzy

Dave Durbala
Article Image
BURLINGTON, IA - Perfect Game February Frenzy, February 20-22, 2026.  Twenty-two teams, representing five states, rolled into town for the opportunity to compete in this pool play, then into bracket play, with four games guaranteed,  in both a 14u and 18u division. Taking home top honors in the 14u division was Midwest Sluggers 11, who held off a late charge by the Black Dragons , winning 7-5. In the 18u division, it was Nebraska Gold 319 Berning topping Iowa Gold Prospects 4-0, avenging a pool play opening, 1-0 loss. Below are some of the players that played their way onto our Top Performers list, including the MVP and MV-Pitcher from the championship bracket in each age division. 14U Division Earning the 14u division MVP award was Presley Perkins (2030 Taylor Ridge, IL) who although is listed as a switch hitting OF, was only observed hitting from the left side for tournament...
Read More
High School | General | 2/25/2026

High School Showdown Preview

Cam McElwaney
Article Image
We’re only about 24 hours away from the 14th PG High School Showdown and as we get closer to one of the premier events on the high school schedule, we look ahead to what we’ll see in Hoover. The teams and players are what make this event special along with the environment with scouts packing the stands for this event. As with every year we’ve run this event, there are sure to be names called in the upcoming MLB Draft along with big time contributors at the college level. This year’s field is loaded with five teams ranked inside the Preseason High School Top-50, headlined by a trio of top-10 teams in No. 8 South Walton (FL), No. 9 Blessed Trinity (GA), and No. 10 IMG Academy (FL). Rounding out the list of top-50 teams are No. 34 Parkview (GA) and No. 43 Hoover (AL), along with plenty of other teams that will challenge for state championships in their respective...
Read More
Juco | Story | 2/27/2026

JUCO Notebook: February 27

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
An extended look at Carson Bailey (@mccbaseball1 )…. https://t.co/TltEl9M31H pic.twitter.com/24Lv8q73Yb — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) February 7, 2026 Carson Bailey (2024, Richardson, Texas) worked up to 97 with his fastball out the gate and lived 95-96 throughout his short burst outing. Fastball got up to 2500 RPM showing subtle tail at times. It plays firm and gets in on hitters quick. Locates fastball well at times. He went to a change in the 85-88 range as his bread and butter secondary killing spin with good dive. Change produced 5 whiffs. He also mixed in a slider in the 80-85 getting upwards of 2500 RPM with it. Slider tight and sharp when around it. Also flashed a curve at 79. Bailey stands in at 6-foot-3 from a deceptive delivery that creates tough angles for hitters. He should be a big follow throughout the Spring with plenty of draft buzz surrounding him. 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.