THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,491 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,491 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
High School  | General | 5/6/2020

Organizational Report: Cangelosi Sparks

Photo: Cangelosi Sparks (Perfect Game)
Hometown: Lockport, IL
College Commitments: 437
PG Championships: 15
Drafted Players: 46
MLB Debuted Players: 8

Owner: Bo Jackson’s Elite Sports
Website: www.cangelosisparks.com
Twitter: @cangelosisparks
Instagram: @cangelosisparks

2020 Uncommitted Prospects:
1. Jimmy Coffey: .396-career OBP in PG tournaments, made the All-Tournament Team at 2019 Kernels Championship
2. Chase Jankowski: Two-hit day at Kernels garnered scouts attention, hit .349 in ’19 at PG Tournaments
3. Connor King
4. Johnny Kubin: Works into low-80s (T83) with FB, stands out on the mound with loaded Marist HS team as well
5. Marty Moloney: Put together seven strong innings of work at PG Midwest Invitational in 2019
6. Alec Murray
7. Cam Nagel
8. Khristian Pieczynski: Made All-Tournament Team at PG Midwest Invitational in ’19, batting .300 w/ 3 runs scored
9. Kyle Waxweiler: Hit .300 at PM 17U Midwest Championship in summer of ’19, two RBI and .417 OBP
10. Conor Wright: 3-time All-Tournament Team selection, FB up to 80 mph & a 3.20 ERA at PG Tournaments in 2019



Top 2020 Prospects:
1. Jack Crowder
2. Drake Westcott
3.  Jack Payton
4.  Zach Hise
5. Christian Knapczyk 

2021 Breakout Potential
1. Bobby Atkinson
2. Mark Brannigan
3. Jon Crowel
4. Danny Durkin
5. Jonas Gulbrandsen
6. Ben Guzek
7. Julian Jimenez
8. Michael Maloney
9. Matt Maloney
10. Ryan O’Neil

2022 Breakout Potential
1. Collin Amsden
2. George Bilecki
3. CJ Byrdak
4. Ean Compton
5. Nick Daugherty
6. William Flanigan
7. Jack Lausch
8. Jimmy Rolder
9. Nick Verzoni

2023 Follow List
1. Tommy Atkinson
2. Krew Bond
3. Luke Brown
4. Ryan Jefferson
5. Grant Tenuta
6. Ryan Nelson
7. TJ Schlageter
8. Clay Schrader
9. Cal Sefcik
10. Trey Swiderski

2024 Follow List
1. Collin Mowry
2. Luke Jurack
3. Landon Mensik
4. Chris Daugherty
5. Cooper Malamzian

Top Historical Perfect Game Moments
• 2008 WWBA World Championship Runner Up. Lost 7-3 in championship to ABD Bulldogs featuring Christian Yelich and 5 PG AFLAC All-Americans
• 2019 WWBA 16u National Championship 3rd Place Finish
• 2019 WWBA Sophomore World Championship Runner Up
• 2017, 2018, 2019 Back-to-Back-to-Back WWBA Kernels Foundation Champions

Program Thoughts:
We’re excited to enter our 4th season as the Cangelosi Sparks. Since the merger of Cangelosi Baseball and the Illinois Sparks in June 2016, we have made several adjustments to both our Youth and High School divisions. It has led to accelerated player and team development. We look forward to continuing to run our organization with focuses on player development, merit based rosters and playing the top competition in the country.

2019 Scouting Highlight:
“The run of performances the Sparks put together at the 2019 Kernels Foundation Championship is what immediately jumps out to me. The Sparks hitters put together a plethora of noteworthy performances during the event to help lead them to a third-straight championship. On the mound, Jack Crowder and Zach Hise absolutely dazzled in a quarterfinal and championship win. Crowder was virtually untouchable over six innings of work against CSA in the quarters and Hise did more of the same to secure the championship.” – Nate Schweers



What are We Looking Forward to Scouting During the Summer of 2020?
“For me, the most exciting thing will be seeing what kind of run the 2021 Black group can put together at some of our marquee events. The 2021 group put together a special run at the 16U WWBA National Championship last summer and will look to repeat that effort again this year. The team is loaded with high-end arms that include Kyle Walter (Louisville) and Ryan Kraft (Indiana), not to mention the electric arm of right-hander Landen Looper. I think this group makes some serious noise on the national stage again this year. Beyond that, this 2021 group will also feature plenty of hitting potential in breakout candidates Michael and Matthew Maloney. In the 2022 class, Noah Schultz is quickly cementing himself as a can’t miss arm in the country and will be featured alongside battery-mate and Michigan commit Nate Voss. This entire 2022 group (guys like Jack Lausch, Jayden Comia, etc.) should be a really fun group to follow. This will also provide our first extended look at a strong 2023 group, and I am most excited to see the strides Ryan Jefferson makes in the middle-infield. Jefferson has a high-motor and clean hands that will certainly standout.” – Nate Schweers

Historical Scouting Notes:

SS Nick Solak (2013, Woodridge, IL) knocked a 2-out triple in the bottom of the 6th inning to provide the only run in a 1-0 Cangelosi Baseball win over the CBC O's.  Solak also showed solid actions at shortstop, with a quick release and good arm strength.

Solak's heroics spoiled an otherwise flawless performance by CBC starter RHP C.J. Harris (2012, Clover, SC).  Harris had a 3-hit shutout going, mixing in 4 different pitches, including a fastball to 84 mph and a big sweeping curveball, from a deceptive low 3/4's release point.

Three Cangelosi pitchers combined on the shutout.  RHP Kyle Funkhouser (2012, Oak Forest, IL) threw 3 perfect innings to start, pitching consistently at 88-89 mph with a sharp late biting 77 mph curveball.  RHP/3B Paul Shuster (2012, Willowbrook, IL) worked 3 shutout innings, relying primarily on a heavy 85-88 mph heater, while RHP Danny Mayer (2013, Downers Grove, IL) worked the 7th for the save, topping out at 87 mph.

Cangelosi Sparks jumped on the Minnesota Blizzard early and often in the championship matchup scoring their first seven runs of the game in the second inning. The Sparks would end up scoring five more runs in the next two frames to beat the Blizzard 12-0 in a run-rule shortened game.

Jack Payton (2020, Orland Park, Ill.), Dylan Post (2019, Lincoln-Way Central, Ill.) and Branden Comia (2018, Orland Park, Ill.) all drove in multiple runs for the Sparks. Comia showed a very balanced approach at the plate with the present barrel control and bat speed to drive the baseball to all fields. The University of Illinois commit finished the tournament collecting nine hits, nine RBI and four stolen bases which was good enough to claim the 2017 WWBA Kernels Foundation Championship Most Valuable Player award.

2022 lefthander Noah Schultz (2022, Aurora, Ill.) is extremely young for this event. He was very good a couple weeks ago during the WWBA Sophomore World Championship and showed some grit here in Jupiter. The 6-foot-7 uber projectable southpaw loaded the bases in the first inning before settling in. He pitched around a big inning, making a couple huge pitches including a full count curveball to record a strikeout. He sits in the mid-80s, with plenty more to come, using a very tough and low three-quarters release point that is very hard to track. His breaking ball has big shape and will continue to firm as he matures and adds reps. Still figuring out his body and the nuances of the game, it’s easy to dream on what Schultz can be as he continues to develop.

Program History
The Sparks organization first formed in 1988 and has really made a jump into travel ball dominance in the last decade. Based out of the Greater Chicago area, the Sparks program has long provided players in the area a chance to compete at the highest level and gain valuable exposure to move on to college baseball. According to their organization website, the partnership between Cangelosi Baseball and the Illinois Sparks in 2016 has greatly accelerated the team and player development process with a focus on personal growth. 



Best College Resumes
• Mark Payton: University of Texas. 101 consecutive games reaching base; BIG 12 record. BIG 12 career leaders in total bases (385), walks (148), triples (19), doubles (50), RBI (122), on-base percentage (.425). 
• Sam Travis: University of Indiana. Batted .327 in 184 with 31 home runs.
• Kevin Duchene: University of Illinois. 2nd team All-American. Career stats- IP: 238.1, ERA: 2.11, W: 24, L: 4, BB: 63, K’s: 191. 
• Kyle Funkhouser: University of Louisville. Career stats- IP: 380.2, ERA: 2.82, W: 35, L: 12, BB: 182, K’s: 376.
• Nick Solak: University of Louisville. Career stats- G: 163, AVG: .346, OPS: .926, H:175 XBH: 47,

Best Pro Resumes

• Mike Foltynewicz (RHP Atlanta Braves, 2018 All-Star)
• Sam Travis (1B Boston Red Sox/Texas Rangers)
• Nick Solak (INF Texas Rangers)
• TJ McFarland (LHP Reliever-7 years in MLB with Baltimore and Arizona)
• Dietrich Enns (LHP New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins)

All-Time Lineup

1

 

Charlie White: 21st round pick in 2014, sub-7.00 runner that came on strong in college as well

RF

2

Nick Solak: Earned ATT honors at 2012 WWBA in Jupiter, drafted in round 2 in 2016 and made MLB debut with Rangers last year

2B

3

Mark Payton: MVP of the WWBA World Championship in 2008, owns multiple Big 12 career records as well

LF

4

Sam Travis: Part of ’09 PG National Championship team and made MLB debut in 2012 with Red Sox.

3B

5

Justin Ringo: ’08 National Showcase alum, showed excellent power projection, 28th round selection in 2018 by Cardinals

1B

6

Phil Wunderlich: ’07 grad that showed a high-end hit tool in PG career, 12th round selection of the Rays in ‘10

DH

7

Branden Comia: Illinois standout was MVP of Kernels in ’17, made 6 ATT in PG career, hit .406 at PG events in ‘17

SS

8

Danny Rizzie: Named Top 5 Hamptons League prospect in ’14, Xavier catcher with some physical strength

C

9

John Ruettiger: ’07 National Showcase alum, high-contact approach, speed plays, MVP of 18U National Championship in ’08, 8th round selection in ‘08

CF

P

Mike Foltynewicz: 1st round selection in ’10, made MLB debut in Aug of ’14, has turned in long pro career

P

 

 

 

Hitting Reserves

Pitching

Mike Hollenbeck
Nick Ratajczak
Mike Madej
Justin Janas
Sam Picchioti
Mike McQuillan

TJ McFarland
Kevin Duchene
Kyle Funkhouser
Cole Kirschsieper
Tony Zych
Dietrich Enns
Kevin Johnson


High School | General | 7/1/2026

PG High School All-Americans

Tyler Russo
Article Image
High School Top 50: Final Update With the High School season all wrapped up, today we take a look at our First, Second and Third Team All-Americans from around the country. Below you'll find three teams with stats that seem otherworldly from players who'll likely hear their names called in the coming week's MLB Draft. Within the "Notable Stats" section you'll see the individual award winners as well. First Team All-American Pos.  Name Class School State Commitment Notable Stats C Cole Prosek 2026 Magnolia Heights MS Ole Miss .595 BA, 18 HR, 79 RBI 1B Will Adams 2026 Hoover AL LSU .489, 13 HR, 52 RBI IF James Tronstein 2026 Harvard-Westlake CA Vanderbilt .531, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 21 XBH IF Grady Emerson 2026 Fort Worth Christian TX Texas .508, 8 HR, 56 RBI, 34/35 SB, National POY IF Jacob Lombard 2026 Gulliver Schools FL Miami .477, 10 HR, 52 R, 42 H, 14 SB OF Martin Shelar 2026 Marist GA...
Tournaments | Story | 7/2/2026

Freedom Classic Opens Holiday Weekend

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
More than 30 teams from the 14U-18U age divisions will head to Fort Myers, Florida this Fourth of July weekend for the seventh annual Perfect Game Freedom Classic. The tournament, running July 3-6, features several nationally ranked prospects from across the country as teams look to compete for a championship. Headlining the field are twin brothers Derek and Ryan Yormark of Merrick, New York. Right-handed pitcher Derek Yormack is the No. 51-ranked player in the class of 2027, the No. 1 player in New York and the No. 5-ranked right-handed pitcher in the country. First baseman Ryan Yormark comes in just behind his twin brother as the No. 3 overall player in New York, the No. 5 first baseman in the nation and the No. 90-ranked player nationally. Both brothers are committed to Vanderbilt. Derek Yormark has established himself as one of the top two-way prospects in the 2027 class. He has run...
Tournaments | Story | 7/2/2026

14u West World Series Scout Notes

Quinton Hall
Article Image
Asher Contreras (2030 | Las Vegas, NV) The 5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitter and outfielder was one of the most dangerous hitters in the tournament for Wow Factor Nv 2030, stuffing the stat sheet while displaying an impressive combination of power and speed. He finished the weekend with 9 hits, including two doubles and a home run, while driving in seven runs and scoring five more. He also swiped three bases and worked three walks, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses while showing feel for the zone with just one strikeout all weekend. His ability to hit for extra bases while also creating offense on the bases made him one of the most impactful offensive performers at the event.    Braylen Silva (‘30 | NV) RBI 2B for GBG Vegas 14u Red. Direct path, quick trigger, & barrel feel. Solid 2-hole stick creating offense all day #14UWestWS...
Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

16u Elite Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
16u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2  ‘28 AJ Bonnette (TX) with 7 Ks thru 4 IP thus far, living 89-91 w/ heavy traits. Filling up all four quads & attacking hitters early in counts. Mixing a slurvy breaker & turning the CHG over well. @PG_Uncommitted #NatElite @Texas_PG pic.twitter.com/oz2XXoKHvt — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 30, 2026 Aj Bonnette (2028, Keller, Texas) showed out on both sides of the ball at the National Elite Championship, but really stood out on the mound Tuesday. He toed the rubber in round two of the playoffs, proceeding to toss six innings with eight punchouts and zero earned runs allowed. The 6-foot southpaw filled up all four quadrants of the strike zone, attacking hitters early and often with his fastball. The heater lived in the 88-91 mph range with heavy traits, often setting up his slurvy breaking ball. Bonnette showed good feel...
Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

Performance Baseball Rolls On

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
Championship teams often reveal themselves when the game isn’t going their way. Performance Baseball 2028/Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team did exactly that. Trailing Florida Burn 2028 Scout through four innings, the Brewers refused to panic. Instead, they relied on timely hitting, consistent pitching, and an unselfish approach at the plate, rallying a five-run fifth inning before pulling away for a 9-5 victory to clinch their spot in the semifinals. The comeback was fueled by contributions throughout the lineup. Six different players drove in runs, including two RBIs each from Aiden Capobianco and Cameron Massey, while Matthew Heredia, Parker Weston, Ethan Smith, and Aj Bonnette each added an RBI of their own. On the mound, Derek Wenzel set the tone with 3.2 solid innings before Ethan Smith shut the door in relief, helping preserve the comeback victory. Although the Brewers have had a...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/1/2026

JK Select Hawaii Tackles 14u West WS

Emily Hicks
Article Image
JK Select Hawaii capped off an impressive tournament run by defeating GBG Vegas 14u Red14-4 in the championship game on Sunday at Goodyear Ballpark, claiming the 14u West World Series title. From the opening pitch, JK Select controlled the pace of the game. The offense jumped out early, scoring 6 runs in the 1st inning after timely hits from MVP Sean Shindo and Kade Manarpaac. The early lead gave the pitching staff confidence as they worked efficiently through the opposing lineup. “I've worked hard to get better at my game for the past few months; it means a lot that I did well and performed in a tournament like this” said Shindo. Starting pitcher Maddox Prones turned in a strong performance, allowing 3 runs while striking out 5 batters over 3 innings. The defense backed the effort with great plays in the middle infield, preventing GBG Vegas from building momentum....
Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

"Wow" Swings Catch Eyes at 16u Elite

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
On the second day of the 2026 Perfect Game National Elite Championship, one swing turned heads across the ballpark. The next one brought everyone to a stop. With Wow Factor Nation 16U trailing midway through its matchup against Sandlot Scout Team 2028, Micheal O'Connor launched a solo home run to spark the offense. Just one batter later, Aaron Frink stepped into the box and sent another ball over the fence, delivering back-to-back home runs that quickly became one of the most talked about moments of the tournament’s opening days. Parents gathered along the nets, players from previous games stopped to watch, and college scouts turned their attention toward the action as the two towering swings energized the crowd and brought new life to the game. Although Wow Factor Nation ultimately lost 5-3 after a hard-fought performance, the back-to-back home runs served as a reminder of the...
Tournaments | Story | 6/30/2026

Stacked Runs the Table at 17u WWBA

Will Dembo
Article Image
Following a jam-packed week of entertainment at the 17u WWBA Championships, the top nationally ranked program, USA Prime 17u National/Detroit Tigers Scout Team, faced off against Stacked Baseball 17u (No. 80 nationally) in the highly anticipated championship matchup as both teams looked to earn one of the most prestigious titles in all of travel baseball. Each talented squad entered the finale undefeated, but Stacked Baseball continued their dominance throughout the tournament, defeating the Detroit Tigers Scout Team 10-2 in mercy rule fashion to become national champions behind explosive bats and impressive pitching. Stacked Baseball was the overwhelming top team throughout the week as the WWBA Champions outscored opponents by an absurd 117-12 during their 11-0 run. “We got some talented kids, but we played against a little bit of Goliath over there,” Stacked Head Coach Mike...
Tournaments | Story | 6/30/2026

17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 7

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4  Day 5 | Day 6 Shea Corona (2027, Brooklyn, N.Y.) showcased some loud stuff out of the bullpen for MLB Breakthrough Series 2027. The New York native and primary shortstop topped out at 93 with the fastball, sitting comfortable in the 90-92 range. Corona paired it with a sharp and tight slider at 81-83, staying on the same plane until late. The pitch plays well already and the delivery is very athletic. The uncommitted right-hander went three scoreless and was in the zone plenty, striking out two while not allowing a walk. '27 SS Moises Gudino (FL) continues to stay red hot, working a long AB & cracking an oppo 2B on the 8th pitch. Really seeing ing well. #WWBA @Florida_PG https://t.co/OjNJ8Bmzao pic.twitter.com/WoDDp35EI1 — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 30, 2026 Moises Gudino (2027, Tampa, Fla.)...
Tournaments | Story | 6/30/2026

Texas Twelve Firing On Full Cylinders

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
Every team hopes to start a tournament with momentum, but few make a statement quite like Texas Twelve Maroon 2028. Matched up against defending champion Excel Blue Wave National to kick off their debut in the 2026 Perfect Game National Elite Championship, Texas Twelve Maroon delivered a complete team performance, earning a hard-fought 3-2 victory and immediately establishing themselves as one of the top teams to watch this week. The win showcased the balance that has made Texas Twelve Maroon a powerful team. Strong pitching, timely hitting, and steady defense all played a role as the team held off one of the tournament’s premier programs. Right-hander Ty Antley turned in an outstanding performance on the mound, throwing a complete game while allowing only five hits and two walks over seven innings. The High Follow prospect worked consistently between 85-89 mph and mixed in a sharp...
Loading more articles...