THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,630 MLB PLAYERS | 16,400 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,630 MLB PLAYERS | 16,400 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 7/11/2020

Lessons learned at WWBA 14u North

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Dylan Dobratz (Perfect Game)

MARION, Iowa – Day 2 at the Perfect Game WWBA 14u North Championship offered a little bit of everything as the 17 teams in attendance from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin jockeyed to put themselves in position to claim one of the tournament’s seven playoffs spots.

Heck, the teams not only had to battle one another on the field Saturday, but they had to wait out a brief but strong thunderstorm that forced the staff at the Prospect Meadows Sports Complex to clear the facility for 45 minutes while the high-winded storm rolled through. Welcome to baseball among the Iowa cornfields in the middle of July.



With that said, these are talented 14U teams that began play here on Friday at an event that will conclude with bracket-play in its entirety on Monday (Monday is championship day at the PG 17U Midwest Elite Championship, as well, which is also being contested at Prospect Meadows this weekend).

One of the more intriguing pool-play matchups was contested Saturday afternoon when the Yorkville, Ill.-based Northern Illinois Reds-Harris met-up with the Wausau, Wis.-based JBA Clutch 14U Navy. Both teams came into the game unbeaten with legitimate shots at eventually winning the pool championship.

But, of course, at the 14U level, there is much more involved than winning a pool championship. It’s about the young competitors experiencing as much as they can and then learning from those experiences.

“Anytime you can come to a nice facility like this and play high-level competition, it’s always a good opportunity to learn baseball and just play at this younger age … and see what else is out there throughout the country,” JBA Clutch 14Navy head coach/program director Jeremy Jirschele told PG Friday afternoon.

Northern Illinois Reds head coach Tom Harris has his team here this weekend for exactly the same reason.

“The kids were definitely looking forward to coming here,” he told PG. “Perfect Game has done a fantastic job with the venue here and (the players)  were really looking forward to knowing that we were going to get some good competition. We kind of put them in these environments on purpose to prepare them for high school (baseball).”

When Harris originally made out the schedule for this Northern Illinois Reds-Harris team, the PG WWBA 14U North Championship was going to be its final event of the 2020 summer season. Then the global coronavirus pandemic took root and rendered any sports schedule drawn up before March 1 totally irrelevant.

“Everything else was going to lead up to this, which was kind of on purpose,” he said. “We had had other teams that had been here and had good things to say. Obviously, following the sport you learn about these types of facilities and venues so this was going to be kind of like the grand finale of things. It’s now turned out to be the middle of our season being that we’re stretching into August.”

Jirschele described this JBA Clutch 14u Navy team as the program’s “original” team that has been together since they were 7 years old. Now the program has teams in age-groups ranging from 8U to 16U and the plans are for continued growth in the years to come.

“I think it’s fun for those guys to see what else is out there and get out of Wisconsin a little bit,” Jirschele said. “And also, to play with wood bats, too, and see what that feels like, as well. I think that’s good for them because it really kind of locks down having good mechanics … because with wood you’ve got to have a good swing; otherwise you know about it.”

And so the stage was set for these two teams-their home cities are only about a 4 hour north-south drive from one another-to start playing some ball and they did what they had to do early on.

The Clutch 14U Navy opened on Friday with a 3-0 win over the Iowa Sticks Scout, thanks to a combined one-hitter from 2023 righthanders Bryce Popp and Tanner Nienhaus; Dylan Dobratz, a 2023 outfielder, doubled and drove in three runs.

JBA played its second pool-play game Saturday morning and slipped past the STL Scorpions out of Missouri, 4-3, with Dobratz going 2 for 2 with a double and two RBI. Keagen Jirschele and Flynn Huffman also singled, doubled and combined to score four runs, and Gavin Obremski singled and drove in a run. Those were the first four batters in the lineup and they combined for seven of the Clutch 14U Navy’s eight hits and all four RBI.

The NI Reds opened with a nail-biting 8-7 win over P2P Millers North 14u on Friday. They trailed 7-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth but pushed across two in that frame to make it 7-3, then scored five in the bottom of the seventh for the walk-off win; Vincent Farbo stole home to account for the winning run.

Hayden Bowman singled three times and had two RBI to lead the Reds’ 14-hit attack. Bryce Solek had a pair of singles and an RBI; Nate Harris doubled and drove in two and Kameron Yearsley delivered a two-run single.

The NI Reds-Harris did not have to play an early game Saturday – their final two pool-play games are Sunday – so those outcomes set-up the much-anticipated match-up between the Reds and the Clutch; it didn’t disappoint.

JBA held a 2-1 lead after five but Northern Illinois pushed three across in the top of the sixth to  take a 4-2 lead, and that’s where it stood going into the bottom of the seventh; it didn’t stay that way for long.

Emmitt Konieczny led things off with a single, and after Brock Massey walked, Tanner Nienhaus laid down a sac bunt back to the pitcher that moved the runners to second and third. A pop-out followed before Flynn Huffman was able to connect on a two-out, 0-2 fastball that he drove into right field for a double, scoring both Konieczny and Massey and knotting the game at 4.

Up to the plate stepped Gavin Obremski, who drove the first pitch he saw into centerfield fora  walk-off RBI single and a 5-4 JBA Clutch 14U Navy victory.

Dobratz continued his onslaught with yet another double (his third in three games) and drove in two more runs (seven total) and Huffman had the two-run double to lead JBA; Yearsley was 3 for 3 with a double and three RBI for NI.

During pregame comments, the Reds’ Harris showed a deep understanding of what it took to coach a 14U ballclub, and how important it was to deal with these young players when they experience this game’s ups and downs.

“They’re teenagers in the end, and so each of them are a little different and each of them have their own personality,” Harris said. “You’ve got be cognizant of that and work towards that and find out what pushes them and how to help each other get better. …

“In the end, we’re just  trying to prepare them for high school ball. We’re trying to put them into environments and situations that prepare for that.”

JBA’s Jirschele was no less understanding of his role as a 14U baseball coach:

“It’s one of those (deals) where you’re always teaching. You’re always teaching them the game, life lessons, all that stuff,” Jirschele said. “You’re always respecting your opponents and everything but you never go into a game thinking, ‘Oh, I hope we can win.’ You have to have that expectation of, ‘Hey, we’re going to give it our best shot and see what happens.’

“That’s why we’re down here, to play some high-level competition against teams from all over,” he concluded. “It’s a lot of fun to be able to compete and see where you (stand) amongst those teams.”
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 9/29/2026

WWBA Champ. Pool Preview & Release
Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
It's the time of the year again when nearly every golf cart in the United States, or so it feels, flocks to Roger Dean and crowds the backstops, getting one last look at the top players in the country before the spring season. Below our staff breaks down every pool as we are set to release them in 10 minute increments, starting with Pool A and working all the way down to Pool DD. Once again laying claim as the champion of "Jupiter" will be no easy task as every pool game will be a battle just to advance to the bracket where the intensity of each pitch will multiple 10-fold.   Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location East Cobb/SD Padres ST Underclass Myles Tate 109 2028 Luke Crowder 174 2028 Marietta, GA Lonestar Baseball Club - National - 2027 Braylon Jones 309 2027 Owen Sieve 500 2027 Austin, TX Spects National 2027 Gominsky Charlie Sarsfield 99 2027...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 9/28/2026

ZT National Takes Down Sophomore

Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
ZT National Prospects Hold Out to Win 2026 WWBA Sophomore Championship In a game that kept everyone guessing until the very end, the ZT National Prospects won the 2026 WWBA Sophomore Championship over Wow Factor/Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team 8-7. Over the past few days of the tournament, the usually cruel southwest Florida weather had been unusually kind - but the warmth of the sun had still taken energy out of both championship teams. They had finished hard-fought semifinal matches before walking from the backfields of JetBlue Park to the big-league stadium. Enzi-Yaw Otieku threw the first pitch for ZT National at 11:43 a.m. - and this highly anticipated championship match-up was underway. The first three outs came quickly for the ZT National Prospects with their defensive chemistry and strength on display right away. ZT’s head coach, Carlos Avila, expressed his happiness with his...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/28/2026

WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 4

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 Lukas Klipper (2029, Clearwater, Fla.) was electric at the plate, collecting six hits, highlighted by a monstrous home run off the batter's eye in his second game. High-level left-handed hitter with a really easy swing and functional actions. Klipper lived on the barrel throughout the game and showed off his run-producing ability in huge situations.  Lane Ayars (2029, Mount Juliet, TN) got the starting nod in round two and did not disappoint. The 6’4” left-handed pitcher tossed three scoreless innings, striking out four and allowing zero hits. Fastball up to 90 mph with some heavy arm-side run, with a slider that consistently was in the zone. Also collected two hits at the plate, showcasing a very simple approach.  Frankie Pagano (2029, Waukee, IA) was electric in relief, tossing three scoreless innings while...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2026

WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 3

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 Ronin McCrea (2029, San Diego, Calif.) had an all-around performance at the plate, going two-for-two with two singles, two runs scored, and three RBIs. The right-handed hitter displayed a short, compact swing with a direct and efficient path to the baseball. McCrea showed excellent barrel control throughout the game, consistently producing hard line-drive contact to all parts of the field. Jayson Blanco (2029, Homestead, Fla.) was dominant on the mound, tossing a five-inning no-hitter while striking out six. The right-handed pitcher worked down the mound efficiently with a smooth, fluid delivery that helped him consistently attack the strike zone. Blanco featured a fastball that sat in the low-80s with sneaky life to it at the top of the zone, while mixing in a slower slider that generated swing-and-miss. Parker Miller (2029, Burleson,...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2026

WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1 Rhys Jones (2029, Mc Lean, Va.) was absolutely dominant on the bump to start off day 2 hanging an impressive 10 strikeouts in 5 innings. Running the heater up to 84 with arm side run and the breaking ball got swings and misses. The strike percentage stayed right over 55%, and he carried a no hitter into the 6th. Easy arm action with a high 3/4 slot and controls the move down the rubber.  Jevan McMenamy (2029, Fargo, N.D.) was all around solid today tallying two hits, an rbi, and a walk. In the box he works to the middle of the field in the approach and can elevate to all fields. Coils deep into the back hip and works through contact with strength. Quick feet around the bases and the barrel is fast.  Khian Escalana (2029, Ankeny, Iowa) was a heavy producer in this one collecting three hits, two of those being doubles. Also drove in three RBIs...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2026

Windy City Fall Classic Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘28 LHP AJ Minderman (IL) works 5 stellar innings to finish what he started. He punched out 7 and was efficient in the zone. FB 75-78 CH 70-71 SL 69-71. Used Offspeed pitches as a weapon and in all counts. #WCFClassic pic.twitter.com/fpeRs3AK7k — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) September 21, 2026 AJ Minderman (2028, Geneva, Ill.) a 6-foot-1, 140-pound left-handed pitcher worked all five innings of his game on Sunday in impressive fashion. He punched out seven opposing hitters and allowed no runs. He showed great composure with runners aboard, stranding anyone who reached. He worked out of the stretch with a big leg kick and did a nice job of working downhill on the mound. The fastball was 75-78 mph and he used it heavily to the glove side. He kept the fastball down early and set hitters down by throwing it at the top of the zone. His changeup (70-71 mph) was used as his...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2026

WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
'29 CIF Benjamin Mills (FL) absolutely loses this baseball across the street for a loud HR (101 EV/424'). Huge juice w/ ball explodes coming off. #WWBAWorlds @Florida_PG @PSTeams_ pic.twitter.com/0WUgIqyr6t — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 25, 2026 Benjamin Mills (2029, Miramar, Fl.) showed off some extremely impressive juice in the 8 PM match. The corner infielder blasted an absolute no-doubter out to left field, exploding off of the barrel and soaring deep into the night sky. The ball came off with a 101 MPH exit velocity and traveled 424 feet, bouncing across the street. Mills is built extra strong and physical, creating easy strength. The impact upside is significant and it should be fun to track how the power continues to develop. '29 SS Todd Dulaney (IL) crushes this ball off the LF fence for a loud 2B (93 EV). Simple parts & the impact comes easy....
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2026

South Jupiter Qualifier Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Joshua Digulio (2027, Mont Belvieu, Texas) was a breakout performer for Texas Brigade 2027 - Gafford. Went 10-18 with a pair of doubles and a home run, while plating nine runs. Also showed some serious flashes defensively behind the plate. Physical frame with plenty of bat speed. Flatter bat path with a pull-side approach, geared towards backspinning with authority. Athletic backstop with tons of offensive upside. Dylan Buck (2027, Friendswood, Texas) put on a show for Up Top Prospects. Drove in 11 runs while going 5-11 with a pair of triples and a multi home run game on Saturday. Loose actions with a strong lower half. Adjusts well and generates plenty of torque as he works uphill. Serious power upside on display this weekend with more in that physical frame. Clyde Votaw (2027, Texas City, Texas) had a quality outing on the bump for Up Top Prospects. The Angelina College commit threw a...
Read More
Softball | Softball Tournament | 9/23/2026

PG Softball Twin Cities Elite Scouting Showcase

Ashley Mears
Article Image
2026 PG Softball Twin Cities Elite Scouting Showcase September 19th, 2026 Ashley Mears BLAINE, MN- Rain may have shortened the weekend but it didn’t shorten the competition. The tournament was STACKED with some of the top teams from South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The 16u division came down to Midwest Speed 16U Nat’l Chell taking home the trophy and shutting out a tough MN Sting National-Makela team. The 18U division came down to Midwest Speed 18u Nat’l Koltes loaded team out slugging Mission 18u National. 16U Taitum Kostecka (2028 Princeton, MN) of Midwest Speed 16U Nat’l Chell was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. Kostecka is a speedy left-handed power hitter who is one of the toughest outs around, as she did not strike out a single time throughout the weekend. Starting in an open stance, she uses a...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2026

Southeast Jupiter Qualifier Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Justin Mills (’27, Braselton, Ga.)- the 6-foot, 190-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a 6-inning complete game shutout for Dingers Scout in a 7-0 win over ECB Astros 18U Navy. The uncommitted Jackson County High School product struck out 12 batters and only walked one while controlling the zone at a 61% strike rate. Mills ran his fastball with arm side run up to 89 mph and consistently worked ahead in counts to stifle the Astros Navy lineup. He coupled it with a tight slider that showed late depth in the mid-70s to record eight swings-and-misses on the offering. A brilliant effort from Mills as he worked east and west while reading swings and avoiding barrels.   Brayden Barrett (’27, Canton, Ga.)- the 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed pitcher struck out six batters over 3 and 1/3 innings of relief for ECB Astros 18U Navy to get the win over Dirtbags Southeast. The...
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.