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High School  | General | 4/28/2021

Summer Preview: 2024 Middle Infield

John McAdams
Photo: Theo Gillen (Perfect Game)
As high school baseball is starting to get going across the country in most regions, with some states actually heading into the playoffs, it all means the summer circuit is right around the corner. Over the next several weeks we will look at the top-ranked players at each position, in each class, while also taking a look at some gut-feel players that could be big risers. With players having more access to individual development, things will undoubtably change at a rapid pace in the early months of the Perfect Game schedule. This provides a good look at some of the top performers coming into 2021 who look primed to continue dominance or make their mark on a national level. 

Class of 2022: Catchers | Corner Infield | Middle Infield
Class of 2023: Catchers | Corner Infield | Middle Infield
Class of 2024: Catchers | Corner Infield
Class of 2025: Catchers | Corner Infield




Theodore Gillen (Texas)
 6-2/184, L/R
Uncommitted
PG Events: 16
Key Stats: .404/.565/1.215 PG career slash

Short Story: Gillen is a dynamic athlete with quick-twitch muscle and loads of physical projection as he continues to mature. The left-handed hitting middle infielder has massive upside on both sides of the ball with smooth, fluid actions in the dirt and an explosive offensive profile. He exudes confidence in every facet of his game, deservedly so.

Big Moment: The resume is rather lengthy when it comes to Gillen’s PG accomplishments; He is a two-time Select Festival participant, A Freshman WWBA MVP and has countless all-tournament selections to his name. The top-ranked player in the state of Texas is an additional piece to his mantle.

Bold Prediction: Look for Gillen to unlock some of his immense power potential as he continues to physically mature, which will only add to his already stockpiled set of tools.


Chris Newstrom (Ariz.)
 6-2/185, R/R
Commitment: Arizona State
PG Events: 17
Key Stats: .330-1-26 in ’20

Short Story: Newstrom is perhaps the most well-rounded, positionally-versatile athlete within the class. Tooled up in almost every facet of the game with offensive upside and two-way potential. Ultra-projectable frame with loads of athleticism and room to add more strength.

Big Moment: The two-time Select Festival alum showcased the aforementioned versatility at the 2020 14U National Showcase by running a 7.04 second 60-yard dash, excellent defensive aptitude in the infield and excellent arm strength behind the dish. All this, while displaying an immensely projectable hit tool and a fastball up to 85 mph.

Bold Prediction: The Arizona State commit continues to solidify his place amongst the top of the class, while taking the next step forward offensively to unlock some of the burgeoning power potential he possesses.
 
Ty Southisene (Nev.)
 5-8/140 R/R
Commitment: San Diego St.
PG Events: 17
Key Stats: .413-0-26 in ’20

Short Story: Southisene is a slick-fielding middle infielder with quick-twitch athleticism and perhaps the most refined, polished defensive skill set in the class. Low-effort, highly-efficient swing with loose hands and advanced barrel skills.

Big Moment: With a PG resume that includes being selected to both the 2019 and 2020 Select Festival, along with multiple tournament MVP awards. It may be tough to pinpoint a “big” moment for the San Diego State commit, but his performance at the 2019 13U PG World Series was quite the foreshadowing of what was to come for the young 2024 grad.

Bold Prediction: The simplicity and polish of Southisene’s defensive skills makes him one of the most fun prospects to watch within the class. Look for him to continue adding strength as he matures, which will only enhance his offensive profile over the next few years.


Angel Cepeda (N.J./D.R.)
 6-0/180, R/R
Uncommitted
Key Stats: .357-0-7, 16 SBs in ’20

Short Story: Cepeda is an advanced defender with quick-twitch athleticism and big-time arm strength across the diamond. Legitimate present power profile with easy bat speed and the ability to impact the baseball to all fields.

Big Moment: An extremely loud performance at the 2020 14U National ultimately led to a 14U Select Festival invitation for Cepeda. He displayed the aforementioned arm strength during the infield and outfield portion of the workout, while showcasing fluid actions and good footwork throughout. The present power/bat speed combination is evident in both game play and during batting practice, where he exhibits an easy swing with whip to his barrel and loud impact.

Bold Prediction: Look for Cepeda to be included as a July 2 International signing in 2022, as he currently is enrolled at The MB Baseball Academy in the Dominican Republic. The young prospect has made significant strides physically, while continuing to stay athletic and showcase his advanced defensive acumen.
 


Bryce Clavon (Ga.)
 6-0/170, R/R
Commitment: Oklahoma
PG Events: 60
Key Stats: .329-3-23 in ’20

Short Story: Dynamic athlete with loads of quick twitch and room to fill out. Versatile defender with exceptional athleticism and speed in both the dirt and grass. Displays more than enough present arm strength to stick on the left side long term, while imploring a simple, direct stroke with natural feel for the barrel.

Big Moment: Clavon has an expansive PG resume, participating in a host of events dating back to 2016. Pinpointing a particular moment may be difficult for the two-time PG Select Festival alum, but the 2020 14U National was where he put on display just how dynamic of a player he can be. The Oklahoma commit ran a 6.69 60-yard dash, threw mid-80s from both the infield and outfield during the workout, and showed a projectable hit tool that will only continue to grow.

Bold Prediction: Look for Clavon to continue showing the exceptional athleticism we steadily have seen, while expanding his power potential as he physically matures and adds strength.
 
Manuelle Marin (Fla.)
 6-1/165, R/R
Commitment: Miami
PG Events: 21
Key Stats: .500-1-22 in ’20

Short Story: Marin is about as smooth as you can come when it comes to fielding the baseball. He checks every box when it comes to elite defenders; range, soft hands and the ability to throw on the run from various arm angles stand out when it comes to his defensive actions. A simple, repeatable swing that projects well from both a bat speed and power perspective bode well for future success.

Big Moment: The Miami commit's entire 2020 season can be considered a big moment, as he hit .500 (31-for-62) on the year. The slick-fielding middle infielder tapped into some power potential as evident by 13 extra-base hits.

Bold Prediction: The all-around tools that Marin possesses are pretty astounding, look for him to add more strength to his athletic frame and really start to unlock the long-term power potential we’ve seen flashes of.


Ethan Murray (Ga.)
 6-2/162, R/R
Commitment: Georgia Tech
PG Events: 35
Key Stats: .500-7-41 in ’20

Short Story: Murray is a run-producing bat with immense power potential and tons of projection remaining. Developing defensive skills along with present athleticism bode well for one of the better overall skill sets within the class.

Big Moment: The Georgia Tech commit's 2020 stat line was unquestionably loud with 21 extra-base hits (including seven home runs) in just 31 games played. Couple that with a .500 average and 41 runs batted in, and you may have the premier power bat within the class.

Bold Prediction: Look for Murray to take the next step defensively, as he continues to mature physically. He may not end up in the middle long-term due to his lengthy future frame, but he will certainly produce more than enough to be a highly impactful corner infielder.
 


Miles Ghossein (Calif.)
 6-2/180, R/R
Commitment: UCLA
PG Events: 19
Key Stats: .346-0-33 in ’20

Short Story: Ghossein is a legitimate two-way player with athletic actions in the dirt, a fastball that’s been up to 85 mph in previous looks and immensely projectable swing that has big-time present power.

Big Moment: At the 2020 14U WWBA National Championship, Ghossein displayed the exact two-way capabilities that we mentioned above. He hit .323 for the week, including six doubles and 11 runs batted in. He then hopped on the mound to deliver 10 1/3 innings of one-run ball for his USA Prime squad, where he ran his fastball up to 85 mph and punched out 10.

Bold Prediction: The eventual long-term position for Ghossein may not be in the middle, but he brings one of the better two-way profiles currently in the class. Look for him to continue growing into potentially a power-hitting corner infielder down the road.
 


Erik Parker (Ga.)
 6-3/180, R/R
Commitment: South Carolina
PG Events: 26
Key Stats: .288/.403/.819 PG career slash, 6.90 (60-YD Dash)

Short Story: Parker is already a physical presence at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds and has one of the more intriguing two-way profiles amongst the ’24 class. The South Carolina commit projects well on both sides of the ball as he continues to add strength. Has been up to 85 mph on the mound with a projectable swing that has shown flashes of present bat speed.

Big Moment: The 2020 14U National Showcase is where Parker showed off the aforementioned projection that we can dream on. He ran well for his present size, showing good coordination and athleticism to go along with some smoothness to his defensive actions. Also displayed young bat speed and looseness to his swing that projects well as he continues to add strength.

Bold Prediction: Ultimately, Parker may end up the mound due to his immense physical projection and velocity upside. Look for him to continue developing at the plate, refining some components to his swing and use his present physicality and length to succeed.
 


David Hogg II (Texas)
 6-2/180, S/R
Commitment: Oklahoma
PG Events: 16
Key Stats: 6.83 60-yard, 88 mph IF velo 

Short Story: Legitimate switch-hitter with loud tools and loads of physical projection. Displays excellent athleticism throughout the fielding process and an absolute cannon of an arm across. Exhibits easy bat speed and big-time power potential from both sides of the plate, equally.

Big Moment: A loud performance on both sides of the ball at the 2020 14U National Showcase ultimately led to Hogg being selected to participate in the 14U Select Baseball Festival. Displayed high-level all-around tools with significant physical upside.

Bold Prediction: Look for Hogg’s offensive production to catch up with his loud tools, as he starts his ascension up the rankings rather quickly. Additional strength and another year of maturity will only expand upon his current skill set and solidify his place amongst the best in the class.
 
Gut Feel Risers/Names to Know
Jeff Lougee (Pa.)
 The advanced bat-to-ball skills and innate ability to find the barrel standout for the Duke commit. An extremely long and lean frame may dictate a positional change long term, but the bat plays wherever he ends up.

Cole Crafton (Ill.)
 Crafton’s performance at the 2021 National Underclass-Main Event left many in our scouting department wanting more from the Louisville commit. Blessed with advanced physicality at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds already, look for the offensive upside and power potential to be unlocked relatively soon.

Brody Connors (Calif.)
 With only two PG events under his belt, look for Connors to steadily rise in the rankings. He has true two-way potential with immense physical projection remaining and loads of present tools that will only continue to grow as he matures.

Bryce Rainer (Calif.)
 Rainer has long term two-way potential with a smooth left-handed swing and electric present arm speed. Add in an ultra-projectable 6-foot-2 frame and good feel for his secondary offerings, and you may have a premier power bat/power arm combination.

Owen Paino (N.Y.)
 An extremely loud 2020 stat line for Paino only continued to show what we already knew. The physical projection may dictate a move to the corners long term, but the bat will always play and will only develop more as he matures.

Reggie Sharpe (Mich.)
 The immensely athletic Sharpe should continue adding strength to his frame over the next few years, which will only add to an already polished overall profile for the young Michigan commit. Blessed with natural instincts, polished defensive actions, and advanced tools from both sides of the plate.

Myles Davis (Iowa)
 The Marion, Iowa native has made steady improvements in all facets of his game and should continue to add strength to his frame. Look for Davis to take the next step offensively and start producing at a more prodigious clip.
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High School | Rankings | 6/2/2026

High School Top 50 Update: June 2
Tyler Russo
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With another few weeks in the book of the high school season, we’ve already had state champions crowned with playoffs happening in some northern states. There have been some upsets so there has been a good amount of movement in the National High School Top-50. We have a new number-one this update with Tomball (TX) taking over the top spot and will be playing for a state championship this week. They sport a 42-1 record heading into the title game and have been one of the best teams from start to finish this year. St. John Bosco (CA) has now gone back-to-back with Trinity League and CIF Southern Section titles and take over the No. 2 spot. No. 3 Aledo (TX) continues to win, No. 4 Trinity (KY) has been dominant in Kentucky play and No. 5 Norco (CA) lost the Southern Section title game and had a great year. Magnolia Heights (MS) moves up a few spots to No. 8 after winning their 8th...
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Tournaments | Championship | 6/8/2026

Rawlings Tigers Take the Desert Classic

Emily Hicks
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After a weekend of competitive baseball, the 2026 Arizona Desert Classic came down to one final matchup between ATB 13U and Rawlings Tigers Primo. When the final out was recorded, Rawlings Tigers Primo secured the championship with a 14-0 victory at Goodyear Ballpark. Rawlings Tigers Primo wasted little time getting the offense going, scoring 4 runs in the first inning to take an early lead. MVP Easton Bakersky helped spark the attack, finishing 2-2 with an inside-the-park home run and three runs scored. Bakersky's home run came at the end of the third inning and helped extend Primo's lead. He finished with a .625 average through four games, while Callan Sanders went 2-3 with one triple and two runs scored. Sanders hit .500 through four games. “The count was 1-2. I was thinking, just get the barrel to it, not trying to do too much,” said  Bakersky. On the mound, Callan...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/8/2026

Coastal Region Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Camden McGill (2027, High Point, NC) had a great day at the plate for the Carolina Redsox vs. Wow Factor Carolina National 17u. The 5-foot-11, 170- pound center fielder has a solid frame. McGill bats from the left side with a short, impactful swing. He has quick bat speed, allowing him to get the barrel through the zone quicker. He uses his lower half effectively, firing his hips and rotating efficiently. McGill has had quality at-bats all weekend long, having multiple multi-hit games. Constantly battling and putting pressure on the defense. He finished the game going 2-for-3 with a single and a triple with 4 RBI on the day. Giovanni Luisa (2027, Weddington, NC) had an amazing day at the plate for the Wow Factor Carolina 17u Premier vs. Performance Carolina National/C35 17u. The 5-foot-10, 176-pound catcher has a solid athletic build. Luisa bats from the right side with a strong,...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/7/2026

From Traction to Festival; Bond is Strong

Kinley Kitchens
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For many players, earning an invitation to the Perfect Game Select is a dream. For Cooper Mason and Tucker Richardson, it became reality.  Now teammates on Traction Canes 14U National, the two Alabama natives have established themselves among the top players in the 2030 class. Richardson enters the summer ranked No. 10 overall nationally and No. 3 among shortstops, while Mason enters ranked at No. 44 overall and No. 13 among shortstops. Both earned invitations to the 2025 PG Select Festival, one of the most prestigious events in amateur baseball.  But beyond the rankings and talent, their story is built on friendship.  When asked what it meant to earn a Select Festival invitation last year, both players reflected on years of work leading up to the moment.  It felt good. I always wanted to make Select Fest,” Richardson said. “It just felt really good in...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/6/2026

13/14u PG Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
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2031 King James (Cincinnati, Ohio) got the start on the bump for Team Elite against, coincidentally enough, his hometown Cincinnati Angels and delivered a 5 inning, run rule shortened complete game effort. Not overly physical at just 5-foot-8, 140 pounds, James came out showing quickness to his arm as he opened up in the 75-77 mph while working around the zone, mixing a bigger curveball with depth to help keep hitters off balance. Ultimately he struck out 6 on the game and walked just one while scattering four hits and even helped his own cause, picking up a double on the offensive side of things.  While he went 0-1 at the dish with a pair of walks, it's still worth talking about the performance from catcher Michael Wedgeworth (Flomaton, Ala.) as his catch-and-throw skills from behind the dish were on full display throughout the game, delivering a couple of strikes down to second...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/6/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1 Another good swing later in the day from ‘28 Derek Vazquez, this one lifted down the LF line for a 2B. So much to like about the profile & projects in every aspect. #BeastOfTheEast @PG_Coastal @PG_Uncommitted https://t.co/EDA8xhgK9G pic.twitter.com/kZDw8tPC5O — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 5, 2026 Derek Vazquez (2028, Charlotte, N.C.) has put together a big showing through two games for the SBA Bolts National 2028. The 6-foot-2, 183-pound shortstop/outfielder has showed defensive versatility throughout the event and does so with ease. He has all the actions at shortstop but also showed good range, tracking a flyball down the left field line on Friday. In the box, he’s uber-projectable in every phase and is already doing a great job of controlling the zone. The power should continue to trend up in the coming years and...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/3/2026

Beast of the East Heads to Georgia

Will Dembo
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Marietta, Georgia will welcome some of the nation’s top teams this weekend as the Perfect Game Beast of the East Invitational takes place June 4-8. The invite only 15-17u tournament will showcase a plethora of nationally ranked teams and top talent looking to make a statement early into the summer and take home the championship in what promises to be a highly competitive weekend of baseball. The 15u division will shine a spotlight on several of the top ranked programs in the country as 9 out of the 32 total squads competing are T100. 11 states will be represented in the age bracket, proving how prestigious this event has become. Headlining the field are Wow Factor National who comes in at No. 8 in the national rankings, as well as Canes National who enters the weekend trailing just one spot behind Wow Factor. Canes National has an absolutely loaded roster with 9 players who rank in...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

"Houston, We Nave a Problem"

Kinley Kitchens
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Some moments set the tone for an entire game. For Jackson Nave, it happened in his very first trip to the plate. The Sevierville, Tennessee native stepped into the batter’s box looking for a pitch he could drive. A few moments later, the ball was flying over the fence, giving FTB Phillies 13U an early boost and igniting what would become a dominant offensive performance. “I was feeling good,” Nave said. “I was just trying to find a pitch I could hammer. I kept my eye on it, took it down the middle and that felt good.” That swing was only the beginning. Nave finished the game with a home run, four runs scored, and four RBI as FTB Phillies 13U rolled to a 27-4 victory on the opening day of the 2026 PG 13U National Elite Championship. For Nave, getting the offense started early is an important part of helping his team succeed. “I think it is really...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Reed Continues to Prove He Belongs

Kinley Kitchens
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For many young players, competing alongside some of the top talent in the country can be intimidating. For Chris Reed, it is simply another opportunity to prove he belongs. The Conyers, Georgia native has established himself as one of the premier players in the 2030 class, currently ranking No. 24 nationally and No. 7 among shortstops according to Perfect Game. Reed’s game has consistently stood out against elite competition thanks to his athleticism, instincts, and all-around skill set. That ability was on full display during the 2025 Perfect Game 13U National Showcase, where Reed earned his invitation to the PG Select Festival, one of the most prestigious events available to players his age. “It showed that I can play with the best of the best, and that I belong,” Reed said of the experience. The event provided more than just exposure. It also reinforced an important...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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‘29 SS Chase Hallett (NJ) drops the bat head on this one & lifts it out to the PS for a solo HR. Free and easy LH swing w/ present strength & more to dream on. #BeastOfTheEast @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/Ym9LFg05tx — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 4, 2026 Chase Hallett (2029, Pennington, N.J.) came up with a loud swing on Thursday morning, dropping the barrel on one and lifting it out to the pull-side. It’s an intriguing profile overall with the young left-handed hitting middle infielder and the power projects in a big way. The swing is short and simple, he finds the barrel at a high clip, and is a sure handed defender up the middle. This has all the makings of a high-end prospect in a few years and is certainly a name of note in the ‘29 class. Canon Day (2028, Germantown, Tenn.) put together a great day on the offensive side of things,...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Arizona Desert Classic Gets Underway

Emily Hicks
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After another busy week of baseball, attention now turns to the 2026 PG 14u Arizona Desert Classic tournament as teams prepare for a weekend of competition on the Perfect Game circuit. ATB 13U enters the event looking to continue building on its season so far. The team comes into the weekend with a record of 5-4 and has shown strengths in their offense and defense. As the schedule gets tougher, this tournament presents another opportunity to test themselves against quality opponents. The field features teams from across Arizona, setting up several intriguing matchups throughout pool play. Key games against AZ Premier Prospects and Maverix could provide an early look at where the team stands heading into bracket play. A few players to keep an eye on this weekend include Reece Neely and Gavyn Jupp from Maverix and Jakob Couto from USA Scout Team AZ 14u. Whether it's producing at the plate,...
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