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Tournaments  | Story  | 5/28/2021

Team Elite 15u Scout Gearing Itself Up

Matthew Welsh     
Photo: Adrian Jimenez (Perfect Game)
ATLANTA, Ga. -- The Team Elite 15u Scout Team began its summer campaign this Thursday in the Perfect Game Southeast Memorial Day Classic, dropping its first pool play game to 5 Star Atl. Although not the start to the season that its players and coaches envisioned, optimism remains high for one of the most talented 15u teams in the country.

The Team Elite program features teams in nearly every age group, and fields a 15u squad with eyes set on competing for tournament championships and reaching the game’s next level.



The 15u Scout Team is ranked fourth in the nation and second in the state of Georgia. Thirteen of the team’s 20 rostered players are among the top 1000-ranked players in their class, representing both the 2023 and 2024 graduating classes.

Headlining the roster are three Division-I commits. Jackson Sanders, the No. 1 overall pitcher in Alabama, is set to take his talents to Auburn. Middle infielder Jeff Lougee is committed to Duke, and is himself the top shortstop in Pennsylvania, and Arizona State commit Brock Lansville, the top hurler in the state of Colorado, gives Team Elite an electric right-handed pitcher.

Although only three players have committed, the rest of the roster remains littered with talent. Adrian Jimenez is the No. 63 player in the 2024 class and is the No. 4 shortstop in Georgia. Jimenez is also a Select Festival alum, playing in the 13u event in 2020. With four more years of high school ahead of him, Jimenez has time to consider his decision, but for now wants to focus on the here-and-now.

“I’m glad to be back out here with some new faces, and I really enjoyed our first game even though it didn’t go how I wanted it to, but I can’t wait to get back out there tomorrow,” Jimenez said.

His secret to success is rather simple. For Jimenez, there is no special formula when it comes to his on-field pursuits, it’s mainly just trusting his instincts and abilities.

“I just want to hit the ball hard and really improve myself this summer,” Jimenez said. “That way we can get a lot of people to come out here and come watch, not just me, but us as a team and to see us grow.”

Jimenez contributed two hits in Thursday’s loss, the latter of which was responsible for plating one of Team Elite’s two runs on the day.

Utility Jayden White, classified under the ‘high follow’ status in Perfect Game’s national player rankings, has a similar outlook on this season’s summer events. Although not the highest-ranked player on the team, the Savannah, Ga. native has found his niche within the team, and hopes to add to his arsenal in the next few months.

“I love the environment, and it’s just great to be back out here,” said White of his team’s chemistry. “It kind of reminds me of high school ball, the way that I’ve got to see a bunch of new faces. It’s crazy to see a bunch of 2024 players competing for spots.”

Like any player with aspirations to play at the next level, White realizes the opportunities this summer holds for him personally, especially when playing alongside several other highly-touted prospects.

Playing for a club like Team Elite will certainly put you in the spotlight, and for White it’s all about assuming a larger role.

“I’m still looking to mature baseball-wise,” White said. “It’s really just the little stuff and working on my hitting. Also, here I have the chance to work at several different positions.”

Despite the tendency to improve individually, both Jimenez and White stressed the importance of team success. Getting a hit is one thing, but stringing together hits can give you leads, and leads translate to wins.

For a program that has won 69 Perfect Game championships across all age divisions, winning is no new fad. Victory is both expected and earned, and the 15u Scout Team wants to continue that trend.

“I think if we can just focus on coming out and winning most of our games and a lot of our tournaments, I think that’s what my overall goal this summer is,” said Jimenez. “We want to play in games that people want to come out and watch.”

The Southeast Memorial Day Classic is just one of the six summer events scheduled for the Team Elite 15u Scout Team between now and July 30, which includes the WWBA 15u National Championship and tournament trips to Fort Myers, Fla. and Hoover, Ala.

Team Elite 15u Scout Team plays again Friday versus Rawlings Tigers Chattanooga and Saturday versus 643 DP Panthers 15u Shailer in an attempt to rebound in its pool and advance to bracket play.
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