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Tournaments  | Story | 6/14/2021

SWFL 2022 Grinding Out Florida Select

Photo: Logan Waldschmidt (Perfect Game)
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The game of baseball is always easier when your team can put up a lot of runs. It’s even easier when your pitching and defense can shut down your opposition between the lines.
 
For SWFL 2022 Nation, neither have been an issue this summer. In their first three games of the 2021 Perfect Game 17u Florida Select Championship, the local squad from Fort Myers has posted a +25 run differential, the highest in the tournament, en route to three dominant victories to begin pool play. 
 
SWFL kicked off their first Perfect Game tournament of the summer on Saturday by defeating Victus Elite Fl 17u 16-1. Jonathan Negron led the way for SWFL’s offense, picking up two hits and five RBI on the day. Nolan Shamoun carried his weight on the mound as well, striking out three and allowing just two hits through three innings in SWFL’s shortened mercy-rule victory. Heading into their first game on Sunday against South Florida Bullsharks Grey, SWFL coach Greg Dombrowski knew his players were ready from their composed demeanor.
 
“Our guys have done a great job preparing before the game being locked in mentally,” Dombrowski said. “It’s a high-energy group that likes to play together, and that’s helped us put together a great output.”
 
SWFL opened up scoring on Sunday with an eruption of offensive production in the bottom of the second against the Bullsharks. After Negron singled on the first pitch he saw, starting pitcher CJ Bussell provided some run support for himself, smashing a triple to the center field wall on the next pitch and plating the game’s first run. Jake D’Altrui promptly scored Bussell with a sacrifice fly to center, giving SWFL a two-run lead.
 
Bussell said that he finds his job on the mound working advantageously for him at the plate.
 
“I feel like I hit better when I pitch,” Bussell said. “I feel like I’m more into the game, watching the other pitcher. I feel like my game is better when I’m adding on both sides.”
 
The SWFL bats continued to mash as William Wiltshire lined a single and quickly scored after Logan Smith drove a double to left field. After Marcos Torres walked and Smith scored on a wild pitch, Shamoun drove another single to center field but was thrown out trying to get to second. By the end of the second, SWFL had already built a 5-0 lead.
 
The SWFL onslaught continued in the third, as the squad strung together a series of base hits for another big inning. Aiden Nolasco and Kevin RisCassi began the inning with back-to-back singles. Negron then smacked a single to score Nolasco, and Bussell then shot another single over second base to score RisCassi. Wiltshire then continued the pattern as he poked a single up the middle, scoring Negron. As the inning came to a close, SWFL had mounted an 8-0 lead.
 
While the SWFL bats were hot, Bussell needed little room to work with on the mound. The top-1000 ranked player in the class of 2022 made short order of the Bullsharks hitters to begin the game, striking out the side in 15 pitches in the bottom of the first. Bussell then added two more Ks in the second and one more in the third while not allowing a single baserunner. Through his own contributions and help from his teammates, Bussell believes that his team’s offensive performance was vital in allowing him to shove on the mound.
 
“We’re all having fun, getting into the game and putting up a lot of runs,” Bussell said. “I just have a smile on my face the whole time. Then I get into the game, I’m relaxed and can do my thing.”
 
Rhett Raymer relieved Bussell after the third inning and picked up right where he left off. Racking up two strikeouts, Raymer also allowed no baserunners through his two dominant innings. In the last of the fifth, Raymer put a bow on his performance, striking out the final batter for SWFL to take an 8-0 mercy-rule victory over the Bullsharks. Together, Bussell and Raymer combined for a five-inning perfect game. 
 
While his team has shown out offensively, Dombrowski believes that his team’s pitching and defense have been critical in their dominance.
 
“Our pitchers have done a tremendous job setting the tone early on, and that’s allowed us to play good defense as well,” Dombrowski said. “Any time your pitcher shoves the ball in the zone and keeps your fielders in position, good things happen.”
 
Opportunistic baserunning allowed SWFL to jump out to an early lead yet again in their second game of the day against the FTB Expos. After they reached on a hit-by-pitch and an error, Smith and Logan Waldschmidt each crossed home in the top of the second on passed balls, giving SWFL a 2-0 lead to begin the game.
 
However, the SWFL bats ran abnormally cold through the next few innings, and FTB took advantage. After scoring a run in the second and third, FTB took away the SWFL lead for the first time this weekend. However, Luke Pike rose to the occasion in the top of the sixth, plating Nolasco to break the stalemate. SWFL was aggressive again on the basepaths in the seventh, as Wiltshire scored on an errant throw to second and increased their lead to two.
 
The new situation didn’t faze the SWFL arms either. Stepping in as relief in the third, Torres embraced the close circumstances and shut down the FTB batters. Through 3 2/3 innings, Torres fanned five batters, allowing two hits and one walk. After SWFL gave Torres some support, Smith stepped in to get the squad over the hump in the seventh, striking out two while closing the game out for a 4-2 SWFL victory.
 
Through the first two days of their first Perfect Game event of the summer, Dombrowski believes he and his team have gotten a better sense of what their roster is capable of.
 
“We’re building confidence with guys and figuring out what we’ve got now,” Dombrowski said. “Allowing this group to play together and get to know each other in a competitive tournament, we’re learning our strengths and weaknesses. We’ve got a good plan of attack now and looking forward to the summer.”
 
After cruising through the first two days of pool play, SWFL will look to secure a first-round bye on Monday for the Championship’s playoffs. If the squad comes out victorious in their final pool play game against the Miami Stingrays on Monday, SWFL will lock down a top-two seed and have their eye on the Championship crown come Tuesday.
 
As the tournament inches towards title day, Dombrowski said the team is focused on winning, but also enjoying themselves.
 
“This group of kids is really looking forward to just playing hard and grinding it out,” Dombrowski said. “It’s a fun group to be around, and guys are just out there having a good time.”

Tournaments | Story | 7/17/2026

South Champ. & South Elite Scout Notes

Geoff Billock
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Peyton Alvarez (2029, New Braunfels, Texas) put on a display for Marucci Elite TX Ramirez. Went 4-8 with two doubles. Worked strong at bats, drawing a total of six walks. Lot of deep counts, putting stress on opposing arms. Also swiped a staggering seven bases over the span of five games. Repeatable right-handed stroke with hands that work quickly through the zone. Was an absolute force at the top of the order all weekend. Jack Simms (2028, Cypress, Texas) put together a strong showing for Texas Brigade 2028 - Konarik. Went 3-9 with a double, a home run, and five runs batted in. Showed some quick hands, working through an uphill plane, playing well to the pullside. Frame has plenty more in the tank, impact should continue to develop as he fills out. Riley Thompson (2029, Leander, Texas) had another loud weekend for Test Black. 5-9 at the plate with three doubles and no strikeouts. Super...
Tournaments | Story | 7/17/2026

BCS Midwest Championship Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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’29 INF Aarion Gould (IL) drives this ball deep to CF for a triple. Simple setup w/ a controlled load. Keeps the barrel in the zone w/ good extension through contact. Big day at the plate going 2-for-3 with 4 RBI. #BCSMW @WhitesoxAce pic.twitter.com/QL9jPCTAv8 — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 12, 2026 Aarion Gould (2029, Chicago, Ill.) earned Tournament MVP honors after helping lead Chicago White Sox ACE 2029 to the BCS Midwest Championship. The right-handed infielder displayed a direct swing path with quality barrel accuracy, using the middle of the field approach. Present strength was evident, producing two doubles, one triple, while hitting .444 (8-for-18) with seven RBI, three stolen bases and a 1.277 OPS. Gould also contributed on the mound, tossing 6.0 scoreless innings while allowing three hits and striking out six.   ’29 RHP Xavier Alvarez (IL)...
Tournaments | Story | 7/17/2026

WWBA Midwest Regional Champ. Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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’28 OF Caleb Wilson (IN) drives this fastball into the RCF gap for a double. Quick hands and bat-to-ball skills on display. Good game at the plate. Finished 2-for-3 with an RBI. #WWBAMW @TopTierBaseball @PG_OhioValley pic.twitter.com/IC5dmPojcz — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 13, 2026 Caleb Wilson (2028, Crown Point, Ind.) helped lead Top Tier Americans 2028 to the 16U WWBA Regional Championship and delivered one of the tournament's top offensive performances. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound left-handed outfielder displayed good plate discipline, a quick bat and barreled balls to all parts of the field. Plus speed also added another dimension to Wilson's game on the base paths, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses. The Tournament MVP saw the ball extremely well, hitting .667 (14-for-21) with two triples, six RBI, four stolen bases and a 1.588 OPS. Brennen...
Tournaments | Story | 7/16/2026

Top Talent On Display at 17u BCS

Alyssa Golden
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The 21st annual 17U BCS National Championship brings together some of the nation’s top programs and elite 2027 prospects to Fort Myers, Florida, from July 17-21. With dozens of Division I commits and nationally ranked prospects set to compete, here are some of the players expected to make the biggest impact throughout the weekend. For Florida Burn 2027 Scout, which is currently ranked #5 nationally Florida Burn will be No. 107-ranked outfielder RJ Shields and No. 129-ranked third baseman Braedon Mackay. One of the premier two-way prospects in the tournament, Shields, brings one of the strongest arms in the field. The Venice, Florida native has run his fastball up to 95 mph while also showcasing a 98 mph throwing arm from the outfield, making him a weapon on both sides of the ball. On the mound this season, the Mississippi State commit has struck out 29 batters in 15.1 innings,...
Tournaments | Story | 7/15/2026

WWBA Arrives in Arizona

Emily Hicks
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After another week of summer baseball, Perfect Game action returns to Surprise Stadium as teams prepare for another exciting week of competition at the WWBA Championship. From July 14-18, some of the top programs in travel baseball will take the field looking to compete for a championship and showcase their talent against high-level competition.  The tournament will feature both the 15U and 16U divisions, bringing together talented teams and rising prospects from across the West and beyond. With several days of pool play and championship bracket action, teams will have the opportunity to test themselves against strong opponents while competing on one of the biggest stages of the summer.  Surprise Stadium will provide the setting for a week filled with competitive matchups, standout performances, and prospects looking to make an impact. From dominant pitching performances to...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/15/2026

East Cobb Go Undefeated, Takes 14U BCS

Alyssa Golden
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East Cobb Goes Undefeated, Takes 14U BCS Twenty years after winning the inaugural 14U BCS National Championship in 2006, the East Cobb Astros once again stood atop the tournament, defeating the Original Florida Pokers 7-4 at JetBlue Park. A hot, sunny afternoon set the stage for a tightly contested match between the Original Florida Pokers 2030 and East Cobb Astros 14U Orange. Although the Pokers had a two-run lead with just three innings to go, East Cobb showed their team had no quit as they pulled away with a 7-4 victory. The teams battled through a highly contested tournament field of over sixty teams from across the country, with the Pokers coming in 8-1 and East Cobb entering 8-0 in tournament play. Cohen Carter started on the mound for East Cobb, allowing seven hits and no walks while striking out three batters over four innings. His fastball sat 71-75 mph. Silas Anstett opened the...
Tournaments | Story | 7/15/2026

Stars Marucci '27 Loaded and Poised

Kinley Kitchens
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Expectations naturally follow one of the nation’s top ranked teams. For Stars Marucci 2027, those expectations have only grown as the summer season has progressed.  Ranked No. 16 nationally and featuring a roster loaded with Division I commits and nationally ranked prospects, Stars Marucci 2027 entered the 2026 Perfect Game 17U National Elite Championship as one of the top teams to watch.  Through the opening two days of the tournament, they have shown why they are a team to watch, opening the week with back-to-back victories over SBA Tucci 2027 (6-1) and FC Twins Scout (5-2) to build early momentum heading into the later rounds.  The talent on the roster is undeniable.  Virginia Tech commits Chase Colangelo, Yogi Colangelo, and Teagan Leach, Maryland commit Jerome Fortier, and Youngstown State commit Sam Capuano headline a group filled with college bound...
Tournaments | Story | 7/15/2026

Mine Wood Bat World Series Notes

Jordan Gates
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‘28 OF/LHP Carson Tabler (OH) Rips one deep into the pull side gap for an inside-the-park HR. Athletic in the box w/ a projectable frame. Utilizes a toe tap on a fluid stroke w/ good bat speed. Good runner in stride + efficient around the bases. #MineWS @Carson_T7 @PFFlyers2028 pic.twitter.com/IVfICPg4qV — Perfect Game Ohio Valley (@PG_OhioValley) July 10, 2026 Carson Tabler (2028, Cincinnati, Ohio) Tabler was probably the most pleasant surprise when it comes to names from this weekend. A rather unknown for me and my staff going into the event, Tabler managed to cement himself by event’s end. It’s a true two-way projection at this stage, while he has the size in the 6-foot-3 long and loose frame, the strength will continue to add on to the 175-pound stature. While he only had two extra-base hits (triple, home run), the bat-to-ball skills were the calling card, and...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/14/2026

SBA Bolts National Raise Trophy at 16u

Will Dembo
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After an action-packed week at the 16u WWBA Championships, the tournament came down to two of the nation’s top teams battling for one of travel baseball’s most prestigious titles. No. 5 ranked SBA Bolts National faced No. 60 Alpha Prime 2028 after both teams reached the championship undefeated, but the SBA Bolts were the sole team to exit without a loss, defeating Alpha Prime 10-2 in mercy rule fashion and capture the national title behind dominant pitching and explosive offensive performances. The SBA Bolts were perfect throughout their week, running the table and going 11-0 while outscoring their opponents by an impressive margin of 108-25. “It was awesome,” SBA Head Coach Travis Thompson said on the mercy rule victory. “It just kind of culminated our week. It's been a long week. I can't even remember our first game, which felt like three weeks ago. The...
Tournaments | Story | 7/14/2026

Coastal Region Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Ridge Whitfield (2029, Charlotte, NC) stands at 6-foot, 158 pounds with an athletic build that should allow him to maintain his mobility and quick-twitch actions as he continues to develop. He bats and throws left-handed. Whitfield locates his fastball to both sides of the plate, mixes his pitches effectively, and keeps hitters off balance. He competes on every pitch and doesn’t back down in big situations. Whitfield threw 5.1 innings, allowing three hits, one earned run, and no walks while striking out three on 75 pitches (58% strikes). He attacked the zone with a fastball that sat 73 mph and topped out at 78 mph, mixing in a 67 mph breaking ball and a 68-70 mph changeup to keep hitters off balance. Sam Jobe (2029, Charlotte, NC) stands at 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, with a lean, athletic frame and plenty of projection. He bats and throws right-handed. Jobe shows good feel for the...
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