THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 10/5/2021

Textbook effort lifts Canes National 17u

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Canes National 17u (Perfect Game)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Finding a team at the underclass level that is capable of playing nearly textbook baseball during a title game at a major Perfect Game national championship tournament can be a difficult discovery indeed.

But here it was: Textbook pitching. Textbook timely hitting. Textbook defense. Textbook execution. In short, textbook Canes Baseball.



The Canes National 17u did a little bit of everything pretty darn well on Monday, breaking open a tight ballgame against the South Charlotte Panthers 2023 with a four-run fourth inning and settling in for a 6-1 victory in the title game at the Perfect Game WWBA Underclass World Championship.

Playing in near perfect conditions at JetBlue Park (Fenway South as the locals call it), the No. 5-seeded National 17u (9-0-0) proved to be just a tick better than the No. 2 Panthers (8-1-0) on this afternoon while claiming the Canes National 17u’s second WWBA Under World title in the last three years.

“When you’re playing against an incredible organization like the South Charlotte Panthers you know they’re not going to give you anything so you’ve got to earn everything you get,” Canes National 17u head coach Brian Hucks told PG postgame.

“For a championship game, the ninth game that you’re playing in four days, I thought both teams had pitchers that were throwing strikes; I thought the defense was outstanding on both teams.”

2023 right-hander Jonah Conradt may have been the real difference-maker for the Canes, getting the start and working five three-hit, five strikeout innings, while allowing just the one run. He gave way to fellow ’23 righty Aidan Teel in the sixth, who continued the shutdown by tossing two no-hit scoreless innings to bring the game to a close.

“Everybody’s pitching is on fumes at this point right now,” Hucks said. “To have a chance to get some length out of your starter is so important, and we were able to get five innings out of our guy (Conradt). We had some position players that are good arms but haven’t thrown a whole lot...so by him going out and giving us a five-inning quality start was the key to our win today.”

South Charlotte Panthers starter Morgan Padgett, also a ’23 right-hander, was pretty good himself early on but the Canes were finally able to get to him in the top of the third. Macon Winslow got it started with a one-out infield single and came racing across home plate with the game’s first run when Kevin McGonigle smashed a two-out, line drive RBI double to center.

The Canes National built a bit of a comfort zone between themselves and South Charlotte in the fourth. Ryan Jaros led-off with a ground ball single to left and Zach Wadas followed with a line-drive single to center to put runners on first and second with no one out; Trent Caraway then laid-down a bunt single to load the bases with one out.

Cole Eaton chased Jaros home with a sac fly – Wados and Caraway also moved up a base – and Colby Wallace hit a groundball single into left that scored both baserunners; Wallace eventually scored on a wild pitch to give the Canes a 5-0 lead.

The Canes added another run in the fifth when McGonigle reached on a lead-off infield single, stole second and came around to score on a wild pitch. He doubled and singled in the game with an RBI and a run scored and was the only Cane with multiple hits.

Hucks felt like in the early innings his hitters were experiencing some tired legs, at least the first time through the order, anyway. They gave some at-bats away, he said, by chasing pitches out of the zone but as the game progressed, the decision-making improved.

“I feel like everyone picked each other up,” McGonigle said. “When one guys strikes out, one guy grounds out the next guy is going to get on base and help the team out. We got a little rally started; it was good for the team. It was a team win – this is a great team here – and I couldn’t be more proud.”

The Panthers tallied their only score in the bottom of the fifth when Kyle Dobos received a two-out walk and raced home on a line-drive single off the bat of Aidan Paradine.

McGonigle, a ’23 middle infielder and an Auburn commit from Pennsylvania ranked No. 33 overall nationally, finished the tournament 11-for-25 (.440) with three doubles, a triple, eight RBI, seven runs scored and five stolen bases; he was named the MV-Player.

“I joined (the Canes) three tournaments ago so I’m new to this team and when I joined I knew it was the right spot for me,” McGonigle said. “It’s like a family and we know how to win ballgames so it’s a great experience with this team.”

The South Charlotte Panthers 2023 right-hander Chance Mako, an N.C. State commit ranked No. 49 nationally out of North Carolina, was named the MV-Pitcher. In one appearance, Mako threw a six-inning no-hitter, striking out 16 without a walk.

This was a particularly dominating championship run for the Canes National 17u once all the final numbers were tabulated: They outscored their nine quality opponents by a dizzying 59-5 final count.

And sometimes it is the little things that matter most when push comes to shove in the championship game at a major PG national championship tournament and sometimes it comes down to playing as close to textbook baseball as young players’ skills will allow.

“We were able to get that one big inning and that kind of gave us some separation,” Hucks said. “I felt like that we did a good a job of throwing strikes and making the routine plays and making them earn everything they got. Just an incredible run by this group of young men, and like I said (winning) nine games in four days is just amazing. …

“These kids are really, truly happy for others’ success and they want to be part of this program. I couldn’t be any prouder as a coach to coach these quality young me.”

THE CANES NATIONAL 17U turned the tables on what had been the shutout machine East Cobb Astros, blanking the Astros, 3-0 in a much-anticipated semifinal pairing Monday morning. Canes’ 2023 right-handers Dennis McCarron and Cade Cosper combined on an 11-strikeout three-hitter to stymie the top-seeded Astros (7-1-0), who won six of their previous seven games by shutout.

The Panthers rolled past the No. 27 Power Baseball 2023 Platinum (7-1-0) by a 9-4 count in Monday’s other semifinal. Evan Macintyre came through with a two-run single in the bottom of the second and a sac fly in the fourth, and Walker Jenkins hit a line-drive solo home run to leadoff fifth and a line-drive two run single in the sixth to pace the Panthers’ 10-hit attack.

 
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 10/26/2026

13u & 14u WWBA Prospect Recap
Jheremy Brown
Article Image
Carlo Rivero struck out the side in the final inning to secure a big quarterfinal win. Sat 87-89 & ball explodes out of the hand, CB & CH both dynamic go-to pitches as well. #WWBAWorlds @Florida_PG https://t.co/l8a4f1psyK — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) October 19, 2026 2031 SS/RHP Carlo Rivero (Apopka, Fla.) debuted in the rankings as the top player in the country, and he had widened the gap by a good bit after the fall he had, capped off by an unreal showing in West Palm Beach. He hit almost .700 on the event with 7 of his 10 hits going for extra bases, while driving in 13, scoring 13 times himself, walking 8 times and no striking out in a single trip to the plate across 7 games. The blend of bat speed and pure strength, paired with his approach are that of someone who is much more mature, yet he’s doing it all at just 14 ½. He also jumped on the...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/24/2026

SBA Takes 14u Title Behind Offense

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
To say there were standouts all over the field for the 14u WWBA World Championship would be an understatement as the matchup of Team Elite 14u Scout and SBA Bolts National 14u saw two of the more loaded rosters going head-to-head with a title on the line. And after weather threw a giant wrench into pool play, both Sunday and Monday were nothing but sunshine and high intensity baseball leading into the final game of the event.  While the game ultimately ended via run rule after five in favor of SBA upon a 9 run inning, it was a tight contest up until that point with Team Elite carrying a 3-2 lead thru four innings.  Team Elite drew first blood as a Ross Logan walk quickly turned into the first run of the game following a well struck single by Cooper Ooten into left field who eventually came around to score following a double steal, scoring before the third out of the inning was...
Read More
Softball | Softball Tournament | 10/22/2026

PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase High School Division

Erica Beach
Article Image
PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase HS Division Oct 17-18, 2026 Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex CHESTERFIELD, MO — It was a perfect weekend for softball, with 16 teams converging on the Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex to compete in the High School Division. Teams from Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa were there to battle it out, and there was only one undefeated team in the tournament: the Southeast Iowa All-Stars 16U Gold Flowerbach, who went a stellar 5-0 on the weekend. We were treated to some stellar performances all weekend and below we highlight some of the standout athletes who caught our eyes.  Lucy Turner (2027, Marion, IA) of the Cedar Rapids Reds was a truly dynamic two-way player this past weekend. Offensively, she batted .444 with 5 RBIs and an impressive 6 stolen bases, which led the tournament. She also scored 6 runs for her team and...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 10/22/2026

Wildcatters Reign Supreme at 13u WWBA

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
After both the Best of the West and the Beast of the East wrapped up, a big conglomerate of high end talent and stacked teams descended upon West Palm for both the 13u and the 14u WWBA World Championships. While the weather threw a wrench into the plans early on and some adjustment was needed to ensure the event moved forward, it was nothing but sunshine and competitive baseball throughout Sunday and into the early morning Monday.  Kicking off with the 13u WWBA World Championship, the first thing to point out is the fact this was a wood bat tournament played on 60-90 fields and while the combo was a first for most, you wouldn't know it with their level of play throughout the weekend. In an unsurprising twist and a continuation of their 12u dominance, the 13u championship saw the #2 seeded Goldin Prospects lock horns with the top seeded Houston Wildcatters, aka the champion of the...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/22/2026

17u Coastal Fall Invitational

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Dalton Fisher (2028, China Grove, NC) stands at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, with a lean, projectable frame and room to add strength as he develops. Bats and throws right-handed and plays the outfield. Shows a good approach at the plate with quick hands, solid bat speed, and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Fisher went 2-for-3 with 1 RBI, putting together a great day at the plate. Bradley Edwards (2028, Summerville,SC) Stands at 6-feet-5 225 strong build and the potential to generate considerable power. Bats and throws right handed is a right handed pitcher. Shows good arm strength and the ability to attack hitters while generating swings and misses. Demonstrates a competitive approach on the mound with the ability to challenge hitters in the zone. Recorded 4.2 innings pitched with 10 strikeouts, a 56% strike rate, and a fastball that topped out at 85 mph. Jackson Pierce (2028,...
Read More
Softball | Softball Tournament | 10/21/2026

PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase 14U Division

Erica Beach
Article Image
2026 PG softball Chesterfield fall showcase 14U Division October 17th to 18th Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex CHESTERFIELD, MO — It was a highly competitive weekend of softball as six teams battled it out on the field. In the end, the Midland Magic Wooster finished with a flawless 5-0 record, showcasing a dominant tournament performance by allowing only three runs while exploding for 65 runs of their own. Below we highlight some of the weekend’s shining stars. \ Abigail Doolittle (2030 - Edwardsville, Illinois) of Top Gun 2030-IL established herself as one of the tournament's most formidable hitters over five games, posting an astounding .727 batting average. Showcasing elite power and versatility, she racked up three singles, two doubles, two triples, and a home run. Doolittle drove in four runs, scored four times, drew a walk, and added a stolen base....
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/21/2026

Windy City Finale Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘27 RHP Jaxson Weiss (IL) pitched well in his 5 innings and put up some eye popping strikeout numbers. He punched out 10 and allowed only 2ER. FB T86 early and flashed a BB 72-75. #WCFinale https://t.co/M8GtCUgxyS — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) October 17, 2026 Jaxson Weiss (2027, New Lennox, Ill.) a right-handed pitcher put up big strikeout numbers in his start on Saturday. He worked five innings while punching out ten opposing hitters. The fastball topped out at 86 mph and sat in the 82-85 mph range most of the game. His breaking ball was his primary off-speed, living 72-75 mph. Weiss keeps his body under control throughout his delivery, helping him with his good command on the mound. He uses his lower half well with a nice leg drive and gets his hips through, guiding his backside. He pitched with confidence and stayed ahead of hitters most of the game. Hayden...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/19/2026

PG Draft: Jupiter Draft Movers

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
The WWBA World Championship remains one of the premier events on the draft calendar as all 30 major league organizations descend on Jupiter to evaluate some of the top talent in amateur baseball. The event serves as a pivotal checkpoint in the scouting process, giving established prospects an opportunity to further elevate their stock while lesser-known names have a chance to put themselves on the radar of various organizations. This year was no exception, as several players made strong impressions and positioned themselves for increased attention heading into the spring. With that being said, let’s dive into a few draft risers and sleepers who stood out in Jupiter. Calum Andersen (‘27,CAN) had his A stuff working today running the FB to 96 mph with a devastating horizontal SL at 85 mph that can break bats. Mixed in a late breaking 12/6 curveball at 78 mph that induces weak...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/20/2026

Jupiter Recap: Stars Being Stars

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 PG Draft: Jupiter Draft Movers With the 2026 WWBA World Championship in the rearview mirror, we're going to begin our breakdowns of 4 different subcategories, beginning today with the Stars Being Stars category. Most of the players below are household names or were teetering on the edge of such recognition, using Jupiter as their launching pad. From Perfect Game All-Americans to some serious helium names for the MLB Draft, the PG crew breaks them all down below.  ‘27 Samir Mohammed (FL) racked up 11 Ks thru 5 IP on 75% strikes. FB lived 98-99, T100 w/ tons of ASR & life thru the zone. Hit 99 mph 10+ times incl his final pitch of the outing. Had his sharp vert CB on a string & faded the CHG effectively vs LHHs (clip). #LSU commit. @PG_Draft #WWBAWorlds @Florida_PG — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting)...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 10/21/2026

Jupiter Recap: Uncommitted...For Now

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 PG Draft: Jupiter Draft Movers | Jupiter: Stars Being Stars Gets your reads in now because by the time you reach the end, some of the talent in this article might be giving their commitments to a college somewhere across the country. Every player below did something that caught out scout's eye and should certainly be on the radar for college coaches, if they aren't already.  Braxton Sykes (2028, Brunswick, Ga.) tossed a total of six innings down in Jupiter, collecting six strikeouts while failing to allow either a hit or earned run during his tenure on the mound. The 6-foot-2 right-hander showcased an impressive three-pitch mix with excellent feel to locate in every part of the strike zone. His fastball lived in the mid- to upper-80s mph range with more velocity to project for as Sykes continues to add strength and...
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.