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College  | Recruiting | 11/29/2021

Uncommitted Gems: Southeast Region

Jered Goodwin
Photo: Jackson Hiatt (Perfect Game)
While a good portion within the class of 2022 put pen to paper a couple weeks back during the early signing period, there are several uncommitted gems throughout the country who have the talent and tools to make an impact at the next level. Over the next week we'll take a deeper look into five different regions, beginning with the Southeast, where several of these players have made a name for themselves throughout their Perfect Game careers. 
   

Jackson Hiatt (2022, Cantonment, Fla.) has an imposing 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame but wears it easy and one can see it filling out even more to help him be the first player off the bus at the next level. It’s a bit hard to see how Hiatt is uncommitted after the 2021 circuit where he hit .365 with an 1.029 OPS. He belted nine doubles and a homer and also starred at the National Showcase. The primary corner infielder proved he has some ability on the mound as he fired upper-80s fastballs as well, while filling up the zone.



Jaxon Pastore (2022, Highland Beach, Fla.) seemed healthy and ready in Jupiter as the 6-foot-3, 195-pound right-handed pitcher fired heaters at 87-88 with a mid-70s curveball and low-80s changeup. Pastore presents the body and athleticism that seems to always pop when matured and gets to his senior spring. This would not be a surprise at all, and the righty could be a huge addition to a program at the next level from day one. 


Anthony "AJ" Hunerberg (2022, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) is a 6.63 runner with real burst on the bases and in the outfield. He has a strong 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame and wears the weight well. The arm plays in the outfield with good carry and he has all the tools to play anywhere in the grass. He also combines a solid hit tool, with some thump, compiling a .941 OPS in 2021. Hunerberg is also younger for the grade.

Tysen Benford (2022, Acworth, Ga.) has crazy strength in his right-handed swing and uses every bit of his powerful 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame. He isn’t a one-trick pony though, as Benford hit an impressive .372 with a .968 OPS in 2021 with 10 doubles and two home runs. There aren’t a lot of available true power threats that also create as many freebies that the Georgia native did on the regular throughout the summer and fall.

Austin Breedlove (2022, Ooltewah, Tenn.) has a quick shoulder and an over-the-top release and fires 87-90 mph fastballs. The righty can work north-to-south and mix a short slider and sinking changeup. At 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, he as an optimal athletic frame and he already struck out more than one hitter per inning in 2021.

Matt Dupuis (2022, Woodstock, Ga.) is a center field-type defender at the next level with his .6.62 speed and the type of first-step quickness that is desired. At 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, the body will still add muscle and help add pop to the .333 average and 20 stolen bases in 38 games he posted in 2021. Dupuis has a strong arm and can make all the throws as well.

Aidan Jolley (2022, Acworth, Ga.) is a good defensive catcher with solid quickness to the ground and out of the crouch. His 5-foot-9, 170-pound build produces more pop than you would think as his .889 OPS and three dingers in 2021 would attest to. To build the resume, he has 11 home runs in his Perfect Game career. This is a really balanced defensive/offensive profile at a premium position.

Ryan McTighe (2022, Dunwoody, Ga.) has an athletic 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame with intrigue on both sides of the ball.  He threw 39 innings and struck out 43 over the summer and fall and barely gave up any earned runs. There is real control here and he hides the ball well to help the fastball that runs up in the mid-80s play up even more. The 12/6 breaker plays perfectly off the over-the-top release, especially up in the zone.


Barry Manning (2022, Stone Mountain, Ga.) was fantastic at the National Showcase in June when the tools played in a big way. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound wiry athletic hit .340 during 2021 with a line drive path and lots of whip to the barrel. He has been up to 90 mph on the mound to show his arm strength, though he is a bat. Manning is also a 6.63 runner and can change the game on both ends of the diamond.

Kaden Varela Payne (2022, Wake Forest, N.C.) is a really fast shoulder right-handed pitcher that has sprightly athleticism and big upside. At 6-foot-1, 167 pounds, the body has plenty to add in terms of strength and weight. He can already rack up the strikeouts when he attacks the zone, and he is filling the zone up more than ever now. This is a super intriguing arm to follow this spring.


McKane Everett (2022, Lebanon, Tenn.), a strong framed left-handed hitter, has a sturdy 6-foot-1, 205-pound build and noticeably strong forearms. His relaxed approach helps to identify and work counts until he unleashes the barrel with big intent. The Tennessee native hit .333 with three doubles while producing enticing RBI numbers in the middle of the order. He played mostly first base in our looks but does have a catching background. 

Jean Cuello (2022, Naples, Fla.) came on strong late in the summer, finding his power stroke with 10 extra-base hits. Cuello worked nine walks, and he also stole nine bases to round out a solid summer where he hit .316. He has the actions and instincts to stay in the middle of the diamond and his 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame also has a classic look for the profile. 

Patrick Engskov (2022, Little Rock, Ark.) plays with a ton of energy coming from a motor that doesn’t stop. He is a do-it-all 6-foot, 181-pound infielder that can influence the outcome in a number of ways. The versatility on defense is a plus as he can play all over the dirt with the athleticism and IQ to play anywhere on the field. Offensively, Engskov has quick wrists and a short direct path that helps him collect hits from line-to-line. He should be an instant contributor at the next level.


Grayson Kellett (2022, Hokes Bluff, Ala.) punished baseballs during the circuit, mostly due to his really strong top hand that he punches with resolve to help an accurate and direct path. The barrel-chested 6-foot, 205-pound athlete should continue to produce in the left-handed batters box, and if he builds on the .366 average with a 1.081 OPS he produced this summer, Kellett could be a late steal. The young power bat is already displaying one-swing, game-changing ability.

Luke Thomas (2022, Climax, N.C.) was one of the impressive risers near the end of fall from both performance and for the tick up in stuff. There is a lot to like in terms of building on the wiry 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame that is already producing upper-80s velocity. Given the overall athleticism and current hand speed, the velocity should come organically as he matures. Both off-speed offerings also miss bats in bunches as the curveball has depth and the changeup has late fade. The aforementioned swing-and-miss in “bunches” includes a double-digit strikeout performance down the stretch.
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College | Story | 7/24/2026

Cape Cod League Notebook: July 24
Perfect Game Staff
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Luke Costello | INF | South Carolina | Bourne Braves  Costello brings one of the cleaner offensive operations in the Cape, featuring a simple, direct swing that allows him to consistently get the barrel out front and do damage. He minimizes unnecessary movement, stays on time, and shows the strength to impact the baseball with authority. After a very productive spring hitting .302 with 17 home runs during his sophomore season at Wake Forest, Costello heads to South Carolina as an established middle-of-the-order bat. His combination of present power, offensive consistency, and polished approach should translate well against SEC pitching.     A look at Terry Hayes Jr (@OleMissBSB) lived 92-94 on the FB showed a CT at 88-90, SL at 82-84 and a really good CB at 78-81. @ChathamAnglers So./‘26 elig pic.twitter.com/vbsYWF2IcY — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall)...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/24/2026

PG East World Series Preview

Will Dembo
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As the summer travel baseball season comes to an end, over 80 teams will meet in East Cobb, Georgia as they look to end the year with a victory and a trophy at the PG East World Series. The premier event will host 5 age groups of 14u-18u with pool play commencing the tournament on Friday, July 24th, with champions crowned on Monday, July 27th at East Cobb Baseball Complex. The 15u field will feature 26 teams from all over the southeast, including the No. 27 team in the nation from the 14u rankings, Home Plate Chili Dogs 14u Glozier. The Chili Dogs, who also played up in the 15u WWBA last week for increased exposure, have been a very solid team this summer, but are still in search of their first championship win of the season. Another highly touted team looking to challenge them is USA Scout Team Nike, who is another 14u squad who will play against more mature competition for their 15u...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

A Look Ahead: 16U PG West WS

Emily Hicks
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Another exciting week of Perfect Game baseball is on the horizon as the 16U PG West World Series brings together some of the top travel baseball programs for a highly competitive tournament. Taking place July 23 - 26 at Riverview Complex in Mesa, AZ, the event will feature talented teams looking to make a statement as they compete for one of the summer's most prestigious titles. The tournament will welcome clubs from across the West, creating a talented field filled with nationally recognized organizations, rising contenders, and some of the top 16U prospects in the country. Throughout pool play and the championship bracket, every game will provide an opportunity for teams to showcase their talent while pursuing a World Series championship. With high-level competition expected throughout the week, fans can look forward to quality pitching, explosive offenses, and outstanding defensive...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

Battle For The Midwest Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Gavin Johnson (2029, De Pere, Wisc.) handled the bat pretty well this weekend for his CBT Wolfpack 15u team that made a run into bracket play. Johnson is a left-handed hitting first baseman with a physical 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame, showing good physicality throughout the build. It’s a clean stroke from the left side, with feel to deliver the barrel on time and drive the ball working pull-side. He has a feel to rotate well, loading deep with the hands & turning well through contact to impact the baseball out in front. Johnson tallied four hits on the weekend, including 2 doubles and a triple. He plated 3 runs as well.   Devon Hester (2029, Chicago, Ill.) had a heck of a weekend for Chicago White Sox Ace 2029 Hunt. He showed out on both sides of the ball this past weekend, really getting it done at the plate. He finished the weekend 7-for-15, with a double and 4 RBI to...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

UBC Midwest X Atlantic Notes: Part 2

Jordan Gates
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UBC Midwest X Atlantic Notes: Part 1 ‘27 RHP Alexander Kakach (MN) displayed present arm strength and some feel to spin. The #Creighton commit was up to 93 mph with the FB (89-93), while the SL showed two plane break at 79-84 mph. Mixed in CT at 84-86 with tight action in the zone. #UBCMW @MNIcemen @PG_WiscMinn pic.twitter.com/TlrOnNDIcd — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 18, 2026 Alexander Kakach (2027, Plymouth, Minn.) of MN Icemen 17U Gominsky displayed intriguing upside on the mound, striking out five over 4.0 innings while running the fastball up to 93 mph with ride. The 6-foot, 180-pound right-hander and Creighton commit paired the fastball with a low-80s slider that flashed two-plane break and a cutter that played well off the mix. Kakach worked with a loose, quick arm from a high three-quarter slot, creating quality movement across his mix while displaying...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 6

Perfect Game Staff
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15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 Brycen Orcutt (‘29, WV) was dominant to open his outing, tossing five innings of shutout ball thus far, striking out nine. Got the FB up to 85 w/ feel to land a tight + sharp two-plane BB. #WWBA @PG_VirginiaWV pic.twitter.com/Yjm2IbufqU — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 21, 2026 Brycen Orcutt (’29, South Charleston, WV) has put together a strong event on both sides of the ball, posting a 1.458 OPS at the plate thus far, including a pair of doubles and three driven in. On the mound, Orcutt has logged a pair of starts, totaling 11.1 innings of shutout ball, striking out 15. The West Virginia native operates from a medium right-handed frame with a bit of length and lower half strength. He starts above the belt, working into an over-the-head windup before utilizing a medium direct leg lift, firing down...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 5

Perfect Game Staff
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15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Noah Rumley (‘29 NC) has been up to 90 so far in this start w/ 8 Ks in 4 innings of work. Really jumps out of the hand at foot strike w/ some ride to it; has also mixed in a SL w/ horizontal action. #WWBA @PG_Coastal pic.twitter.com/OcU57a3Syl — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 21, 2026 Noah Rumley (2029, Summerfield, N.C.) got the ball for GBC Lopez 2029 15u in their final game of pool play and dominated, going up against a tough lineup in the East Cobb Astros. The 6-foot-2 left-handed pitcher ended up going five innings, allowing only one hit and one run, while striking out nine. It’s premium stuff at the 15u level as he worked easily in the upper-80s, topping at 90 mph in the first. The breaking ball showed two-plane shape in the upper-70s as well. There’s a ton of things to like already and even...
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Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

Champions Named at Southwest Select

Emily Hicks
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Another week of Perfect Game baseball concluded as champions were crowned in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions of the Southwest Select Championship. After several days of pool play and championship bracket action, three teams rose above the competition to capture tournament titles following a week of high-level baseball. Throughout the tournament, teams from across the Southwest and beyond competed in closely contested matchups, producing standout pitching performances, timely offense, and memorable defensive plays. As the bracket narrowed, each division featured championship-caliber baseball before the final trophies were awarded. 15U Championship The 15U division title was claimed by AZ Prodigy, who defeated Nomadic 14U Premier by a score of 2-1 in the championship game. After putting together a strong tournament run, AZ Prodigy continued its momentum in the title game with contributions...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

Battle for the Windy City Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Tyler Osmanski (2027, Frankfort, Ill.) a 5-foot-11 160-pound right-handed pitcher worked a 7 inning complete game shutout to start off Chicago Elite’s 6-0 weekend. On top of going the distance he allowed only three base runners and one hit. Osmanski has lots of athleticism in his delivery. He keeps his body under control while still being able to have good arm action and great hip to shoulder separation. He works from the third base side of the rubber with a high ¾ arm slot. His fastball was up to 84mph multiple times and sat 80-83mph. He used two offspeed pitches, a good 12-6 breaking ball 65-68mph, and a changeup in the low 70’s.     ‘27 RHP Brett Alkire (IL) punched out everyone across his 5.2 inning masterful outing. He struck out 13 batters and did it on 66% strikes. Has an active arm action and kept the ball on the corners. FB T92 early w/...
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All American Game | Story | 7/22/2026

PG All-American Classic Roster Reveal

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  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES TEAM ROSTERS FOR 2026 DICK'S ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC AT CITIZENS BANK PARK   The rosters span 20 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada, with California leading the way Jersey City's Finnian O'Loughlin gives the host region a player in the spotlight Field includes sons of Hall of Famer Frank Thomas & MLB All-Star Brad Hawpe   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the Team East and Team West rosters for the 2026 DICK'S All-American Classic, set for Sunday, August 16 at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 60-player field represents the top...
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