Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/15/2022

Winter Warm Up Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff

Photo: Perfect Game

BURLINGTON, Iowa - Twenty-four teams arrived in Burlington to stake their claim as champions of the Perfect Game Softball Winter Warm Up. The tournament was held at the Greater Burlington Area Sports Facilities Fun City Turf. The indoor facility allows for two regulation size fields to be utilized for tournament play, in the climate-controlled, air-suspended dome.

16u Division

Twelve teams representing Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin opened the tournament with two days of pool play. Bracket play began on the third day, and after 14 hours of play, the Midwest Sluggers ‘05 had won three games to reach the finals. On the other side of the bracket, Illinois Ruthless 16u, after earning a first round bye, won two games to set up the final matchup. In what turned out to be a highly-entertaining final, it was Illinois Ruthless 16u who were finally able to stop the Sluggers' march through bracket play, holding on for a 7-6 win.

Ava Wombles (2025, Pleasant Hill, Ill.) was awarded the MV-Pitcher award. In 11 innings of work, Wombles, a right-hander, was able to strike out 11. More importantly, Wombles was brought into the championship game with one out and the tying run on second base. Wombles induced a ground ball for the second out, with the tying run moving up to third base. The next batter worked a 2-2 count. Wombles then delivered a stellar changeup that produced a swing-and-miss, sealing the championship for her and her teammates. Wombles also contributed at the plate with nine hits, three RBI and scored seven runs. Ava is a pitch-to-contact style pitcher, sitting consistently at 58 mph, that is successful when she keeps the ball down in the zone, eliciting ground balls. She definitely knows what she wants to do in the circle and with added strength as she matures, her velocity and spin rates will increase giving her even further tools.

Mary Paige Withers (2024, LeClaire, Iowa), batting leadoff for Midwest Sluggers ‘05, earned the MVP award. All Withers did this weekend was produce a stat line showing 11 hits, three doubles, three home runs, three stolen bases, eight RBI, and 10 runs scored, all while hitting .611. Withers, a right-handed hitter, sets up in a slightly squatted, wide base with her hands starting slightly above her shoulder, near her ear with very little movement to get to launch position. Withers plays the ball early, which gets the barrel through the zone, with contact being made out front generating angles which lends itself to getting the ball in the air.

Another pitcher doing work was Maia Lorengo (2024, Tremont, Ill.), a right-handed pitcher who was the workhorse for Central Illinois Lady Force. Lorengo pitched 13 innings and recorded an outstanding 33 strikeouts. Amazingly, with several pitchers throwing in the low-60s, Lorengo did her damage topping out at 58 mph. With a full complement of pitches, the ability to change speeds and seemingly hit her spots at will, she produces swing-and-miss stuff that should play at the next level.

Taylor Nolan (2024, Staunton, Ill.) is a 5-foot-7 shortstop for Illinois Ruthless 16u. Nolan collected eight hits, including a home run, while leading all tournament hitters with 10 RBI. Nolan, a right-handed stick, starts with a narrow, open stance and is able to get to a firm launch position with her hands remaining back. When she fires at toe touch, Nolan displayed one of the quickest bats through the zone in the 16u division. Although possessing this bat speed and good pull-side power, she showed the ability to keep the front side locked in and drive the ball to right field when pitchers worked her away.

Final player of note this weekend was Natalie Pratt (2025, Blue Grass, Iowa) who, although she only collected five hits this weekend, four were for extra bases, including three home runs. She knocked in eight runs and scored six times herself. Once it was seen what she could do with the bat, she was hard pressed to get a pitch to swing at and received four free passes. Pratt, a right-handed hitter, is able to generate the power from her 5-foot-2 frame by constantly getting the barrel to the ball while using a solid lower half. Pratt has a great approach at the plate, knocking the ball around the park, with gap-to-gap power.

18u Division

There were 12 teams competing in Perfect Game Softball’s 18u Winter Warm Up, and after two days of pool play and a 14-hour day of bracket play, it came down to Wisconsin Lightning 2022 and Nebraska Gold 319-Berning. Behind strong pitching and power hitting, Wisconsin took the championship with a 4-1 win.

Ellie Giles (2022, Chicago, Ill.) was awarded the tournament MV-Pitcher trophy. Giles, a Belmont University commit, pitched 11 innings, recording an unbelievable 32 punchouts while only allowing one earned run on three hits this weekend for the Wisconsin Lightning 2022. Giles, a right-hander, stands 5-foot-11 and utilizes that length to generate pitches consistently at 61 mph, while occasionally touching 63. Giles was able to work both sides of the plate with ease, showing great movement and a riseball that was unhittable, exploding through the top of the zone.

Tournament MVP was awarded to Hailey Conger (2022, Gurnee, Ill.), who is not your prototypical catcher, as she is left-handed and has speed. Conger, a Butler University commit, also bats left-handed and leads off for the Lightning. At the plate, Conger collected seven hits, including two home runs, brought in eight, scored 11 runs and swiped six bases. Conger is as equally comfortable laying down a bunt or soft slap as she is driving the ball to the opposite field with power. Behind the plate, Conger possesses all the tools to be successful. She has a great setup, receives the ball well, works pitches that are off the plate or low back into the zone smoothly and is that vocal leader that is needed on the field.

Lightning teammate Anna Frafjord, (2022, Sussex, Wis.), a Lewis University commit, is a 5-foot-10 corner infielder with power. Frafjord hits from a firm, wide stance and generates power with a solid lower half turn. A short, compact swing, plus bat speed, and a high finish allows Frafjord to get the barrel to the ball at the front of the zone creating an angle for getting the ball in the air.

Nebraska Gold 319-Berning’s Anna Streff (2022, Marion, Iowa) was at the top of the list of defensive players. The University Of Iowa shortstop commit displayed great range, a plus arm, soft hands, and great footwork. Streff showed the ability to deliver the ball accurately from varied arm slots, even while on the move, and always seemed to be in the right position during game situations. At the plate, Streff collected four hits, including a home run and knocked in four.

One of the top pitchers of the weekend was Ryleigh Owens (2022, Edwardsville, Ill.), who led the weekend with 18 innings pitched for Illinois Esprit '04. The left-handed Parkland CC commit recorded 26 punchouts and gave up one earned run on the weekend. Owens displayed a curve that ran in hard on right-handers, leading to several weak handle jobs. Owens also showed good defense in getting out of the circle to make several plays on balls in front of the plate. Owens' swing-and-miss pitch was her drop curve. Right-handed batters found themselves swinging over the top of the ball as it dove down-and-in.

Quick Hits

Jordyn Beck (2023, Marion, Iowa) is an uncommitted RHP sitting 61-62 mph, touched 64 mph. Nine innings pitched, recorded 16 strikeouts

Maddy McDermott (2023, Walcott, Iowa) is a uncommitted RHP/1B. Hit 3 home runs and recorded 20 strikeouts in nine innings of work, topping out at 63 mph

-Dave Durbala

PERFECTGAME.TV

Give us your feedback

Softball | Softball Tournament | 10/9/2026

PG Softball Illinois Scouting Showcase Series 18U Division

Erica Beach

PG Softball Illinois Scouting Showcase Series 18U Division Oct 3-4 Peoria, IL PEORIA, IL- It was a phenomenal weekend for softball as six teams from three different states gathered at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria, Illinois for the 2026 PG Softball Illinois Scouting Showcase Series 18U Division. The competition was fierce from the first pitch to the final out, making for an action-packed slate of games. Our scouts were treated to an incredible display of talent and athleticism throughout the event, and below are the standout players who truly caught our eye. Joharah Boze (2027, Chillicothe, IL) of the Indiana Magic 18U Lewellen hit an astounding .778 on the weekend. She finished the tournament with four singles, three doubles, two walks, three runs scored, and four RBIs, proving to be the pillar of consistency for her squad. Featuring an athletic stance and a balanced...

Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 10/15/2026

Beyond the Board: C/UTL Gavin Kelly

Tyler Henninger

Beyond the Board: SS Dylan Seward As the 2027 draft cycle moves through the fall and into the offseason, we kick off a new series called Beyond The Board. With each installment, we will provide an in-depth scouting report for some of the top players in the class, breaking down their tools, strengths, question marks, and overall projection. This week we are diving in West Virginia’s Gavin Kelly. The Mountaineer backstop posted a .382/.477/.725 slash line with 19 home runs, 44 extra-base hits, and helped lead WVU to Omaha in ‘26. Let’s dive in. Player: Gavin Kelly Position: C/UTL B/T: R/R Height: 6-foot-0 Weight: 175-pounds School: West Virginia Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pen. Physical Description: 6-0/175. Lean, athletic build. Sneaky strength throughout. Frame has room to fill out and get stronger. Slo-mo look at the HR by Gavin Kelly (@WVUBaseball)....

Tournaments | Story | 10/15/2026

Big Offense Propels TBT/FTB to Title

Hannah Jo Groves

Big Offense Wins TBT/FTB Phillies Scout WWBA Freshman Title Runs scoring in every inning led to the TBT/FTB Phillies Scout Team taking home the 2026 PG WWBA Freshman World Championship - winning over Canes National 15U 10-5. It had been a long week in West Palm Beach for the freshmen coming in from around the country to go up against the best of the best. While they had gotten to play on the backfields during the whole tournament, the players who made it to the championship game got to play it in the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches Stadium. TBT/FTB showed their defensive strength right away - executing quickly to retire each of the first three batters. With the bats in their hands, they also showed speed to deliver - with Luca Briggs batting Trey Vandergriff in for the first run of the game and Kingston George quickly plating Briggs with a double in the next at-bat. In the first at-bat of...

Tournaments | Story | 10/14/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff

‘31 Ryan Spann (GA) obliterates this ball for a solo HR 💣. Ball jumps off barrel & shows the juice and & PS impact. 3x @PGSelectFest alum. #BeastOfTheEast @PG_Georgia https://t.co/TgVGPfDRYc — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) October 10, 2026 Ryan Spann (2031, Warner Robins, Ga.) took home MVP honors after a standout weekend and finishing as the number one player on the top performers list. The top player from Georgia and number two player in the country led all performers in home runs (2) and tallied 7 RBIs on his way to a .400 average. The overall profile on Spann is super advanced for the age with electric offensive upside and one of if not the prettiest swing in the class. This will be a fun follow for years to come and I am all in. Carlo Rivero (2031, Apopka, Fla.) checks in as the number one overall player in the class and it’s easy to see why at...

Press Release | Press Release | 10/14/2026

Perfect Game Extends Turtlebox Deal

667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PERFECT GAME EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH TURTLEBOX AS OFFICIAL BLUETOOTH SPEAKER AND AUDIO PROVIDER Sanford, Florida (Wednesday, October 14, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Turtlebox has extended its partnership as the Official Bluetooth Speaker and Audio Provider of Perfect Game. The relationship, which began in 2023, expands to include original content, player recognition and a larger presence at Perfect Game's marquee events. At the center of the extension is "Turtlebox Cage Sessions," a new series produced and distributed by Perfect Game across all its social media platforms. The 12 short-form episodes will feature...

Tournaments | Story | 10/13/2026

East Cobb/Padres Explode Late for Jupiter Win

Hannah Jo Groves

East Cobb/SD Padres ST Explode Late for WWBA Worlds Win A hard-fought, crazy ending resulted in the East Cobb/SD Padres scout team coming back and winning the 2026 PG WWBA World Championship over the SBA/Marlins Scout Team 2028. The score was 8-7 after the championship was won with a walk-off balk. After going against some of the most talented, highly-ranked players in the country for the past couple days, it was finally time for the championship game at Roger Dean Complex Stadium in Jupiter, FL. The WWBA World Championship, or, as it’s more commonly and lovingly referred to as, “Jupiter,” has become a favorite for all who have been part of its iconic, golf-cart infested, electric atmosphere. This championship game was sure to entertain. The first two innings were scoreless for both teams as they got settled. Both defenses were making plays - SBA/Marlins executed a...

Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 4

Marcus Thomas

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 James Watson (2030, Canton, Ga.) showed the two-way upside to start bracket play for East Cobb Astros 15u. On the mound the right-handed pitcher went three innings and with three strikeouts and spread five hits and two walks for three runs. Watson works from a hybrid windup from the middle-of-the-rubber into a small heel-turn and an around-the-belt leg lift before using drop-and-drive back leg mechanics into a longer, in-line stride down the mound. Showed some feel to get extension down the mound. The hands separate into a moderate arm action before accelerating through from an over-the-top arm angle. The fastball ran up to 86 with arm-side run and life. Paired it with a curveball with 11-5 shape and solid two-plane break. Mixed in a change-up in the upper- 70s with some vertical depth. Competed at the top of the zone well. Athletic...

Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 4

AJ Denny

WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 ‘27 Mark Susa (WI) picked up 3 Ks thru 2 inn of work. 4SFB topped at 90 mph early on; 2S lived 85-86 w/ good run & sink down in the zone. Spun a 2600 rpm SLV w/ sharp traits (clip). Got up to 7’1” of extension. 6’4/200lb frame w/ more to come. #IUBase #WWBAWorlds @PG_WiscMinn https://t.co/uXfjVSSSZF — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 11, 2026 Mark Susa (2027, Hudson, Wisc.) put together a quality outing on Sunday, striking out three batters over 2.1 innings of work. The 6-foot-4 200-pound left-hander ran his fastball up to 90 mph, pairing it with a two-seamer that lived in the 85-86 mph range with heavy sink and arm-side run. He also showed great feel for spinning and locating his slurvy breaking ball, which read spin up to 2600 rpm. Susa utilizes his length to his advantage, creating...

Tournaments | Story | 10/11/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 3

Kyler Peterson

WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 ‘28 Alan Zimmerman (FL) racked up 5 Ks w/ just 1 H allowed thru 3 shutout frames. Lived 89-90 T91 w/ lots of life thru the zone & some ASR. Dropped in a 12/6 breaker for Ks (clip). Projectable 6’3” mold. #Uncommitted @PG_Uncommitted #WWBAWorlds @Florida_PG https://t.co/KTDFpGK49y — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 10, 2026 Alan Zimmerman (2028, Winter Garden, Fla.) was dominant in his start on Saturday, collecting five strikeouts through three shutout innings while allowing just one hit. The uncommitted 6-foot-3 right-hander showed out in front of a lot of scouts, running his fastball up to 91 mph. The heater plays up with lots of life through the zone and short arm-side run. Zimmerman sat comfortably in the 88-90 mph range, pairing his fastball with a late-acting 12/6 curveball that was landed...

Tournaments | Story | 10/11/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 3

Jheremy Brown

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 Carson Garzaniti (2029, Jupiter, Fla.) showed the barrel feel all game for West Boynton Cobras. The right-handed hitter starts from a spread stance with his weight shifted forward and in-line feet with a high handset and an even back elbow, utilizes a heel lift weight transfer trigger. Creates some separation in the back shoulder and uncoils the lower half with a short, direct hand path and extension out front from a slightly uphill bat plane. Good bat speed in the swing with some feel to impact. The catcher has shown the barrel accuracy all event with three hits, including a double and triple, to drive in four RBI and has come around to score five runs. Lean, athletic 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame with feel to generate power working ground up from the back leg. Exciting player that has been swinging a hot stick through pool play. ...

Tournaments | Story | 10/10/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff

WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 ‘27 C Joshua Digulio (TX) opened the morning in Cacti Park with a bang. In his first at-bat of the morning, Digulio crushed an 0-2 fastball. The right-handed hitter powered a fly-ball through the Florida morning humidity off the back wall of the left field bullpen for a no-doubt solo shot. Everybody in the stadium knew it was gone as soon as he made contact. The catcher also worked a walk in his only other plate appearance. His home run was the only hit in the game, providing Texas Brigade 2027 a 1-0 win. ‘27 MIF Xavier Martin (IL) woke up the stadium with an electric swing. The right-handed hitter was sitting dead-red on a 2-0 heater, got it, and torched it. Martin scorched a line drive all the way over the left field bullpen, as the ball cleared a near 20-foot wall and bounced onto the concourse. It was a two-run shot for the...

Loading more articles...