Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/22/2022

Winter World Series Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff

Photo: Perfect Game

There were 18 teams in town this past weekend in Burlington, Iowa at the Perfect Game Softball 16U Winter World Series, with a great number of impactful players in attendance. The Bandits from Kaukauna, Wis. finished the tournament undefeated, continuously showing their prowess against the rest of the competition.

Gabby Fakes (2024, Fox Lake, Wis.) was named tournament MV-Pitcher for the tournament for the Bandits, while Sophia Bauman (2025, Grimes, Iowa) with the Iowa Outlaws Select 06 Andrews was named MVP of the tournament with an impressive 23 RBI.

Right-handed pitcher Avery Rost (2023, O'Fallon, Ill.), playing for the Tomahawks, was key on the mound this weekend. She was pitching anywhere from 43-58 mph, making it difficult for batters to have any predictions of what was to come. She finished with 21 strikeouts and only 4 walks for the tournament. To top it off, her curveball was most impressive as it tailed down near the end. She also hit fourth in the lineup at the plate, as she had a ready-to-hit mentality, attacking the ball with consistent hits to the middle of the ball.

Ruby Tarr (2024, Sidney, Ill.) with Illinois Ruthless showed huge range at shortstop, snagging hits that would typically be out of range. Her consistent glove was the glue to some successful games. She followed with some impressive swings at the plate, throwing her hands with natural ease at the ball that resulted in a home run.

Left-handed catcher Lexie Griggs (2024, O'Fallon, Mo.) with Texas Glory STL 24/25 was an asset behind the plate and at the plate. With an upright stance behind the plate, she was able to bend what could have been a ball into a strike. In the event her pitcher wins at the plate, she is the first to jump and congratulate her to keep the heat rolling. At the plate, she puts her all into each hit, driving her hips and striking through the middle of the ball.

Talia Lavorato (2024, Clive, Iowa) with Iowa Outlaws Select 06 Andrew shows a presence at the plate with a keen eye and an aggressive stance, ready to strike at the ball. She fights to get her pitch and once there, she drives through throwing her hands at the ball and she's quick on the bases. She uses her high energy all over the field, whether it be behind the plate keeping her pitcher up or in the dugout cheering on the batter for a transferred boost of energy. Behind the plate she is quick to pop up or down to use her body to block when it is needed.

Grace Blakemore (2024, Edwardsville, Ill.) with Illinois Ruthless was a true utility player, making her way around the field and yet at each position excelled. In right field she was able to jump on a ball to throw the runner out at first base. She also showed the ability to track some tailing fly balls with ease.

Addie Bowers (2023, Saint James, Minn.) with MN Waves- Nessler 16U was painting corners effortlessly. She was touching 62 mph and ended the weekend with 49 strikeouts. Her consistent accuracy helped lead her team to third place to finish up the tournament.

Brinlee Ostrander (2024, Eldon, Iowa), a 5-foot-1 catcher with the Mudd Dawgs, was a standout with her speed coming in handy behind the plate. A passed ball was no problem for her to jump on and ensure runners did not have the time to proceed to the next base. Her framing capability came in handy too, grabbing some strikes for her pitcher.

Ryleigh Albers (2024, St Charles, Mo.), a catcher with STL Comets 23/24, presents a certain confidence behind the plate when she sees the ball before it is even there, giving her the advantage to set up accordingly for each pitch.

Right-handed pitcher Karly Meredith (2025, Kaukauna, Wis.), playing for the Bandits, played a pivotal role on the mound this weekend, touching 64 mph, and showed the importance of accuracy with her 42 mph changeup that batter's often watched go by. On more than one occasion she had innings with no hits. At the plate, she pounds the ball dead center with a wide stance, ending the weekend with 2 home runs and 8 RBI to show for it.

Lydia Ettema (2023, Peosta, Iowa) with Nebraska Gold – Sandknop is a utility player in countless places for her team. As a middle infielder you can count on her for any close play to follow through with a chuck to first. As a pitcher touching 62 mph with a changeup at 35 mph, she makes a mark that brings her team up. At the plate, she shows off exceptional bat mechanics that result in consistent hits that her team can count on to get things heated up.

PERFECTGAME.TV

Give us your feedback

Softball | Softball Tournament | 9/23/2026

PG Softball Twin Cities Elite Scouting Showcase

Ashley Mears

2026 PG Softball Twin Cities Elite Scouting Showcase September 19th, 2026 Ashley Mears BLAINE, MN- Rain may have shortened the weekend but it didn’t shorten the competition. The tournament was STACKED with some of the top teams from South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The 16u division came down to Midwest Speed 16U Nat’l Chell taking home the trophy and shutting out a tough MN Sting National-Makela team. The 18U division came down to Midwest Speed 18u Nat’l Koltes loaded team out slugging Mission 18u National. 16U Taitum Kostecka (2028 Princeton, MN) of Midwest Speed 16U Nat’l Chell was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. Kostecka is a speedy left-handed power hitter who is one of the toughest outs around, as she did not strike out a single time throughout the weekend. Starting in an open stance, she uses a...

Press Release | Press Release | 10/7/2026

Perfect Game to Debut PG Central

Perfect Game Staff

667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PERFECT GAME TO DEBUT NEW FLAGSHIP SHOW PG CENTRAL DURING WWBA CHAMPIONSHIP IN JUPITER Jupiter, Florida (Wednesday, October 7, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the debut of PG Central, a new live, on-location show designed to serve as a key destination for the latest news, features and analysis from across the travel baseball landscape. The inaugural episodes will spotlight’s Perfect Game’s 2027 event schedule with guests from across the professional and youth baseball ecosystems. PG Central is powered by ZT Athletics. PG Central will make its debut today at 7:00 pm ET as part of Perfect Game’s annual WWBA...

Tournaments | Story | 10/6/2026

PG Draft: Jupiter Preview

Ryan Miller

Jupiter has long been one of the best opportunities for draft eligible players to make an impression and this year’s field should be no different. With an elite collection of prospects all competing on the same fields, the event provides a valuable opportunity for players to establish themselves against some of the best competition in the class. This week’s WWBA World Championship could be a pivotal week for several prospects looking to make an impression and elevate their draft stock. Ahead of the event, the draft team each highlighted a sleeper prospect (someone who is currently not ranked in our board) to watch, as well as a current member of our Top-100 who could make a significant move up the rankings. Keep an eye on these names throughout the week as they look to make an impact and force their way up the board on our next update. Top-100 Risers Jake Ivey...

Tournaments | Story | 10/5/2026

WWBA Underclass Scout Notes: Day 4

Perfect Game Staff

WWBA Underclass Scout Notes: Days 1-2 | Day 3 Hudson Covington (2028 Aliso Viejo, CA) has had himself a weekend at the dish, hitting an even .500 going into Championship Monday including a perfect 3-3 performance in the 2nd round of playoffs for TB SoCal. In just his 5th PG event, the uncommitted prospect is certainly making a name for himself with plenty of offensive tools to like. From the left side, Covington keeps the path direct and repeatable with a pull side & middle of the field approach displayed. He flashes high contact tool and does a great job of putting something in play with two strikes, limiting the swing/miss in the stroke with evident control of the barrel. Levi Anthony x2‼️ this one longgg gone for a 3-run shot💣 showing off big time power today #WWBAWorlds @PGMidwestBB https://t.co/0Jr8QY0KFC — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 3, 2026 Creighton...

Tournaments | Story | 10/5/2026

PG WWBA Coastal Fall World Series

Perfect Game Staff

Evan Chwaszczewski (2030, York, SC) stands at 6-foot-5, 185 pounds with a tall, athletic frame and long limbs. Shows good physicality with room for continued strength and development. Bats and throws right-handed and is a catcher. Creates good leverage and drives the ball with authority. Shows good bat speed and stays inside the baseball well. Chwaszczewski went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored, having a great day at the plate. Elias Jackovich (2030, Crouse, NC) stands at 6-foot-3, 175 pounds with a tall, well-proportioned frame and developing strength. Bats left-handed and throws right-handed and plays third base. Has a confident approach with good contact ability. Drives the ball into the gaps with developing power. Shows good bat speed and stays inside the baseball well. Jackovich went 2-for-3 with one double. Porter Ingle (2030, Ellenboro, NC) stands at 5-foot-10, 155 pounds...

Draft | Story | 10/5/2026

Beyond the Board: Dylan Seward

Tyler Henninger

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. To kick things off, we let’s take a look at the current No. 1 player on our board, Norco HS SS Dylan Seward. Player: Dylan Seward Position: SS B/T: S/R Height: 6-foot-0 Weight: 177-pounds School: Norco HS Hometown: Corona, Calif. Physical Description: 6-0/177. Shorter build. Lean, athletic body. Frame has wiry strength throughout. A little bit of room for some continued strength development. Hit: Switch-hitter. Uses an even base with a slightly closed stance from the left side and ever-slightly open stance from the right side. Hands are set at chin level. Displays a...

Tournaments | Story | 10/4/2026

WWBA Underclass Scout Notes: Day 3

Perfect Game Staff

WWBA Underclass Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Richard Cruz Iii (2028, Chandler, Ariz.) has had a good weekend offensively, driving balls to the gaps with consistency. The barrel accuracy and fast hands stand out as the swing is super direct to contact and he can whip it with consistency. It’s a solid package of offensive tools that give upside at the middle infield position. ‘28 OF Thomas Shank (CO) comes thru again with an RBI knock to secure the run rule. Really moves the barrel around w/ excellent B2B. #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/22TfZij9ZV pic.twitter.com/lEFBce5Zii — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 3, 2026 Thomas Shank (2028, Castle Pines, Colo.) had two more hits during the 8am slot and continues to shine in terms of the hit tool. He’s an athletic outfielder with a really pretty stroke that projects nicely. It’s an extremely...

Tournaments | Story | 10/3/2026

WWBA Underclass Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff

Gage McRae (‘27 NC) obliterates this ball well over the LF wall and into the top of the trees for a solo shot💣 evident power tool being put on display from the @PG_Uncommitted prospect #WWBAWorlds@PG_Coastal https://t.co/AFKGSrGz8n pic.twitter.com/RbwgsUK2yi — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 2, 2026 Gage McRae (2027 Mount Gilead, NC) certainly put his name in the conversation for longest HR during Underclass Opening Day, as the uncommitted catching prospect finished his night by simply demolishing a moonshot into the trees well above the LF wall at Fort Myers High School. Strength is clear for the coastal kid standing at 6-foot, 195 pounds with power generated from the lower half. Starting from a slightly crouched, quiet base, McRae displays dangerous barrel whip and to say he impacts it with authority would be an understatement. It’s safe to say he can put...

Tournaments | Story | 10/3/2026

14u/17u Fall National Champ. Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff

Kipton Vose (‘29, AZ) shows a solid 3 inning outing while striking out 4. FB up to 83mph from the left side paired w/ a confident CB. Over the top and attacks early #FallNatChamp https://t.co/y2Zy7JKanE — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) September 25, 2026 Kipton Vose (2029, Queen Creek, Ariz.) earned Most Valuable Pitcher honors after a strong weekend that included a three-inning outing with four strikeouts and a start in the championship. The left-handed pitcher worked with a fastball up to 83 mph. Vose paired it with a curveball that he landed for strikes. The pitch mix was consistently thrown for strikes, allowing Vose to attack hitters early in counts. He showed the ability to generate swings and misses while maintaining a steady rhythm and working efficiently in the zone. The 5-foot-10, 145-pound frame and consistent delivery gave him an effective presence...

Draft | Story | 10/3/2026

2027 Draft: College Demographic Breakdown

Ryan Miller

The 2027 MLB Draft cycle is still in its early stages, but the overall makeup of the class is beginning to come into focus. With the first version of our Top-100 board out, we took a closer look at positional demographics from both college and prep players within the class. Last week we took a look at the preps, so this week lets dive into the college class. College Right-Handed Pitchers Top Ranked Players: Dax Whitney, Oregon State | Chris Levonas, Wake Forest | Ryan McPherson, Mississippi State | Casan Evans, LSU | Sam Cozart, Texas Potential Sleepers: Tanner Bradley, Oregon | Austin Nye, Vanderbilt | Smith Bailey, Arizona Dax Whitney (‘27 elig.) showing LOUD stuff in collegiate debut. FB sitting 94-97 mph (T98 mph). Upwards of 22” IVB. Can create over 21” of HB on SL at 82-84 mph (~2900 rpm). CB at 77-79 mph with sharp, 12-6 action pairs...

Tournaments | Story | 10/1/2026

MW Champions Cup Scout Notes: Part 2

Perfect Game Staff

Midwest Champions Cup Scout Notes: Part 1 Alexander Kakach (‘27, MN) high level stuff with athleticism on the mound. 89-94 with the FB today. Two distinct breaking balls with a SL at 80-83 & over 3000 RPM at times. Another vertical depth breaking ball in the upper 70’s. Real developing arm talent. #Creighton commit.… pic.twitter.com/EUS21vI7o0 — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) September 27, 2026 Alexander Kakach (2027, Plymouth, Minn.) for pitchers from cold weather states in the fall, scouts look for who can potentially make the jump next spring and who has big stuff. And I think this one proved that he is in that category while in Chicago last weekend. He’s athletic, he moves well on the mound and rolled out throwing 90-94 for 3+ innings. Spun sharp breaking balls with distinct shapes including a couple sliders north of 3000 RPM. There’s a...

Loading more articles...