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Juco  | Story | 2/9/2023

JUCO: Southwest Regional Preview

Tyler Henninger
JUCO: Top 500 Prospects

Regional Previews: Southeast | Florida

States Included: AZ, CO, NM, UT, NV, ID
Southwest Regional Top 15
Rk.  Team City St.
1 Central Arizona Coolidge AZ
2 Salt Lake Salt Lake City UT
3 Cochise Douglas AZ
4 New Mexico Hobbs NM
5 South Mountain  Phoenix  AZ
6 Pima Tucson  AZ
7 Southern Nevada Las Vegas NV
8 Southern Idaho Twin Falls ID
9 Arizona Western Yuma AZ
10 New Mexico Military Roswell NM
11 Eastern Arizona Thatcher AZ
12 Phoenix Phoenix AZ
13 Chandler-Gilbert Chandler AZ
14 Yavapai Prescott AZ
15 Gateway Phoenix AZ

Top 15 Team Breakdowns



1. Central Arizona (Coolidge, Ariz.)
It’s business as usual heading into the 2023 season for the Central Arizona Vaqueros, coming off of another national title in 2022. They’ve had quite the recent streak of success, having won it all in 2019 as well as in 2022, and they’re our pick for the grand prize this year. They, like every other JUCO baseball team in the country, will have to replace a seriously veteran club but have the pieces to do it and, most importantly, they have the overall makeup and work ethic to want to achieve greatness. It starts on the mound for the Vaqs, with their rotation headlined by lefty Matt Wilkinson and righty Ryan Schiefer, both Arizona State commits. Wilkinson, nicknamed “Tugboat”, saw a fair bit of time last year out of the bullpen and should slide into a starting role right away while Schiefer, who is likely the team’s best draft prospect, was at GCU in 2022. Kansas commit Patrick Steitz likely rounds out the rotation, with other notable names like Theo Millas, Jasiah George and Tommy Brandenburg also expected to fill key roles. Catcher Lou Albrecht earned quite a bit of praise from head coach Anthony Gilich in our recent conversation, lauded for his defensive abilities and leadership skills behind the plate, and he’ll be a key offensive piece as well. Blake Avila is back and should be a key offensive contributor, as he had a strong freshman season from the left side, and others like shortstop Luke Thiele give CAC a good amount of athleticism and balance through their lineup. Watch out for freshman center fielder Sebastian Tomerlin, who is an extremely advanced defender who may lead off right away as well, as Coach Gilich couldn’t have sounded more excited when he spoke on Tomerlin’s upside, both short and long term. It’s a loaded club and our national title pick for a reason, but per usual, it’ll be a gauntlet to get there.

2. Salt Lake (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Pitching and defense have become the staple of the Salt Lake Bruins program under head coach David Nelson; who enters his 15th year at the helm of the program in 2023. The Bruins led all of NJCAA in team ERA last season and had a top three finish in team fielding percentage  a season ago. All culminating in a 47 win season and a Region 18 championship. Many key pieces from that team including an All-American return to help push the Bruins through to Grand Junction. The pitching staff features a depth of high end talent and one of the more unique collections of diverse arm slots and release points to give opposing hitters different looks. Returner and All-American LHP Dax Purser (11-0, 1.70 ERA) leads the staff after striking out 92 in 74 innings a year ago. Oregon State transfer, RHP Kyle Keyes is a talented arm and prolific strike thrower that should step into an important role. Both Keyes and Purser are 6-foot and 6-foot-1 respectively, and the ladder really starts going up from there. Freshman right-handers Traton Staheli (6-5, 200) and Dalton Smith (6-5, 190) are talented arms with big fastballs that should step in and throw important innings. Shay Timmer is a 6-foot-10 right hander and Utah commit that has a starters repertoire (low 90’s fastball, breaking ball, change-up). Timmer and James Boeree (7-2/240) combine to be some of the tallest pitchers in all of college baseball. Add in Jordan Pace who struck out 32 in 25 innings out of the bullpen last season and upside freshman Bryton Nielson and Jake Hervat and you have not only a talented pitching staff but a staff with big variance in release points and arm slots that will be extremely difficult on opposing hitters this season. A core of infielders including: Chip Beck, Jack Bluth, Dax Swenson, Daniel Gonzalez, Jalen Seward will be an inexperienced but talented group that will put together quality at-bats and prevent plenty of runs for the pitching staff. One key returner to the lineup, OF Jaxon Weatherly, brings a physical left-handed bat that posted an OPS of 1.098 last season and should be a premier bat in the lineup once again. Fellow outfielder Braden Winget who was tied for the team lead in home runs last season (6) will be another run producer for the Bruins. Trey McLawhorn and Trey Gambill are both freshman outfielder that have the talent to impact the lineup right away. Luke Johnson is a 6-foot-8 first baseman that has big power to tap into as well. It’s an inexperienced but talented group of players that will both score and help prevent runs. That combined with an elite pitching staff makes this seasons Bruins team one to really watch.

3. Cochise (Douglas, Ariz.)
It’s another absolutely loaded year in Arizona JUCO, and the Apaches of Cochise are one of my favorite squads overall heading into the 2023 campaign although they may not have the flashiest of rosters, we know they will be well coached, play together, and win quite a few games. The positive outlook for the team is the strength in the returners, especially in the outfield spots and depth on the mound. Ironically, the staff is led by the backend with All-American closer Marco Ozuna who is coming off a season in which he posted a 1.87 ERA, striking out 100 over 62 and two-thirds innings, The fastball sits 92-93 with added spin efficient hop from the high slot to pair with a wipeout swing and miss slider. The staff is also excited about returning left hander Kansas commit Evan Shaw who started 11 games as a freshman and decided in 8 starts with a (6-2) record. A high-quality commander of the strike zone at 87-90 and a full 3 pitch mix. As well as France native UL-Lafayette commit Mathias LaCombe who was another high leverage piece for them in 2022 but could draw some starts in 2023. The arsenal for LaCombe is headlined by his 95-mph fastball and a burgeoning slider to go with it. Offensively, they will lean into toolsy 6’5 Venezuelan OF Eduarny Martinez and his multifaceted impact on games as well as returning infielder Makai Desoto who possesses big time juice leaving the yard double digit times in 2022. I fully expect the Apaches to threaten Central Arizona as Arizona JUCO’s best team.

4. New Mexico (Hobbs, N.M.)
New Mexico returns multiple experienced starters on both sides of the ball from last seasons 42 win team. Add in a talented group of first year players and this is a group with a real chance to repeat as WJCAC Champions and make a run at an appearance in Grand Junction. Head coach Mike Robbins enters his third season at the helm of the program. On the mound this is a talented group that led the conference in both ERA and strikeouts a season ago, with a top 10 finish in all of NJCAA in strikeouts as a staff. Two key arms from that group are back in 2023 to lead the Thunderbirds. New Mexico State commit, LHP Jesus Tovar was conference Most Valuable Pitcher as a freshman after racking up 82 strikeouts in 64 innings and recording a staff best 3.11 ERA. Tovar shows real pitchability with a three-pitch mix. Missouri State commit, RHP Paul Coppinger is a physical 6-foot-7 starter that threw over 55 innings a season ago while racking up 78 strikeouts. Coppinger worked in the low 90’s this fall and showed a a wipeout slider that should miss plenty of bats once again in 2023. Add in RHP Max Swenson who has a 3-pitch mix that has been up to 94, RHP David Hankins who has a low 90’s fastball and a slider that has been up to 3000 RPM, Carlos Anziani (FIU transfer) who has a 3-pitch mix that has been up to 94 and two-way player Josh Pearl who has experience as a starter and you have a depth of talented and experienced arms that give the Thunderbirds a chance to win every game. The lineup features several experienced returners as well and despite losing a first team All-American from last seasons team the Thunderbirds return five key members that were part of an offense that was top 10 in NJCAA in: batting average, runs, RBI, home runs, stolen bases and OPS. Catcher Luis Gonzalez led the team in home runs (13) and RBI (72) last season. Texas State commit, MIF Aaron Lugo hit double digit (10) home runs his freshman season while providing solid up the middle defense. Outfielders Rafael Gross and Christian Hoffman are strong and athletic with the ability to hit double digit home runs this season. Add in infielders Mark Denning, who received part time playing time as a freshman and Brent Iredale (well known from 2016 LLWS) who enters his freshman season in 2023 with power potential and you have a lineup capable of repeating the offensive production from a season ago. That combined with the talented arms will make New Mexico a very interesting team to follow during their 2023 season.

5. South Mountain (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Head coach Todd Eastin enters his 20th season as head coach at South Mountain in 2023. A collection of highly talented arms and some experienced position players will carry South Mountain this season as they compete in the highly competitive ACCAC. University of Arizona commit, RHP Raul Garayzar is one of the best arms in the country at the junior college level and will lead the staff in 2023. Possesses big arm speed with a mid to upper 90’s fastball with life through the zone and two distinct breaking balls. Fellow right-hander and University of Houston commit Jaxon Jelkin is another very talented arm with a low to mid 90’s fastball and a sharp slider all coming from an athletic 6-foot-4 frame. Add in RHP Jackson Thomas who features a low 90’s fastball with a quality breaking ball and freshman LHP Zander Reese has a ton of upside in his 6-foot-3 frame and three pitch-mix featuring advanced secondary pitches and pitchability. Fellow freshman RHP Austin Balmes is a player that has added significant physicality since graduating high school last spring where his fastball and curveball combo really played with command of both offerings. This is going to be a really solid staff that matches up with anyone at the top end and certainly has untapped potential depth wise. The lineup has no shortage of talent with returners, transfers and some freshman ready to make an impact. University of Utah commit, infielder Core Jackson played in 44 games at Nebraska last season and brings a middle of the order type bat from the left side to the line up. Catcher Carter Richey (Lipscomb commit) will handle a talented pitching staff and is coming off a season where he hit .316 with 7 home runs as a freshman. Outfielder Michael Diaz (Grand Canyon commit) brings a blend of power and speed to the lineup and has a smooth left-handed swing. Expect freshman Sam Christiansen to find a way into the lineup as he’s a versatile defender that projects to hit for both average and power at the college level and has a chance to become an impact player right away. All together South Mountain has the talent to compete with anyone, how quickly and consistently that that talent comes together will determine how far their 2023 group can go.

6. Pima (Tucson, Ariz.)
The Aztecs bring a strong depth of arms this season as they look to pitch their way to an ACCAC title in head coach Ken Jacome’s fifth season. Pima brings a lot of talent on the mound in the form of returners and experienced transfers. Left-handed pitchers and New Mexico State commits Matthew Cornelius and Matt Romero will join University of Arizona commits and left-handed pitchers Jaeden Swanberg and Alessandro Castro to form a talented group of south paws for the Aztecs. Add in left-handed pitchers Anu Reis who threw the ball well last year, Anthony Imhoff who is a 6-foot-8 lefty with a fastball/slider combo and Justin Hanson who has a fastball up to 94 from a 6-foot-6 frame and this is one of the bigger collections of left-handed pitching talent in all of junior college baseball. It doesn’t end there though as RHP Wyatt Hardy (New Mexico commit) transfers in and brings a starter repertoire with a low-90’s fastball and two high spin breaking balls. Sophomore Dayne Pengelly is a hard throwing RHP that should compete for innings and joins a staff that is really about twelve arms deep on the mound. One freshman to watch could be LHP Christian Castilla (son of Vinny Castilla) who comes to Pima from a top high school program in Colorado. There’s talent in the lineup as well, led by returner Gage Mestas (Gonzaga commit) who hit .351 and stole 31 bags as a freshman while playing really solid defense up the middle. Braedon Mondeau (BYU commit) should play a more significant role this season after gaining valuable experience as a freshman, he’s a right-handed hitter that shows some pop to all fields. The Aztecs have depth behind the plate as well with more than capable catchers including: Hunter Faldo (Hawaii commit) who brings big right-handed pop, Andrew Stucky (UTSA commit) and Joey Adge who is a two-way player and should factor in on both sides of the ball. All together this is a group with talent that is going to put pressure on defenses and play solid defense behind an already very strong pitching staff. Big expectations for the Pima Aztecs this season. 

7. Southern Nevada (Las Vegas, Nev.)
The Coyotes seemingly have a strong squad year in and year out, but feel short of expectations a year ago despite a 36-win season. With plenty of key pieces returning, CSN looks to be in-line for another competitive year in 2023. The lineup will be tough on any opposing pitcher due to the depth and consistency throughout. Outfielder Jackson Castillo features a powerful left-handed bat that can produce loud contact regularly. Catcher Gavin Mez adds another experienced bat to the lineup with some thumb and brings leadership from behind the dish. A pair of freshmen from Reno in DH/1B Mickey Cruz Jr. and OF Garrison Geis should be valuable pieces in the lineup and take over starting roles early on. Both players have a track record of hitting throughout their prep careers. From top to bottom, the lineup can piece together quality at-bats and score runs in bunches. On the bump, righthander Austin Cates will look to lead the rotation. He displays a four-pitch mix with the ability to keep hitters off balance and go deep into games. Righthander Dominic Desch and his dynamic fastball/slider combination will fill high-leverage innings out of the pen. The lethal pitch mix should rack up strikeouts at a high rate. The roster as a whole should be able to compete with some of the best teams in the region and could very well wind up near the top of the regional rankings come the end of the year. 

8. Southern Idaho (Twin Falls, ID)
Southern Idaho finished off yet another impressive campaign in ‘22, posting a 40-win season and district playoff appearance. This year’s team looks poised to make another run into the postseason with their eyes set on Grand Junction. A big reason why the Golden Eagles will be competitive yet again is due to a strong pitching staff. There is tons of depth and experience to the group, to go along with quality stuff. The headliner is ace righthander Candon Dahle, who features a swing and miss arsenal. The fastball will work up to 94 mph with the secondary offerings continuing to get better. The BYU commit features top of the rotation stuff if it all clicks. Lefthander Josh Trentadue will join Dahle in the rotation. The VCU commit possesses a quick arm with a fastball/curveball combination that can miss bats regularly. Freshman Ashton Johnson is an arm to watch, as he could make a run at a rotation spot. The lefthander displays advanced pitchability that misses barrels and keeps hits off balance. There is no shortage of stuff on this staff, as it is one of the deeper collections of arms in the region. At the plate, Southern Idaho will not quite have the experience that they do on the mound. A young group of hitters will need to mesh quickly, but have the pieces to do so. BYU commit Greyson Schafer will be the driving force from the middle of the order. The sophomore corner infielder features a strong, physical build capable of producing big time exit velocity numbers. He will be joined on the dirt by freshmen Colby Carter, who has defensive versatility and intriguing power out of a 6-foot-4 frame, and Tyler Vance, who has the athleticism to play up the middle. The two are just a handful of freshman hitters that will fill key roles. Reno product Kaden Schuck will likely start behind the plate and should bring some thump to the order. Brody Duvall and Logan West will each have a chance to take over a spot in the outfield. Both players possess advanced speed with offensive upside and some power present. If the young hitters can step in and produce, the Golden Eagles look primed for a Region 18 title run. 

9. Arizona Western (Yuma, Ariz.)
The Matadors gave Central Arizona and Cochise a run for their money all year long as the top team in the state of Arizona, finishing with a 29-12 record. A deep pitching staff and powerful lineup wore down opponents and the same is likely with this year’s club. The pitching staff will be led by ace Jorge Carvajal, who posted a 2.63 ERA over 68.1 innings last year. The righthander features an intriguing three-pitch mix with a slider and splitter that keep hitters off balance. Juan Gil Franco is another arm returning to the team with starting experience. An efficient fastball/slider combination with advanced command allows the righthander to go deep into games while missing bats often. One of the most important arms for the Matadors could be Roland Marte. Marte will fill high leverage innings in either a starter or reliever role. Offensively, some returners will have to step up after a few key pieces from last year’s lineup have moved on. Infielder Ben Fiernzi is a returning starter who should provide consistent at-bats with a high on-base skill. Reece Longstaff is another guy who started 57 games last year and brings advanced speed that can cause havoc on the bases. Fellow backstops Noah Roberts and Tyler Leroy will need to show they can consistently produce, but each can bring some power to the middle of the order if they do so. Look for the Matadors to finish near the top of the Region 1 standings yet again this year 

10. New Mexico Military (Roswell, N.M.)
Last year the Broncos finished near .500, but the roster gained valuable experience that they will look to use this season to take the next step. Key returning pieces and few new additions should make this club extremely competitive in ‘23. One of the key returning pieces is sophomore infielder Rhett Stokes, who possesses a productive blend of both power and speed. Stokes shows a compact swing with plenty of strength at contact and is a threat to steal once on base. Another returning bat that the Broncos will rely on this year is first baseman Owen Alsup, who was tied for the team lead in long balls a year ago. Alsup looks to launch balls pullside and will do so often. Pairing with Alsup in the middle of the order will be B.Y. Choi, who is an advanced left-handed hitter with quality power. Outfielder Fran Gross gives the Broncos yet another hitter who can leave the yard at a high rate. It is a powerful group that should score runs at a high rate. The Broncos do not have the luxury of returning as many pieces on the mound. Jackson Peters only threw seven innings last year but could take over a starting role in ‘23. The 6-foot-5 righthander features a fastball that works in the upper-80’s with both a slider and changeup that can induce weak ground balls. Freshman Julio Ramos is a lean, athletic righthander who also could fill in another starting role and has some swing and miss ability. Righthander Leandro Tamaki gained some valuable experience at the end of games last year and could yet again fill those high leverage innings. The ceiling of this team relies on the pitching staff and who well they step into their new role. If they can keep games close, the offense is good enough to make the Broncos a legit contender. 

11. Eastern Arizona (Thatcher, Ariz.)
Eastern Arizona made big strides from a disappointing 2021 to last year, improving by 12 wins. The Gila Monsters will look to do the same yet again in 2023, as the roster returns key pieces on both sides of the ball with experience and tools. The rotation will be led by righthanders Braden Gluth and Diego Alvarez, both of whom possess swing and miss stuff. Gluth, a Creighton commit, features a fastball that sits 89-91 mph with a tight, upper-70’s slider. The pitch mix is tough on hitters and should only continue to get better. Gluth and Alvarez make up a 1-2 combination that should be able to compete with most other rotations. Offensively, a deeper group of bats should put up a fair amount of runs. Outfielder Khalil Walker, a New Mexico commit, possesses an advanced hit tool that can set the tone from the middle of the order. A short, compact left-handed stroke finds the barrel regularly. Sophomore infielder Junior Lopez should be another key bat. Lopez is a switch-hitter with some power present that will likely lead off. More thump should come from outfielder Kyle Perales as well. The slugger possesses a strong, physical build with the ability to leave the yard at any moment. The pieces are there for Eastern Arizona to continue to take strides forward and compete in Region 1. 

12. Phoenix (Phoenix, Ariz.)
The Bears have been a force over the last few seasons, winning back to back Region 1 championships at the Division II level. The club will look to make it three in a row, but will have some new challenges to face. A new coaching staff will be in the dugout, as head coach Scott Schneider takes over the reins. Coach Schneider will have the luxury of having a few key returning bats to the order. Outfielder Casey Wayne brings an upside right-handed bat with barrel feel and some power. Sophomore shortstop Alan Rosas brings an advanced defensive skill set with twitchy actions, along with intriguing offensive potential. Freshman outfielder Brycen Tambone is another right-handed bat with upside. Advanced speed should result in frequent stolen bases and allow him to man center field. Fellow freshman Elias Fiddler should bring some pop to the middle of the order. A strong, physical frame allows the ball to be driven to the big part of the field. The key to the Bears maintaining their dominance in the region will be on the bump. Both new and returning arms are going to have to fill big time roles. Local Hamilton product Logan Saloman possesses the best stuff on the staff. The righthander features a low-90’s fastball with advanced fading changeup and sharp slider that pair well off each other. Regaining command of the pitch mix will be a priority for Saloman this spring. Sophomore Owen Stalnaker is an intriguing arm that will be vital out of the pen. The righthander put up good numbers while leading the team in appearances last year and will need to do so yet again in high leverage innings. Freshman Presley Monteforte and Ismael Garcia could see expanded roles early. It is a new era in Phoenix, but the new-look Bears should still be a solid contender if key contributors step up. 

13. Chandler-Gilbert (Chandler, Ariz.)
The Coyotes were the near definition of a .500 team last year, finishing 15-15 at home, 6-7 on the road, 14-14 in conference play, and 21-22 overall. This year’s team looks poised to break through the .500 mark and compete as a winning club. The lineup is filled with quality hitters throughout, showing a mix of strong hit tools and power. Freshman Dante Turgeon has massive upside at the dish. A strong, physical frame produces big-time, all-fields power that shows up consistently in-game. He will likely be joined in the outfield by fellow freshman Ameer McGee, who possesses both power and speed. On the dirt, Camden Plewe and Jamison Armstrong will man the spots up the middle. Armstrong is a twitchy athlete with an above-average glove and loose, left-handed swing. Plewe will look to build off a strong ‘22 campaign, where an advanced hit tool resulted in a .433 OBP. The lineup has a nice blend of both athleticism and thump and should be able to put runs at a high rate. Andrew Yusypchuk will be the key arm amongst the pitching staff. The righthander features a lean, athletic frame with a quality three-pitch mix. The fastball works into the low-90’s with a fading changeup and short, upper-70’s slider. Yusypchuk threw quality innings in a hybrid role last year, but will need to take over as the staff ace. An intriguing arm that may take the Coyotes to the next level is freshman Trey Peters. The 6-foot-7 righthander has swing and miss stuff while showing good command for his size. Peters should have the chance to take over a starting spot. Reliever Sam Roberts has experience out of the pen and will likely be the guy to close games. The staff has the necessary pieces to be successful and the offense should be good enough to hang with other clubs. The Coyotes are an under the radar team that could wind up being one of the more competitive teams in the valley. 

14. Yavapai (Prescott, Ariz.)
The Roughriders roster has gone through a near complete turnover from last year’s squad, as new head coach Patrick Woods takes over. Despite all the changes, the roster still has plenty of interesting pieces on both sides of the ball. The rotation will be the strong suit of this club. Righthander Dillon Orr has top of the rotation stuff when everything is clicking and should be able to go toe to toe with any other ace in the region. Fellow righthander Barrett Skaugrud is one of the few players from last year’s staff still on the roster and brings starting experience to the rotation. Advanced pitchability allows him to keep hitters off balance and go deep into games. The most intriguing arm on the staff may be Hunter Hargett, who possesses a fastball that works up to 94 mph and a developing mid-80’s slider. If the command is there, it could give the Roughriders a trio of quality starters. Outfielder Jude Hall will lead the way offensively. Hall possesses quality power with athleticism that profiles for the top of the order. Ethan Thomas and Wailele Kane-Yates will be two other key pieces that will need to produce in order for Yavapai to succeed. It is a physical group offensively that may get overlooked by opponents. The Roughriders will likely face some challenges in year one under Woods, but they have the piece to win games and stay competitive.

15. Gateway (Phoenix, Ariz.)
The Geckos made the jump from 9-wins to 21-wins last year and look to be in position to improve yet again in ‘23. A quality influx of talent to this year’s roster should help take the next step forward both on the mound and offensively. Jeffrey Martz may be the most intriguing new bat to the lineup. The 6-foot-4 utility man can play both on the dirt and behind the plate, while bringing a mix of power and speed to the lineup. Martz should produce plenty of long balls and stolen bases throughout the year. Another new bat that should be a contributor is freshman Raenan Padilla. The first baseman is a physical right-handed bat that can bring thump to the middle of the order. Outfielder Trey Winget is another bat with good pop, whose athleticism will play well out of the leadoff spot. Returning sophomore Dominik Cassell possesses plus speed and can cause havoc on the bases. The overall athleticism of the offense should be able to create runs and keep the Geckos in games. On the bump, an under the radar staff has intriguing pieces that will fill valuable innings. Righthander Cade Nelson returns to the rotation. An upper-80’s fastball and quality breaking ball with depth produce quick, efficient innings. Jake Geis may be the most intriguing arm on the staff. The righthander features a prototypical starters build at 6-foot-4, 215-pounds. The fastball works into the low-90’s with feel for a sharp slider at 79-81 mph. Advanced strike throwing ability generates frequent whiffs and give Geis top of the rotation potential. Lefthander Isaac Rehfield will be a key bullpen piece, while Kyle Cop and Zachary Martinez are two more quality arms that will work into the low-90’s. It is a well-rounded roster overall with sneaky upside that could make some noise out in Phoenix.
 
Southwest Region Top 90 Prospects

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Emily Hicks
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JK Select Hawaii capped off an impressive tournament run by defeating GBG Vegas 14u Red14-4 in the championship game on Sunday at Goodyear Ballpark, claiming the 14u West World Series title. From the opening pitch, JK Select controlled the pace of the game. The offense jumped out early, scoring 6 runs in the 1st inning after timely hits from MVP Sean Shindo and Kade Manarpaac. The early lead gave the pitching staff confidence as they worked efficiently through the opposing lineup. “I've worked hard to get better at my game for the past few months; it means a lot that I did well and performed in a tournament like this” said Shindo. Starting pitcher Maddox Prones turned in a strong performance, allowing 3 runs while striking out 5 batters over 3 innings. The defense backed the effort with great plays in the middle infield, preventing GBG Vegas from building momentum....
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Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

"Wow" Swings Catch Eyes at 16u Elite

Kinley Kitchens
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On the second day of the 2026 Perfect Game National Elite Championship, one swing turned heads across the ballpark. The next one brought everyone to a stop. With Wow Factor Nation 16U trailing midway through its matchup against Sandlot Scout Team 2028, Micheal O'Connor launched a solo home run to spark the offense. Just one batter later, Aaron Frink stepped into the box and sent another ball over the fence, delivering back-to-back home runs that quickly became one of the most talked about moments of the tournament’s opening days. Parents gathered along the nets, players from previous games stopped to watch, and college scouts turned their attention toward the action as the two towering swings energized the crowd and brought new life to the game. Although Wow Factor Nation ultimately lost 5-3 after a hard-fought performance, the back-to-back home runs served as a reminder of the...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/30/2026

Stacked Runs the Table at 17u WWBA

Will Dembo
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Following a jam-packed week of entertainment at the 17u WWBA Championships, the top nationally ranked program, USA Prime 17u National/Detroit Tigers Scout Team, faced off against Stacked Baseball 17u (No. 80 nationally) in the highly anticipated championship matchup as both teams looked to earn one of the most prestigious titles in all of travel baseball. Each talented squad entered the finale undefeated, but Stacked Baseball continued their dominance throughout the tournament, defeating the Detroit Tigers Scout Team 10-2 in mercy rule fashion to become national champions behind explosive bats and impressive pitching. Stacked Baseball was the overwhelming top team throughout the week as the WWBA Champions outscored opponents by an absurd 117-12 during their 11-0 run. “We got some talented kids, but we played against a little bit of Goliath over there,” Stacked Head Coach Mike...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/30/2026

17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 7

Perfect Game Staff
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17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4  Day 5 | Day 6 Shea Corona (2027, Brooklyn, N.Y.) showcased some loud stuff out of the bullpen for MLB Breakthrough Series 2027. The New York native and primary shortstop topped out at 93 with the fastball, sitting comfortable in the 90-92 range. Corona paired it with a sharp and tight slider at 81-83, staying on the same plane until late. The pitch plays well already and the delivery is very athletic. The uncommitted right-hander went three scoreless and was in the zone plenty, striking out two while not allowing a walk. '27 SS Moises Gudino (FL) continues to stay red hot, working a long AB & cracking an oppo 2B on the 8th pitch. Really seeing ing well. #WWBA @Florida_PG https://t.co/OjNJ8Bmzao pic.twitter.com/WoDDp35EI1 — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 30, 2026 Moises Gudino (2027, Tampa, Fla.)...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/30/2026

Texas Twelve Firing On Full Cylinders

Kinley Kitchens
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Every team hopes to start a tournament with momentum, but few make a statement quite like Texas Twelve Maroon 2028. Matched up against defending champion Excel Blue Wave National to kick off their debut in the 2026 Perfect Game National Elite Championship, Texas Twelve Maroon delivered a complete team performance, earning a hard-fought 3-2 victory and immediately establishing themselves as one of the top teams to watch this week. The win showcased the balance that has made Texas Twelve Maroon a powerful team. Strong pitching, timely hitting, and steady defense all played a role as the team held off one of the tournament’s premier programs. Right-hander Ty Antley turned in an outstanding performance on the mound, throwing a complete game while allowing only five hits and two walks over seven innings. The High Follow prospect worked consistently between 85-89 mph and mixed in a sharp...
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Tournaments | Championship | 6/30/2026

Flames Capture 18U BCS Title

Alyssa Golden
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Flames Natty used timely hitting and a dominant start from Beau Collier to defeat NLB American 7-3 and capture the 18U BCS National Championship on Monday at Lee Health Sports Complex. Despite being assembled just hours before the tournament began, the Flames quickly developed chemistry throughout the tournament. “This team was put together 12 hours before this tournament, and they went on a crazy run,” head coach Adam Vasquez said. “These kids know each other locally, but they don’t play together. For them to come together last minute like that, it’s crazy. I’m proud of them for that.” The game opened as a pitchers’ duel, with David Acevedo recording the lone hit through the first two innings. NLB American starter Hayden Graham kept the Flames in check early, allowing just one hit while striking out one over 2.0 innings. The right-hander...
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