THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,801 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,801 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
High School  | General | 2/28/2023

Ohio Valley Region Team

Photo: Dillon Head (Perfect Game)
High School Preview Index

Regional Previews: Florida | Georgia | Pacific | Deep South | Texas | Southwest | Coastal | Mid-Atlantic | Northeast

States Represented: IL, IN, KY, MI, OH



The Ohio Valley Region really stands out for its athleticism and speed, not the usual areas for this part of the country to dominate. But three of the top five senior outfielders in the country, including Top 5 draft candidate Maxwell Clark, hail from the region. While Clark’s own 6.33 sixty reading is very impressive itself, it hardly ranks him among the fastest five players in the region as well.

There would be even more athleticism from the region if PG All-American catcher Zion Rose hadn’t transferred to IMG Academy from Chicago for his senior season.

The Region’s pitching depth is solid, with two PG All-American pitchers in left-hander Colton Hartman and right-hander Zander Mueth leading the way.

For the first time in years Michigan’s Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, who finished atop in the final 2022 National Top 50 rankings, doesn’t have an individual player on the All-Region team, although they remain the top ranked school in the region overall and seventh nationally. Archbishop Moeller of Ohio is 11th in the Pre-Season Top 50 this year, while Brother Rice will challenge Orchard Lake St. Mary’s as the top team in Michigan and checks in at 29th nationally.


C –  Ryan Bakes (Sr., Huntley HS, Ill.)
Bakes is a strong-bodied catcher whose best tool is his powerful right-handed bat.  The South Carolina signee had shoulder surgery last April and missed a significant part of the season but is expected to return healthy this spring.  Bakes twin brother Brayden is a similarly talented outfielder who is signed with Indiana.

1B –   George Wolkow (Sr., Downers Grove North HS, Ill.)
Wolkow is a primary third baseman but at 6-foot-7, 237-pounds he’s seen some action at first base in the past and will likely see more in the future.  Wolkow was originally a member of the class of 2024 but re-classified early last spring and proceeded to his .376-3-25 for Downers Grove North High School.  His most promising tool is his left-handed power potential.

MIF –   Colt Emerson (Sr., John Glenn HS, Ohio)
The left-handed hitting Emerson has one of the stronger bats of any high-level infielder in the 2023 class nationally and hit .429 with 13 extra base hits in 28 PG games in 2022 while also standing out for the USA Baseball 18U team at the plate.  If anything, Emerson is underrated as an athlete, as he was an All-Ohio selection as a wide receiver as a junior before dropping the sport to concentrate on baseball as a senior.

MIF –  Jarren Purify (Sr., University Liggett HS, Mich.)
Purify is a two-time PG Select Festival participant (13U/2019 and 14U/2020) and was a standout at the 2022 PG National Showcase as well.  A pure middle infielder with 6.41 speed in the sixty, Purify is a .409 career PG hitter in 89 games and hit .420 as a junior last spring.  He is signed with Clemson.

3B –  A.J. Ewing (Sr., Springboro HS, Ohio)
Ewing is a quick-twitch athlete with 6.46 speed in the sixty and whippy, plus bat speed at the plate.  Ewing has a very aggressive approach as a left-handed hitter and produces lots more juice than one would expect from a slender 6-foot, 175-pound athlete and has 33 extra base hits, including seven home runs, in PG play over the past two years.  He ranks 58th overall in the PG 2023 class rankings.

OF –  Maxwell Clark (Sr., Franklin HS, Ind.)
Clark is the second ranked prospect in the 2023 class and an elite level two-way and two-sport athlete.  He hit .577-9-32 last year with 31 walks and only 3 strikeouts while also striking out 39 hitters in 16 innings on the mound with a mid-90s fastball.  With 6.33 speed in the sixty and huge left-handed bat speed, Clark is one of the rare true five-tool prospects.

OF –  Andrew Wiggins (Sr., Heritage Christian HS, Ind.)
Wiggins is an extra strong 6-foot-2, 195-pound athlete who is one of the best left-handed hitters in the 2023 class.  A PG All-American, Wiggins has hit .448-10-38 over the last two years of high school play and .376-6-26 in 33 games of PG play over the same period.  He has a chance to join Clark as duel first day high school drafts out of Indiana.

OF – Dillon Head, (Sr., Homewood Flossmoor HS, Ill.)
Head is the tenth ranked player in the 2023 class nationally and the third ranked outfielder.  The left-handed hitter is a dynamic athlete with elite level speed and plenty of raw bat speed and power potential.

RHP – Bradley Ferrell (Jr., South Central HS, Ind.)
Ferrell is a very projectable 6-foot-3, 170-pound athlete who stands out on both sides of the ball.  The Kentucky commit works in the 90-93 mph range with his fastball to go with a 77 mph curveball and low 80s changeup.  He went 5-1, 1.33 with 84 strikeouts and only 11 hits allowed in 38 innings as a sophomore, while also hitting .480-1-30 as an outfielder.

RHP – Jake Gregor (Jr., St. Xavier HS, Ken.)
Gregor is the top ranked junior in the state of Kentucky and helped lead St. Xavier High School to a state championship as a sophomore.  He comes armed with a 92-94 mph fastball and an outstanding changeup that is his out pitch.  Gregor has committed to stay at home to attend Louisville.

LHP – Colton Hartman (Sr., Lebanon HS, Ohio)
Hartman gained 20-25 pounds of strength between his sophomore and junior seasons and with it, a 5-7 mph jump on his fastball.  He now works in the 91-94 mph range to go with an upper 70s breaking ball and an excellent changeup.  The fourth ranked left-hander in the 2023 class, Hartman was a PG All-American and struck out 114 hitters in 61 innings last spring for Lebanon High School.

RHP – Zander Mueth (Sr., Belleville East HS, Ill.)
The 6-foot-6, 190-pound Mueth is the seventh ranked right-hander in the country and has one of the highest ceilings on the mound in the 2023 class.  Mueth has been up to 95 mph at PG events, with plenty reports of his touching the upper 90s in other appearances, and also features a sweeping slider and good changeup from a whippy mid-3/4’s arm slot.

RHP – Cameron Tilly (Sr., Castle HS, Ind.)
Tilly is the top ranked pitcher in the state of Indiana and owns a three-pitch mix that includes a 90-93 mph fastball, a low 80s slider and a changeup.  He went 7-0, 0.68 as a junior at Castle High School and gave up his role as starting quarterback as a senior to pitch for the USA 18U National Team instead.  Tilly is signed with Auburn.

UT – Blake Wolters (Sr., Mahomet-Seymour HS, Ill.)
Wolters gets his prospect attention as a right-handed pitcher who was up to 93 mph at the 2022 PG National Showcase but who has reportedly been up to 98 mph since then to go with a power slider.  Wolters went 8-0, 0.27 with 104 strikeouts in 51 innings as a junior and also backed up his mound work with his bat, hitting .462-6-38 with 19 doubles as a power hitting outfielder.


Ohio Valley Region Top Tools


Best Hitter for Average: Maxwell Clark (Sr., Franklin HS, Ind.)
Clark’s left-handed swing is smooth and powerful and he’s consistently shown a very patient approach at the plate as well.

Best Hitter for Power: Andrew Wiggins (Sr., Heritage Christian HS, Ind.)
Wiggins left-handed power comes easily and there’s still some room for him to get stronger as he matures physically. 

Best Runner: Dillon Head, (Sr., Homewood Flossmoor HS, Ill.)
Head’s game speed is perhaps the best in the 2023 class nationally and especially plays up with his range on defense.  Michigan junior outfielder Dante Nori technically has a faster sixty time at 6.18 to Head’s 6.22.  It’s a testament to this Region’s speed that outfielder AJ Garcia (6.23 sixty) isn’t even the fastest player in Illinois, let alone the region.

Best Defensive Catcher: Noah Miller (Sr., Monroe HS, Ohio)
Miller is a very athletic catcher with excellent agility behind the plate and a cannon of an arm.  He’s thrown 92 mph off the mound and 87 mph from behind the plate, including popping 1.76 in drills at a PG showcase.  Miller is signed with Michigan.

Best Defensive Infielder: Colt Emerson (Sr., John Glenn HS, Ohio)
Emerson’s smooth and polished actions in the middle infield are notable because of all the baseball time he’s lost to football.  He doesn’t have a cannon for an arm but moves extremely well and makes very accurate throws.

Best Defensive Outfielder: Maxwell Clark (Sr., Franklin HS, Ind.)
Clark and Dillon Head are neck and neck here, with Head having a small edge in range with Clark having a big edge in arm strength, a big enough edge to give him this category.

Best Defensive Arm: Maxwell Clark (Sr., Franklin HS, Ind.)
The left-handed throwing Clark would be a premium pitching prospect with a fastball that reaches the mid-90s if he chose to highlight that part of his game.

Best Fastball: Zander Mueth (Sr., Belleville East HS, Ill.)
Mueth’s fastball is more than just velocity, as his lower release point creates lots of running life that will make at-bats difficult for right-handed hitters especially.  It will be interesting to track Blake Wolters early season starts to see if his reported velocity jump has stuck.

Best Off-Speed Stuff: Colton Hartman (Sr., Lebanon HS, Ohio)
Hartman wasn’t a power pitcher until his junior season so he had lots of time to focus on developing his secondary pitches.  He tunnels his curveball and changeup especially well and the changeup will be a real weapon against right-handed hitters at the next level.

Best Pitchability: Cameron Tilly (Sr., Castle HS, Ind.)
Tilly and Hartman are very similar in the Off-Speed/Pitchability areas but Tilly has a calmer delivery and a bit more advanced ability to spot his pitches at present.

Best Multi-Sport Athlete: Drayk Bowen (Sr., Andrean HS, Ind.)
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Bowen won’t try to lead Andrean HS to another state final baseball game this spring because he enrolled early at Notre Dame and has been working out with the baseball team before spring football practice starts.  The 4-Star linebacker was named the Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year in football the past two seasons.

High School | General | 11/20/2025

Regional Superlatives: Florida

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Most Likely To Make a Huge Jump in the Rankings in 2026 RJ Shields (2027, Venice, Fl.) Shields took some significant strides throughout 2025, especially on the mound. The fastball reached 95 mph in recent months and he projects well with great athleticism and a sharp breaking ball. Shields is also a left-handed bat with good thump in the stick. The Mississippi State commit shot up the rankings following a loud fall and looks poised to continue to climb. -KP High speed BP swing from '27 OF Gavin Ruvalcaba (FL)... #JrNational @Florida_PG https://t.co/OwU9I0u6eY pic.twitter.com/gjYZbmCPGE — PG Showcases (@PGShowcases) June 12, 2025 Gavin Ruvalcaba (2027, Hialeah, Fl.) Ruvalcaba had a very strong 2025 and looks to be continuing on that path. The Duke commit has plenty of athleticism and is very well rounded with good tools across the board. The stroke is smooth and produces...
Tournaments | Story | 12/13/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2029

Tyler Russo
Article Image
Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 | Class of 2028 These guys might just be entering high school, but they've certainly already made a name for themselves on the national circuit, especially with their abilities on the defensive side of things.  C: Xavier Rodriguez (Logansville, GA) Rodriguez is a polished defender with real arm strength behind the dish, while showcasing the ability to impact the baseball with authority to all fields evident by thirty of his sixty-five hits going for extra-bases including seven bombs. He handles high-level pitching extremely well, commands his staff and his offensive prowess makes him a true two-way asset. 1B: Cooper Knight (Buda, TX) Knight is a smooth operator at first base with plenty of range, fluidity and agility in his footwork around the bag. Add-in a rocket for an arm, the ability to change slots and to...
Tournaments | Story | 12/12/2025

Scout Stories: Part 5

AJ Denny
Article Image
Best Game I Saw: The Dream NTL 18U vs. MBA Scout Team Murphy Jupiter always brings out the best, and we got fireworks from the jump. Turner Marshall gave The Dream an outstanding 4+ innings of work on the mound, holding a lethal MBA team at bay with Chance Dixon, Derrick Carter, and Ellis Appling providing an offensive spark out of the gate for the Georgia based boys. However, it was only a matter of time before the talent on the other side got going, as MBA erased a 3-run deficit in the 5th to take a 4-3 lead led by a Parker Loew HR. The Dream then took command again in the Top of the 6th, before MBA punched right back with a huge 5-run inning in the bottom half capped off by a clutch RBI single from Matthew Kerrigan, ending a wild sequence with tons of notable performances from two very competitive rosters. Best Tournament Performance I Saw: Surely someone has already brought this...
College | Story | 12/12/2025

College Notebook: December 12

Craig Cozart
Article Image
Nebraska Cornhuskers 2025 Highlights: The Cornhuskers were a difficult team to figure in ’25 as they finished with 33 wins, played just .500 (15-15) in the Big Ten but had some big wins at various times during the season and got hot at the right time. They knocked off then #16 Vanderbilt in the second game of the year, beat #5 Oregon State 2-out-of-3 at home in late March and then got hot at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha to win the Big Ten Tournament. They beat Michigan State in a 10-inning thriller before taking care of #4 Oregon, knocking off Penn State and then shutout #13 UCLA to punch their ticket to the Chapel Hill Regional. Head coach Will Bolt has now led his alma mater to three conference titles and three NCAA Regional appearances during his six years in Lincoln. No different than when he was a player, Bolt’s teams play with passion and toughness, this was never more...
Tournaments | Story | 12/12/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2028

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 You like athletes? You like defenders who can impact a game at any given point? Look not further than this class as it's loaded from coast-to-coast with elite defenders all over the diamond.  C: Brogan Witcher, Bakersfield, CA Our scouting staff got several strong looks at Witcher whether that was at the Summer Kickoff, Sophomore National or the Underclass All American Games where he showcased his strong overall skillset and especially his advanced ability behind the plate. His 6-foot-3,180 pound build looks like one that will fill in quite nicely and be that big and physical catcher’s frame. His arm talent is undeniable where he gets it out quick and runs it up to 79 mph on throwdowns to 2nd (1.84 pop). Besides the standout catch/throw ability, we’ve seen him frame/receive strong arms and block it well during...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 12/11/2025

PG Softball "Toys 4 Tots" Fundraiser 18U division

Dave Durbala
Article Image
BURLINGTON, IA - 2025 Perfect Game Softball Toys 4 Tots Fundraiser One Day, December 7, 2025. Kicking off the holiday season, six teams participated in this one day, 3 game guarantee tournament in the 18u Division. We would like to thank those that donated a toy, and know that they will be distributed to area underprivileged children through a local charity organization. Following are some of the top performers from the weekend. Earning Tournament MV-Pitcher was Jolee Strohmeyer (2026 Dubuque, IA), a RHP/UTIL with tournament champion Lady Expos Blue. Strohmeyer shows hitters a consistent and repeatable motion and delivery with good use of the legs in the drive phase, and a quick and aggressive arm whip. Working with a six pitch mix of fastball, change-up, rise, drop, curve and screw, Strohmeyer topped out at 60 mph, and showed good movement  as she worked her rise and curve just out...
Tournaments | Story | 12/11/2025

Scout Stories: Part 4

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Scout Notes: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Best Game I Saw: Hudson Reed (‘26, GA) torches this ball to deep CF for a solo 💣. Generates easy power that plays to the big part of the yard. Middle of the order traits #UBCWest @PG_Georgia @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/UXqDVFmUBx — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 18, 2025 I was fortunate enough to see a lot of highly competitive games with loads of talent on the field, the game that sticks out to me the most was Alpha Prime 2026 vs. ZT National Prospects at the UBC West. The game was an efficiently played affair with arms dominating on both sides. Graham Schlicht was masterful for Alpha, striking out 12 hitters over 5 dominant innings. PG All-American Julian Cazares came out of the pen blowing smoke, touching 97 mph with the fastball. On the other side, Jake Carbaugh surrendered just one hit and...
Press Release | Press Release | 12/11/2025

PG Believe In Baseball Announces Awards Dinner

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   THE PERFECT GAME BELIEVE IN BASEBALL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES DETAILS FOR FIRST ANNUAL “IN THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME” AWARDS DINNER AND AUCTION   Los Angeles, California (Thursday, December 11, 2025) – The Perfect Game Believe in Baseball Foundation, together with Perfect Game leadership of Chairman Rick Thurman and CEO Rob Ponger, has announced the inaugural “In the Spirit of the Game” event, an evening of baseball and laughter, taking place Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the iconic Laugh Factory in Hollywood, Calif. The evening supports the Foundation’s mission to provide financial assistance and resources that allow deserving young athletes to play, learn and grow through the...
Tournaments | Story | 12/11/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2027

AJ Denny
Article Image
Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 Elite defenders from coast to coast certainly seems to be a strength and to think you could make another top-tier team without thinking, speaks to the real depth this group possesses. The infield is a no-doubt strength of the group, but what catcher Dariel Carrion can do behind the plate is like something we haven't seen in a while in the prep ranks with an absolutely bazooka of an arm.  C: Dariel Carrion (San Juan, PR)  It isn’t often you get a catching prospect as athletic and natural as Dariel Carrion, a big reason why he holds the rank of #1 player in PR and #18 nationally. Metrics wise, the 5-foot-10, 210 pound San Juan native is all you can ask for and more, posting a sub 1.80 pop time with an 84 mph arm behind the dish. He has both contact and clear power threat on the offensive end, ending 2025 with a .337 BA and 4 HRs while also...
Tournaments | Story | 12/10/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2026

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
The Class of 2026 is one of the deeper prep classes that we have seen in a couple of years. With that being said, there is plenty of talent on the defensive side. Let’s take a look at some of the best defenders in the class.  C: Will Brick, Christian Brothers HS (Memphis, TN) Brick is a newcomer to the class after reclassifying, but immediately became the top backstop. Extremely advanced actions are shown behind the dish with impressive athleticism to go with it. Brick showcases big time arm strength and is consistently accurate on throw downs. He can make playing the position look extremely easy at times. Brick possesses all the defensive tools needed to be a premier catcher.  1B: AJ Curry, University City HS (San Diego, CA) Curry has a bigger and stronger frame with good strength throughout. He has a well-proportioned build that serves him well on the dirt. He’s...
General | Blog | 12/10/2025

Youth Baseball Exec. DeDonatis III Joins PG

Jim Salisbury
Article Image
Youth Baseball Executive Don DeDonatis III Joins PG By Jim Salisbury  It’s free-agent season in baseball and Perfect Game has landed a big one. Don DeDonatis III joined PG as a consultant in November. The DeDonatis name is synonymous with youth baseball and softball. Along with his dad, Don Jr., DeDonatis helped build USSSA into a big hitter in the game. He brings decades of experience and knowledge to PG. “We all acknowledge that Donny has moved on from USSSA,” PG CEO Rob Ponger said. “This is a new chapter for him and we hope both sides take advantage of it to help youth sports in general. “The DeDonatis name has a legacy attached to it and we’re hoping that Donny is going to help us. PG is a growing brand and he’s on board to help.” DeDonatis was CEO at USSSA from 2018 until his exit from the company two years ago. “I’m...
Loading more articles...