2024 PG Elite 16 Minnesota Scouting Showcase
September 21-22, 2024
Coon Rapids, MN
COON RAPIDS, MN - Perfect Game Elite 16 Minnesota Scouting Showcase, September 21 - 22, 2024 saw 39 teams, competing in the 14, 16 and 18u divisions, attempt to outlast the competition to take home the championship trophy and the bragging rights that comes with it. After a brief rain delay on day one, the weather cooperated, and teams were treated to beautiful weather the rest of the weekend. Winning the championship in the 14u division was the MN Moose 14u National, the Midwest Speed 15u Nat’L Hall won the 16u division, and Midwest Speed 18u Nat’L Koltes took home the 18u championship cup. Below are highlights of some top performers in each division.
14U DIVISION
Earning the MVP was Taitum Kostecka (2028 Princeton, MN), a speedy LHH for tournament finalist Midwest Speed 14u Nat’L Chell. Kostecka set up in an open stance, deliberately collects at the back foot, then utilizes a stride to get separation. At times she also showed movement in the box, doing a grapevine move, rear foot moving forward but going behind her lead leg, but I did not see her make an attempt at a pitch when utilizing this move. Kostecka showed quick hands and got the barrel moving, utilizing the whole field, and her speed, in picking up 11 hits that included two doubles, two triples, and one homerun, while knocking in seven. Kostecka scored 10 runs, stole seven bases and finished with a .647 batting average. This young lady showed skills at the plate that can play at the next level.
Mackenzie Brooks (2029 Isanti, MN) was awarded the MV-Pitcher for tournament champions Mn Moose 14u National. Brooks, armed with a full arsenal of fastball, change-up, rise, drop, curve and screw, showed a smooth repeatable delivery with consistent arm swing and good use of her lower half to help her top out at 60 mph, while also showcasing a tight spinning, late moving curve. In her 11 innings of work, Brooks struck out 18, allowed 10 hits, gave up three earned runs, but was always around the plate and did not give up any walks. Showing the ability to stay composed in the circle, Brooks was able to work out of trouble and finished the weekend with a 1.90 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP.
Other players turning in top performances included Aurora Taft (2028 Andover, MN), who is a RHH/UTIL player for Midwest Speed 14u Nat’L Chell. Taft sets up in an open stance, sitting into her legs, and utilizes a stride to get separation. She is at her best when landing parallel but did show a tendency to land open with her stride, losing power and plate coverage, but showing pull-side pop. On the weekend, Taft collected six hits that included a double and three home runs, to pick up seven rbi’s and score eight runs. Showing discipline at the plate, Taft also collected four free passes to finish with a .545 batting average and .667 OBP.
Amiya Polzin (2029 Isanti, MN) showed the ability to hit the long ball. The RHH Polzin, standing tall in the box, leans into the back side for weight transfer and then utilizes a stride to gain separation and momentum. Utilizing an aggressive turn and attack angle, Polzin collected four home runs in her five hits, scored eight runs and amassed an impressive 12 rbi’s, and finished hitting at a .455 clip, for tournament champion Mn Moose 14u National. As this young lady continues to work on her skill set, as she matures and gains strength, the power numbers will continue to impress and she will benefit from developing patience at the plate, looking to attack her pitch early in the count. A good early follow.
Kayce Jude (2028 Rogers, MN) is another impressive young hitter from tournament champion Mn Moose 14u National. Jude stands tall in the box and makes a pre pitch move to get her weight transferred and hands back. Utilizing a small stride, Jude shows good bat speed, solid use of her lower half and good extension and follow through. For the tournament, Jude picked up 8 hits, with four doubles and two home runs, scored six runs, knocked in six, drew three walks and finished with a tournament leading .727 batting average. Showing the ability to hit the ball to all fields, for average and power, Jude displayed an advanced swing and understanding of what she was wanting to do at the plate.
Natalie Stangl (2029 Bayport, MN) is a RHP for Midwest Speed 13u Nat’L Schweich who goes to work in the circle with a simple three pitch mix of curve, change-up, and a fastball that was consistently 59 mph, but did touch 63. In her 14.2 innings of work, Stangl recorded 19 strikeouts, but allowed 13 hits, gave up seven free passes and allowed seven earned runs to finish with a 3.30 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. Stangl showed the ability to move her fastball around the zone, and displayed the ability to get out of the circle to field bunts and make routine plays at first. As this young lady matures and continues to work on her craft, one would anticipate improvement in her ability to be consistently around the plate, knocking down both her ERA and WHIP numbers.
Merritt Walberg (2028 Maple Grove, MN), a RHP for Midwest Speed 14u Nat’L Chell, showed a consistent and repeatable motion and delivery in her seven innings of work. While topping out at 55 mph, Walberg displayed the ability to change speed and move the ball throughout the strike zone, to keep hitters off balance and disrupt their timing, to record 17 strikeouts. She allowed three hits, gave up two walks and allowed one earned run to finish up with a 1.00 ERA and 0.71 WHIP for her efforts. This young lady is proof that having the ability to move the ball in the zone, even without top velocity, one can be highly successful in the circle.
Reagan Wallschlaeger (2028 Coon Rapids, MN) is a hard throwing RHP for tournament champion Mn Moose 14u National. With a solid motion and delivery, showing good arm speed and excellent use of her lower half, Wallschlaeger took a five-pitch bag into the circle, with fastball, change-up, rise, curve and screw. Topping out at 63 mph, Wallschlaeger worked nine innings and sat down ten via strikeout, showing hitters a nice late breaking curve. Although allowing seven hits and walking three, she was able to work out of jams and only allowed one earned run to finish with a 0.80 ERA and 1.11 WHIP.
16U DIVISION
Earning the MVP award was Tamari Christopher (2027 Inver Grove Heights, MN) a RHH for tournament champion Midwest Speed 15u Nat’L Hall. Christopher loads into the box in a slightly open stance, leaning into the back hip for weight transfer, then utilizes a low leg kick to gain separation and start the launch phase of her swing. Christopher stays in her legs and does a good job of getting the hips through, aiding her in picking up 11 hits that included two home runs, knocking in an impressive 11 rbi’s. With good speed on display, she scored eight times and swiped four bases. Christopher showed good discipline at the plate and did not record a strikeout on the weekend, finishing with a .579 batting average.
Brooke Borwege (2027 Bloomington, MN) was awarded the MV-Pitcher for tournament champion Midwest Speed 15u Nat’L Hall. Borwege, a RHP that excelled in the circle and at the plate, stands nearly six-feet tall and is gifted with long levers. Utilizing a smooth repeatable motion and delivery, with great use of her lower half in the drive phase, Borwege showed hitters a mix of fastball, change-up, rise, drop and curve. Topping out at 63 mph, Borwege displayed the ability to work both sides of the plate and showed hitters a tight spinning, late moving curve. In her 24.2 innings of work, Borwege struck out 38, scattered 13 hits, walked none and allowed three earned runs to finish with a 0.90 ERA and 0.53 WHIP. At the plate, where she also earned top performer status, Borwege collected eight hits that included three doubles and a homerun, knocking in nine and scoring seven times. This young lady is a two way player with a high ceiling and next level skill set.
Other top performers this weekend included Ava Abrahamson (2027 Brooklyn Park, MN), a RHH for MN Force 16U Impact-Standering. Abrahamson utilizes an open stance, hands high, with little movement in the box. She makes an early pre-pitch stride to get weight transfer, separation, and back to parallel, then initiates the swing from this position, showing good utilization of her lower half and an aggressive attack angle. Displaying good pull-side power, Abrahamson picked up seven hits, that included two doubles and four tanks, knocking in an impressive 13 rbi’s on the weekend. She scored four runs and finished with a .538 batting average for her efforts.
Maddie Mulcahy (2028 Saint Paul, MN) is what you are looking for in a lead-off hitter. Hitting from the left side, Mulcahy, a slapper, shows discipline at the plate, works the count, and gets the ball in play. Utilizing an open stance, Mulcahy displays good footwork in the box, has very good barrel awareness, and shows plus speed. Mulcahy, who appears to be at her best when working the ball middle away, picked up ten hits on the weekend, with one double, collected two rbi’s, and did not record a strike out. On the bases is where Mulcahy truly shines, utilizing that plus speed, putting pressure on the defense to play at a quicker pace that usually results in mistakes being made. Displaying that speed, Mulcahy scored 11 runs and was a very impressive 10 for 10 in stolen bases to help lead Midwest Speed 15u Nat’L Hall to the championship.
Isabelle Johnson (2027 New Richmond, WI) is another fine hitter from tournament champion Midwest Speed 15u Nat’L Hall to make the top performers list. Johnson, a RHH, sets up with feet parallel, weight into legs and utilizes a stride to get weight transfer and separation. Showing quick hands, Johnson had no trouble getting the barrel to the ball, working her hands inside the ball and utilizing the whole field. On the weekend, Johnson collected six hits, that included three doubles and a home run, scored five runs, collected nine rbi’s and did not record a strikeout on the weekend.
Reese Stowman (2027 Delano, MN) is a RHH for 16u Catalyst National Schmoll, who loads into the box in an open stance, leans into the back side for weight transfer and starts the launch phase with her stride to gain separation and momentum. Working the ball to all fields, and showing some good pull-side pop, Stowman picked up nine hits, which included two doubles, a triple and a home run, scored five times, knocked in five and did not record a strikeout, to finish hitting at a .600 clip.
Eagan Hastings (2026 Hawley, MN) is a RHP for 16u Catalyst National Mn, who displayed a solid, repeatable delivery, with good use of her lower half in the drive phase, and consistent arm swing. Armed with a three-pitch mix of fastball, change-up and rise, Hastings was successful due to her ability to spot her pitches throughout the strike zone, and getting hitters to chase the rise out of the zone. In her 12.1 innings of work, topping out at 59 mph, Hastings struck out 13, scattered six hits, gave out six free passes, but only allowed one earned run to finish with a 0.60 ERA and 0.97 WHIP.
Sydney Borchert (2026 Nowthen, MN), a RHP playing for MN Force 16U Impact-Standering, showed how to be successful in the circle utilizing spin and change of speed. Displaying a consistent motion and delivery, Borchert, although small framed, utilized her lower half to its fullest to get the most out of the drive phase of her delivery. Topping out at 57 mph, and showing hitters a four-pitch bag of fastball, change-up, curve and rise, Borchert worked 14 innings, striking out 15, scattering ten hits, giving up three walks and allowing four earned runs. With a good rise ball and deceptive change-up, Borchert kept hitters off balanced, allowing her to finish with a 2.00 ERA and 0.93 WHIP.
Eliana Munson (2026 Roseville, MN), a RHP for Mn Moose 16u Orange, who topped out at 56 mph, is a pitch to contact type pitcher, who relied on her defense to make plays behind her. Showing hitters a four pitch mix of fastball, change-up, drop and curve, Munson was successful in not allowing hitters to barrel up her pitches, and oftentimes had hitters rolling over and hitting weak ground balls for easy outs. In her 13 innings of work, Munson struck out eight, gave up nine hits, walked three and allowed two earned runs to end the weekend with a 1.10 ERA and 0.92 WHIP.
Mackenzie Darsow (2028 Cottage Grove, MN), a RHP for 16u Catalyst National Schmoll, was one of the few pitchers taking advantage of new pitching regulations allowing “leaping”. Darsow was explosive off the rubber, generating momentum towards the plate in her delivery, to increase arm speed and velocity. Armed with a four-pitch bag of fastball, change-up, rise and curve, Darsow worked 12 innings, striking out 13, giving up 12 hits, four base on balls and two earned runs to finish with a1.20 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. If this young lady continues to work on her craft and develops consistency to keep the ball off the middle of the plate, she will have the opportunity to play at the next level.
18U DIVISION
Mya Tautges (2025, Brainerd, MN) of the Midwest Speed 18u Nat’L Koltes was the overall MVP of the weekend. Tautges was nothing short of impressive to earn this award. Throughout the weekend, she was first in batting and fourth for pitching when it came to Perfect Game “Top Performer” rankings. At the plate, she is a left-handed power and contact guru. For the weekend, she ended with a .733 batting average, 1.965 OPS, and had 3 stolen bases. She can shorten up with two strikes and smack a single the opposite way, work above a rise ball for a home run over the fence, and even poses a big enough threat for intentional walks. Tautges was able to aid in her defensive play this weekend behind the plate. When it came to her pitching stats, Tautges maintains speeds between 63-65 mph with her fastball and riseball, can throw a changeup that keeps hitters on their toes at 43-45 mph, and likes to work ahead right from the start. If she is not mowing down hitters or finding a way on base, you may also see Tautges playing shortstop as well. It may not be her primary position, but you would never be able to tell from her solid play here as well. However, one of the most telling feats of this young lady's character may have come before the start of one of her games. Tautges was caught raking up the area she dug up while warming up to pitch in the next game. She then moved on to the field to give the grounds crew a break and get the field ready for her teammates. If softball does not work out, we know who to call for the next PG tournament!
Emilie Sylvia-Cochran (2025, Ham Lake, MN) of the Minnesota Renegades 18u National was our most valuable pitcher of the weekend. At the end of the weekend, Sylvia-Cochran earned an impressive 1.60 ERA and 42 strikeouts through 26.1 innings of work. With quite the toolbox to choose from, her options for striking out opponents is endless. Sylvia-Cochran’s go to pitches leaned towards her riseball and changeup this weekend. She clocks in at speeds around 60-62 mph and then drops her changeup in around 45 mph. Hitters were left guessing the entire weekend what pitch was coming next, leading to the effectiveness she showed this weekend. Along with her pitching, she also maintained a .313 batting average and a .421 on base percentage through 16 at bats. Along with pitching and hitting, you could find Sylvia-Cochran in the outfield between outings. The intense desire to succeed and compete was clear on her face throughout the weekend and was proven with her honor from PG.
Chloe O'Neill (2026, South St. Paul, MN) of the 18U Catalyst National MN was a top 3 performer even with the team’s run ending in the round of 8. O’Neill was a steady presence behind and at the plate for her team. In the box, the right-handed hitter finished the weekend hitting .563 with a .611 OBP. Behind the dish, O’Neill is always talking and working for her pitchers. She has a pop time of 1.9 from home to 2nd. Throughout the weekend, you could find her back picking runners, using fake throws to keep them on their toes, and more. She is the player you want behind the plate to keep the momentum on your side. O’Neill has the skill set and drive to play at the next level with the skills she already has.
Lyla Canny (2026, Walford, IA) of the Cedar Rapids Red 18u showcased her skills on the mound this weekend. Tied for 1st in pitching stats, the strong lefty pitcher was a leader on her team, pitching 19 innings and striking out an impressive 38 batters. Canny showcased her ability to work both sides of the plate and get hitters to chase out of the zone. She has good pop, living in the low 60’s and topping out at 63mph. We look forward to continuing to monitor her progress as she develops!
Lola Hawkins (2027, Cedar Rapids, IA) of the Cedar Rapids Reds 18u is a double threat at third base and catcher. No matter where Hawkins played this weekend, you know where she was at. Offensively, Hawkins ended the weekend hitting .800 and an OPS of 2.013. In her last game, she was even intentionally walked in a make-or-break situation. Talk about respect! Hawkins produces one of the smoothest swings you will see on the field with the ability to hit the ball in both gaps. Behind the plate, she holds a 1.8 pop time from home to second, the ability to back pick and catch runners stealing, and will work hard to steal strikes for her pitchers. At third base, Hawkins has a quick first step and strong arm. As a young 18u player, the sky is the limit for her growth in this game.
Emily Braaten (2026, Farmington, MN) of the Minnesota Force 18u was another impressive player featured this weekend. Braaten was displayed at the catchers' position along with 3B. On the weekend, she ended up with a .471 batting average, 1.294 OPS, and 2 home runs in 17 at bats. Her swing is highlighted with some of the quickest hands on this side of the Mississippi! Her ability to use that speed to drive the ball to both sides of the field make her an extremely dangerous hitter. While at 3B, she uses her quick feet and great communication to be the leader of the infield and keep her team in the game at all times. However, Braaten really shine in her main position: catcher. Although she is smaller in frame, she uses this to her advantage to help work underneath the ball and steal pitches for her pitchers. You will see Braaten move before the ball is in her glove and beat the ball to the spot on every single pitch. Along with these abilities, Braaten also has a quick catch and throw to catch multiple runners stealing this weekend. Braaten is the kind of player all coaches want as part of their team and will continue to evolve into a tremendous player.
Chloe Brown (2025, Andover, MN) of the Minnesota A’s 18u National Florek was a stellar performer in the outfield this weekend. She boasted a .556 batting average, a .714 on base percentage with 1 home run. At the plate, Brown had textbook hand path to all pitches thrown at her. Brown never chased pitches and stayed true to her game plan at the plate. When the ball was put into play, Brown was quick and smart on the base path. Unbelievably, Brown’s on the field play is somehow just as impressive. Primarily, she was seen in CF running down balls left and right. In the semifinal game against the Midwest Speed, Brown was seen diving through the air in CF to make an outstanding catch. When the ball was first hit, everyone thought it would not be caught… everyone but Brown. I am almost certain if you looked up the definition of a “ball player” in the dictionary, you may find Brown’s name next to it. What a weekend by this stellar outfielder.
Marni Koosmann (2026, Sartell, MN) of the Midwest Speed 18U Nat’l Swanepoel was tied for first in our pitching rankings. This right-handed pitcher was stellar, pitching 22 innings for her team ending the weekend with a 1.59 ERA. What really caught our eye is her strikeouts per innings pitched, averaging over a strikeout an inning, fanning 33 batters in those 22 innings. She brings the ball in the high 50’s with a good change up speed differential around 10-12 mph slower. She did owned both sides of the plate and was a steady presence on the mound all weekend. Keep your eyes on her as she continues to show what she can do.