PG Elite 16 Minnesota Scouting Showcase
September 20-21, 2025
Coon Rapids, MN
Ashley Mears
Jason Grobner
The PG Elite 16 Minnesota Scouting Showcase lived up to the hype, bringing together the area’s top teams in a weekend full of competition and talent. From start to finish, it was anyone’s tournament to win. In all three age divisions some fierce competitors took the field and our scouts had the opportunity to evaluate some great talent. Below we recap some of the top athletes who impressed our scouts this past weekend.
14u Division
Annika Antonson (2029, Wyoming, MN) of the Midwest Speed 14u National Schweich was very impressive with her pitching last weekend. She kept hitters off balance all weekend with her spin and movement. She provides some pop as well, sitting in the high 50’s and pushing 60mph. She ended the tournament with an impressive 0.00 ERA in 12 innings pitched. She also had a WHIP of .50 which was also the lowest of the tournament. On Saturday she started the tournament with a huge strikeout game. She had 16Ks in six innings during that first game. She also stepped up in the Championship game and threw a no hitter. She also led the tournament in strikeouts with 27 in 12 innings pitched. The next closest total was 18Ks. Overall, she showed a dominating presence on the mound and was a pleasure to watch compete. For all of these reasons she was picked as the Most Valuable Pitcher of the tournament.
Kendall Johnson (2029, Rosemount, MN) of the Midwest Speed 14u National Schweich was hitting the ball all over the field on both days. Her swing was one of the smoothest swings out there. She stayed very balanced in the box and did not chase outside the zone, showing great discipline at the plate. Kendall was a very impressive 14 for 19 on the weekend for a batting average of .737. In the Championship game she stepped up and went 3 for 3 with two stolen bases. Kendall was also solid in the field playing a few positions throughout the weekend and not making any errors. These stats carried her to be named the MVP of the tournament.
Gabbie Loberg (2029, Minneapolis, MN) of the Midwest Speed 14u National Schweich was very impressive pitching for her team. She kept the other teams off balance, showing great deception. She had a 0.00 ERA and her WHIP was .82, showing just how dominant she was on the mound. She had 12 Strikeouts in 11 innings pitched. Gabbie was also a great hitter for her team last weekend, showcasing her ability to hit for power. She stays well balanced in her legs and uses her back side well when swinging. Gabbie also led the tournament hitting 2 homeruns and was the only girl with multiple homeruns at the 14u tournament. She was a great all-around player on both sides of the ball. She did a great job at first base with her glove and was able to make some great scoops over there to get the outs.
Kenzi Benson (2029, Apple Valley, MN) of the Midwest Speed 14u National Schweich was hitting the ball all over the field last weekend. She was right in the thick of it all weekend scoring the most runs in the tournament. She found ways to get on base and used her speed effectively to create chaos and get runs on the board for her team. She ended up batting .500 on the weekend, showing great consistency at the plate. Kenzi had an RBI double in the 1st inning of the championship game. Her speed put the pressure on the Wisconsin Bandits defense in the championship game. Her glove work at shortstop was impeccable. Her smooth footwork and great hands allowed her to make every play at shortstop, providing a steady and consistent presence on defense.
Briley Stanich (2030, Byron, MN) of the Minnesota Moose 13u National had a great weekend overall. She played a phenomenal 2B demonstrating her smooth footwork and quick hands. She would take the correct angles to the ball and cover 1st efficiently when the other teams were bunting. Her quick hands also carried over to the plate where she finished with a .571 batting average. She showed great leadership for her team by playing multiple positions and jumping into the circle where she pitched 4 innings for her team with an ERA of 0.00. She is a versatile and athletic player who is a true impact on both sides of the ball.
Mikayla Lathrop (2029, Dodgeville, WI) of the Wisconsin Bandits 14u National–Laabs/Peters had a well-balanced batting stance, leading to her having a great Saturday hitting .545 for the day. Her hitting carried over to Sunday too, going 4 for 7 and raising her average for the tournament to .556. In a very intense game to start Sunday morning against the Minnesota Moose National 13u team, she delivered a walk-off single to win the game in the bottom of the 7th inning. Mikayla was not intimidated by big the big moment as she smashed a single up the middle. She was a strong hitter that did not let the pitcher get her off balance.
Mia Tu (2030, Plymouth, MN) of the Midwest Speed 13 Nat’L Chell showed a lot of power hitting the ball to the fence many times and also hitting one out of the park. Even when she didn’t get a hit, she made “loud” outs barreling up most balls. Sunday morning she hit a HR to center field to give her team the lead and propel them to a victory. She also had three doubles, showing the ability to hit the ball to the fence. She played a solid first base and had good athletic footwork all around. Mia showed a lot of leadership qualities as she was always cheering on her teammates and picking them up if they were having a rough day. She always had a smile on her face and you could see she absolutely loved being out there.
16U Division
The tournament’s MV-Player was Taitum Kostecka (2028, Princeton, MN), a speedy left-handed power hitter for Midwest Speed 15U National Thomas. Kostecka was unstoppable in the championship game, going 2-for-2 with both hits leaving the yard and driving in four runs. Starting from an open stance, she uses a powerful step to generate momentum and drive through the ball with authority. Over the course of the weekend, Kostecka absolutely dominated at the plate, blasting five home runs and collecting 13 RBIs. A consistent threat every time she steps into the box, she does not get cheated at the plate. Simply put, this 2028 standout is the real deal and a name college coaches will want on their radar now.
The tournament’s MV-Pitcher honor went to Annabelle Waldoch (2028, Rogers, MN) of the champion Midwest Speed 15U National Thomas. Waldoch shouldered the load for her squad, tossing 20 innings and recording a tournament-high 34 strikeouts. She showcased impressive command of the zone, working corners with precision while keeping hitters off balance by mixing in her curveball and other movement pitches. Her fastball sat consistently in the low 60s, giving her the velocity to pair with her sharp off-speed arsenal. Waldoch has all the tools of a complete pitcher and is only going to elevate her game as she continues to develop.
Lily Maechler (2028 Minnetonka, MN) of Catalyst 16U National Schellhammer was a force at the plate this weekend, showing why she’s such a tough out in any lineup. The left-handed hitter sets up parallel to the plate and uses a quick jab step to generate momentum, consistently driving outside pitches to the opposite field with authority. A steady performer, Maechler finished the weekend with 10 hits, including three doubles, a home run, and eight RBIs. Her ability to put the ball in play and create offense makes her a reliable contact hitter that any college program would value at the top of the order.
Makenzie (Mak) Bierman (2028 Sioux Falls, SD) of 16U Catalyst National Schmoll Bierman brings one of the most confident and intimidating plate approaches you’ll see, pairing her pitcher/first baseman versatility with game-changing power. Starting parallel to the plate, she engages her entire body through each swing, producing explosive results. A highlight of her weekend came Saturday with a two-homerun game against the Iowa Aries, followed by another first-inning blast on Sunday. Bierman closed out the event with five hits, including three home runs and 10 RBIs. Her raw power and ability to change the game with one swing make her a dangerous middle-of-the-order presence and a strong addition to any future collegiate lineup.
Sloane Gaffney (2028 Altoona, IA) of the Iowa Aries CE Fire Black was impressive at the plate this weekend with her power and consistency. The right-handed hitting catcher starts parallel to the plate and generates strength by driving through with her lower half. One of her top moments came in pool play against Midwest Speed 16U National Hall, where she launched a clutch two-run homer to help secure the win. Gaffney finished the weekend with seven hits, including a home run and five RBIs. With her combination of power, poise, and offensive upside, she has a high ceiling and is definitely a player to follow.
Lauren Schellhammer (2028 Prior Lake, MN) of 16u Catalyst National Schellhammer was especially impressive this weekend as a true dual threat. In the circle, the hard-throwing right-hander showcased a fastball with natural movement at 65+ mph, complemented by a rise, drop, and changeup. Her rise ball proved to be her go-to pitch, helping her rack up 20 strikeouts in just 8 innings of work. At the plate, Schellhammer brings the same power and presence. She sets up parallel to the plate, using a slight step to create separation and momentum, then drives through the ball with authority. Strong, confident, and highly impactful on both sides of the game, Schellhammer is a 2028 to get on your radar early.
Erin Downs (2028 Bloomington, MN) a catcher for Mission 16u National proved to be as clutch as they come this weekend. The catcher, hitting out of the 3-hole, combines quick hands and bat speed with a powerful, full-body swing. One of her standout moments came against the Minnesota Moose, where she blasted two home runs and drove in four RBIs. She also showed patience at the plate, working counts and drawing three walks while still producing seven hits on the weekend, including a triple, two home runs, and seven RBIs. A complete gamer with both power and discipline, Downs has the tools and mentality to thrive at the next level.
Illyana Shepard (2028 Loretto, MN) of the MN Moose 15u National team showcased her dual-threat talent this weekend, excelling both in the circle and at the plate. The left-handed pitcher commands a fastball topping out at 63 mph, complemented by a changeup, curveball, and rise ball. Her curve and rise stand out with sharp movement, keeping hitters off balance. Shepard’s biggest moment came with a 15-strikeout perfect game against Mash 15U National, capping a weekend where she threw 12 innings with 21 strikeouts, no walks, and no runs allowed. Offensively, the right-handed hitter displayed her power, starting from a slightly open stance and using a small step to generate separation and drive. She collected eight hits on the weekend, including two home runs and 10 RBIs. A true two-way standout, Shepard is a 2028 to keep firmly on the radar.
Chloe Flanagan (2029 Coggon, IA) a left-handed pitcher for the Eastern Iowa Cheetahs, is proving herself as a strong up-and-coming arm in the circle. Armed with a four-pitch mix—fastball, changeup, drop, and rise, Flanagan effectively works all parts of the zone and keeps hitters guessing. Her rise ball was especially dominant, generating plenty of swings and misses, while her fastball sat consistently in the 58–60 mph range. Over the weekend, she threw 8 innings, struck out 16, and did not allow an earned run. Just beginning to hit her stride as a 2029, Flanagan carries significant upside and is a name to watch as she continues to develop.
Reagan Wallschlaeger (2028 Coon Rapids, MN) of the MN Moose 15U National showcased her power at the plate this weekend. The right-handed hitter starts from a parallel stance, using a controlled rock back to generate momentum and get her entire body behind each swing. Wallschlaeger doesn’t get cheated in her at-bats, attacking pitches with authority, and driving the ball to all fields. She finished the weekend with seven hits, including three doubles, a home run, and seven RBIs. A true power hitter with plenty of pop, Wallschlaeger has the tools and presence in the box to compete at the next level.
Alexandra Kostecka (2027 Andover, MN) of Midwest Speed 16U National Hall was another standout in the circle this weekend. Working with a four-pitch mix of curve, rise, changeup, and screwball, Kostecka does an excellent job of moving the ball both horizontally and vertically to keep hitters off balance. Her rise ball and curveball proved to be her most effective weapons, generating consistent swings and misses. Her peak outing came in a dominant 13-strikeout shutout victory over the MacStrength Grizzlies. Kostecka finished the weekend with 23 total strikeouts and continues to show tremendous upside as she adds strength and sharpens her pitch command.
Mackenzie Brooks (2029 Isanti, MN) of the MN Moose 15U National was a standout in the circle this weekend, showcasing both confidence and power on the mound. Brooks works with a strong arsenal featuring a fastball in the low 60s, rise ball, screwball, curve, and drop. Her rise ball was especially effective, helping her rack up 19 strikeouts in just 8 innings of work. Already competing at a high level as a 2029, Brooks has a bright future ahead and is only going to continue getting better.
Mia Nelson (2028 Plymouth, MN) a left-handed leadoff hitter for the Minnesota Renegades 16U National Wooten, is everything you want at the top of a lineup. Starting from a balanced, parallel stance and using a quick first step to generate separation and momentum, Nelson consistently finds the gaps and uses her speed to create offensive opportunities. Her knack for getting on base in multiple ways sets her apart from her peers. Nelson capped off a strong weekend with 9 hits, including a double, two home runs, seven RBIs, and three walks. With her advanced approach, athleticism, and offensive versatility, Nelson has the tools to compete at the next level.
18u Division
Ada Joy Gerhardt (2026, Burnsville, MN) of the Mission 18u National helped lead her team to the Championship game. Her spin and control of the strikezone gave her some solid pitching stats this weekend. She finished the weekend with a 1.20 ERA with a WHIP of .69. She pitched a gem against the Midwest Speed 18u Nat’L Holt team using her curve ball and keeping that line-up off balance. She no-hit them to go to the Championship round. That team has seven D1 commits and she shut them down which was very impressive. Her quick hands at the plate helped her contribute with her bat hitting .429 on the weekend. She had a great overall weekend and she ended up getting the last 2 outs in the Championship game. She was awarded the Most Valuable pitcher award for the tournament and was one of the most impressive two-way players out there.
Clara Page (2027, Des Moines, IA) of the Alliance Select Elite-Benge had a solid weekend at the plate. Her quick hands and well-balanced stance made it very hard for the pitchers to fool her. She hit .375 on Saturday but saved her best for Championship Sunday. She hit .667 on Sunday. In the Championship game she was 2-2 with a walk. She hit a double and a Homerun to help lead her team to the title. Clara was also able to contribute in the circle. She was well balanced on the mound and ended up with a WHIP of .90. She came into the circle to get the last two outs of the Championship game. Her awesome Sunday at the plate drove her to be named the MVP of the tournament.
Allie Castro (2026, Blaine, MN) of the Midwest Speed 18u Nat’L Tschida has great softball IQ and always knows where she needs to be in the field. She also played an exceptional shortstop. She is an aggressive hitter who does a great job attacking any pitches close to the zone. She shows great hand-eye coordination and barrel awareness. She was also hitting the ball all over the field this weekend, showing great contact point awareness and effectiveness at staying behind the ball. She hit .600 with an OPS of 1.236. She is a lefthanded power hitter and she showed it all weekend.
Abby Johnson (2026, Johnston, IA) of the Alliance Select Elite-Benge hit .688 on the weekend and most of that was on Championship Sunday. She hit .769 on Sunday alone! She had very quick feet and softball IQ that lead her to play a gritty 2nd base and shortstop and made many plays in the field that helped her team win the championship. Abby and Ciara Page were a killer one-two punch in their lineup on Sunday to drive their team to the championship. They hit back-to-back homeruns in the 5th inning of the Championship game to put the nail in the coffin.
Madelynn Andres (2028, Ankeny IA) of the Alliance Select Elite pitched well on the weekend as she ended up with a 1.10 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. She did very well considering she is playing up against the 18’s. She kept the hitters off balance in the two games she started. She threw a complete game on Saturday night and gave up the walk-off HR in the bottom of the 7th. She showed great internal fortitude when she came back on Sunday and avenged that loss to Midwest Speed 18u Nat’L Tschida and only gave up one run in that game.
Mackenzie Mittelstadt (2026, Farmington, MN) of the TC Blitz 18u National had a strong pitching weekend. Her presence in the circle was stoic. She didn’t let anything rattle her while she was out there. She had a .90 ERA and had 8 Ks over 8 innings pitched. Those don’t seem like big stats, but one of the Ks was her 1000th strikeout of her TC Blitz career. That is a lot of strikeouts over a career for one club. She proved to be a steady and consistent presence on the mound for her team.
Lilly Martin (2026, Hugo, MN) of the Midwest Speed 18u Nat’L Holt was a shutdown pitcher when she was in there. Her team had 4 pitchers throwing this weekend. In her 8 innings she had a 0.00 ERA and she had 20 strikeouts. Her Spin and change-ups had the hitters all tied up at the plate. She tied for the tournament lead in strikeouts. When Coach Holt needed a stop Lilly came in and shutdown the other team. Lilly also contributed with her bat and hit .444 on the weekend taking counts deep and showing patience at the plate.
Camille Castro (2026, Blaine, MN) of the Midwest Speed 18u Nat’L Tschida is what you call a “Gamer.” She is always ready to go and even before the game she is focused on what she needs to do to help her team. She is very aggressive at the plate and barrels up the ball more often than not. She wants to rip the cover off the ball and never gets cheated in her at-bats. Camille was hitting the ball all over the field this weekend. She hit .545 on the weekend and also played a lockdown 3rd base all weekend. The highlight had to be the absolute missile HR she hit walk-off the eventual tournament champions on Saturday night. That HR left the yard quickly and she ended the game with it. One of the Fastest HRs our scouts have seen.
Emmy Ly (2026, Savage, MN) of the Mission 18u National plays a mean SS where she is all over the field making plays. She is not afraid of getting dirty to make a play for her team. Emmy Ly hit the ball all over the field this weekend. She has the most balance out of everyone in the box. Her eye is impeccable, and she does not swing at balls outside the zone. She ended up with a .455 batting average. She was at the plate against 18u Holt and she worked a bases loaded walk to get the only run in the game across the plate. This run and the win propelled the Mission team to the Championship game.
Jessica Boos (2026, Cold Springs, MN) of the Midwest Speed 18u Nat’L Tschida started two of the games for her team in the circle and had a great weekend. She had great extension and threw the ball very hard. Her Curve and Rise ball were hard for the hitters to get to. She isn’t just a starter as she came in for relief once. She tied for the tournament lead in strikeouts with 20. Jessica’s team was able to beat the 2 championship teams during pool play, but the Alliance were able to avenge their loss on Sunday and win the title.