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Tournaments  | Story | 7/17/2026

WWBA Midwest Regional Champ. Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Donovan May

Caleb Wilson (2028, Crown Point, Ind.) helped lead Top Tier Americans 2028 to the 16U WWBA Regional Championship and delivered one of the tournament's top offensive performances. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound left-handed outfielder displayed good plate discipline, a quick bat and barreled balls to all parts of the field. Plus speed also added another dimension to Wilson's game on the base paths, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses. The Tournament MVP saw the ball extremely well, hitting .667 (14-for-21) with two triples, six RBI, four stolen bases and a 1.588 OPS.

Brennen Malloy (2028, Homer Glen, Ill.), a 6-foot, 175-pound right-hander for Elite Baseball Training Blackburn, worked from a repeatable delivery with easy effort and a clean arm action. Pitchability was evident, mixing the fastball (78-84 mph) with a curveball (73-77 mph) to induce weak contact and work to different quadrants of the strike zone. Malloy's attack translated into 12.1 scoreless innings, allowing four hits, one walk, and striking out 11 throughout the tournament.
 

Zac Slater (2028, Poplar Grove, Ill.) features a projectable 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame with room to add strength for RBA 16U Licon. The right-hander worked with a quick arm, generating good extension down the mound while running the fastball up to 87 mph with heavy arm-side run. Slater paired the fastball with a tight slider and a deceptive delivery, creating uncomfortable at-bats throughout the outing. Slater struck out seven over 5.1 innings, allowing two hits and no earned runs.
 

Kameron Cox (2028, Countryside, Ill.), an athletic 6-foot 180-pound infielder for Top Tier Americans 2028, played a key role in the club's 16U WWBA Regional Championship. The right-handed hitter displayed a disciplined approach with quick hands, present bat speed, and advanced bat-to-ball skills, consistently using the whole field throughout the tournament. The athleticism translated on both sides of the ball, swiping 10 stolen bases while displaying good defensive instincts, charging slow rollers and making backhanded plays in the hole. The No. 1-ranked shortstop in Illinois finished the event hitting .467 (7-for-15) with five RBI and a 1.267 OPS.
 

Caden Castleman (2028, Hudson, Ill.), a physical 6-foot, 220-pound left-hander for Rhino Baseball / K's 16U, utilized a high leg lift, coil, and long-arm action to create a deceptive release point while running the fastball (82-87 mph) up to 87 mph. Castleman worked off the fastball with an 11/5 curveball (71-75 mph), giving hitters multiple looks while attacking the outer half of the plate. The mix translated into 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing three hits, three walks, and striking out eight throughout the tournament.
 

Matthew Kulig (2028, Saint John, Ind.), a projectable 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-hander for Top Tier Americans 2028, glides down the mound with controlled effort, using a quick arm to create deception. Kulig has a solid feel to spin, highlighted by a sharp slider (71-75 mph), while working off a fastball (82-86 mph) to keep hitters off balance. The arsenal generated both weak contact and missed bats throughout the outing, as Kulig struck out seven over 4.0 innings, allowing three hits and two walks.



Jack Bradford (2028, Warsaw, Ind.), an athletic, lean 6-foot-1, 180-pound catcher for Canes Great Lakes 16U Premier, impacted the game on both sides of the ball. The right-handed hitter displayed good plate discipline, staying balanced against spin while showing barrel control and working quality at-bats. Bradford also impressed defensively with mobile actions behind the plate, pairing good instincts with a quick release and arm strength. Bradford finished the event hitting .308 (4-for-13) with one double, two triples, five RBI, five walks, three stolen bases and a 1.192 OPS.

Evan Smith (2028, Mokena, Ill.), a physical 5-foot-11, 242-pound corner infielder for Elite Baseball Training Blackburn, impacted the baseball with loud contact throughout the tournament. The right-handed hitter worked displayed a compact, level swing with quick hands and present bat speed. Smith’s performance translated into a .333 (5-for-15) average with one double, one triple, one home run, eight RBI, five walks, and a 1.233 OPS.

Gavin Helpingstine (2028, Portage, Ind.), an athletic 6-foot, 185-pound outfielder for Top Tier Americans 2028, stood out with his quick-twitch athleticism during the club's championship run. The right-handed hitter worked from a balanced, open setup, getting into his load with rhythm while showing a quick bat and staying through the baseball. The athleticism translated on both sides of the ball, covering ground defensively while creating pressure on the bases. Helpingstine finished hitting an impressive .474 (9-for-19) with one triple, nine RBI, five stolen bases and a 1.211 OPS.

Wyatt Ball (2028, Rapid City, Mich.), a 5-foot-10, 175-pound catcher for North Michigan Patriots, displayed present strength with a direct path to the baseball. Quick hands and a level swing helped produced loud contact, while the athleticism translated on the bases with two triples. Ball put together a strong performance hitting .444 (4-for-9) with one double, two triples, six RBI, three walks and a 1.583 OPS.

- Donovan May
 

Landon Ludwig (2028, Colfax, Ill.) a 6-foot-5 185-pound left-handed pitcher pitched five strong innings for Rhino on Friday. He showed off his strikeout stuff, setting down eight opposing hitters while allowing only one run. Ludwig uses his lower half really well getting deep into his back hip and gets down the mound and creates plus extension. His fastball worked up to 87mph early and settled into his offspeed pitches later in the game. His slider was 72-76mph and his changeup had solid depth sitting 73-75mph.
 

Jacob Hite (2028, Palos Heights, Ill.) a 6-foot 178-pound right-handed pitcher/outfielder was purely dominant in his five inning outing, allowing only one base runner. He punched out five hitters, and lived in the zone throwing 68% strikes. Hite has a fluid motion and athleticism in his delivery. He mixed his timing on the mound, messing with the opposing hitters and baserunners. He fielded his position particularly well, making three plays on the mound. His fastball sat 80-84mph and topped out at 85mph and his curveball was 72-73mph. Hite also had a monster weekend at the plate. He showed his ability to be a run producer, driving in thirteen runs on the weekend. There is some slug in his bat too, he had four extra base hits including a no doubt homer. Not only did he pitch and hit well, he mixed in five stolen bases too. Hite really showed that he is a true 2-way ballplayer and a pure athlete.

Mason Hood (2028, Battle Creek, Mich.) a 5-foot-10 160-pound right-handed pitcher, was one of the more unique arms seen throughout the weekend. Hood is a true submarine pitcher and really impressed throughout his five innings. His deceptive delivery kept hitters at bay, only allowing two base runners. He stayed composed throughout the outing and worked quickly. His fastball ran up to 79mph late in the outing and sat 75-78mph. He has a tight slider he used to put away hitters that was around 61-64mph.

Sam McCullough (2028, Battle Creek, Mich.) a 5-foot-11 180-pound shortstop/right-handed pitcher did a little bit of everything on the weekend, helping lead his team to a semifinal appearance. McCullough had twelve hits across seven games played. He has some slug in his sweet left-handed swing with four of his hits going for extra bases. He showed off his two-way abilities too, by having a masterful performance on the mound. The righty went seven scoreless innings, punched out four, and had a fastball up to 80mph.
 

Gavin Jones (2028, Monee, Ill.) a 6-foot 180-pound shortstop has been no stranger to the tournament write-up articles, and he continues to impress over the course of the summer. Jones was a big time run producer, driving in eight runs across only four games, and mixed in a home run. As good as he was at the plate his speed continues to be one of the best parts of his game. He used that speed to extend doubles to triples, and move freely in the field.


- Ethan Pequette
 

Brady Jones (2028, Metamora, Ill.) is a physical specimen at 6’6 210 pounds. Showed potential two-way ability across the weekend. In the box, he works from a wide base and uses a high leg kick, but otherwise has quiet movements throughout the swing. Stays long through the ball and works the barrel uphill to create plenty of lift, letting his natural strength do the work. Jones also shows intelligent swing decisions at the plate, walking more than he struck out on the weekend. He also put up a dominant outing on the rubber, throwing a complete game with 9 strikeouts, allowing 2 runs. The fastball peaked at 86 mph in the outing and was complemented by both a changeup and curveball.

Callum Birdzell (2028, Indianapolis, Ind.) lean frame at 6’4 190 pounds raked this last weekend. Birdzell went 6-for-15 with 4 triples. He showcased plenty of bat-to-ball skills and an ability to adjust to keep the barrel on plane. He debuts a wide stance in the box with a short stride and minimal hand load. On the base paths, he’s a quick mover thanks to long strides and twitchiness.

Jason DeCeault (2028, Crown Point, Ind.) was one of the top performers in the 16U group this last weekend. At 6’0 190 pounds, he is a compact yet physical presence with plenty of impact on the baseball. He finished the weekend 7-for-12 with 5 extra-base hits, including an absolute moon shot of a home run Saturday afternoon. The impact of his bat is apparent due to his overall strength and quickness in his hands that he throws at the baseball.
 

Kyler Kirkpatrick (2027, Omaha, Neb.) fluid left-handed athlete that can hold his own in any of the three outfield spots due to natural quickness. In the box, he brings more fluidity to his swing. He uses an open stance and loads into his backside well, keeping the weight on the inside of his back foot. His hands load downwards, making it easier to adjust to pitches in all parts of the zone. Finished the weekend 5-for-10 with 3 triples, including two in one game, and a double.


- Brady Shick
 

Jeffery Wheeler (2026, Bolingbrook, Ill.) showcased his bat this weekend for ESP 18u American 2026s. The 5-foot-9, 171-pound right-handed hitter left the yard and totaled 5 hits with 5 RBI’s. Stays in his legs and has great weight transition with the lower half allowing him to do damage. Has a mature approach at the plate, able to work at-bats and find a way on base.

Hamza Abdelfattah (2027, Oak Lawn, Ill.) a 5-foot-11, 180-pound left-handed pitcher was electric on the mound for Rake City 17u. Showcased a true four pitch mix featuring a 4-seam, 2-seam, changeup, and slider. Super athletic on and around the mound, was able to make some defensive plays that normally don’t get made by a pitcher. The slider had bite at 70-75mph. Utilized the 2-seam the most, had natural ASR that got up to 86mph and settled in at 83-84mph. Had a feel in working counts and could spot all four pitches in the zone throwing strikes at a 65% clip. One of the top performers of the weekend and the #17 ranked LHP out of Illinois. Ended the game going 7 innings with 9 K’s and only allowing one run.

Evan Wills (2027, Joliet, Ill.) was on the winning side of a pitching duel this weekend for ESP Select 17u Red 2027s (Walsh). The 5-foot-11, 180-pound left-handed pitcher tossed an impressive 7 inning complete game shutout. Kept hitters off-balance racking up 7 K’s, only allowing 2 hits on 64% strikes. Had a big leg kick that allowed him to get good extension down the mound and generated weak contact during the game. Showed comfort in throwing spin and filled up the zone. Didn’t have over powering stuff on the heater but topped out at 83mph and paired it with the off-speed to pick up the win.
 

Evan Jenks (2027, Joliet, Ill.) was an extra base hit machine this weekend with 3 doubles and 2 triples for Top Tier South. The fluid swinging right-handed hitter has a twitch in his load and a strong base in the legs. Drove the ball to all fields with 9 total hits in the tournament. Athletic kid at 6-foot-1, 176-pounds with a developing hit tool and speed that helps him out around the bases. Drove in 7 RBI’s and scored 5 runs himself, proving to be an important middle of the order bat with great plate discipline.

Sebastian Lopez (2028, Sparta, Wis.) a 5-foot-8, 151-pound right-handed hitter was the top performer of the weekend at the dish playing up to the 18u level. Burst on to the scene with 9 hits, four of them going for extra bases. Also, produced runs in an impressive way with 8 RBI’s and scored 9 runs for the Outsiders. Works counts well at the top of the order and has great bat to ball skills. Showcased a really handsy swing with room to grow in his frame to generate more natural pop. Has plus speed, and is always a threat when on the bases adding 5 stolen bags to his name. A rising athlete to watch this summer.
 

Rogan Bailey (2028, Warsaw, Ind.) turned heads this weekend for Canes Great Lakes 16u Premier with his 6-foot-3 frame, paired with speed, and switch hitting abilities. Looked more comfortable from the left-handed side of the plate. Keeps it simple in the load and throws the hands getting extension through contact. Has a quick and advanced bat path allowing him to work an at-bat and stay on plane. Showcased a front leg lock and strong base while in the box that allowed him to launch 2 triples in the tournament. Finished the weekend totaling 8 hits with 4 runs batted in and played great defense from the SS position.

Eli Chavera (2027, Rockford, Ill.) was dominant across his two starts in this tournament for the Bison Outlaws. Tall, lanky framed kid at 6-foot-3, 190-pounds with plenty of room to grow. Has an aggressive delivery down the mound and hides the ball well from the ¾ arm slot. Showed confidence for the spin at 69mph and overpowered hitters with the fastball that got up to 84mph. Took the mound for his squad in the Quarterfinal matchup and shut the door to send them onto the next round. Pitched 11.1 innings total on the weekend with 12 K’s and only suffered 3 hits. Generated a ton of whiffs and kept the ball on the ground for his defense to work.

- Ty Rechtorovic
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Tournaments | Championship | 7/30/2026

Blue Wave Battle & Prevail at 14u Classic
Kinley Kitchens
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For Excel Blue Wave, the summer was never about being perfect. It was about getting better. After a season filled with challenges, growth, and plenty of learning along the way, Excel Blue Wave put everything together when it mattered most, defeating SBG Sox Prime, Al 9-3 to capture the 2026 14U Perfect Game Hoover Classic championship. For Excel Blue Wave Coach Forrest Heacock, watching the group celebrate with a championship trophy was especially meaningful because of everything it took to get there.  “It hasn’t been the easiest summer, and have battled a lot,” Coach Heacock said. “The kids have improved so much over the summer, and that is really what it’s all about at this age. It’s really just about improving at this age, and to see them be able to put it together, and just really compete together and play as a team, I couldn’t be...
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Kinley Kitchens
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Excel Blue Wave National wasn’t leaving Hoover empty-handed.  At least, that was the message head coach Wes Henderson gave his team.  After a summer filled with strong performances but without a tournament title to show for them, Excel Blue Wave National entered the 2026 15U Perfect Game Hoover Classic with one more opportunity to finish the season the way they wanted.  This time, they left no doubt.  Excel Blue Wave National defeated East Coast Sox 2029 Victus, 12-0 in the championship game, combining a balanced offensive attack with a strong performance on the mound to secure their first tournament title of the summer.  “It’s been a special group,” Coach Henderson said. “They fought really hard, and they played really well this summer, and this is the first championship that we’ve been able to bring home. We typically...
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"Excel"ling Through the Hoover Classic

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After a long summer of baseball, Excel Blue Wave National had one final opportunity to end it the way every team hopes to.  Together, having fun, and as champions. Excel Blue Wave National closed their summer with a 13-9 victory over Excel Blue Wave American – Morrison to capture the 2026 16U Perfect Game Hoover Classic championship. In a game that required contributions throughout the lineup and seven innings of competition, the Excel Blue Wave National relied on the same qualities and approach that had carried the group all summer. With talent, perseverance and a chemistry built far beyond the baseball field, they were unstoppable.  For head coach Brennan McCullough, there couldn’t have been a much better way for his players to finish their final weekend together .  “It’s great,” Coach McCullough said. “We’ve had a long...
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Quinton Hall
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16u West World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Jason Lizotte (‘28 | NV) Smooth LHH, hunts pitches down in the zone he can rip to the middle & PS w/ a downhill & direct path. Some strength in the hands w/ feel for the barrel #PGWS pic.twitter.com/kbK5Ayvhd7 — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) July 27, 2026 Jason Lizotte (2028 | Las Vegas, NV) The 5-foot-9, 145-pound left-handed hitter and outfielder was a spark plug all weekend for MTBA Dawgs 2028, finishing with seven hits, eight runs scored, one double, one triple, four RBI, three stolen bases, and four walks without a strikeout. Lizotte refused to give away an at-bat, consistently working hitter’s counts before spraying line drives all over the field. The left-handed swing stays short and direct with plenty of feel for the barrel, and once he reached base, he immediately put pressure on the defense with...
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SBA Sox Save Best for Last

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Sometimes the best ending comes after a season of figuring things out. For SBG Sox American, the summer wasn’t always seamless. The team spent their early weeks learning where players fit best, building chemistry and searching for the combination that would allow them to play their best baseball. By the final weekend, they found it.  SBG Sox American closed their summer with a 7-5 victory over Dirtbags Midsouth 2027 Black to capture the 2026 17U Perfect Game Hoover Classic championship, putting together one final winning performance in the last tournament this group would share this summer.  For SBG Sox Coach Cooper Williams, that made taking home the championship trophy even more meaningful. “It’s been great, especially for it being their last summer event,” Coach Williams said. “It’s really cool for them to kind of pull this thing out for...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/29/2026

East World Series Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Evan Brand (2027, Acworth, Ga.) has been solid at the plate all summer and did not slow down late in the summer. This week, Brand was able to hit just under the .700 mark and tallied three extra base hits, including a homer. The switch hitter has a fluid barrel path with plus feel for the barrel to all fields. The lower half also moves with some rhythm, and the switch hitting ability with the accuracy to the barrel provides plenty of intrigue. The middle infielder is committed to Georgia Tech. Atley Schwarzrock (‘27 GA) catches of all of the first pitch he sees launching it over the wall in left for a 2-run 💣 sending it with some heat; stays loose in his progressing ripping the barrel thru the zone with some strength behind it and staying tall on impact. #EastWS… pic.twitter.com/oGxbPQN1W0 — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) July 27, 2026 Atley Schwarzrock (2027,...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/29/2026

17u World Series Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
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17u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Lukas Waite (‘27, CA) showed LOUD stuff out of the pen. 6-2/205 frame. High-end athlete on the mound. FB sat 92-95 (T96). SL at 80-82 generated uncomfortable whiffs #PGWS @California_PG @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/UXaVxqA2kv — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) July 27, 2026 Lukas Waite (2027, San Diego, Calif.) came out of the pen on day four and showcased the loudest stuff out of the entire event. The recently named PG All-American ran the fastball up to 96 mph and sat 92-95 mph throughout the outing. A slider at 80-82 mph was lethal. It tunnels well off the heater and gets uncomfortable whiffs often. Waite features a 6-2, 205-pound frame that moves extremely well. There is supreme athleticism throughout the delivery that stands out. The upside is extremely high and will be sure to draw heavy draft interest during this...
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Victorino & Girardi Tabbed PGAAC Managers

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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   SHANE VICTORINO AND JOE GIRARDI NAMED MANAGERS FOR PERFECT GAME DICK'S ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC AT CITIZENS BANK PARK   Former Phillies Stars to Lead Nation's Top High School Baseball Players on August 16 in Philadelphia   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Wednesday, July 29, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that former Phillies All-Star outfielder Shane Victorino and former Phillies manager Joe Girardi will serve as managers for Team East and Team West, respectively, at the 2026 Perfect Game DICK'S All-American Classic, taking place on Sunday, August 16, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa.   Joining Girardi and...
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Coppy's Corner: July 28 Summer Edition

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The amateur players in the Cape Cod Baseball League are the future stars of the 2027 MLB Draft. The league runs from June 13th through August 2nd. Games are played at historic stadiums in Old New England towns. It’s beautiful and charming. Hollywood even made a movie about the Cape Cod League ~25 years ago called Summer Catch. It scored an 8% (!) on Rotten Tomatoes, but, on the plus side, it featured 2001 Jessica Biel in a starring role.  It was so much fun writing Coppy’s Column this spring. My hope is to highlight a pitcher and position player each week from the Cape. And, who knows, maybe somewhere out there Jessica Biel is reading it.    Player of the Week: Blake Schaaf – Bourne Braves  Schaaf had a big week, going 12-for-22 (.545 AVG) with 3 Doubles, 4 Stolen Bases, and 9 Runs Scored. It’s been the continuation of a terrific summer for the...
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