THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
High School  | General | 2/22/2013

Regional HS Preview: Southwest

Photo: Perfect Game
2013 Perfect Game High School Baseball Preview Index

Southwest
Region: Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah

Bloodlines grab the headlines in AZ while the rest of the region looks to rebound from heavy losses to graduation

The bloodlines storyline in the state of Arizona is the headline grabber heading into the spring. Jeff Dahn highlighted three prominent high school prospects who are all the sons of former big league players here, but there's another bloodlines story in Arizona this year.

In 2011 the story in high school baseball was Mountain Pointe (AZ) catcher Kevin Cron's assault on the record book, as he broke his own single season record for home runs, as well as the career record. But he was only the second biggest draft prospect in his family, as his older brother CJ, a junior at Utah, was having a big year of his own. CJ went on to become the 17th overall pick in the draft (LA Angels), while Kevin passed on signing as a third rounder (Seattle Mariners), following in his brother's footsteps and taking his game to the college level.

This year there is a similar scenario, with University of New Mexico third baseman DJ Peterson, and his younger brother, Gilbert HS INF Dustin. DJ has a real shot at becoming a first round pick this June, and if the Peterson's follow the Cron's lead it would be great news for Arizona State, where Dustin is committed. Though it is somewhat unusual for third round picks to not sign, so if he Dustin does get selected as high as Kevin Cron did, it's somewhat unlikely for the scenario's parallels to carry over completely.

Thanks in part to Peterson and the bloodlines prospects of Cody Bellinger, Riley Unroe and Brantley Bell, the state of Arizona has an abundance of infield talent this year. While the state of Nevada is still looking to fill the void left by 2011 and 2012 PG High School (Position) Player of the Year Joey Gallo. Gallo's alma mater, Bishop Gorman, is looking to extend their record streak of state championships without him, and while that will be a tall order they have had some promising results in preseason games that suggests they may just be able to pull it off. The story in Nevada will certainly be the Gorman streak, but the top prospect in the state, and the top pitching prospect in the region is RHP Andrew Church.

Nevada is certainly not alone in suffering a hangover from the phenomenal depth of the 2012 class. The state of Utah was already going to be down a bit from last year's strong crop even before former Spanish Fork RHP Brady Corless enrolled at Salt Lake CC a year early. But that loss puts the spotlight on Bingham OF Brennon Lund and Riverton RHP Tanner Draper even more. New Mexico lost a couple of high level players in MIF/C Alex Bregman and OF Shilo McCall. So far there hasn't really been anyone to step up and take reins in the state, as Volcano Vista MIF Andre Vigil and Albuquerque Academy RHP Tyler Buffett are currently the only two players from New Mexico's 2013 high school class that have established themselves to this point.

As you will see below, the cupboard hasn't been left bare, though there are some big shoes to fill after having graduated such a strong class a year ago.  


Southwest
High School Dream Team

Based on present tools

C - Ryan Scott, Sr., Notre Dame Prep (AZ)
Scott doesn't have the top bat for the position and he's not the top defender, but his overall package is the best in the region as a solid defensive catcher who can contribute with the bat, and that's a very good combination. Bronson Larsen and Matt Duce are candidates thanks to their strong defensive play, while Max Schuman's left handed bat puts him in the conversation as well.

1B - Cody Bellinger, Sr., Hamilton (AZ)
This is a slam dunk choice, as Bellinger is not only a high level present hitter with plenty of projectable power, he is also a very high level defender at first. He's also very effective on the mound, showing good command and pitchability with solid offspeed stuff to compliment his upper 80s fastball, but it's the bat that interests scouts most.

MIF - Riley Unroe, Sr., Desert Ridge (AZ)
Arguably the top present hitter in the state, Unroe is a very athletic player who does just about everything well. He's a switch hitter with a power bat who swings it well from both sides of the plate (though he's more advanced from the left side where he gets far more in-game reps) and he can also run and throw. The son of a big leaguer, the sixth tool is also strong, as Unroe has good instincts and plays the game hard.

MIF - Jaime Westbrook, Sr., Basha (AZ)
Westbrook gets the nod over several other talented infielders, the deepest part of the talent pool in Arizona's 2013 class. Westbrook's powerful arm, athleticism and plus raw bat speed all make him an intriguing prospect. His present skills aren't as advanced as some of the other prospects on the Dream Team, but his physical tools offer a good deal of upside and he's learned to harness them enough to make the cut. Jeff Paschke and Brantley Bell miss out due to the depth this year in Arizona, while Andre Vigil is the top infielder from New Mexico.

3B - Dustin Peterson, Sr., Gilbert (AZ)
The best bat speed in the state in the 2012 class belonged to 3B Mitch Nay and Peterson will carry the torch for the position this year, though he sees a good amount of time at shortstop as well, he projects for third long term and already has experience there. Like his older brother DJ, a high level draft prospect from the University of New Mexico, Dustin has a big time power bat that dampens potential concerns about the length of his swing or his tendency to be overaggressive in the box. The hit tool still has a ways to go, but he can do more damage than anyone else in the region.

OF - Brennon Lund, Sr., Bingham (UT)
Lund's run and throw tools combined with his feel for the game make him the top defensive outfielder in not only the state, but also the entire region. He has a quick left handed bat that allows him to spoil pitcher's pitches, catch up to fastballs and make hard contact. His offensive approach is suited for a table setter type of role, which works well with his speed on the bases and his position as a centerfielder.

OF - Austin Paschke, Sr., Mountain Ridge (AZ)
Consistency will be the key for Paschke. His long lean athletic build with projectable strength and good bat speed from the left side offer up a lot of upside. At times, he looks like a high level prospect, though he's prone to streakiness and is still learning the finer points of hitting. But the raw power is big and he's a hitter who has to be pitched to carefully.

OF - Gerard Hernandez, Jr., Pinnacle (AZ)
 
The top power bat in the 2014 class rounds out an outfield comprised entirely of left handed hitters. Hernandez can really put a charge into the ball and his power will be his calling card throughout his playing career. Others who were considered include: Marcus Still, MJ Hubbs and Kenny Meimerstorf.

UT - Alex Verdugo, Jr., OF/LHP, Sahuaro (AZ)
It's a bit tougher for players from the Tucson area to make a name for themself on the national scene than their counterparts from the Phoenix metropolitan area. But Verdugo has the kind of ability that will force scouts to make the trip south to watch him, as he has a chance to become a high level prospect over the next year. He can push his fastball onto the right side of 90 miles per hour, and has a good curveball to go with it. But for as good as he is on the mound, Verdugo's left handed bat is even better. He shows power to all parts of the yard with loose swing actions and a good bat path, he can really hit and has the peripheral run and throw tools to go with the bat. The state of Arizona has several highly talented two way prospects, but with Ryan Castellani on the Dream Team's pitching staff and Cody Bellinger manning first base, Verdugo becomes the obvious choice.

P - Andrew Church, RHP, Sr., Palo Verde (NV)
Church is one of the more well rounded pitching prospects you'll find in the high school ranks. He doesn't have a glaring weakness, as he commands his low 90s fastball well, throws both of his secondary pitches (a plus curveball and a solid-average changeup) for strikes consistently and shows some feel for pitching. He doesn't have any one area where he absolutely stands head and shoulders above his peers, but he's the staff ace on the Dream Team thanks to his combination of stuff and pitchability.

P - Ryan Castellani, RHP/OF, Jr., Brophy Prep (AZ)
A year from now the conversation about Castellani could be very different. If his command and pitchability come along over that time and he starts to realize his tremendous upside, he has a chance to be one of the best players in the nation. The 6-foot-4 hurler is already working in the low 90s consistently, and has an arm that should be able to generate more velocity than that in the near future. He whips his arm through a low three quarters slot that creates big tailing action on his fastball and he pairs it with a hard slider that also shows big potential. He has streaks of absolute dominance already, and they are becoming more and more frequent.

P - Tanner Draper, RHP, Sr., Riverton (UT)
Draper doesn't rely on any one pitch or the ability to throw fastballs by overmatched hitters to get outs. He hits his spots, mixes his pitches and is constantly one step ahead of the hitter. The first time Draper threw at a PG event he tossed a no-hitter...and then followed it with another 6 1/3 innings of no-hit ball before finally giving up a single. He's continued to show that high level pitchability at other high level events ever since. While some scouts will be scared off by the fact that he's a right hander who works in the upper 80s with his fastball, that could wind up being great news for Oregon State, where he has signed a National Letter of Intent. Should he make to campus, Draper has the polish and pitchability to find success from day one, though there are likely going to be several MLB organizations who try to prevent that from happening.

P - Brick Paskiewicz, RHP/OF, Sr., Sunrise Mountain (AZ)
Don't be fooled by his size, the 5-foot-11 175 pound right hander can light up the radar guns. At the 2012 WWBA World Championship in Jupiter Paskiewicz sat 90-92 and backed it up with an upper 70s curveball that topped out at 78 mph and also worked in an 81 mph changeup. The lack of physical maturity only suggests that there's a lot more coming in the future from Paskiewicz, who is also a solid centerfielder, making him a player to keep an eye on going forward.

P - Dylan Myers, RHP, Sr., Coronado (NV)
The final spot was a difficult decision, with several strong candidates missing the cut. Myers is a physical right hander with a sound delivery and good command. He spins his breaking balls well and has a solid changeup. He has the potential to be a workhorse type of pitcher down the road and shows good pitchability for a high school arm. Other pitchers considered include: Tyler Buffett, Chandler Blanchard, Zach Wynn, Seth Martinez and Andrew Shaps.


Southwest Region Best Tools

This is PG 'DiamondKast' Level content.
You must be either an DiamondKast, Crosschecker Rankings & Scouting Reports, or Scout subscriber to read the rest.

Sign in Subscribe Now

High School | General | 8/17/2026

Scott Wins MVP Two Ways

Jim Salisbury
Article Image
PHILADELPHIA – When the folks at Perfect Game reached out to invite him to pitch in the 2026 PG All-Star Game for rising sophomores and juniors, Cullen Scott had one request. “You mind if I get a couple of at-bats, too?” Along with his dad, Scott traveled from the family’s home in Texas to Citizens Bank Park. The trip proved to be a huge success as he starred on the mound and at the plate and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Scott, 16, pitched a scoreless first inning and struck out two. In the fourth inning, he belted a grand slam six rows up into the left-field seats to lead the National team’s 6-1 win over the American team. “He showed us why he’s here as a pitcher and a hitter,” said Greg Sabers, PG’s vice president of scouting and showcases. "He’s one of the top pitchers here, but he’s too good a...
Draft | Story | 10/30/2026

2027 Draft Preview: Prep Middle Infielders

Ryan Miller
Article Image
2027 MLB Draft Profile Preview: Collegiate Right-Handed Pitchers | Collegiate Left-Handed Pitchers The premium profile in each class often are prep middle infielders, a sought-after group with the athletic ability to stick on the dirt or land throughout the diamond long term. This demographic has produced the superstars of today’s game and therefore are selected in prime spots while demanding high-end signing bonuses. This group features a mix of loud tools, high level projection, and impact defenders. Below we break down at the top prep middle infielder in the 2027 cycle.  ‘27 SS Dylan Seward (CA)- liftoff from the No. 1 player in the class. A solo blast to RCF to extend the lead for @TheCanesBB #WWBA @California_PG @Vol_Baseball commit https://t.co/lJjNg6T7PS — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 27, 2026 SS Dylan Seward, Norco (CA)  The Southern...
Tournaments | Story | 10/29/2026

WWBA Underclass Prospect Recap

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
WWBA Underclass Scout Notes: Days 1-2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in Fort Myers were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  Kasen Langerhans (2028, Round Rock, Texas) batted leadoff and stuck at the hot corner for Texas Twelve Red Sox 2028 in Fort Myers. The Texas native has the looks a young left-handed power bat and the swing is built for it. Langerhans produces easy bat speed, delivering a fast and leveraged barrel through the zone. He creates backspin and uses the ground well, really getting into the legs. The infielder has excellent power projection and took comfortable, intentful cuts in the box. Langerhans got the job done at the top of the order...
Tournaments | Story | 10/28/2026

WWBA Sophomore Prospect Recap

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in Fort Myers were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  2029 MIF Easton Housewright (Knoxville, Tenn.) currently stands at 6-foot,175 pounds with strength in the lower half, present above-average athleticism. Continued to shine at the top of the lineup as the left-handed hitter is your prototypical leadoff hitter, consistently finding a way on and scoring. Takes quality at-bats with an above average awareness of the strike zone. Loose hands with easy bat speed that find the barrel often for hard line drives into the gaps that frequently turn into XBHs. Confident and balanced approach. Also...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

Beyond the Board: SS Malachi Butler

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
As the 2027 draft cycle moves through the fall and into the offseason, we kick off a new series called Beyond The Board. With each installment, we will provide an in-depth scouting report for some of the top players in the class, breaking down their tools, strengths, question marks, and overall projection. This week we take a look at Georgia prep shortstop Malachi Butler. The Georgia Tech put together an outstanding showing on the circuit this summer and has been a significant riser early in the 2027 cycle.  Player: Malachi Butler Position: SS B/T: L/R Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 190-pounds School: McEachern HS Hometown: Powder Springs, Ga.  Physical Description: 6-2/190. Strong, athletic build. Well-proportioned body. Has strength with room to continue to add more.    High speed BP swing from '27 SS Malachi Butler (GA)... #PGNational @PG_Georgia https://t.co/M9OWUX9rPw...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

South Fall World Series Scout Notes

Jay Vossler
Article Image
Kason Mead (2029, Spring, Texas) had a great weekend for Premier Baseball Donato 2029. Went 5-9 with a pair of doubles and a home run, driving in five without striking out. Physical frame with a lot more strength on the way. Impressive bat speed that attacks the top of the zone well. Works to all fields consistently and the profile indicates that he’ll be able to build off that with more impact. Lot to like, should be a riser as he goes into his sophomore season. Sterling McCormack (2029, Magnolia, Texas) performed well for Premier Baseball Donato 2029. Reached four times, including a double. Gains ground well on the stride, using his physicality to his advantage as he stays on an uphill plane, geared for slug. Plenty of strength at the point of impact. Landon Hardy (2029, Spring, Texas) had a strong showing for Scorpions Team Easton 2029. Went 4-11 with a double and homer, driving...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

WWBA Freshman Prospect Recap

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in West Palm were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  Kolt Hampton (2030, Chandler, AZ) is a left-handed hitting infielder with present barrel speed and twitch in the turn. Turned around an upper 80s heater that plated two runs in the first inning of the quarterfinals and never looked back. Also got it done on the rubber punching out three and topping out at 86. The number one player in Arizona produced all week and took care of business defensively.  Landen Davis (2030, Beaufort, SC) showed up at the dish this event hitting .500 with four doubles and five RBIs. Stays tight in the turn with present strength and the approach plays to all fields....
Tournaments | Story | 10/24/2026

SBA Takes 14u Title Behind Offense

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
To say there were standouts all over the field for the 14u WWBA World Championship would be an understatement as the matchup of Team Elite 14u Scout and SBA Bolts National 14u saw two of the more loaded rosters going head-to-head with a title on the line. And after weather threw a giant wrench into pool play, both Sunday and Monday were nothing but sunshine and high intensity baseball leading into the final game of the event.  While the game ultimately ended via run rule after five in favor of SBA upon a 9 run inning, it was a tight contest up until that point with Team Elite carrying a 3-2 lead thru four innings.  Team Elite drew first blood as a Ross Logan walk quickly turned into the first run of the game following a well struck single by Cooper Ooten into left field who eventually came around to score following a double steal, scoring before the third out of the inning was...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 10/22/2026

PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase High School Division

Erica Beach
Article Image
PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase HS Division Oct 17-18, 2026 Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex CHESTERFIELD, MO — It was a perfect weekend for softball, with 16 teams converging on the Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex to compete in the High School Division. Teams from Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa were there to battle it out, and there was only one undefeated team in the tournament: the Southeast Iowa All-Stars 16U Gold Flowerbach, who went a stellar 5-0 on the weekend. We were treated to some stellar performances all weekend and below we highlight some of the standout athletes who caught our eyes.  Lucy Turner (2027, Marion, IA) of the Cedar Rapids Reds was a truly dynamic two-way player this past weekend. Offensively, she batted .444 with 5 RBIs and an impressive 6 stolen bases, which led the tournament. She also scored 6 runs for her team and...
Tournaments | Championship | 10/22/2026

Wildcatters Reign Supreme at 13u WWBA

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
After both the Best of the West and the Beast of the East wrapped up, a big conglomerate of high end talent and stacked teams descended upon West Palm for both the 13u and the 14u WWBA World Championships. While the weather threw a wrench into the plans early on and some adjustment was needed to ensure the event moved forward, it was nothing but sunshine and competitive baseball throughout Sunday and into the early morning Monday.  Kicking off with the 13u WWBA World Championship, the first thing to point out is the fact this was a wood bat tournament played on 60-90 fields and while the combo was a first for most, you wouldn't know it with their level of play throughout the weekend. In an unsurprising twist and a continuation of their 12u dominance, the 13u championship saw the #2 seeded Goldin Prospects lock horns with the top seeded Houston Wildcatters, aka the champion of the...
Tournaments | Story | 10/22/2026

17u Coastal Fall Invitational

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Dalton Fisher (2028, China Grove, NC) stands at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, with a lean, projectable frame and room to add strength as he develops. Bats and throws right-handed and plays the outfield. Shows a good approach at the plate with quick hands, solid bat speed, and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Fisher went 2-for-3 with 1 RBI, putting together a great day at the plate. Bradley Edwards (2028, Summerville,SC) Stands at 6-feet-5 225 strong build and the potential to generate considerable power. Bats and throws right handed is a right handed pitcher. Shows good arm strength and the ability to attack hitters while generating swings and misses. Demonstrates a competitive approach on the mound with the ability to challenge hitters in the zone. Recorded 4.2 innings pitched with 10 strikeouts, a 56% strike rate, and a fastball that topped out at 85 mph. Jackson Pierce (2028,...
Loading more articles...