THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,804 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,804 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Juco  | Rankings | 1/26/2016

2016 Top 50 Junior College Teams

Photo: Northwest Florida State




2016 Perfect Game College Baseball Preview Index | @PGCollegeBall | @StatsKing (Chris King) |  PG College Facebook Page

Listed below are the Preseason Top 50 teams at the Junior College level followed by detailed capsules of the top 25 programs. The rankings and the first four capsules (teams ranked 1-4) are available for free, the rest is available with a College Baseball Ticket (CBT) subscription. To learn more about the College Baseball Ticket and to sign up today please visit this link
.



The 2016 season is finally here with most teams dusting off their equipment and heading to the fields for game action this weekend. The talent in the junior college ranks this season is strong from top to bottom, and it easily spreads from coast to coast with plenty of premium players and programs in between.

Getting the nod as our opening day No. 1 team will be the defending National Champions Northwest Florida State. Coach Doug Martin and the Raiders went 5-1 during the 2015 World Series including a 10-0 win over Iowa Western, who will start the season as our No. 2 ranked team. Northwest Florida State’s only loss in the tournament came at the hands of McLennan (Texas), but the Raiders got redemption just two days later by crushing the Highlanders 15-1 in the national title game.

With solid cores returning to both teams, and with the help of some significant D-I transfers, both Northwest Florida State and Iowa Western will be in the hunt all year long.

Right in the mix with the top two teams will be perennial national power San Jacinto (Texas) who comes in at No. 3 and on paper may have the most talented roster top to bottom in the country. The Gators made it to the World Series once again in 2015, but could not get past the national runner-up McLennan squad, who defeated San Jac 3-1 in the opening round and again 14-6 to eliminate the Gators’ national title hopes.

Fourth on our list is Spartanburg Methodist (S.C.). The Pioneers will run out a lineup that will keep them in the conversation as one of the premier teams in America. Kep Brown, Tyler Lancaster, Dominique Jackson, Nolan Cheneau and Bakari Gayle all rank in the top 75 of our
top 100 junior college prospect rankings and are sure to cause plenty of fits for opposing pitchers.

Cowley County (Kan.) rounds out the Top 5 thanks in part to a solid core of returning players along with the help of two transfers from Oklahoma State in Carson LaRue and Caleb Eldridge.

Every team looks good on paper right now, but once the cleats hit the dirt we will start to find out what each of these clubs are truly made of. Will talent by itself win out? Can pitching and defense alone carry teams to the promised land? Or is a balanced, accountable team the way to go?

These questions will be answered in the next few months as Perfect Game will be there following the action every step of the way.

The rankings will be updated on a bi-weekly basis throughout the 2016 season, so please continue to follow along. When it’s all said and done we will see who has what it takes to make it to Grand Junction, Colo. in May and prove once and for all who is the best in the world of junior college baseball.


2016 Perfect Game Top 50 Junior College Teams

RK Team ST '15 Record '15 Rank*
1 Northwest Florida State FL 42-13 1
2 Iowa Western IA 54-7 5
3 San Jacinto TX 41-19 16
4 Spartanburg Methodist SC 29-23 NR
5 Cowley County KS 54-5 6
6 Chipola FL 40-12 15
7 Walters State TN 57-12 4
8 Orange Coast CA 30-17 11
9 Chattahoochee Valley AL 43-17 17
10 Palomar CA 37-8 9
11 Yavapai AZ 45-18 13
12 Crowder MO 28-20 NR
13 Central Arizona AZ 37-19 NR
14 Heartland IL 46-13 NR
15 Grayson TX 38-17 NR
16 San Joaquin Delta CA 41-7 3
17 McLennan TX 36-19 8
18 Polk State FL 35-16 NR
19 Cypress  CA 25-13 NR
20 Howard TX 42-13 24
21 St. Johns River FL 47-10 7
22 John A. Logan IL 27-17 NR
23 LSU-Eunice LA 49-10 2
24 Miami-Dade  FL 25-22 NR
25 Western Nevada NV 33-26 NR
26 Palm Beach State FL 41-17 12
27 Seminole State OK 39-17 NR
28 Cisco TX 39-15 NR
29 Dodge City KS 42-20 20
30 Western Oklahoma State OK 53-13 18
31 Midland TX 33-23 NR
32 Navarro TX 31-18 NR
33 Hinds  MS 43-7 NR
34 Delgado LA 33-16 23
35 State College of Florida-Manatee FL 39-18 NR
36 Weatherford TX 39-13 NR
37 Arizona Western AZ 32-23 NR
38 Southern Nevada NV 46-18 14
39 Darton State GA 40-19 NR
40 Wabash Valley IL 31-19 NR
41 Florida SouthWestern State FL NA# NR
42 Gulf Coast State FL 34-20 NR
43 Lower Columbia WA 41-10 10
44 Mt. Hood OR 35-14 NR
45 Cochise AZ 44-17 NR
46 USC Sumter SC 43-21 25
47 El Camino CA 24-12 NR
48 Salt Lake  UT 37-25 NR
49 Riverside CA 22-17 NR
50 Pitt NC 34-13 NR

*Notes final Top 25 team ranking from 2015 season as found here.
#Program hasn't fielded a baseball team since 1997.



2016 Perfect Game Top 25 Junior College Team Capsules

1. Northwest Florida State
The defending national champs are out to prove that last year’s success was way more than a good team getting hot at the right time. Head Coach Doug Martin got an early Christmas present this year in the form of a big, hard throwing righthander named Jake Godfrey. Godfrey, who comes over from LSU, has ideal size and a powerful arsenal that should have no problem slowing down his opposition while also adding more talent, experience and depth to this already solid team. Adding a talent like Godfrey should mesh very well with returning players like lefthander Corderias Dorsey and center fielder Mack Hatchcock. Dorsey was named Most Outstanding Pitcher at last year’s NJCAA College World Series while Hatchcock brought home the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award. While Hatchcock’s defensive prowess is noted, he also swung the bat very well last year to a tune of .343 average out of the leadoff spot. This team also returns righthanded pitcher and South Alabama commit Will Luft to the rotation as well as two-way player Shawn Felter, who hit .340 last year while also serving as the team’s closer. Scouts are also high on freshman infielder Michael Salvatore who boasts a strong arm and can handle the bat as well.

2. Iowa Western
The Reivers enter 2016 hungry for their fourth JUCO World Series ring since 2010, and with the pitching they have that hunger could be just a few months away from being satisfied. Oklahoma commit Devon Perez (9-0) returns to the mound and should lead the way with three D-I transfers that will also be relied upon to slow down opposing hitters; Jackson Douglas (Kansas State), Jacob Niggemeyer (Ohio State), and Taylor Goshen (Wichita State). Offensively the Reivers will benefit from having versatile infielder Matt Lloyd healthy again and hitting in the middle of the lineup along with infielder and righthanded pitcher Ty Buck and his power packed bat. Arkansas commit Jared Gates is back and will be huge for this team. Gates, who will man second base, hit .400 as a freshman last season and has a smooth line drive swing from the left side and is touted as one of the best pure hitters to ever set foot on the Iowa Western campus.

Devon Perez (Iowa Western)
3. San Jacinto (Texas)
This Gators roster has talent for days with eight players ranked among the top 100 junior college prospects. The pitching staff is extremely deep and with the likes of sophomore lefthanders Devin Smeltzer (Texas Tech) and Coleten Schmidt (Louisiana), as well as righthander Montana Parsons (Baylor), locked into the rotation, finding valuable innings shouldn’t be a problem. The bullpen returns two powerful righthanded arms that will split the closer role with Jorge Fernandez and Donny Diaz. Sophomore infielder Brandon Montgomery, who is committed to Miami, will make plays defensively and can handle the bat. The freshman class on this team will also make an immediate impact, starting with catcher/outfielder Ryan January, who is solid behind the plate provides a power prsence. Shortstop Nick Shumpert has one of the best gloves in the nation and was a seventh round pick in last year’s draft. Righthander Zachary Kapihe sits in the low-90s and has a reputation of being a bulldog on the mound. Shortstop/outfielder Donivan Lopez has elite speed and can play just about anywhere while Liam Scafariello will be a threat to go to deep at any moment.

4. Spartanburg Methodist (S.C.)
The Pioneers didn’t have the season they were hoping for in 2015 but this year’s team is well built and has a lineup that can match up with any other team in the country. Dominique Jackson returns after being selected in the 11th round by the Padres and will man center field and hit near the top of the order. Getting Tyler Lancaster back healthy is huge and he is a big, strong-bodied catcher who can catch and throw while adding some power to the middle of the lineup. Middle infielder Noel Cheneau brings top end speed to the table, while outfielders Kep Brown – who’s coming off an achilles injury – and late transfer Bakari Gayle are about as good as you’ll find. Both are athletic, play solid defense and can flat out rake. On the mound the Pioneers will have Michael Bruhin, the very projectable Davis Agle and former Clemson commit Graham Lawson leading the charge.

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

Juco | Rankings | 2/25/2026

JUCO Top 25: February 25

Blaine Peterson
Article Image
Another strong week for many of the top teams in junior college baseball. Walters State put together another undefeated weak and sticks in the top spot for the 3rd consecutive ranking. Chipola on the strength of a 20-1 start has established themselves early as one of top teams in the country. Johnson County put together a 2nd consecutive undefeated week and moves into the top 5 with a 15-1 overall record. They will play 4 games against #22 Iowa Western this week who is also coming off an undefeated week. Fresno City (15-0) and Midland (13-0) are two undefeated programs to begin 2026. They have gone from not in the preseason top 25 to the top 15 in our rankings in less than a month. And welcome to the PG Juco Top 25 Cloud County (KS) who debuts at #23 and is coming off a huge 3 game sweep on the road in Texas of a previous top 10 program in our rankings. Plenty of good matchups ahead this...
Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 2/26/2026

PG Draft: Early Season Underclass Performers

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Dax Whitney (@BeaverBaseball) showed LOUD stuff. FB up to 100, cruised at 95-98. Pair of plus secondaries. CB at 77-79 (2923) with sharp, 12-6 action. Firm SL at 89-91 (2714) with bite. Flashed fading CH at 87-88 (1425). Ranked No. 1 on the ‘27 board @PG_Draft So./‘27 elig. pic.twitter.com/9PNbjJ53Zo — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) February 13, 2026 RHP Dax Whitney, Oregon State (‘27 elig.) Whitney may not just be the best arm in next year’s class, he may be the best arm in the entire country right now. The right-handed sits 98 mph with the heater and has been up to 100 mph. Both the slider and curveball are plus offerings that he spins extremely well. Whitney will mix in a quality Gavin changeup that sits in the upper-80’s and has also introduced a new cutter. All the pitches come from the exact same release point and jump out of the hand. He...
High School | General | 2/26/2026

PGHS Showdown: Academies Scout Notes

AJ Denny
Article Image
Jordan Burwell (‘26 NJ) going WAY out to right. Rhythmic approach and smooth swing get into big time power. #Mountaineers commit. @PGMidAtlantic #PGShowdown pic.twitter.com/qyDaIPxIol — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) February 22, 2026 Jordan Burwell (‘26 NJ) First live look at the left-handed hitting West Virgina commit. The power is real, launched two long homers in game action this weekend. Easy mover with very clean path with sky high offensive ceiling if he continues to show like this. Swing is built for power and lofted pull side impacts.    CJ Alfano (‘26 NY) long PS bomb this morning. Just leaning on everything that’s thrown over the heart. #WVU commit. @PGMidAtlantic #PGShowdown pic.twitter.com/4lGnhOEyrl — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) February 22, 2026 Cj Alfano (‘26 NY)Just an impossible out throughout the weekend....
Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/25/2026

Perfect Game Softball 16U Winter Elite Showcase

Dave Durbala
Article Image
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Perfect Game Softball 16u Winter Elite Showcase, February 20-22, 2026. Twenty-Four teams arrived in Springfield for the opportunity to showcase some of the best talent in the midwest. After 3 pool play games,  the field was split and seeded into either the Platinum or Gold Division to begin bracket play.  With several highly sought after young arms on display, it was Indiana Magic Gold 16U Carroll and Indiana Magic Gold 14U National making it into the Platinum Division Championship, and through a mutual agreement, they decided to end the tournament as Co-Champions. In the Gold Division, it was Gts 16u Elite-Gonzalez with a 7-2 win over Cedar Rapids Blue Devils 14u, to earn the championship. Below are some of the players that played their way onto the top performers list, including the MVP and MV-Pitcher from both the Platinum and Gold Divisions. Earning the...
College | Recruiting | 2/25/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: Feb. 25

Nick Herfordt
Article Image
A few weeks into the season and the shape of the national picture is starting to emerge (slightly, let’s get too silly about early results). Some preseason favorites are humming exactly as advertised, a few dark horses are pawing at the gate, and a handful of early contenders are discovering that February optimism and March reality are not always the same thing. Across DII, DIII and the NAIA, pitching staffs are setting the tone, offenses are either detonating or recalibrating, and the Top 25 is already beginning to feel less theoretical and more earned.   DII UT Tyler is performing as predicted with a 12-2 start that includes a series win at Angelo State. The Patriots’ offense has not exactly been knocking the cover off the ball, but the pitching staff has been stingy, holding opponents to a .228 batting average.  They have not faced a ranked opponent yet, but...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/24/2026

Perfect Game Softball February Frenzy

Dave Durbala
Article Image
BURLINGTON, IA - Perfect Game February Frenzy, February 20-22, 2026.  Twenty-two teams, representing five states, rolled into town for the opportunity to compete in this pool play, then into bracket play, with four games guaranteed,  in both a 14u and 18u division. Taking home top honors in the 14u division was Midwest Sluggers 11, who held off a late charge by the Black Dragons , winning 7-5. In the 18u division, it was Nebraska Gold 319 Berning topping Iowa Gold Prospects 4-0, avenging a pool play opening, 1-0 loss. Below are some of the players that played their way onto our Top Performers list, including the MVP and MV-Pitcher from the championship bracket in each age division. 14U Division Earning the 14u division MVP award was Presley Perkins (2030 Taylor Ridge, IL) who although is listed as a switch hitting OF, was only observed hitting from the left side for tournament...
High School | General | 2/25/2026

High School Showdown Preview

Cam McElwaney
Article Image
We’re only about 24 hours away from the 14th PG High School Showdown and as we get closer to one of the premier events on the high school schedule, we look ahead to what we’ll see in Hoover. The teams and players are what make this event special along with the environment with scouts packing the stands for this event. As with every year we’ve run this event, there are sure to be names called in the upcoming MLB Draft along with big time contributors at the college level. This year’s field is loaded with five teams ranked inside the Preseason High School Top-50, headlined by a trio of top-10 teams in No. 8 South Walton (FL), No. 9 Blessed Trinity (GA), and No. 10 IMG Academy (FL). Rounding out the list of top-50 teams are No. 34 Parkview (GA) and No. 43 Hoover (AL), along with plenty of other teams that will challenge for state championships in their respective...
College | Story | 2/24/2026

College Players of the Week: Feb. 24

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
February 24 Perfect Game/Player of the Week: Will Gasparino, OF, UCLA After playing 117 games, launching 27 doubles and 25 home runs in Austin, TX for the University of Texas, Will Gasparino decided it was time to head back to his hometown of Los Angeles, CA. Based on his performance in the first two weeks of the season for the Bruins, he looks very comfortable and ready to push his name up the Draft Board. UCLA (6-1) enters 2026 with incredibly high expectations, jumped to No. 3 in our Top 25 poll with their 3-game sweep of previously ranked TCU and Gasparino provided much of the offensive firepower. For the week, the 6-6/220 outfielder went 7 for 13 good for a .538 BA, with a double, 5 home runs and 13 RBI. That brings his slash line through 7-games to .391/1.304/.548 with a double, a triple, 6 home runs and he has driven in a total of 15 runs. The scary thing is that Gasparino is just...
High School | General | 2/23/2026

Northwest Region Top Teams

Tyler Russo
Article Image
Northwest All Region & Top Tools Rk Pacific NW (+ Hawaii) 2025 Record 1 Puyallup (WA) 28-1 2 Kamehameha Kapalama (HI) 19-5 3 South Salem (OR) 30-2 4 Lake Washington (WA) 21-11 5 Bainbridge (WA) 24-4 6 St. Louis (HI) 15-6 7 Iolani (HI) 11-11-1. 8 Eastlake (WA) 23-9 9 Summit (OR) 24-6 10 Sumner (WA) 18-8 11 Sunset (OR) 23-9 12 Punahou (HI) 7-10-1. 13 Mount Vernon (WA) 28-4 14 Jesuit (OR) 26-8 15 Tahoma Senior (WA) 13-9-1 16 Blanchet Catholic (OR) 31-2 17 West Linn (OR) 22-8 18 Woodinville (WA) 13-12 19 Eagle (ID) 15-13 20 Central Catholic (OR) 23-6-1 21 Service (AK) 20-6 22 Meadowdale (WA) 10-4 23 Waiakea (HI) 10-4-1. 24 Liberty Christian (WA) 24-3 25 Madison Senior (ID) 19-11
General | General | 2/23/2026

PG Salutes Chet Brewer, a Youth Baseball Pillar

Jim Salisbury
Article Image
PG Salutes Chet Brewer, a Youth Baseball Pillar A few weeks ago, Perfect Game and its Believe in Baseball foundation held a fundraising event in Los Angeles. The “In the Spirit of the Game” dinner and auction brought in thousands of dollars, all of which will go toward providing deserving youngsters an opportunity to play and grow in the game. Chet Brewer was not at the event – the former Negro Leagues star died at age 83 in 1990 – but his spirit was. Big time. “That night was all about Chet,” PG commissioner Dennis Gilbert said. “He was all about giving kids chances to play the game, especially kids from underprivileged backgrounds. “When you’re 15, 16, 17 years old – those years are the basis of your life. Chet helped put a lot of kids on the right path through the game of baseball.” Brewer’s impactful life has...
Loading more articles...