Allatoona Buccaneers (Acworth, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG Rank)
• Justin Evans (SS/RHP, 2015, Top 1000)
• Connor Lynch (C/1B, 2015, High Follow)
• Drew Swanson (OF/1B/RHP, 2015, High Follow)
• Grayson Harbin (RHP/1B, 2016, Top 500)
• Pete Derkay (C/OF, 2016, Top 1000)
• Kyle Jacobsen (OF/LHP, 2017, 55)
• Skylar McPhee (3B/RHP, 2017, High Follow)
Pitching
The pitching staff lost their ace of a year ago in Clarke Schmidt, who is currently pitching in the University of South Carolina bullpen, as well as 2014 No. 2 starter Cooper Murphy. However, they do bring back junior righthander Grayson Harbin, who pitched in the No. 3 spot last season for Head Coach Keith Hansen. Harbin features a projectable 6-foot-3 frame and a fastball that works in the high-80s with natural heaviness. The Bucs will also lean on seniors Justin Evans and Drew Swanson, as well as sophomores Kyle Jacobsen and Skylar McPhee, to help handle the pitching load.
Offense
Whereas the Bucs may have lost some pitching from a year ago, they return most, if not all, of their offensive firepower. Senior shortstop Justin Evans and junior second baseman Brady Eeles return to pace the top of the lineup as well as work up the middle defensively, and are often brought home by junior catcher Pete Derkay. Sophomores Kyle Jacobsen and Skylar McPhee also see extensive time in the lineup coming off of excellent freshman campaigns in 2014.
Synopsis
If the 2014 Buccaneers were a story of veteran pitching and youth throughout the everyday lineup, then the 2015 team is the polar opposite. Second and third year starters dominate the lineup, while a solid group of pitchers are led by a junior in Grayson Harbin. They’ve started the 2015 season well, but the season is still very young.
Darlington Tigers (Rome, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG Rank)
• Burton Dulaney (RHP/SS, 2015, Top 500)
• Michael Sands (RHP/OF, 2015, High Follow)
• Jay Shadday (LHP/OF, 2016, Top 500)
• Drake Frix (C/OF, 2016, Top 500)
Pitching
The Tigers are led by senior Georgia Tech commit Burton Dulaney, a physical righthanded pitcher whose fastball can get up over 90 mph on his best days. Joining Dulaney on the pitching staff are senior righty Michael Sands and junior lefty Jay Shadday, also a Georgia Tech commit. Both Sands and Shadday can pitch in the mid-80s with quality off-speed stuff, and they both play the field for Head Coach Kent Harrison.
Offense
As stated above, all three of Dulaney, Sands, and Shadday play the field when not on the mound. Dulaney plays shortstop while Sands and Shadday patrol the outfield. They are joined in the everyday lineup by junior catcher Drake Frix, a Top 500 player who is committed to the College of Charleston. All four players contribute to the lineup on an everyday basis, whether on the mound or at the plate.
Synopsis
Darlington has started their season 2-0 as of this writing, and while it is very early, they have held their opponents to a total of four runs scored through their first two games. Quality pitching is the name of the game for the Tigers, and that should be on display and pretty evident during the Evoshield High School Invitational.
Etowah Eagles (Woodstock, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG Rank)
• Taylor Lobus (RHP, 2015, Top 1000)
• Max Ryan (LHP/1B, 2015, Top 1000)
• HD Dillard (OF/LHP, 2015, High Follow)
• Jake Ferentinos (IF/C, 2015, High Follow)
• Livingston Morris (OF/RHP, 2016, 181)
• Brian Peet (LHP/OF, 2016, High Follow)
• Drew Waters (OF/MIF, 2017, 147)
• Andrew Keene (RHP/OF, 2017, Top 1000)
Pitching
The Etowah Eagles boast perhaps the deepest pitching staff at this event, as they have several Top 1,000 (or better) arms that can take the mound at any time for Head Coach Greg Robinson. Seniors Taylor Lobus (Mercer commit) and Max Ryan (South Alabama commit) are a strong righty-lefty punch at the top of the rotation, while junior Livingston Morris is a prime athlete who can reach the mid- to upper-80s on the mound when he’s not patrolling center field. Sophomore Andrew Keene was up to 86 last summer and figures to only get better as he matures. The staff at Etowah is deep and talented, and combines veteran leadership with youthful talent.
Offense
As stated above, junior center fielder Livingston Morris is a prime-time athlete who showed out very well at the National Underclass Showcase Main Event in December. He plays an excellent center field and can absolutely hit for power in the middle of the lineup. He’s joined by senior outfielder H.D. Dillard, senior infielder Jake Ferentinos, and sophomore outfielder Drew Waters as quality players throughout a deep lineup.
Synopsis
A very deep, well-stocked team is what Etowah brings to the EvoShield High School Invitational. Quality pitching from top to bottom to go along with a deep lineup will prove to be an excellent combination for the Eagles.
Grayson Rams (Loganville, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG Rank)
• Matthew Entriken (RHP, 2015, High Follow)
• Drew Buschman (RHP, 2015, High Follow)
• David Stinson (LHP/OF, 2015, High Follow)
• Oscar Serratos (SS/RHP, 2017, 172)
Pitching
A trio of senior pitchers lead the way on the mound for the Grayson Rams, as they head into the EvoShield High School Invitational looking to build on a .500 start to the 2015 season. Senior righties Matthew Entriken (Georgia Highlands commit) and Drew Buschman can both pitch with fastballs in the mid-80s to go along with quality off-speed stuff. Sophomore Oscar Serratos, ranked No. 172 overall in the class of 2017, got his fastball up to 86 mph last summer and will only add velocity as he matures. He’s the wildcard to watch.
Offense
Oscar Serratos leads the charge here, as in addition to being a legitimate prospect on the mound, he’s a primary shortstop. The 37th ranked shortstop in the class of 2017 combines clean actions with a strong arm, in addition to being a very good hitter in the middle of Head Coach Jed Hixon’s lineup. David Stinson, a senior outfielder, will also contribute to the Grayson lineup when he’s not befuddling hitters with his low-80s heat from the left side.
Synopsis
The Rams are built with a very strong pitching staff, anchored by three seniors and a very talented sophomore. They will win games by limiting runs (they're only giving up about two runs per contest so far in 2015) and playing solid defense, while allowing their offense to manufacture runs.
Jefferson Dragons (Jefferson, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG Rank)
• Micah Carpenter (RHP/OF, 2015, Top 500)
• Jake Franklin (SS/RHP, 2015, Top 500)
• Ethan Garner (RHP/1B, 2015, High Follow)
• Taylor Wilkes (RHP/OF, 2016, 414)
• Jonathan Ray (RHP/UT, 2016, High Follow)
Pitching
The Dragons of Jefferson High School feature a loaded pitching staff, headed by junior righthander Taylor Wilkes, a Kennewsaw State commit. Wilkes can run his fastball all the way up into the low-90s and complements that offering with a hard, wipeout slider. Joining him in the rotation are senior righty Micah Carpenter, a Georgia Tech commit with a fastball that can reach into the 90s as well, and senior Jake Franklin, a primary infielder who is committed to Kennesaw State who can pitch in the high-80s when asked to do so.
Offense
As mentioned before, Jake Franklin is primarily an infielder for Jefferson, and he can really swing the bat. He’ll lead the Dragon lineup from the middle of the order, and drive in all sorts of runs. Wilkes will join Franklin when he’s not on the mound, and he has legitimate potential to be a two-way player when he gets on campus at KSU. Senior Ethan Garner and junior Jonathan Ray will also hit for Jefferson, as each plays a position while being potential bullpen arms as well when called upon.
Synopsis
Jefferson features one of the more high-octane pitching staffs at this event, with three players capable of pitching in the high-80s to low-90s. They have a deep staff, and are far from slouches with the bat as well. Franklin and Wilkes can really drive the baseball all over the yard, and the rest of the team can swing it as well.
Mt. Pisgah Christian Patriots (Johns Creek, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG Rank)
• Nick Piccapietra (OF/LHP, 2015, High Follow)
• Joseph Odachowski (SS/2B, 2017, High Follow)
Pitching
The Patriots will feature a solid pitching staff top to bottom during this event. Senior lefty Nicky Piccapietra features a low- to mid-80s fastball with solid off-speed stuff, and he’s joined on the staff by a host of others. Junior righty Zach Messinger has already started the season strong by earning a complete game win in his first start. Juniors Justin Gilvin and Ryan Mapes have also thrown consistently so far this season for Head Coach John O’Connor, as well as sophomore Ryan Bostic.
Offense
Piccapietra will also help pace the offense for Mt. Pisgah, as he’s primarily an outfielder when he’s not on the mound. He has already collected five hits through just three games on the young season. He’s joined by sophomore infielder Joseph “JoJo” Odachowski, who is off to a solid start with a .273 batting average through the team's first handful of games. Juniors Garrett Brasher and Spencer Shields both hit in the middle of the lineup for the Patriots as well.
Synopsis
The Mt. Pisgah Patriots are a solid, fundamentally sound team all the way through their roster. What they might lack in star power they more than make up for in grittiness and toughness. They play hard and come to compete everyday, and they play together as a team.
Russell County Warriors (Seale, Ala.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG Rank)
• Tanner Belcher (RHP, 2017, High Follow)
• Austin Slaten (SS/RHP, 2017, Follow List)
Pitching
The Warriors’ pitching staff gets contributions from several players, but so far in 2015 the load has been mostly shouldered by a handful of guys. Senior Peyton Alexander provides the veteran leadership and anchors a staff of younger arms. Alexander has made two starts already on the season, and boasts a miniscule 1.91 ERA to show for it. While that is impressive, sophomore Tanner Belcher leads the team in innings, ERA, and strikeouts, and hasn't given up a run yet this season. Junior Michael Gayles and sophomore Wyatt Fincher have also thrown often, and well, so far in 2015.
Offense
Leading the charge offensively for the Warriors is senior Casey Cox, a catcher/utility player who is hitting .346 with power so far in 2015. Sophomore Austin Slaten starts in the infield for Head Coach Tony Rasmus, and projects both defensively and with the bat. Junior Anthony Ward is hitting for some serious power so far this season, with six extra base hits in eight games played. Tanner Belcher, in addition to leading the way on the mound, is hitting .379 on the season. Also joining in the Russell County offensive attack are freshman Matt Wilson and junior Michael Gayles.
Synopsis
Russell County heads to Georgia with a quality squad top to bottom, playing .500 baseball so far in 2015. They are balanced throughout their squad, getting big contributions from upperclassmen and underclassmen alike. Sophomore Tanner Belcher is turning some heads with his two-way play, and he and the rest of the Warriors will look to turn even more heads during this event.
Smiths Station Panthers (Smiths, Ala.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG Rank)
• Caleb Lynn (IF/RHP, 2015, High Follow)
• Blake Rivera (RHP/3B, 2016, Top 1000)
• Max Newton (LHP/OF, 2016, High Follow)
Pitching
Smiths Station has started their season with a 6-1 record, no doubt on the shoulders of a strong pitching staff. Junior Blake Rivera leads the way, working in the mid- to upper-80s from a highly projectable 6-foot-3 frame. Senior righthander Caleb Lynn, a Chattahoochee Valley CC commit, spends most of his time playing third base for Head Coach Mike Ferry, but is a solid option out of the bullpen if needed. Junior lefty Max Newton, the No. 5 ranked lefthander in the state of Alabama for 2016, works in the low-80s with his fastball and pounds the zone. Overall, it’s a very solid staff overall for the Panthers.
Offense
The Panthers, riding a 6-1 start to the season, are averaging right around seven runs scored per game. When Max Newton isn’t on the mound, he’s playing outfield for the Panthers and hitting in the middle of their order. The same goes for Blake Rivera, as he plays a quality infield with solid hitting projection. Caleb Lynn leads the way on offense, however, as the Chattahoochee Valley CC signee often leads the team in most offensive categories.
Synopsis
The Smiths Station Panthers will head to Northern Georgia with a strong core of players leading their solid overall squad. They've gotten off to a hot start in 2015 by scoring lots of runs (about seven per game), while limiting the runs they've allowed. Obviously that's a wonderful recipe for success, and we’ll see if they can continue that success in the EvoShield High School Invitational.
South Forsyth War Eagles (Cumming, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG Rank)
• Michael Strait (OF/RHP, 2015, Top 1000)
• Logan Cole (RHP, 2015, High Follow)
• Anthony Trovato (RHP/UT, 2015, High Follow)
Pitching
The Eagles’ pitching staff boasts a trio of seniors that lead the charge. Top 1,000 player Michael Strait is primarily an outfielder and is committed to Richmond as such, but can pitch in the low- to mid-80s from the right side for South Forsyth. Senior Anthony Trovato pitches in the mid-80s from a 6-foot-2 frame, and plays a solid infield as well. Anchoring the staff is senior righthander Logan Cole. At 6-foot-4 and 190-pounds, Cole’s projectable frame and fastball that can reach the high-80s are an intriguing combination.
Offense
As mentioned above, two of South Forsyth’s leading arms are also everyday position players and hitters. Strait is committed to Richmond as an outfielder, and he patrols center field for the Eagles and hits high in the lineup. Trovato plays all over the infield and will hit in the middle of the lineup.
Synopsis
The Eagles have arguably as formidable of a pitching staff as any other team playing in the Evoshield High School Invitational. Their trio of senior pitchers give them quality depth, veteran leadership, and overall good talent on the mound.
Wesleyan Wolves (Norcross, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG Rank)
• Jahmai Jones (OF, 2015, 17)
• Carter Hall (SS/2B, 2015, 237)
• Sam McWhorter (C/3B, 2015, Top 1000)
• Andrew Sauer (RHP/3B, 2015, High Follow)
• Andrew Archer (RHP, 2016, High Follow)
• Jake McCleskey (MIF, 2016, High Follow)
• Colin Hall (OF/RHP, 2017, 240)
Pitching
The main draw of the Wolves is obviously high-end position prospects like Jahmai Jones and Carter Hall (who has thrown low-90s off the mound), but the pitching staff isn’t anything to sneeze at. Senior Andrew Sauer is committed to pitch at Navy, and he’ll run his fastball up into the mid- to upper-80s. Junior Andrew Archer stands 6-foot-5 with huge physical projection, and his fastball will work in the mid-80s as well. Sophomore Colin Hall is ranked 240th overall for the class of 2017 as a primary outfielder, and he helps Wesleyan on the mound as well.
Offense
Jahmai Jones is the draw here. Ranked 17th overall in the nation by PG, Jones combines 6.6 running speed with natural fielding instincts and a very strong arm to play a very good center field, while standing out with the bat where he projects to hit for average and power. A true five-tool talent, Jones could see his name called early during the MLB Draft in June. Joining him on offense are middle infielder Carter Hall, who is committed to Georgia Tech and stands out on the field with 6.56 speed and legitimate hitting tools. Senior catcher Sam McWhorter is committed to Samford, and stands out both at and behind the plate.
Synopsis
The Wolves combine star power with depth to form one of the most formidable teams at the event. Jahmai Jones can take over games by himself at times, and Carter Hall has that potential as well. Andrew Sauer and Andrew Archer form a solid 1-2 punch in the rotation, and the roster is filled out with quality talent top to bottom.