2018 PG High School Showdown Event Page
Blessed Trinity Titans (Roswell, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Mickey Skole (3B, 2018, T500)
Clark Dearman (LHP, 2018, T1000)
CJ Abrams (SS, 2019, 14)
Ryan Davis (OF, 2019, 194)
Jake Smith (2B/RHP, 2019, 461)
Steele Chambers (OF, 2019, T500)
Synopsis
The Blessed Trinity Titans finished last season as runner-up in both the state championship and for the 2017 PG HS Showdown. They are losing some senior talent from last season, however the Titans have one of the more traditionally successful programs in the state and reload more often than they rebuild. Underclassmen reign for Blessed Trinity as they have one of the highest ranked juniors in the nation in shortstop CJ Abrams. The athletic middle infielder has excellent speed and barrel skills and is ranked no. 14 for the class of 2019. Ryan Davis is another big junior for the Titans as he shows excellent athleticism and the ability to track down balls in centerfield. Steele Chambers is a two-sport star, he plays linebacker for a very good BT football team, and his athleticism plays well on the baseball field with good raw bat speed. The pitching rotation for Blessed Trinity features a deep collection of arms led by senior southpaw Clark Dearman. The Presbyterian signee has lots of feel on the mound and can work into the mid-80s. Sebastian Szot, Russell Dorvee, and freshman DJ Radtke should also play big roles and this squad looks like another team that can battle their way deep into the playoffs once again in 2018.
Brookwood Broncos (Snellville, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Will Banfield (C, 2018, 6)
Tim Martin (OF, 2018, T500)
Angelo Dispigna (3B, 2018, T500)
Trace Twardoski (RHP/IF, 2018, High Follow)
Tyler Williams (RHP/OF, 2019, 122)
Kameron Guidry (SS, 2019, 300)
Synopsis
Featuring one of the many participating PG All-Americans in this event are the Brookwood Broncos, led by catcher, Vanderbilt signee, and potential first round pick Will Banfield. The catcher is currently slotted at no. 12 on the Perfect Game Top 250 Draft Prospects list and shows elite defensive tools to go along with plus raw bat speed and plus raw pop at the dish. Banfield is the star-power on this Brookwood team, however this is one of the most complete and deep rosters in the state and a team that made the state quarterfinals a year ago. Tim Martin is a Georgia College signee with some barrel skills in the outfield and fellow senior Angelo Dispigna is a Mercer signee and is also a two-way star for the Broncos as he was the three-year starter at quarterback for the Broncos football team. Kameron Guidry and Tyler Williams lead the cast of talented underclass position players. Guidry is one of the more polished defenders with quality athleticism in the infield and Williams has shown big arm strength and power as well. Alex Flood and Lucas Brieske will lead the rotation as the 1-2 punch near the top of the roster and two-way player, and Georgia Highlands signee, Trace Twardoski will also play a big role on both offense and on the mound.
Buford Wolves (Buford, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Noah Ledford (1B, 2018, 446)
Garrison Price (OF, 2018, T500)
Preston Hagan (SS, 2018, T500)
Ramsey David (RHP, 2019, 330)
Austin Turner (OF, 2019, 407)
Sean Adams (LHP, 2019, T500)
Synopsis
First year head coach Stuart Chester takes over one of the bigger programs in the state as the Buford Wolves have a talented cast for the legendary former Cartersville head coach. There is a good amount of top end talent for the Wolves, however they enter the Showdown with a sub-.500 record. Noah Ledford is a big switch-hitting power bat for the Wolves, and the Georgia Southern signee can impact the ball with lots of pull side power regardless of which side he's hitting from. Griffin Price and Preston Hagan are two other impact pieces for the Wolves with Price showing exceptional athleticism, 6.6 second 60-yard dash, along with a polished approach. The ace of the staff is righthander Ramsey David. The projectable underclassman is committed to Auburn and features a fastball that can be run up to 91 mph and sits in the mid-80s consistently to go along with a power, swing and miss breaking ball. Sean Adams is another big arm for Buford as the lefty shows good pitchability into the mid-80s and is committed to Georgia Southern. Buford has the pieces to make a run during the HS Showdown, however they will need some arms to step up and make strides against quality opponents.
Cartersville Hurricanes (Cartersville, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Anthony Seigler (C/BHP, 2018, 13)
Devin Warner (SS/3B, 2018, 124)
Mason Barnett (RHP/IF, 2019, 99)
Preston Welchel (OF/LHP, 2019, 224)
Jake Gooch (C/1B, 2019, 355)
JP Martin (C/RHP, 2019, T500)
Synopsis
One of the top ranked teams in the country, the Cartersville Hurricanes enter the season as one of the favorites to win their state title as they enter at no. 33 in the initial Perfect Game Preseason Top 50. The Hurricanes are led by a combination of senior and underclass talent highlighted by senior leaders, and top draft prospects. Anthony Seigler and Devin Warner. Seigler is a former PG All-American and a Florida signee and has already been off to a hot start this spring, while Warner is a powerful switch-hitting shortstop with loud pop to all fields and is signed with Auburn. Seigler also will see time on the mound as a switch-pitcher with velocity and feel from both sides. This is a team not only led by senior talent but lots of talented underclassmen as well. Mason Barnett, a junior Auburn commit, is the ace of the staff and he can work his fastball into the low-90s and features a sharp, big-breaking curveball too. Preston Welchel and JP Martin are two-way threats for the Hurricanes and coach Kyle Tucker, as Welchel, a South Alabama commit, is a dynamic athlete and Martin can play all over the diamond. Jake Gooch has a cannon for an arm and lots of righthanded power too and the Hurricanes have a talented overall squad.
College Station Cougars (College Station, Tex.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Travis Hester (RHP, 2018, T500)
Wilson Roubion (OF, 2018, NR)
Bryson Lucas (LHP, 2019, 321)
Cole Marler (C, 2019, NR)
Zachary Williams (SS, 2019, NR)
Garrett Wright (RHP, 2020, 284)
Synopsis
Traveling over from College Station, Texas are the Cougars and they have some talent up and down the roster. The lineup should be anchored by senior Wilson Roubion along with underclassmen Cole Marler, who has shown impressive power in the past, and Ben Holbert who shows lots of bat speed and pop. Zachary Williams is another important position player for the Cougars as the uncommitted shortstop is a leader in the middle of the field defensively and Brandon Williams is a physical two-way piece that can run his fastball up into the upper-80s. Senior Travis Hester returns following a dominant junior campaign that saw him go 23-2 with a 0.38 ERA last season, he is signed with Arkansas for college ball. Junior lefthander Bryson Lucas should also be a big piece as the Texas Christian commit is the highest ranked prospect by PG on the team at no. 321. Sophomore righthander Garrett Wright also features a power righthanded arm and can work his fastball up to 91 mph. There is talent on both sides of the ball and the Cougars look poised for a run.
Cullman Bearcats (Cullman, Ala.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Will Morrison (RHP, 2018, T500)
Grayson Taylor (SS, 2018, T500)
Michael Myers (RHP, 2018, NR)
Synopsis
The Bearcats were a staple in the PG High School Top 50 a year ago and finished as the runner-up in the state playoffs and third in the 2017 PG HS Showdown. Coach Brent Patterson is down some senior talent from last year's squad, however Cullman is a perennial contender in the state of Alabama and Patterson always does a good job at getting his teams to compete. Auburn signee Will Morrison is a good place to start with the Bearcats as the righthander features a very deceptive, almost sidearm delivery and can run his fastball into the upper-80s; Morrison was outstanding a year ago and went 10-1 with a 0.87 ERA. Michael Myers saw limited time last year but made the most of it. The Snead State signee had a 1.26 ERA and a 4-0 record in just 11 appearances last season. Grayson Taylor is another returning starter on this team as the Belmont signee will slot in nicely at shortstop. The senior showed good athleticism and defensive awareness at the position and provides yet another instance of senior leadership for the Bearcats.
Denham Springs Yellowjackets (Denham Springs, La.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Dawson Albin (IF/RHP, 2018, High Follow)
Ty Pourciau (2B/RHP, 2018, High Follow)
Caleb Passman (OF, 2018, NR)
Cole Montgomery (OF/RHP, 2018, NR)
Nick Moreau (2B/RHP, 2018, NR)
Cade Doughty (SS/RHP, 2019, 48)
Synopsis
Denham Springs made a deep run in the PG High School Showdown last year and played with a lot of emotion following the devastating floods the state of Louisiana endured. The Yellowjackets are once again loaded with senior presence and talent which includes high level two-way talents such as Dawson Albin, Ty Pourciau, and Nick Moreau. The star of the team, however, is shortstop Cade Doughty who also registers as the highest ranked player per Perfect Game at no. 48 in the class of 2019. Coughty, a Louisiana State commit, is a dynamic presence for the Yellowjackets and has played for Team USA in the past while entering his third season as the starting shortstop. Hunter James and Caleb Passman are two additional starters for Denham Springs that should play big roles for the offense. The Yellowjackets will need their arms to step up as they have senior presences in Dawson Albin and Chris Courville, while junior Jase McDonald should also see valuable innings this tournament and Denham Springs will look to make it deep into the tournament yet again.
Grayson Rams (Loganville, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Parker Meadows (OF, 2018, 42)
Bryant Wise (RHP, 2018, T1000)
Bradley Blalock (RHP/IF, 2019, 333)
Riley Bishop (LHP, 2019, T500)
John Anderson (UT/RHP, 2020, 105)
Synopsis
One of the perennial powers in the Loganville area, Grayson had a strong 2017 but is off to a bit of a rough start as they enter the HS Showdown with a sub-.500 record on the season. Though the record might not currently reflect it, the Rams have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and head coach Jed Hixson certainly has had his share of success in the past. The Rams are led by PG All-American and potential high daft pick Parker Meadows, who is looking to become the highest draft pick from Grayson since his older brother Austin, was drafted no. 9 overall in 2013. Parker is a dynamic prospect as the Clemson signee is a plus runner, with plus arm strength, and plus raw power. Meadows could be in store for a huge Showdown as the event has become known in the past for prospects breaking out or taking big steps during the event. The pitching rotation is led by senior Bryant Wise and flanked by two juniors, Bradley Blalock and Riley Bishop, who are both committed to Kennesaw State. Another strong underclassmen who should have a big impact is Georgia Tech commit John Anderson, as the sophomore has lots of bat speed and barrel skills to go along with arm strength that makes him effective as a late-inning closer.
Hillgrove Hawks (Poweder Springs, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Will Hubbell (3B, 2018, High Follow)
Deion Walker (OF, 2019, T500)
Wade Richardson (SS, 2019, High Follow)
Ethan Wright (OF/LHP, 2019, T1000)
Cameron Fiveash (IF, 2019, NR)
Justin Tew (OF, 2019, NR)
Synopsis
The Hillgrove Hawks enter the PG HS Showdown with a strong start to the season as they have already won five games on the young 2018 campaign. The Hawks are led with a heavy-hitting offense that includes senior third baseman and Columbia State CC signee Will Hubbell. Underclassmen Deion Walker and Wade Richardson will be important pieces to the lineup as Walker, in particular, will show strong defense and arm strength from the outfield. Two-way player Ethan Wright will be another valuable piece as he can slot in to a corner outfield spot and also relieve on the mound showing a deceptive lefthanded arm angle. Jared Rine will be the ace of the Hawks' staff as the righthanded Kennesaw State signee can run his fastball up to 90 mph. Rine will be expected to contribute big time innings as other senior righthander Julian Jackson will be missing some time. Hillgrove will be looking to ride the success of the early season through the HS Showdown and have a strong collection of senior and junior talent to do so.
Houston County Bears (Warner Robbins, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Chandler Ring (RHP, 2018, High Follow)
RJ Preston (1B, 2018, NR)
Cameron Jones (LHP/OF, 2019, T1000)
Chandler Dawson (RHP/OF, 2019, T500)
Synopsis
The Bears have a lot of recent star-power coming out of South Georgia with former Bear DL Hall being drafted in the first round in 2017 and another former Bear in Jake Fromm leading UGA to the precipice of a National Championship in his freshman year for the Dawgs. Regardless, coach Jason Brett has set a standard for top-notch play as the Bears are already 7-2 on the year and coming off a season where they made the sweet 16 and lost to the eventual state champs. Righthander Chandler Ring leads the pitching staff as he can run his fastball into the mid-80s with command as well. Cameron Jones and Chandler Dawson are two underclassmen who are just as impressive in their own rights. Jones will run his fastball into the mid-80s with angle and is committed to Georgia State while Dawson was bumping 90 mph over the summer; both are accomplished two-way prospects as well. Senior RJ Preston will set the tone for the Bear's offense as Preston will hit in the middle of the order and has some strength as a prototypical run-producer. Houston County always ends up as one of the more talented teams in the state so they will be interesting to watch all weekend.
Loganville Red Devils (Loganville, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Bay Witcher (RHP, 2018, 498)
Joseph Brandon (RHP, 2018, T500)
Bryant Pietri (RHP/IF, 2018, T1000)
Seth Clark (LHP, 2018 T1000)
Gabe Knight (IF, 2018, High Follow)
Dylan Strickland (IF/RHP, 2020, 114)
Synopsis
The Loganville Red Devils are fresh off their 2017 state championship and entered the Perfect Game Preseason Top 50 as one of the higher ranked teams at no. 28 to start the season. The Red Devils come into 2018 with another very strong roster and, in particular, very deep pitching staff. That rotation is headed by senior Bay Witcher, a Troy signee, who can run his fastball into the low-90s and was relied upon heavily during the team's state championship run last season. Joseph Brandon also returns as the Georgia State signee features some of the filthiest stuff in the state, evidenced by his no-hitter during the state championship series a year ago. Bryant Pietri and Seth Clark add two more experienced, senior arms to the fold as Pietri was the closer a year ago and features a power approach while Clark is a lefthanded Georgia State signee. Gabe Knight and Tanner Greene will be key cogs for the offense as Knight is signed with Georgia Highlands and Greene with Tallahassee CC. Dylan Strickland is one of the more talented sophomores in the class, ranked no. 114 overall, and provides lots of bat speed and arm strength in relief roles on the mound.
Montverde Academy Eagles (Montverde, Fla.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Nander De Sedas (SS, 2018, 3)
Kerry Wright (RHP, 2018, 147)
Saul Gonzalez (RHP/UT, 2018, 335)
Trevor Candelaria (OF, 2018, 401)
Diego Millan (C, 2018, T1000)
Jake Holland (C, 2019, 22)
Synopsis
Featuring one of the deepest rosters in the event, the Montverde Academy Eagles enter the PG HS Showdown with a boatload of talent both draft eligible and underclass. The obvious place to start with coach Victor Valencia's squad is the presence of no. 3 overall prospect for the class, and PG All-American, Nander De Sedas. The Florida State signee is a potential first-round pick come June, perhaps unfairly drawing comps to former Montverde shortstop Francisco Lindor, and shows off a bevy of potential plus tools including the hit and the power. De Sedas will certainly draw a lot of attention from professional scouts, however there are some other high level seniors on this team including Louisville signee Kerry Wright, a physical 6-foot-5 righthander capable of running his fastball into the mid-90s. Saul Gonzalez is another pitcher who can get into the low-90s and is one of the more accomplished hitters on the team too. Trevor Candelario and Diego Millan will also be important pieces to the offense while Jake Holland is one of the biggest names amongst 2019 graduates, as the no. 22 prospect for the class has a lot of juice in his righthanded swing and could be in store for a big junior year. There are a number of talented teams at the Showdown, however the depth and sheer talent put Montverde near the front of the pack.
Mountain Brook Spartans (Birmingham, Ala.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Tyler Imig (OF, 2018, NR)
Clay Stearns (C, 2018, NR)
Wilson Higgins (IF, 2018, NR)
Hayden Bruno (RHP, 2019, T1000)
John Marks (OF, 2019, NR)
Synopsis
The Mountain Brook Spartans head to Emerson, Georgia with an above-.500 record to start the year and a lot of senior leadership and talent on the roster. Tyler Imig and Clay Stearns jump out immediately as Stearns is a Snead State signee as a quality signal caller behind the dish that handles the pitching staff well. Imig is a physical outfielder with a good amount of speed and range to be a quality defender. Wilson Higgins is a prototypical lefthanded hitting infielder with really clean and easy hands at a corner infield position with a smooth barrel stroke. The senior bats will play big roles and should also be aided by junior John Marks, who shows off an advanced approach and batter's eye to go along with tremendous defensive skills. Hayden Bruno is the ace of the staff, with a very lean and projectable 6-foot-3 frame and can already run his fastball into the mid-80s. Bruno commands the strike zone and can be downright unhittable when working corner to corner. The Spartans have a close knit, experienced team, and teams with experience often fare well in tournaments like the Showdown.
Mountain View Bears (Lawrenceville, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Chase Chaney (RHP/UT, 2018, T1000)
Dominic Canale (LHP, 2018, High Follow)
Dylan Schuble (RHP/2B, 2018, High Follow)
Matthew Lee (C, 2018, NR)
Gavin Collyer (RHP, 2019, 159)
Garrett Spikes (UT, 2020, NR)
Synopsis
Some high school teams allow their talent to shine and that's exactly what the Mountain View Bears do with senior Chase Chaney. The Columbus State signee can run his fastball up to 91 mph on the mound, but is just as versatile defensively as he can play all over the field; Chaney is also a tremendous runner and led last year's team in most offensive categories. Chaney will be used on the mound but the ace of the Bears' staff is junior righthander Gavin Collyer. The Clemson commit is one of the top juniors in the country with a national PG rank of no. 159 for the class. Collyer has run his fastball into the low-90s with command of three pitches and is still a very young and projectable arm. Dominic Canale will also see time on the bump as the lefthander will work in the low- to mid 80s with pretty solid command of his arsenal and ability to hit spots. Matthew Lee is entering his fourth year behind the plate for the Bears and sophomore Garrett Spikes is a dynamic presence in the lineup especially for a young prospect. Dylan Schuble is yet another experienced arm for Mountain View as he can work in the low-80s and will also see time defensively. The pieces are there for Mountain View to go on a run, especially if they can build off strong performances from their power arms.
North Broward Prep Eagles (Coconut Creek, Fla.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Xavier Edwards (SS, 2018, 40)
Zach Goberville (UT, 2018, 469)
Anthony Tomczak (RHP, 2019, T500)
Dylan Goldstein (C/1B, 2019, T500)
Liam Cogswell (OF/RHP, 2019, T500)
Chase McBean (2B, 2019, NR)
Synopsis
Another top-flight MLB Draft prospect who will be at PG Park all weekend is PG All-American and Vanderbilt signee Xavier Edwards. The twitchy shortstop leads what is, at least on paper, a very impressive North Broward Prep squad that has earned them the ranking of no. 43 of the Perfect Game Preseason Top 50. Edwards provides the star-power for the Eagles as there isn't a lot that he can't do on a baseball field. Edwards is a plus to a double-plus runner with tremendous hands and instincts and has innate barrel feel from both sides. Zach Goberville is another senior with a big bat as the Tulane signee will be slotted in the middle of the lineup. Three underclassmen, two committed to Tulane and Tomczak to Stetson, will likely dictate how far the Eagles go during the event as Anthony Tomczak, Dylan Goldstein, and Liam Cogswell have potential to lead the team. Cogswell has lots of strength and leverage in his swing, Goldstein has a clean and powerful lefthanded stroke, and Tomczak fits the mold of a polished, projectable righthander as a future Hatter. Chase McBean will be Edwards' double play partner up the middle and the no. 43 ranked team in the country has a nice mix of star power and depth to make a serious run.
North Gwinnett Bulldogs (Suwannee, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Walker Cleveland (LHP, 2018, T500)
Ryan Watson (RHP, 2018, T1000)
Michael Goehrig (C, 2018, T1000)
Michael Borah (2B, 2019, High Follow)
Josh Shuler (OF, 2020, 21)
Corey Collins (C/OF, 2020, 84)
Synopsis
The Bulldogs enter as one of the top ranked teams in the country, second in the state, at no. 11 in the Perfect Game Preseason Top 50. North Gwinnett is coming off one of the best seasons in school history that saw the Bulldogs go 35-4 and fall in the state semifinals. The good news is that a majority of last year's squad returns including a trip of top-ranked sophomores in Josh Shuler, Corey Collins, and Dalton Pearson. Shuler is an exciting overall package of tools with tremendous arm strength and power; the outfielder is also a dynamic football player. Collins already looks to be one of the purest hitters in the class with a smooth lefthanded stroke and Pearson shows good athleticism and speed. The sophomores are led by a trio of seniors as well in starters Walker Cleveland and Ryan Watson along with backstop Michael Goehrig. Cleveland has a lot of feel and pitchability, and is signed with Michigan, while Watson is signed with Georgia Southern and can power his fastball into the upper-80s. Goehrig is signed with Western Michigan and provides a steadying presence behind the plate while other position players Lavoisier Fisher and Michael Borah should also contribute offensively. The Bulldogs have a very complete team and again are in good position to make a deep playoff run, and one at the Showdown.
Northview Cougars (Dothan, Ala.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Joey Wozniak (RHP/OF, 2018, T500)
Graham Young (RHP/UT, 2018, NR)
Hayes Shepard (3B, 2018, NR)
Stratton Watt (OF, 2018, NR)
AJ Pierce (1B, 2018, NR)
Blake Burkhalter (RHP, 2019, High Follow)
Synopsis
Following a strong 2017 campaign that culminated with a playoff appearance, the Northview Cougars are back and hungry for more as they enter the PG HS Showdown. Northview is led by three arms in Joey Wozniak, Graham Young, and junior Blake Burkhalter. Wozniak features a power fastball with good life into the upper-80s to go along with good feel for a hard breaking ball, Young has advanced command with a good repertoire and deceptive mechanics, and Burkhalter notched five saves last year and has a hard biting slider. The three arms are poised for a big run in the Showdown and, if they are all on, could make the Cougars one of the tougher teams to score off. Seniors Hayes Shepard and AJ Pierce lead the offense for Northview as Hayes is a strong defender with power while Pierce can impact a ball with tremendous authority and leverage; Stratton Watt is also a big piece of the offense and has some power. Also keep an eye on freshman Will Turner, who opened some eyes at the PG 14u National Showcase last year and has already earned playing time on the team.
Parkview Panthers (Lilburn, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Isaiah Byars (SS, 2018, 167)
Logan Cerny (C/OF, 2018, 274)
Robert Bennett (LHP, 2018, T500)
Braden Hays (LHP, 2018, T500)
Ben Markiewicz (IF, 2018, Follow)
Jonathan French (C/OF/RHP, 2019, 124)
Synopsis
The highest ranked team playing in this weekend's PG HS Showdown is the Parkview Panthers, as the perennial power comes in at the no. 2 overall ranking for the Perfect Game Preseason Top 50. The Panthers are loaded yet again and have a bevy of senior talent to spearhead the squad heading into 2018. Head coach Chan Brown has entrusted senior lefthanders Braden Hays and Robert Bennett at the top of the rotation and both offer experience and command on the bump. Bennett is signed with Chipola and Hays with Georgia Southern and both starters have experience pitching in pressure situations and can limit hard hit contact. Isaiah Byars, an Alabama signee, and Logan Cerny, a Troy signee, lead the crop of position players as Byars is one of the most advanced defenders in the class and Cerny has lots of arm strength behind the dish to go along with premium righthanded power. Jonathan French is another one to keep an eye on as his right arm is a weapon whether he's behind the dish, in the outfield, or on the mound. Ben Markiewicz is an impact bat for the Panthers and an experienced starter while sophomore Miles Garrett, a Vanderbilt commit, is another talented arm for Parkview. The Panthers have all the pieces to come home with the championship in the Showdown and should be considered one of the early favorites to come home with the trophy.
Providence Stallions (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Alec Sanchez (IF, 2018, 134)
Allen Roulette (LHP, 2018, High Follow)
Tyler Johnson (C/1B, 2018, High Follow)
Tyler Callihan (IF, 2019, 20)
Nathan Hickey (IF/C, 2019, 156)
Carson Beck (RHP/UT, 2020, 173)
Synopsis
When searching for some of the favorites for the PG HS Showdown, one team that is undoubtedly in that group is the defending champion Providence Stallions. Providence captured the crown a year ago and is looking to make it two in a row as they have a strong collection of returning talent. One of the most polished hitters in the country plays for the Stallions as Florida State signee Alec Sanchez has some impressive barrel skills and thump from the left side. Sanchez hit near the top of the order and crushed two home runs en route to being named MVP of last year's event. In addition to Sanchez, two juniors will lead the charge in South Carolina commit Tyler Callihan and Florida commit Nathan Hickey. Callihan shows premium lefthanded power as one of the top ranked prospects for the 2019 class, and Hickey's versatility allows him to catch, play shortstop, pitch, and smoke line drives at the plate. Allen Roulette is the staff ace and he and fellow Tallahassee CC signee Tyler Johnson should have important roles to play. One thing to keep an eye on for the Stallions is the development of sophomore Carson Beck, who is already a Florida commit and will likely see playing time all over the field. Providence is in prime shape for another deep run and should be considered one of the favorites.
Redan Raiders (Stone Mountain, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Kelvin Smith Jr. (SS, 2018, 229)
Taj Bradley (RHP/OF, 2018, 303)
Orlando Adams Jr. (C, 2018, 385)
Chayce Bryant (1B/RHP, 2018, 471)
Lyndon Weaver (SS, 2018, T500)
Kameron Marshall (OF, 2018, T500)
Synopsis
Another very strong roster for this year's PG HS Showdown comes from the multi-year participant Redan Raiders. The Stone Mountain based squad always features some impressive talent, but their collection of senior talent this year is very eye-opening. Orlando Adams Jr. and Kelvin Smith are two big draft names in the middle of the lineup for the Raiders as Adams Jr., a Kentucky signee, is a very physical presence behind the plate with loud pop and Smith, a Missouri signee, shows lots of raw bat speed and power for an up the middle player. Taj Bradley has produced some buzz this spring as he worked up to 93 mph on the bump at Lakepoint a few weeks ago and will also show a powerful swing fro the right side. Chayce Bryant, Lyndon Weaver, and Kameron Marshall are three other seniors who are Division I players at the next level and help to lengthen the already extremely deep Redan lineup. The Raiders enter the Showdown with an 8-1 record to start the season and look like one of the top teams in the state at this early point of the year.
Saraland Spartans (Saraland, Ala.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Laiten Hudson (RHP, 2019, T1000)
Konner Copeland (LHP, 2019, T1000)
Luke Turner (RHP, 2019, NR)
Levi Clark (RHP, 2019, NR)
Mac Boutwell (OF, 2019, NR)
Michael Milner (C, 2019, NR)
Synopsis
The Saraland Spartans are inherently a younger team, all of their listed top prospects are juniors, however they will be looking to make some noise at the Showdown this weekend. The pitching staff is what jumps out for the Spartans as Laiten Hudson, Levi Clark, and Konner Copeland are all capable aces for the Spartans. Hudson will be the no. 1 starter and can run his fastball up to 87 mph with some feel for his offspeed pitches and Clark features one of the best fastballs on the team at 89 mph. Copeland has a deceptive arm angle from the left side and righthander Luke Turner has started the year off on a good note with nine strikeouts in six shutout innings during his debut for the season. Mac Boutwell leads the offense for the Spartans as the outfielder got off to a hot start to open the season with a .444 batting average while Michael Milner and Trent Brannan will also be important parts of the offense for Saraland.
Seminary Bulldogs (Seminary, Miss.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Adarius Myers (OF, 2018 T500)
Fisher Norris (3B, 2018, T1000)
Daulton Cummins (RHP, 2018, Follow)
Synopsis
The Seminary Bulldogs are fresh off a strong 2017 campaign that saw them make a run all the way to the state championships before falling just short. The Bulldogs return some impressive senior talent to help lead their team during the PG HS Showdown. Adarius Myers comes in as the highest ranked player on the team per Perfect Game and Myers shows a lot of athleticism and feel from the outfield to go along with above-average speed and profiles nicely as a leadoff man for the Bulldogs. Fisher Norris showed impressive velocity at a young age, recorded up to 87 mph in 2016, and hasn't been to a Perfect Game event since. The Southern Mississippi signee showed a lot of promise as a two-way prospect and will be one of the leaders of the Seminary squad. Daulton Cummins is one of the top arms on the staff with a fastball up to the mid-80s and the Pearl River CC signee still has a lot of room to project upon with additional strength and physicality. The Bulldogs might not top their 2017 run, however they look poised to open some eyes this weekend.
South Gwinnett Comets (Snellville, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Cabera Weaver (OF, 2018, 62)
Isaiah Fleming (OF, 2018, T1000)
Marc Davis (RHP/IF, 2018, High Follow)
Bailey Shannon (RHP/IF, 2018, Follow)
Corey Farrow (RHP/IF, 2018, NR)
Andreaus Lewis (C, 2021, T1000)
Synopsis
The sixth PG All-American to be participating in the PG HS Showdown is the star of the South Gwinnett Comets, Cabera Weaver. The Georgia signee is one of the top draft prospects in the state this year, and hosts a bevy of impressive tools including being a plus runner, the ability to stick in centerfield, and tremendously loose and fluid swing that projects very well with additional strength. Weaver isn's the only senior that will turn heads on this team as Florida Southwestern State signee Marc Davis features a low-90s arm across the infield, that plays well on the mound too, and Isaiah Fleming is an unsigned senior that can fly with tremendous speed and baserunning instincts. Corey Farrow is another unsigned senior with a lot of feel on the bump while Bailey Shannon will be playing ball at Andrew College next year to round out one of the more impressive pitching staffs of the event. Keep an eye on freshman Andreaus Lewis too as he is as talented a freshman that you will find at this event and is already getting high-level looks from universities.
Troup County Tigers (Troup, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Ryan Bliss (SS, 2018, 92)
Kenly Bridwell (OF, 2018, NR)
Colby Williams (RHP, 2019, T500)
Garrett Casey (LHP/UT, 2019, T500)
Cooper Doughman (C, 2019, Follow)
Cade Garner (OF/RHP, 2020, NR)
Synopsis
Troup County had a quality 2017 run and is already off to a hot start in 2018 as they enter the PG HS Showdown with a 7-1 record. The easy place to start with the Tigers is dynamic shortstop, and Auburn signee, Ryan Bliss. He is the highest ranked prospect for the 2018 class on the team, coming in at no. 92, and has tremendous instincts over at shortstop to go along with excellent barrel skills and surprising pop for the frame too; Bliss is one of the top players in the state. Colby Williams returns as the ace of the staff and he features a good mix and a clean arm stroke through release. The Kennesaw State commit was the Perfect Game 15u Pitcher of the Year for 2016. Garrett Casey is a William & Mary commit who should see important innings both on the mound and at the dish and Kenly Bridwell is one of the top hitters on the squad. Cooper Doughman should get a lot of time behind the plate for the Tigers and Cade Garner gets a lot of time all over the field for Troup County. They certainly have a solid mix of star power and depth for a deep run this weekend and are already off to a hot start this season.
Westlake Lions (Atlanta, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Lawrence Butler (IF, 2018, 245)
Myles Austin (SS, 2019, 36)
El Rico Riley (SS, 2019, T500)
Synopsis
The Westlake Lions are off to a decent start to the season and have some high-end talent on their roster ahead of the 2018 PG HS Showdown. Lawrence Butler is the big attraction for professional scouts as the infielder is a lean and projectable 6-foot-4, 200-pounds, and projects to play all over the infield, or outfield for that matter, with the impressive speed he possesses. Butler has a very loose swing too with untapped raw power in his frame that excites professional scouts about the West Virginia signee. In addition to Butler, top-ranked 2019 prospect Myles Austin will be in attendance and the Alabama commit has a very strong collection of tools which include a sub-7.00 second 60-yard dash and a 90+ mph arm across the infield. Austin is also a very talented pitcher who shows a fastball with life in the 88-90 mph range to go along with a sharp breaking ball. El Rico Riley is another talented underclassmen for the Lions as they look to make some noise in Emerson this weekend.
Winder-Barrow Bulldogs (Winder, Ga.)
Top Prospects (Position, Class, PG National Rank)
Jackson Melton (C, 2018, High Follow)
Zack Smith (3B, 2019, 417)
Sam Darling (OF, 2019, T500)
Clarence Sikes (RHP, 2019, T1000)
Hunter Marsh (3B, 2020, 166)
Brady House (SS/RHP, 2021, 22)
Synopsis
The Winder-Barrow Bulldogs had a very strong 2017 campaign, finishing 30-4 on the year thanks to the strength of seniors Pat Demarco and Beau Hanna, and the Bulldogs are looking to continue their winning ways as they enter the PG HS Showdown. The depth and experience of seniors isn't quite there for the 2018 Winder-Barrow team, with the exception of catcher Jackson Melton, however the underclassmen are certainly ready to take the reigns and continue the tradition of a strong program. Ole Miss commit Zack Smith leads the way with a polished, and powerful offensive approach while Hunter Marsh and Brady House have big roles to play. As a freshman, House already has a lot of trust from the coaching staff, he will be starting game one, and the former PG Select Festival participant can work into the mid-80s with a tremendous changeup. Marsh is a very physical righthanded hitter with lots of bat speed and strength through impact. The Bulldogs are a younger team, however they have the requisite talent for a very deep and impressive tournament run over the weekend.