The 2012 Coach Bob National Invitational tournament drew a field of 73 teams from eight states (AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, NM, OK, OR), competing in the Phoenix, AZ area for two weeks.
The tournament is hosted by Boulder Creek (AZ), who won the National Division for the second consecutive season. It is named in honor of former Boulder Creek pitching coach Bob Weinheimer, who recently passed away after a 44 year coaching career.
The Top Prospect list as compiled by the PG scouting staff that was in attendance for the duration of the tournament is located below the recap for each of the six divisions. The Most Valuable Player and Gold Glove awards as well as all-tournament team were chosen by the coaches and tournament staff.
National Division
Champion: Boulder Creek (AZ)
MVP: 2012 SS West Tunnell, Boulder Creek (AZ)
Gold Glove: 2012 OF Ryan Land, Sheldon (OR)
American Division
Champion: Valley Vista (AZ)
MVP: 2012 OF/LHP Nelson Benjamin, Valley Vista (AZ)
Gold Glove:2012 Easton Deiters, North Canyon (AZ)
AAA Division
Champion: La Jolla Country Day (CA)
MVP: 2012 C Sam Ayala, La Jolla Country Day (CA)
Gold Glove: 2013 SS/RHP Tommy Edman, La Jolla Country Day (CA)
AA Division
Champion: Desert Edge (AZ)
MVP: 2013 OF Josh Famolaro, Desert Edge (AZ)
Gold Glove: 2012 C Zach Rock, Higley (AZ)
A Division
Champion: Elizabeth (CO)
MVP: 2012 3B/RHP Micah Lockerby, Elizabeth (CO)
Gold Glove: Jordan Wilson, George Washington (CO)
Open Section
Best records:
Thurston (OR): 4-0 (1.000)
Valley Vista (AZ): 5-1 (.833)
Piedra Vista (NM): 4-1 (.800)
Boulder Creek (AZ): 7-2 (.778)
Moorpark (CA): 3-1 (.750)
Top Prospects
While we made a concerted effort to see as many teams as possible, there were many which we were unable to catch. Additionally, we realize that there are players, especially pitchers, who likely would have made the list had we seen them play. This list is by no means comprehensive, but rather a highlight of the players that we did see who caught our eye.
1. Ty Hensley, 2012 RHP/Util, Edmond Santa Fe (OK)
Hensley stole the show on day one of the tournament, throwing a no-hitter on Monday night in front of over 50 MLB scouts and executives. Hensley topped out at 95 mph with his fastball, but his best pitch was his plus curveball, which sat in the upper 70s, topping out at 78. Hensley has shown rapid development since his junior season, in which he led Edmond Santa Fe to the Oklahoma 6A state semifinals. He has earned his way into consideration for the first round come June. He's also a high level switch hitter, who blasted the longest Home Run we saw during the two weeks during his first at-bat (from the left side) and would line one hard up the middle for a single later in the game (from the right side).
2. Tony Blanford, 2012 RHP/OF, Boulder Creek (AZ)
The ace of the National Division champions Boulder Creek threw twice at Coach Bob, coming up just short in the National Game of the Week against Broken Arrow (AZ) and shutting out Chaparral (CO). He lives in the upper 80s with his fastball, reaching back for low 90s velocity on occasion when he needs to. His curveball features plus spin, and when he's on top of the pitch, it is a very tough offering to get a piece of, let alone square up. His body is thin, athletic and projectable and his arm action is loose and whippy. There is a lot to like about Blanford's future potential.
3. Ryan Warner, 2012 RHP/OF, Pine Creek (CO)
The 6-foot-7 right hander showed the makings of a potential high level prospect. In his early season start he worked in the upper 80s, topping out at 90 several times in the early innings. Warner's best present pitch is his curveball, a mid 70s curveball with hard spin and good depth that he generally kept down in the zone. If he can follow suit keeping his fastball in the bottom half consistently and grow into his lanky frame Warner has the potential to become a very high level prospect. He also showed some fading life on his changeup, but it is still a work in progress. Warner is a highly projectable pitcher to keep an eye on.
4. David Peterson, 2014 LHP/1B, Regis Jesuit (CO)
In PG's first look at the young southpaw he threw a no-hitter against the National Division champions Boulder Creek (AZ) on their home field. The 6-foot-6 sophomore sat 83-86, touching 87 mph twice, once in the first inning and again on the final pitch of the game (called third strike). He has some work to do mechanically, as he doesn't get as much downhill leverage as his frame will allow, but his impressive arm speed and physical strength are rare to find in a tall left hander at such a young age. He has exciting upside.
5. Trey Cobb, 2013 RHP/1B, Broken Arrow (OK)
Cobb works very quickly, he hits his spots and has good tailing life on his fastball. He locates it well in the bottom of the strike zone, he sits in the upper 80s, consistently at 87-88, touching 89 in his complete game victory, from a low effort delivery. He showed good break and hard spin on his breaking ball, while he would get on the side of it on occasion, giving it a slider looking break, it was at its best when he was on top giving it hard downer 12-6 break.
6. West Tunnell, 2012 SS, Boulder Creek (AZ)
Tunnell is a highly polished prospect for a high school player. His tools are good highlighted by his shortstop defense. However, his "sixth tool," his makeup, energy and instincts are plus to plus-plus, allowing him to play beyond his raw tools. He's an average runner, yet he steals bases at will thanks to his ability to read pitchers' moves and get good jumps. His arm is plenty playable for the left side of the infield and grades as above average. His left handed bat is solid, his raw hitting tools are average as well, but his advanced plate approach, good decisions at the plate and on-base skills combined to allow him to dominate en route to garnering tournament MVP honors. He's an underrated prospect who has shown significant development since we first saw him at the 2010 EvoShield National Championship, which could be great news for Baylor (where he is signed).
7. Shillo McCall, 2012 OF/RHP, Piedra Vista (NM)
He really looks the part, at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds of lean muscle. His swing is short and fluid, he accelerates the bat well and has some raw power in spite of a contact oriented swing with a short load and path. McCall's game lacks a weakness, he has an above average arm with accurate throws, he runs well and has good instincts all around. He does a little bit of everything.
8. Jordan Guerrero, 2012 LHP/OF, Moorpark (CA)
Raw sums up Guerrero's ability best. There is a lot to like here, as his body offers a lot of projection and his arm is really quick. He sat 85-88, topping out at 89, but has more in there with improved mechanics. He currently generates more of his velocity with his arm and will continue to add velo as he learns to incorporate his whole body into his delivery. He showed good arm speed on his 78 mph changeup and big depth on his 73 mph curve, using both frequently.
9. Brody Weiss, 2013 SS, Regis Jesuit (CO)
The son of MLB veteran and new Regis Jesuit head coach Walt Weiss has big shoes to fill. But he's got the physical tools to live up to those lofty expectations. He generates bat speed with a short compact swing and can use all fields, though he has a middle of the diamond approach in most counts. He can get long and drive the ball hard when the opportunity presents itself and he picks his spots well. But the best part of his game is his shortstop defense, where he shows good range, soft hands, a quick release and carry on his throws.
10. David Real, 2012 C, Boulder Creek (AZ)
The arm and the raw power are what stand out most about Real. He's got a catchers build, with a strong and sturdy 6-foot and 185 pound frame. He consistently posted low 2.00 pop times, occasionally getting down into the upper 1.90s. He also moves well behind the plate and has solid receiving skills that have continued to improve. He drove several balls that registered high off the bat velocities, frequently in the mid 90s and has good raw power.
11. Brett Nielsen, 2013 LHP/1B, Sheldon (OR)
Nielsen wasn't as sharp in his early season start on the mound as he was at the Area Code Games last year, but he's got the size and arm to project very well. He also showed good hitting tools at the plate and is a standout prospect.
12. Sam Haggerty, 2012 SS, Mullen (CO)
Haggerty showed well defensively at shortstop, and the one game we saw he only swung the bat from the left side, so there is a chance that we have the switch hitting SS who is committed to New Mexico lower than he should be.
13. Jacob Evans, 2012 LHP/1B, Broken Arrow (OK)
Evans carved up National Division champion Boulder Creek in the National Game of the Week, as they struggled to hit his big deep 1-7 curveball. His left handed bat is even more interesting, likely a two-way guy in college (committed to Oklahoma), but seems to have more upside with the bat.
14. Quin Walbergh, 2014 SS, Edmond Santa Fe (OK)
Walbergh is one of the youngest players on this list, but has a chance to wind up being one of the top position players when it's all said and done. He put up 4.24 home to first times in each of the two times we saw him, he showed good range and quickness at short and is already a solid hitter.
15. Michael Klein, 2013 RHP/SS, Mt Vista (CO)
Klein sat 86-88 consistently with good life on his fastball. He flashed good break to his curveball in the mid 70s, and took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against Higley (AZ). But based on the two at-bats we saw, he may have as much if not more upside with the bat. The kid is a ballplayer with two-way ability.
16. Ryan Westmoreland, 2014 SS, Thunder Ridge (CO)
The sophomore announced his presence immediately, blasting a Home Run to dead center off of (No. 3 prospect) Ryan Warner. He continued to show good bat speed and worked a pair of walks in his final two at-bats, while also showing good defensive actions at short.
17. Max George, 2014 MIF, Regis Jesuit (CO)
George's bat control at the top of Regis' order stands out. He already has good bat speed with more to come as he matures physically. His range at second stands out, and he could easily handle shortstop if given the opportunity.
18. AJ Jones, 2014 RHP, ThunderRidge (CO)
Jones cruised through the early innings of his complete game victory in which he beat 2012 draft prospect Ryan Warner of Pine Creek (CO). But it was the way he grinded out the final innings when he was running on fumes that stood out about the underclassman. His fastball sat 82-86 and showed good feel for his curveball which he hid from Pine Creek until their second time through the order.
19. Kholeton Sanchez, 2012 C, Piedra Vista (CO)
Sanchez is a high level defensive catcher, but he doesn't run like one. He regularly gets down the line to first base in the 4.35-4.40 range, occasionally getting there a touch quicker. He also shows good contact skills and gets on base enough that his defense behind the plate can carry him a long way.
20. Reagan Biechler, 2013 LHP/1B Pine Creek (CO)
The velocity isn't there yet to make it painfully obvious that Biechler is a top prospect, but the arm speed is. He sits in the low to mid 80s, topping out at 85, but has an arm that you can project much higher. He's has room to grow and add strength while learning to use the lower half into his delivery better, and when those two things change the radar gun will start making it obvious that he's got an unusually quick arm. Also a good hitter from the left side.
21. Caleb Wood, 2012 SS, Valley Vista (AZ)
Highly athletic and flashy defender at shortstop, Wood stands out with the leather. He can also swing the bat, with a hard line drive oriented swing that flashes occasional power.
22. Colby Rice, 2012 C, West Salem (OR)
Rice was playing with a noticable limp, gutting it out with an injury that seemed to bother him between innings, but had no visible effect on his receiving skills. His arm strength is impressive, posting pop times between 1.94 and 2.07.
23. Nick Shumpert, 2015 MIF, Heritage (CO)
He's strong and compact physically, and so is his swing. He gets overaggressive at times with the bat, but he has the physical tools to project to be a high level player and could develop some power as well. Very interesting young player to follow.
24. Nick Roark, 2014 SS, Broken Arrow (OK)
Roark shows flashes of potential at the plate with quick hands and a short swing. Defensively he's already a standout player, with good athleticism and actions.
25. Greg Saenz, 2014, SS, O'Connor (AZ)
Saenz has a solid, well proportioned build that projects well, and good all around tools to develop.
Honorable Mention:
2014 MIF Aaron Ahlstrom, Clackmas (OR)
2013 RHP Taylor Allie, Sheldon (OR)
2013 OF Jack Anderson, Lake Oswego (OR)
2012 RHP Peter Bayer, Regis Jesuit (CO)
2012 OF/LHP Nelson Benjamin, Valley Vista (AZ)
2012 3B/RHP Cameron Brendel, Boulder Creek (AZ)
2013 SS Michael Burns, Columbine (CO)
2012 C Cole Calhoun, Heritage (CO)
2013 SS Anthony Carbone, Moorpark (CA)
2012 OF Austin Cole, Moorpark (CA)
2013 SS Aaron Cook, Heritage (CO)
2012 CIF Connor Crane, Ponderosa (CO)
2012 OF Carson Dowdle, Liberty Christian (TX)
2015 OF Keenan Eaton, Chaparral (CO)
2012 3B Brendon Erickson, O'Connor (AZ)
2012 3B Jake Fuller, Columbine (CO)
2013 OF Bradley Fullerton, Moorpark (CA)
2012 OF Julian Henderson, Broken Arrow (OK)
2013 3B Brandon Hesselberg, Pine Creek (CO)
2013 MIF Alberto Higuera, North Canyon (AZ)
2013 INF Dane Hutcheon, Pine Creek (CO)
2013 SS Jake Iverson, Clackmas (OR)
2013 C/3B Riley Joyce, Boulder Creek (AZ)
2014 SS/RHP Tate Kastens, Denver Christian (CO)
2013 RHP/SS Austin Kelly, Clackmas (OR)
2012 1B Jordan Kennedy, Regis Jesuit (CO)
2013 MIF CJ Krainock, Pine Creek (CO)
2012 RHP/3B Max Kuhns, Chaparral (CO)
2012 LHP Matt Loutzenhiser, Ponderosa (CO)
2012 OF Austin Lundeen, Mullen (CO)
2014 OF Matt Martin, Piedra Vista (NM)
2015 C Griffin Mazur, Moorpark (CA)
2013 3B/RHP Eli McKinney, Elizabeth (CO)
2014 3B/RHP Griffin McMann, Liberty Christian (TX)
2013 C Josh Newell, ThunderRidge (CO)
2013 LHP Reily O'Brien, Chaparral (CO)
2012 3B Andrew Paust, Ponderosa (CO)
2012 OF Eli Peppmuller, John Burroughs (CA)
2013 SS Brian Pozos, John Burroughs (CA)
2013 LHP/1B Josh Prater, Pine Creek (CO)
2012 OF/RHP Jensen Puahi, Valley Vista (AZ)
2013 C Taylor Ready, Moorpark (CA)
2014 3B/RHP Travis Sanders, Lake Oswego (OR)
2012 MIF Cody Scaggari, Piedra Vista (NM)
2012 OF Zach Selby, Willamette (OR)
2012 SS Brenden Shaffer, West Salem (OR)
2012 1B Ryan Snow, West Salem (OR)
2012 SS Cooper Stiles, Sheldon (OR)
2012 OF Grant Taylor, Lake Oswego (OR)
2014 LHP Reagan Todd, Regis Jesuit (CO)
2012 C Drew Umbro, Edmond Santa Fe (OK)
2012 OF/LHP Chase Wagner, Boulder Creek (AZ)
2012 OF Shane Woodson, Piedra Vista (NM)
2013 C Cody Ziegler, Broken Arrow (OK)