17u Coastal Qualifier Scout Notes

Drake Browne

Photo: southcarolina.247sports.com

Talent was on display at all age levels of the 2013 PG Super25 Coastal Qualifier. A number of nationally ranked prospects proved themselves as the best players in the country, while other interesting prospects stood out in their first Perfect Game events.

3B/RHP Blake Holliday (2016, Belton, SC) - Holliday is currently ranked the 60th overall prospect in the nation for the class of 2016, and the #1 3B prospect in the state of South Carolina. While he is currently battling a foot injury that limited his action in the tournament, Holliday was still able to make his presence known. He smoked an opposite-field double to tie up the game against the Diamond Devils, and was 2-2 in pinch hit appearances on the first day of the tournament. The 6-4, 220 lb. sophomore has a strong build and athletic frame. He showed power to all fields and good bat speed. Unfortunately, his foot injury kept him off the mound where he has already been up to 89 mph.

OF Kep Brown (2015, Mt. Pleasant, SC) - The #1 OF in the state for the 2015 class, and #49 nationally ranked prospect was very impressive at the plate and in the outfield. The lean, athletic outfielder is very projectable as he continues to grow and gain strength. Brown drove the ball in the gaps with quick wrists and pop in his bat. He also showcased a strong arm from the outfield, and good speed and instincts on the bases.

SS Jayson Cook (2015, Marietta, GA) - Cook might have been the most interesting prospect that I got to see at the Coastal Qualifier. He showcased incredible defensive skills up the middle, making a number of impressive plays with the glove. He is smooth, with soft hands and a strong arm across the diamond. At the plate, Cook had a number of tough at-bats, working counts and fouling off a number of tough pitches. He is an athletic, talented player that I am interested to see play more in the next few years.

RHP Harrison Smith (2015, Mt. Pleasant, SC) - The #2 ranked pitcher in the state of South Carolina proved that he deserved this honor at the Coastal Qualifier. Smith did not allow a single hit in three innings of work, with four strikeouts. His fastball was up to 87 mph, with a loose arm action and solid mechanics. Smith and his teammate Kep Brown are both committed to play for the Gamecocks at the University of South Carolina.

3B Joseph Gillespie (2015, Travelers Rest, SC) - Gillespie was solid both at the plate and at third base for the SC Longhorns. He has soft, sure hands and made a number of tough plays. His arm strength is solid, and he has good range at the position as well. At the plate, Gillespie made solid contact and squared a number of balls up with his line-drive swing plane.

RHP/OF Ridge Chapman (2015, Wade Hampton, SC) - Chapman proved himself to be a legitimate two-way prospect after an impressive weekend. The #4 ranked OF for the state of SC hit .500 on the weekend with seven quality at-bats, a double and a triple. He showed power to both fields and solid offensive tools. On the mound, Chapman's fastball was up to 86 mph as he struck out six and did not allow a hit in four innings of work. His fastball has riding life and arm-side run, while he also showed a curveball and change-up.

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