THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,454 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,454 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 3/17/2018

Showdown-Academies Scout Notes

Greg Gerard
Photo: Perfect Game

2018 PG High School Showdown-Academies: Event Preview | Player Stats | Daily Leaders

On his way to earning the Most Valuable Pitcher of the tournament, Daniel Espino (2019, Statesboro, Ga.) turned in an outstanding six inning start and showcased some of the best velocity in the entire 2019 class. Sitting 94-96 early on with his fastball and not releasing a fastball below 89 mph throughout his six innings, Espino’s start was impressive in every way. The command of his fastball was outstanding and the velocity was completely overpowering. Swings and misses were a common trend as Espino piled on 12 strikeouts on the day.

His arm action is quite long and wrapped through the back, but the arm continually gets through the circle on time and out in front. The recent verbal commitment to LSU gets outstanding extension out in front as well. His 6-foot-3 200-pound frame and excellent extension help generate a 98 mph best effective velocity per TrackMan. Espino gets up to eight feet of extension reaching way out in front at release getting some occasional run to his explosive fastball. The LSU commit dominated the entirety of his start and showed why he is a top of the line pitcher in the class of 2019. 

Zachary Ottinger (2018, Marietta, Ga.) put together an outstanding start to open up the tournament for East Cobb Baseball and showed why he committed to West Virginia in doing so. The righthander from Marietta, Georgia’s fastball topped out at 90 mph early on in the game and consistently lived in the upper-80s throughout the contest. In his four inning start, Ottinger struck out six batters with his fastball and slider combination. The slider was short breaking and the fastball showed short life occasionally to armside. His delivery is simple and shows good tempo as he repeats it well getting good command of both of his pitches. The arm action is clean and full as he releases with little effort. Ottinger repeatedly live low in the strike zone and missed lots of barrels.




Jose Cabrera Jr. (2018, Santiago, Dominican Republic) displayed his overpowering fastball in a relief appearance for CBC Elite and earned the win in doing so. Cabrera’s fastball was the top fastball of the day on Thursday as he peaked at 92 mph. The big righthander from the Dominican Republic showed heavy life to his fastball and good command of two pitches. His fastball completely overpowered hitters on this day as it was his primary pitch in route to tallying all six outs via the strikeout. When Cabrera was head in counts, which was quite often, he liked to go to his tight 11-to-5 breaking curveball. The pitch was well located like his fastball and was a solid secondary pitch to accompany his fastball. Cabrera’s arm action is pretty long and wraps some around the backside before coming through continually on time. He gets solid lower half usage down the mound, but it appeared he could get even more of his lower half incorporated for added velocity to the already impressive fastball.


Carlos Francisco (2018, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) may be the most projectable pitcher in the entire tournament standing at 6-foot-5 215-pounds with some present strength especially in the lower half. He brought with him to the mound a fastball up to 90 mph and a hard biting curveball in the upper-70s. To go along with his projectable frame, Francisco has an explosive delivery and a full arm action that really works. The velocity was maintained in the upper-80s but projects for more moving forward. The uncommitted Francisco, unfortunately took the loss even though he only allowed one earned run. 

Kyle Riesselmann (2019, Tyrone, Ga.) had one of the more impressive offensive performances of the tournament and showed big-time physical tools in doing so. Standing at a highly projectable 6-foot-2 181-pounds Reisselmann has good bat speed and showed the ability to run as well. Sprinting multiple sub-4.30 home to first times from the righthanded batter’s box with his best time coming in at 4.20-seconds. The swing is simple and the timing is good. He gets the barrel head out in front squaring up the ball continuously. On a triple in his final game of the weekend, Riesselmann showed the potential pop in his bat driving the ball deep to center field. The uncommitted outfielder turned the bag at first with a run time of 4.69-seconds scampering to third without a throw. Riesselmann showcased his raw tools all weekend long.

Tyler Driver (2019, Wake Forest, N.C.) helped Pro5 Academy earn a Game 1 win as they began their tournament. The junior righthander ran his fastball up to 88 mph in doing so as well. Driver throws three different pitches and has the ability to command all three well. Driver’s fastball sat mostly in the mid-80s with a top velocity of the aforementioned 88 mph pitch. The first secondary pitch he went to was his short-breaking slider. The pitch was effective in getting hitters to swing and miss especially when buried. Driver seemed to have more feel of his changeup, however. Especially when fastball arm speed was maintained, Driver’s changeup was the better of the two secondary pitches. The UNC-Charlotte commit’s three pitch mix continuously kept hitters off balance and helped him tally five strikeouts in three innings of work. 




Having been up to 94 mph in past PG events, Makenzie Stills (2018, Fayetteville, Ga.) was back on the mound this time for Citadels Baseball Academy and showed similar arm strength Friday night. Stills filled up the strike zone for the duration of his six inning start with a fastball that ranged 88-91 with lots of heavy sinking action. Quite frequently the fastball showed 80-grade sink on a 20-80 scale and hitters had trouble doing any sort of damage to the pitch. Only allowing one run on the day, Stills received an unfortunate loss but still went home with a quality start.

Stills is a Vanderbilt commit and has a long arm action as he comes to the plate. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Stills has obvious arm strength and incorporates his lower half well in his windup. To go along with his fastball, Stills has a pair of secondary pitches that make him a full arsenal pitcher. His slider is very tight and short as it breaks late on hitters. Stills’ changeup may be better than his slider as it shows similar sink to the fastball and dives late. The senior from Georgia is an impressive pitcher and he showed that talent in Friday night’s game.

Trent Harris (2018, Raleigh, N.C.) came into Pro5 Academy’s quarterfinal matchup to close out the game and ran his fastball up to 90 mph. The High Point commit showed off an arm that really works well. Coming from a full arm action and a high three-quarters, his fastball is mostly straight, but he spots it up well. The projectable 6-foot-1 190-pound righthander mixed in a mid-70s curveball with good depth to accompany the fastball. Harris earned the save in Pro5 Academy’s 1-0 win striking out two along the way. Harris helped Pro5 in a big way to earn them a trip to the semifinals of the PG High School Showdown-Academies.

Daniel Cerda (2018, Statesboro, Ga.) was the most impressive hitter of the tournament and he showed big-time actions in the infield as well. The starting shortstop for the Georgia Premier Academy Sox showed all weekend long his soft, sure hands and good arm strength across the diamond. At the plate, Cerda finished the PG High School Showdown-Academies 7-14 (.500) and consistently put the barrel to the baseball showing off his outstanding barrel to ball skills. Cerda’s arm strength was noticeable in the infield as well as on the mound. Cerda came into close out a pair of games for the Sox and topped out at 89 with his fastball. The senior Chipola JUCO commit is an exciting player to watch that plays with outstanding energy game in and game out.




Shep Hancock (2020, Sharpsburg, Ga.) pitched on two different occasions during the weekend. First, in a closing role Friday night the sophomore faced three batters striking out one of them. The velocity was more impressive on the first night as he sat 85-87 consistently without the appearance of an offspeed pitch. Secondly, on Saturday afternoon, this time in a starting role, Hancock’s fastball was down some from the night before but the command was even more impressive. The 6-foot-3 225-pound righthander throws with little effort and creates some good plane on his fastball especially when down in the zone. Hancock’s arm action is very clean and easy as he comes through and releases out in front. He appears to be able to get even more drive from his lower half as well for more velocity as he continues to mature. 

Lucas Torres (2021, Cayey, Puerto Rico) was one of the younger pitchers in the event, but still showed that he can pitch with the older guys. Torres showed really good command for his young age and it resulted in three strikeouts and no walks in his 2 2/3 innings of relief. Torres has a deliberate delivery getting his lower half going down the mound as the arm comes through from a mostly clean arm action. The fastball topped out at 86 mph, but sat 83-85 mph mostly. He never did show an offspeed pitch during the outing, but being that he is a primary shortstop the added repetitions and maturity should include the addition of a secondary pitch to his arsenal. As a primary shortstop, Torres is interesting on the mound and definitely worth noting early on because of his present arm strength.

The PG High School Showdown-Academies MVP was Auburn commit Troy Bearden (2018, Trussvile, Ala.) as he showed all weekend that he can swing the bat and make loud contact. Bearden is as physical of a presence in the box as any. Listed at a believable 6-foot-2, 225-pounds with present strength throughout, Bearden’s strength is present in his swing as he generates good bat speed. When squared, the ball comes off of the barrel with authority and the exit velocities were on display continually over the course of the tournament. Bearden collected eight hits in the event and on numerous occasions produced 90-plus mph exit velocities off of the barrel with the best coming on a line drive single up the middle that left his barrel at 94 mph.




Jacob Gilliland (2018, Ocean Springs, Miss.) pitched Next Level Baseball Academy to a championship on Saturday evening. After a lightning delay pushed back the start of the semifinals and championship game, Gilliland finally received the ball and showed his ability on the mound. The righthander sat 90-92 mph in the first before settling in the 88-90 mph range for the remainder of his start. The commitment to junior college powerhouse Chattahoochee Valley has a good curveball that was mixed in and effective to get hitters to swing and miss especially when ahead in counts. Gilliland was ahead in counts often in this contest as he finished with five strikeouts 5 1/3 innings.

His mechanics are more fluid than in previous viewings as his arm works fully through the arm circle. He gets good drive from his lower half and releases with minimal effort. In this outing the fastball was mostly straight and he commanded it well. Overall, the 6-foot-2 180-pounder is an interesting arm in this year’s loaded draft class.
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 5/30/2026

WWBA South Scout Notes: Days 1-2
Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Jarrett Pierson (2027, Spring, Texas) was sharp in his start on Thursday. Went four hitless, surrendering just one walk, and punching out seven. Fastball was consistently 81-83 with a low approach angle to let him beat up the top of the zone with carry. Really strong feel for both the slider and change. Filled up the zone with a 70% strike rate. Closed, downhill delivery made it a really tough look for opposing hitters. Substantial amount of room in the frame for him to tick up in the future. One of the more fun watches to start the tournament. Landon Martinez (2027, Spring, Texas) has put on a display to start the tournament. 3-7 at this point, with a double, a walk off home run, and driving in two. The Stanford commit is one of the most tooled up players in this event, and he has been putting each of those on display throughout the opening two days. Super fluid mover, a high level...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 5/30/2026

Southeast Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
And here’s a look at the top of the class strength from ‘27 grad Sullivan Reed, this one going halfway up the trees to dead center…. @HailStateBB Commit #SEElite https://t.co/YvdrbS3bcL pic.twitter.com/qBzoOapJzJ — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) May 29, 2026 Sullivan Reed (2027, Meridian, Miss.) has put together some monster swings in his first PG event of the summer, just picking up right where he left off last summer. The ultra-physical 6-foot-2, 220-pound corner infielder has top of the scale power and showed it on Friday afternoon, going into the trees above the batter’s eye on field one. He’s as good of a power bat as you’ll find across the country that continues to put up gaudy numbers. The Mississippi State commit is currently hitting .667 across two games with a pair of doubles as well.  ‘27 C CJ Wall (GA) just absolutely...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 5/29/2026

AZ Summer Kick Off Set to Begin

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
As another competitive weekend approaches on the Perfect Game circuit, teams from across the region are preparing to battle for championships, rankings, and momentum heading into the summer season. The event is expected to bring a high level of talent, energy, and competitive baseball all weekend long. Coming into the tournament, Biscuits Elite holds a record of 17-7-0 and has been showing strength in their hitting and their bullpen. The team will look to carry momentum from their recent performances into bracket play as they compete for a championship run. Whether it’s strong pitching depth, explosive offense, or tough defensive plays, several teams in the field can make noise this weekend. Matchups against teams like Biscuits Elite and Canes AZ 2027 could end up being some of the most competitive games of the tournament. Players to watch for this tournament include JJ Utash, a...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 5/28/2026

14u Windy City Classic Scout Notes

Donovan May
Article Image
’30 Kingston Dumes (IN) barrels a line drive up the middle. Strong, physical athlete with bat speed. Does a nice job staying in the lower half with quick hands through contact. PG High Follow. #ILMemorial @PG_OhioValley pic.twitter.com/LfQ6T9WqZn — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) May 23, 2026 Kingston Dumes (2030, Indianapolis, Ind.) put together a solid performance for Filthy Ellis this past Memorial Day weekend. The physical 6-foot-3, 225-pound right-handed prospect displayed present bat speed with strength in the swing, finishing with a .500 average across three games while collecting three hits and driving in two runs. He also showed intriguing upside on the mound, running his fastball up to 79 mph while mixing in a slider and changeup. Currently a PG High Follow and the No. 2-ranked player in Indiana, Dumes remains one of the more projectable long-term profiles in...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 5/28/2026

BCS Qualifier Event Preview

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
The sixth annual Perfect Game BCS Qualifier will bring nearly 60 teams from across the region to Fort Myers, Florida from May 29-June 1 as programs battle for championship titles and coveted bids to the BCS National Championship tournament.   Shortstop Jayden Portes will be the highest-ranked player in attendance. Ranked No. 45 nationally, Portes enters the event as one of the premier young prospects to watch and will look to continue building on an already impressive resume. The Fort Myers native will compete in his hometown in the 14U division as a member of CBU North Nation Alpha. At 5-foot-8, 145 pounds, Portes is the No. 1 ranked shortstop in Florida and the No. 7 player overall in the state.   Portes brings an impressive blend of athleticism and offensive ability, highlighted by an 86 mph exit velocity and 78 mph infield velocity. This season, he has posted a...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 5/28/2026

Hoover Invitational Set to Kick Off

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
The 4th annual Hoover Invitational is set to bring another loaded weekend of travel baseball to Hoover, Alabama, as more than 120 teams from across the Southeast will compete from May 28 through June 1. With talent spread across all four age divisions, the event continues to establish itself as one of the premier early-summer tournaments in the region. The tournament will feature 22 teams in the 14U division, 36 teams in 15U, 34 teams in 16U, and 28 teams in 17U play. Several nationally ranked prospects and highly competitive organizations are expected to make noise throughout the weekend, with many players already drawing significant attention on the recruiting and showcase circuits. The 14U division enters its second year as part of the event and will feature several intriguing young prospects. Birmingham Stars infielder Caden Kappler headlines the group as the No. 110 ranked player...
Read More
High School | General | 5/28/2026

Ohio Valley High School Notebook

Jordan Gates
Article Image
‘27 LHP Max Phillips (@TrinityHSBBall) settled in after a busy 1st frame. FB lived 87-89/90 & flashed 91 (3x) during his 4 innings. Sweeper @ 76-79 ~2400 rpm was a constant & flipped for Ks. CH (82-84) missed a lot of bats. Immense two-way upside for the top ranked player in the… pic.twitter.com/Vly2ebwxTU — Perfect Game Ohio Valley (@PG_OhioValley) May 15, 2026 Max Phillips, 2027, LHP/OF, Trinity (KY) checks in as the number one player in the Kentucky class in the most recent update. It’s easy to see why as he has arguably the highest ceiling in the class, both on the mound and as a bat. In my look, a few backs, Phillips got the start on the mound during his team’s last regular season game. The Wake Forest commit in four innings, saw his FB up to 91 a handful of times, while living 87-89 for the majority. The changeup sat in the low 80s while he...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 5/28/2026

PG SE Elite Championship Preview

Will Dembo
Article Image
More than 100 of the Southeast’s top teams across the 13u-18u age groups will travel to East Cobb this weekend with hopes of showcasing their talents and competing for a championship in the PG Southeast Elite Championship. This premier event will get underway on Thursday, April 28th with each division battling through bracket play before eventually crowning a champion on Monday, June 1st. 13u will host 17 teams including two nationally ranked squads in a silver and gold bracket setting for the major draw. Amongst the notable clubs are the East Cobb Astros who enter the weekend ranked No. 8 in the country as well as the West Boca Panthers White (No. 53) who will be traveling from Boca Raton, Florida in hopes of winning their second Perfect Game tournament in a row. The 14u division is loaded with talented rosters as seven of the 28 teams are in the top 100 rankings for their age,...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 5/28/2026

ZT Doubles Up at Best of the Best

Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
ZT Run-Rules for First-Ever 14u Best of the Best Championship The 14U ZT National Prospects sealed their title as the Best of the Best in a run-rule, 10-2 victory over East Cobb Astros 14U. The championship game was played on the A-Quad of Boombah Sports Complex in Sanford, Florida. After a long, hot weekend, there was some relieving cloud coverage and soft breezes as family members cheered on their kids for the final game of the tournament. East Cobb struck first, able to come in off a wild pitch. Despite that miscue, ZT showed its defensive strength and fluidity right away with Tucker Richardson making smooth plays at shortstop. In the bottom of the first, Bryant Ju gave a needed jumpstart to ZT’s offense by blasting a 2-run triple to give his team the lead. “I was just looking for my pitch and I got behind in the count 1-2,” Ju explained. “I was jumping on the...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 5/28/2026

TG DBacks Take Home SE Memorial Title

Will Dembo
Article Image
As summer baseball got underway, East Cobb Baseball welcomed some of the top 16u teams in the nation for the highly anticipated annual PG Southeast Memorial Day Classic. TG DBacks 16u National exited the weekend victorious, going 6-1 en route to defeating ECB Astros 16u Navy in the championship game by a final score of 9-3 to open their summer with a statement win. “It was just a team effort,” DBacks head coach Scott Collett said. “We needed all 16/17, guys to contribute. You know, we shift the guys around, playing different positions they normally don't do in high school, so it was just a great team effort. Everybody did their job at the right moment in the right game. So, kudos to those kids who just competed all weekend, going from a 10 seed, barely making bracket, to running and making it all the way to the championship and dominating.” The DBacks came out of...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.