THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,496 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,496 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 10/16/2020

PGAAs bid farewell at WWBA WC

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Harry Ford (Perfect Game)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Last Monday afternoon, at the Terry Park Sports Complex near downtown Fort Myers, the Los Angeles-based GBG Navy 2021 were crowned the champion at this year’s 22nd annual Perfect Game WWBA World Championship.

The Navy 2021 were not only worthy champions, especially considering their 9-1, six-inning run-rule victory over the previously unbeaten Power Baseball 2021 in the championship game. But they were also a very deserving champion based on the especially challenging COVID-related obstacles players from California were forced to overcome throughout the 2020 spring, summer and fall seasons.



There was a lot to take-in on Championship Monday, with the title game being preceded by a pair of semifinal games, also played at Terry Park. The games were great and the talent on the field was off the charts. But one thing that may have gone unnoticed was that neither team playing for the championship on this steamy afternoon in Southwest Florida had a single PG All-American on its roster.

And a big reason for that was what transpired over a roughly six-hour time period on Sunday morning at the Lee County Player Development Complex, which sits about 3 miles south of Terry Park.

Three teams that were all considered favorites to win the whole kit and kaboodle when the tournament kicked-off the previous Thursday were all beaten in their first round playoff games at the same complex that morning. 

There were 16 PG All-Americans rostered with those three teams – the Team Elite/Atlanta Braves Scout Team, the Canes National/Mets Scout Team and the ECB/Padres Scout Team – and they saw their PG careers come to an end much sooner than anticipated.

“Any time you walk into an event like this you know everybody’s going to be here to play and everyone’s going to be talented,” Team Elite/ABST right-hander Drew Christo told PG after his team had dropped its playoff opener, a game he started. “You come out onto the field and you try your best and try to have the best game you can because the talent is going to be there.”

It was warm and sunny at the 5-Plex on the morning of October 11 and the excitement associated with playoff baseball at an event more commonly known as “Jupiter” hung heavy the four-field quad in the middle of the 5-Plex. That excitement was even more enhanced for the PG All-Americans as they not only got ready to play some pretty doggone important games, they also spotted familiar face after familiar face while they moved from field to field.

They may have, in fact, felt a little like they were walking back into Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in downtown Oklahoma City, the host site for this year’s PG All-American Classic. The uniforms may have been different from what they wore in OKC, but the smiles and fist-bumps were just the same as everyone remembered.

“At the All-American game I met a lot of new people from a lot of different places and today when I walked in I saw a lot of them and I said ‘Hi’ to them and asked them what’s up and how they’re doing,” Canes National/MSCT outfielder Malakhi Knight told PG. “It was just good to see them and check in with them again.”

Christo, a Nebraska commit out of Elkhorn, Neb., who is ranked No. 54 nationally in the 2021 class, was one of five PGAA’s on the Team Elite/ABST roster. The others rostered were shortstop Brady House (No. 4, Tennessee) from Winder, Ga., righthander Christian Little (No. 10, Vanderbilt) from St. Louis, Mo., left-hander Carter Holton (No. 17, Vanderbilt) and shortstop Rob Gordon (No. 50, Vanderbilt).

“Even though we lost it’s been the greatest experience of my life,” Gordon said of having the chance to participate. “These are my boys right here and it’s sad that we lost but we’ve still got the love. …

“It’s been crazy,” he added, speaking of his entire PG experience. “I grew up not being (well) known but I worked hard and I got into the position that I’m in right now; it’s a good accomplishment to be here.”

Knight, an Oregon State commit from Marysville, Wash., who is ranked No. 22 nationally, was one of six PGAAs to populate the Canes National/MST roster over the team’s four days of play.

He was joined by Rochester Hills, Mich., shortstop Alex Mooney (No. 15, Duke), Lebanon, Tenn., outfielder Camden Hayslip (No. 24, Alabama), San Clemente, Calif., shortstop Cody Schrier (No. 25, UCLA), Louisville, Ky., outfielder Daylen Lile (No. 41, Louisville) and Hialeah Gardens, Fla., catcher Rene Lastres (No. 63, Florida).

With five other All-Americans sharing the same dugout, the Canes prospects didn’t have to look far to find a PGAA brother-in-arms but it was still enjoyable for them when they crossed paths with their peers from the other two teams on Sunday.

“It’s cool because you walk in here and you see guys that you’ve played with,” said Mooney, who was the MVP at the All-American Classic in OKC. “You see guys from … all those teams and you’re seeing your good friends because you’ve played with each other and you have a lot of chemistry. So it’s really just walking into a park and seeing all your friends and it’s pretty cool.”

The California kid, Schrier, was in total agreement with his Canes teammate from Michigan, Mooney:

“They’re all good friends of mine so it’s cool seeing them outside of that game and catching up with them and seeing how they’re doing,” Schrier said. “It’s super special coming out here to Florida because you know everybody’s going to be here. You chat with them over texts or call them and see what they’re up to but it’s cool seeing them in person and seeing what’s up.”

Kennesaw, Ga., catcher Harry Ford (No. 21, Georgia Tech), Mableton, Ga., shortstop Michael Braswell (No. 42, South Carolina) and Tyrone, Ga., outfielder Thaddeus Ector (No. 48, South Carolina) were three of five PGAAs rostered with the ECB/PST. New Jersey right-hander Shane Panzini (No. 23, Virginia) was on the ECB roster but pitched for the Team Georgia National/.9ers Baseball Club and catcher Joe Mack (No. 13, Clemson) didn’t participate.

Being not only local guys but also longtime East Cobb devotees, Braswell, Ector and Ford were in seventh-heaven while prospering in the Jupiter environment. Ector has been part of the ECB program since he was 12 years old and advanced up through the ranks with each passing year.

“We’ve just got a bunch of good guys; We just enjoy playing with each other,” Ector said. “We play more for each other than we play for ourselves, which I think the East Cobb program teaches. We’ve got a good coaching staff … and East Cobb is a really good organization; I couldn’t be happier to play with them on this last ride.”

Ford totally enjoyed the PG All-American Classic experience and the new friendships he made and the old friendships he reinforced while in Oklahoma City. But playing in “Fort Jupiter” was different, and that’s different in a good way.

“It’s even a little better feeling over here,” he said. “You’re with your brothers and everything and you’re really playing like this game means something. The All-American game, you’re just there to have fun with everyone so this one is a way different intensity.”

While the PGAAs that were in attendance at the 5-Plex last Sunday morning were among the most recognizable from the 2021 class, it shouldn’t be forgotten that there are scores of younger players on these rosters who are working to be in the same position in a year or two.

The ECB/Padres ST featured top 2022s in Dylan Lesko (No. 2), catcher Termarr Johnson (No. 4) and middle-infielder Nazier Mule (No. 12), and Kaden Martin (No. 25), among others. Top 2022s for the Canes National included left-hander Jackson Ferris (No. 15, Ole Miss), righty Ian Ritchie Jr. (No. 16, UCLA) and outfielder Ryan Clifford (No. 26). Outfielder Nolan Schubart (No. 6, Michigan) and infielder Hayden Murphy (No. 37, Auburn) were among the top 2022s for Team Elite.

The 2020 PGAAs would have been more than willing to provide their younger teammates with some guidance if they felt like they needed any.

“I feel like a lot of them already know the direction (they’re heading),” Schrier said. “If they’re playing up on this team as a younger kid they’re obviously pretty good but you try to help them the best that you can if they need help.”

Added Knight: “We have some of the best younger kids on our team and they already know what to expect and what to go through. They know how to handle themselves.”

Seven of the top-nine seeded teams suffered losses in Sunday’s first round of the playoffs, including the No. 1 East Coast Sox Founders Club and the No. 4 FTB/SF Giants Scout Team. Scores of highly regarded and highly ranked 2021s saw their PG careers come to an end on that day, which left plenty of time for reflections among this year’s All-Americans.

“It’s been a blessing; it’s been a blessing,” ECB’s Ector said, repeating himself for added emphasis. “I’ve been able to attend every major event that an amateur baseball player would want to attend … and then I’m able to be here for my third year.”

“That’s one of the best things about (PG) is making those relationships that are going to last into college and for some guys into pro ball,” Team Elite’s Christo added. “So it’s really cool to meet up with those guys again and see how they’re doing.”

And finally, this from the Canes’ Mooney, a player from the North who accomplished great things during this challenging summer of 2020, including the performance that earned him MVP recognition at the PG All-American Classic.

“Perfect Game has been huge for me,” Mooney, the Duke commit, said. “Getting out in front of the college coaches and pro scouts when I need to and playing in these big tournaments to get me used to that (level) of competition. I feel like I’ve played in more Perfect Game tournaments down south than I have played games in Michigan so it’s been huge for me.

“The relationships that you make with people at Perfect Game tournaments just on your team and the (teams you're) playing against like that, it’s awesome,” he concluded. “There’s nothing to compare it to.”
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 7/8/2026

13u World Series Notes: Days 3-5
Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
13u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Chaysten Fuentes (2030, Ewa Beach, HI) worked really well from the right side of the plate ending up with five hits and a double in the last two days. The right handed hitting Hawaiian has a ton of strength to the body. The hands work directly to the ball and can hit to all fields in the approach. Has done an incredible job getting the barrel to almost everything and gets on plane in the turn.  Triston Valdez (2031, Castaic, CA) was electric on day four batting .500 with a double, triple, and five rbis. The barrel is really quick to the ball and works with a level path. Against NY Gotham 13u Ghost, Valdez would not be denied demolishing the bases clearing triple way back into the RCF gap. Stays inside the baseball consistently with the hands and torques it hard.  Christopher Julian Leija (2031, Weslaco, TX) really showed out the last two...
Read More
College | Story | 7/7/2026

USA Collegiate National Team: Stripes

Craig Cozart
Article Image
Collegiate National Team: Stars Notes Quick Hits  Each year at the end of June and beginning of July, top collegiate baseball talent from around the nation arrives in Cary, NC at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.  Typically, the rosters are filled with top underclass, non-draft-eligible talent but this year, we will see a sprinkling of upper-classmen as the coaches evaluate just under 60 players to get to their final 28 roster spots.  For a total of two weeks, the Stars Squad and the Stripes Squad will compete against outside competition in North Carolina as well as Virginia before finishing their slate with 5-games against each other at the NTC Complex.  Once the final roster has been announced the team will depart for Taiwan to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Championships, July 11-15.    CNT Stripes Position Players  Nico Partida ...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/7/2026

Two Day Rewind at 15u National Elite

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
Two days into the 2026 Perfect Game 15U National Elite Championship, the storylines are already beginning to take shape. As one of the summer’s premier invite-only events, the tournament annually brings together many of the nation’s top 15U clubs, with 100 elite teams traveling to Hoover in pursuit of a championship. While there is still plenty of baseball left to play, the opening rounds have already produced breakout performances, dominant team victories, and plenty of excitement heading into bracket play. Several nationally recognized organizations entered the week as favorites, including MTBA Dawgs, ranked No. 3 nationally, Wildcatters Baseball at No. 10, and 5 Star Mafia, ranked No. 12. Meanwhile, newer programs like Jason Kidd Select Team have quickly shown they are capable of making noise against the nation’s best. One of the biggest storylines through the first...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/7/2026

15u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Tristan Barton (‘29, TX) has struck out three over three scoreless innings of work, getting a lively FB up to 89. Mixed in a sharp vt CB w/ late bite. Operates from a projectable RH frame w/ length + room to fill. #NatElite @Texas_PG pic.twitter.com/LXfkLOtxdo — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 5, 2026 Tristan Barton (’29, Gunter, TX) turned in a strong start on Sunday, lasting four innings of one run ball, striking out four. Barton operates from a bigger lengthy right-handed frame with considerable room to fill. He starts with a mid-body handset before working to the belt and into a high compact leg lift. Barton fires down via a compact arm action and high three quarters slot. The Texas native got a run/ride fastball up to 89, living in the mid-80s throughout the outing. He mixed in a sharp 12-6 curveball with vertical depth and late bite. Jack Graviss...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/7/2026

16u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1

Jason Phillips
Article Image
Nolan Ash (2028, Ashland, Mo.) showed off the power upside for Natty State 2028. The right-handed hitter starts from a spread stance with in-line feet and a high handset with a high back elbow, utilizes a leg lift stride. Creates separation and uses a direct hand path with a slightly uphill bat plane and some feel to generate lift from the lower half. Quick hands and stays in-sync with a rotational lower half and solid bat speed. Showed the power belting a solo bomb over the left field fence. Long and lean 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame with wiry strength present and more room to fill. The shortstop has a high ceiling and feel for the barrel. Colton Dodds (2028, Columbia, Mo.) showed off the barrel feel and power upside for Natty State 2028. The right-handed hitter starts from a wide base with in-line feet and a high handset with a high back elbow, utilizes a no stride trigger. Direct hands...
Read More
College | Story | 7/7/2026

Coppy's Corner: July 7 Summer Edition

John Coppolella
Article Image
It’s an exciting time for College Baseball. Not only do potential and proposed changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) elevate the game, but we are coming off a thrilling College World Series and less than a week away from Major League Baseball’s 2026 Amateur Draft. In the middle of it all is the Cape Cod Baseball League.  The amateur players on the Cape are the future stars of the 2027 MLB Draft. The league runs from June 13th  through August 2nd. Games are played at historic stadiums in Old New England towns. It’s beautiful and charming. Hollywood even made a movie about the Cape Cod League ~25 years ago called Summer Catch. It scored an 8% (!) on Rotten Tomatoes, but, on the plus side, it featured 2001 Jessica Biel in a starring role.  It was so much fun writing Coppy’s Column this spring. My hope is to highlight a pitcher and...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/6/2026

16u WWBA Rolls Into Marietta

Will Dembo
Article Image
More than 300 of the nation’s top 16u teams will meet in East Cobb, Georgia this week as the 16u WWBA Championship gets underway. Over 50 ranked teams from across the country will compete for one of the most prestigious titles in travel baseball, drawing scouts and fans from all over. Pool play will commence on Monday, July 6th with the championship game set for July 13th at the storied East Cobb Baseball Complex. Canes National 16u will hold honors of being the top ranked team entering the event as they have earned a No. 2 national ranking following a dominant 17-2-1 start to their season. The highly touted program is home to many of the top ranked prospects from the 2028 class including talented two-way athlete, Grant Arnold (No. 12 overall) who lives in the 90’s from the mound as well as middle infielder, Bryan Mesa (No. 14 overall) who will draw lots of attention this...
Read More
College | Story | 7/6/2026

USA Collegiate National Team: Stars

Craig Cozart
Article Image
Quick Hits  Each year at the end of June and beginning of July, top collegiate baseball talent from around the nation arrives in Cary, NC at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.  Typically, the rosters are filled with top underclass, non-draft-eligible talent but this year, we will see a sprinkling of upper-classmen as the coaches evaluate just under 60 players to get to their final 28 roster spots.  For a total of two weeks, the Stars Squad and the Stripes Squad will compete against outside competition in North Carolina as well as Virginia before finishing their slate with 5-games against each other at the NTC Complex.  Once the final roster has been announced the team will depart for Taiwan to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Championships, July 11-15.    CNT Stars Position Players  Anthony Pack Jr.  FR / OF / University of Texas ...
Read More
Draft | Mock Draft | 7/6/2026

MLB Mock Draft: 4.0

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
MLB Draft: Top 500 Update Pick Team Name Pos. School 1 Chicago White Sox Roch Cholowsky SS UCLA 2 Tampa Bay Rays Grady Emerson SS Fort Worth Christian 3 Minnesota Twins Vahn Lackey C Georgia Tech 4 San Francisco Giants Jacob Lombard SS Gulliver Schools 5 Pittsburgh Pirates Jackson Flora RHP UC Santa Barbara 6 Kansas City Royals Drew Burress OF Georgia Tech 7 Baltimore Orioles Eric Booth Jr. OF Oak Grove 8 Athletics Chris Hacopian SS Texas A&M 9 Atlanta Braves Ryder Helfrick C Arkansas 10 Colorado Rockies Tyler Bell* SS Kentucky 11 Washington Nationals Jared Grindlinger LHP/OF Huntington Beach 12 Los Angeles Angels Cameron Flukey RHP Coastal Carolina 13 St. Louis Cardinals AJ Gracia OF Virginia 14 Miami Marlins Derek Curiel OF LSU 15 Arizona Diamondbacks Gio Rojas LHP Marjory Stoneman Douglas 16 Texas Rangers Liam Peterson RHP Florida 17 Houston Astros Justin Lebron SS Alabama 18...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/5/2026

13u World Series Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Michael Wedgeworth (2030, Flomaton, AL) had put the two way ability on full display so far this week, dominating from both sides. On the mound Wedgeworth ran the fastball up to 84 (81-83) with ease to the delivery. Broke off a couple nasty curveballs that induced swing and miss, as well as freezing hitters for punch outs. Collected six in his four inning complete game. He also would not be denied at the plate going 3-5 in the first two days with two doubles. Very intriguing young player as the body continues to grow.  Tyler Bellush (2031, Summerville, SC) is a sure handed shortstop for the Canes Nation squad. Swings it from the left side of the plate and the barrel accuracy has really stuck out thus far. 3-4 through the first couple days with a double and two triples, Bellush has also walked twice and collected 3 RBI along the way. Yesterday against USA Prime with the bases loaded,...
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.