THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,487 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,487 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 | 6/29/2026

17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 6
Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4  Day 5 #Uncommitted Joniel Miranda Perez (‘27, PR) struck out seven over four scoreless frames of work. Operates from a med RH frame w/ length. Heavy FB up to 92 (88-90) w/ late ASR. Showcased an advanced fade + tumble CH, mixing in a sharp 11-5 BB. #WWBA @pg_int1 @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/PPDuBdIf79 — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 28, 2026 Uncommited right-hander Joniel Miranda Perez (’27, Camuy, PR) recorded six strikeouts over four strong frames of work, failing to allow an earned run. Miranda Perez possesses a medium right-handed frame with length pointing to future projection. He starts over the face before working to the belt and into a higher compact leg lift. The Puerto Rico native fires down the mound via a medium length arm action and high three-quarters slot. He got a heavy fastball up to...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/29/2026

16u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Noah Harris (2028, Savannah, Ga.) has been swinging it well for CBU down in Hoover, driving in seven runs on three hits through just two days of action. He has a single, double, triple and three runs scored across a couple of games. The 6-foot-3 lefty hitter uses a consistent timing mechanism in the box with excellent leverage generated at impact, oftentimes from gap to gap. He wears a lean athletic build with plenty of projection and plus speed that makes him a serious threat on the basepaths. Harris has proven that he can hit for contact and power at the plate, making for a tough out against any arm. #Uncommitted ‘28 Evan Hedlund (AZ) pitching lights out for @ShowTime_Select; 7 Ks thru 3 IP thus far. Living 86-88 w/ carry on 72% Ks. Mixing two-plane SL for Ks. Lean athl type w/ more to come. @PG_Uncommitted #NatElite @PGMidAtlantic https://t.co/rWfzwyRvUv...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 6/29/2026

PG & Win Reality Partner Up

Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME NAMES WIN REALITY AS OFFICIAL   VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING PARTNER    Partnership Combines the Nation’s Leading Amateur Baseball Platform with the Industry’s Leading Virtual Reality Training System    Sanford, Florida (Monday, June 29, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a new partnership with WIN Reality as its Official Virtual Reality (VR) Training Partner. The partnership brings together two leaders in baseball and softball development with a shared mission: helping athletes train smarter, develop faster and perform with confidence when the game matters...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 6/28/2026

"Why not us?" Canes MW Take 14u WWBA

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
Every championship team has an identity. For Canes Midwest 14U National, it could be summed up in three simple words. "Why not us?" That became the team’s motto throughout the week, and by championship day, the players had turned those words into reality. Canes Midwest capped off a memorable tournament with a 8-4 victory over Canes National 14U, finishing an undefeated 11-0 run over six days while proving they belonged among the nation’s top teams. It was a championship built on timely hitting, dominant defense, relentless grit, and a belief that never wavered. For Coach Steiner, the title represented far more that simply winning another tournament. “It has been an unbelievable experience for us,” Steiner said. “Some people call us a mid-major, so I guess we are now solidified as being one of the top programs in the country.” That belief carried the...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/28/2026

16u PG Elite Back in Hoover

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
One of the summer’s biggest events returns to Hoover this week as the nation’s top 16U teams prepare to compete in the 2026 Perfect Game National Elite Championship. Now entering its seventh year, the invite-only event continues to bring together many of the country’s best teams and players for one of the most competitive tournaments on the summer calendar. This tournament will host 104 teams from all across the country, all with the same goal of leaving Hoover as champions. The tournament has consistently showcased top competition, with past champions including East Cobb Astros 16U Texas Orange, Top Tier Roos American, 5 Star Performance National, Canes National, MLB Breakthrough Series, and defending champion Excel Blue Wave National. With loaded rosters set to take the fields this week, a new chapter of championship baseball is ready to unfold. Leading this...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/28/2026

17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 5

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 #Aggies commit William McIntire (‘27, TX) struck out ten and allowed just a run over five innings of work. Operates from an athletic med RH frame w/ length + projection. Got the FB up to 88 w/ run/ride traits + late ASR. Mixed in a pair of BBs, including a sharp 10-4 SL (75-76)… pic.twitter.com/xrjyxFbu19 — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 27, 2026 Texas A&M recruit William McIntire (’27, Boyd, TX) was dominant over his five-inning outing, striking out ten while allowing just an earned run. McIntire operates from an athletic medium frame with length that points to projection. He starts over the face before working into a high compact leg lift, firing down the mound via a quick compact arm action and high three-quarters slot. The Aggies commit got a run/ride fastball up to 88 with feel for the...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/27/2026

WWBA Ohio Valley Championship Notes

Jordan Gates
Article Image
‘28 SS Jimmy Sequin III (MI) checks in as one of the top players in the state & T500 nationally 📈 Hammers this 2B down the line. Good athleticism & twitch. Surefire UTM on defense @ SS. #OVWWBA @PG_OhioValley pic.twitter.com/Qy21I2jJsU — Jordan Gates (@JGatesPG) June 17, 2026 Jimmey Sequin (2028, Midland, Mich.) Had the chance to see one of my favorite 2028’s in the Ohio Valley region and he did not disappoint. In five games, he hit .500 with six hits, including four doubles out of the leadoff spot. Sequin III is a quick twitch, hyper quick prospect that sees his time at shortstop. Although there is present arm strength, projects slightly over to the right side of the field. Despite the smaller frame, he absolutely packs a punch. Shows the ability to burn on the bases and has exceptional bat-to-ball skills. Compact stroke that creates length and shows solid...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/27/2026

17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 4

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 ‘27 SS Leo Nockley (PA) shows off the bat speed here as he sends a rocket to the opposite field for a solo HR. Profile littered with tools, one of the top SS’s in the nation for ‘27. #Vols commit @PGMidAtlantic #WWBA pic.twitter.com/i9BfKo9W1S — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 26, 2026 Tennessee commit Leo Nockley (2027, Plains, Pa.) had just a flat-out ridiculous day at the plate for Northeast Pride 27 National in their double-header. He got the day started with a backside bomb in game-one that he knew he got right off the bat. Nockley would then follow it up with a two-homer performance in game-two, one to right-center and one to left-center. The ability to hit the baseball hard to all parts certainly stands out, he runs well and can pick it up the middle. There’s a ton of boxes here that get checked...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/27/2026

Top Teams Set to Battle for Championship

Emily Hicks
Article Image
The stage is set for an exciting weekend of baseball as teams from across the region head to the 2026 PG 14U West World Series, looking to make a statement and compete for a championship title. Leading the field is Nomadic 14U Premier, which enters the tournament with a 28-7-3 record. Known for its strong pitching staff and consistent offense, Nomadic 14U Premier will look to carry its momentum into bracket play. Another team to watch is GBG Vegas 14u Red (Honorable Mention), currently holding a 27-15-2 record. With a balanced lineup and solid defensive play, they have proven capable of competing with some of the top teams in their age division. Rawlings Tigers Primo enters the weekend after a strong showing in recent events, coming in 4-0. The team's ability to generate runs and execute in key situations could make them a serious contender for the championship. Several other teams will...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/26/2026

Fast and Furia at 14u WWBA

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
Every successful team has talent, but the teams that make great summer ball runs often have something more. For Furia Prospects 2030, that difference has been a consistent commitment to playing for one another. The Texas-based team earned a 4-0 victory over East Cobb Astros 14U to secure their spot in the semifinals, combining dominant pitching with timely offense and another complete team performance. Christian Choe set the tone on the mound, allowing just two hits while striking out three over 4.2 innings before Blaine Jackson closed out the final four outs to preserve the shutout. At the plate, Brody Peterson paced the offense with a 2-for-3 performance and two RBI, while Mark De Leon and Jancarlos Nunez each drove in a run. Through these tournament games, Peterson has emerged as one of the team's most consistent hitters, batting .750 while continuing to deliver in key moments. Yet...
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.