Marucci Classic Preview: June 4-7

June 2, 2015

Trey Sofio
Louisiana Scouting Director

Follow us on Twitter: @PBR_Louisiana

It’s that time of year again, the summer circuit is a time when players from all over the state, and sometimes all over the country, get to come to together on teams that travel far and wide to face better talent than they faced in their spring high school season. These players get to play and experience vacations simultaneously, create lifelong memories and, most importantly, this is when recruiting is at its peak.

The Marucci Classic, held in New Orleans during the first weekend in June, has become almost the signal that the summer select season in Louisiana has started. This year 48 teams from across the region will gather in the Greater New Orleans area to compete over a four-day period.

Although we won’t breakdown each team in the tournament, we will look at a few players and programs to watch for if you decide to make it out to one of the venues this weekend.

Marucci Elite has become a nationally respected program, competing in and winning the best tournaments amateur baseball in the United States has to offer. Their resume speaks for itself, and this summer their roster looks as strong as it has ever been. Marucci Raley looks to be the strongest team this year, filled with top 2017 talent from not only the state of Louisiana, but also the entire country. Left-handers Brock Batty and Austin Perrin are sure to have their recruitment heat up this summer and outfielder Jacob Pearson has already verbally committed to Mississippi State. All three were in attendance for the Underclass Trials and showed extremely well. Nolan Williams, a 2016 infielder/outfielder from Kansas is another to keep an eye on. Williams just reclassified from a 2017 graduate and is one of the most sought after uncommitted 2016 graduates in the country. To see the entire Marucci Raley roster click here.

The Louisiana Knights are another program to watch for from the state of Louisiana. The Knights have made big noise on a national and regional level the last two summers, reaching the knockout stages of the WWBA in Atlanta in 2013 and 2014. Those teams were rich in talent, including a 1^st round pick, countless number of division 1 signees, and players that made immediate impacts for their respective college programs. This summer should be no different for the Knights program, with numerous division 1 prospects, as well as players that have already committed to a school. Louisiana State commit Tyler Smith and Tulane commit Stephen Sepcich both look to build off outstanding summers from a year ago that landed them division 1 offers. Other players to watch for from the Knights program include right-handed pitcher Rafe Schindler, infielder Cody Marshall, left-handed pitcher Sean Tweedy, and left-handed pitcher/outfielder Blake Locicero, who could all expect their recruitment to heat up in the coming months. To see the entire Louisiana Knights rosters, schedules, etc. click here.

Another quality program that is gaining steam on a regional level is Team Louisiana. Headlined by the number 1 ranked player in the 2016 class, and Louisiana State commit Jake Slaughter, Team Louisiana has consistently pumped out college commitments over the last few years and has shown they belong on the big stage. Right-handed pitcher Aaron George, who has an imposing 6-foot-5 frame, will be a name to watch these next few months as the recruiting cycle hits its peak. Corner infielder, Branson Audette is another name to watch, the left-handed hitter from Lafayette high school has shown power potential in the past, and the package of tools suggest he will not stay uncommitted for very long.

The Columbia Angels, a nationally known program out of Texas, will also be in New Orleans to compete in the event this weekend and are sure to have quality prospects up and down the roster. Programs like NOLA baseball club and the Hammond Yankees consistently pump out solid talent and depth as well, and look to make some noise this weekend in New Orleans.

To see the entire Marucci Classic schedule, CLICK HERE.

Marucci Classic Preview: June 4-7

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