The Alabama Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the PBR Scouting Staff during the season. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects, and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times, and more. 

Continue to check back over the course of the playoffs, as the Alabama Scouting Staff will add scouting reports.

 

Sweet 16 Reports

 

 

Pike Liberal Arts (6, 9) vs. Tuscaloosa Academy (5, 1)

Thursday, April 29th @ Pike Liberal Arts

+ LHP/OF Drew Nelson (2022, Auburn) has evolved into one of the top left-handed pitchers the state has to offer over the last couple of years. A former Future Gamer in 2019, Nelson took the ball in Game 2 of a AISA Playoff series and was dominant while tossing 7 IP, H, R, BB & 16 K’s. Pitched primarily at 86-88 mph in the earlier innings w/ command to the bottom-half of the zone. Changeup caused fits for right-handed hitters at 76-78 mph with fade and fairly high spin (2100 rpm). Stayed on the same plane out of the hand as the fastball before dropping off to the bottom part of the zone. Comfortable throwing it in any count. Mixed in a sharp 1/7 breaking ball (2300 rpm) w/ downward break to left-handed hitters mostly. Allowed a solo home run in the 1st, but proceeded to retire 16 of the next 17 hitters, 13 of which were strikeouts. Premium pitchability & always in control on the mound. Also 3-for-4 offensively with two doubles and a home run in Game 2.

LHP/OF Drew Nelson (4/29/21)

+ SS Mayes White (2021, Florida State) didn’t get much to hit, especially in Game 1, but the slick-fielding shortstop made his presence known with the bat in Game 2 with a double and single out of the leadoff spot. Standing a medium, athletic 6-0, 170-pounds, White has plenty of twitch in his movements at the plate and up the middle defensively. Explosive hip and hand speed from the right side of the box with a quick first step out of the box. Excellent defender with lateral range and solid arm strength/carry that should allow him to stay at shortstop in the future.

SS Mayes White (4/29/21)

+ 3B Levi Sikes (2021, Central Alabama CC) led the charge offensively in a come-from-behind victory in Game 1 of an AISA State Playoff series. Slotted in the three-hole and standing a physical 6-1, 215-pounds, Sikes finished going a perfect 3-for-3 with a single, double and a towering home run to the pull side. Drove in five of the six Patriot runs, two coming on a huge two-RBI single up the middle that proved to be the difference in the victory. Slightly open, upright stance with solid extension out front and feel to hit to all fields for average and power. Strength throughout the frame with strong hands.

3B Levi Sikes (4/29/21)

+ RHP Press Jefcoat (2022) was called on in a big spot in the middle innings and was tasked with keeping the Patriots in the game in a relief appearance. The 6-3, 195-pound right-handed junior ended up earning the win and finished the game after entering in the 4th inning, and turned in 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB & 4 K’s in an impressive stint. Pounded the zone at 86-87 mph consistently while working at a quick pace. Dictated the tempo on the mound and found a groove. Featured two breaking balls, one being a firm 75-77 mph slider (2538 rpm) and the other being a true 12/6 breaking ball at 69-70 mph (2300 rpm). Both flashed swing and miss against a right-handed heavy lineup. Pitched from a high ¾ slot with a quick arm stroke.

RHP Press Jeffcoat (4/29/21)

+ RHP Javon Christian (2021) made the start for the Patriots in Game 1 of this AISA State Playoff series, and was efficient early on before getting bumped around a bit in the middle innings. Athletic profile on the mound with fast arm speed that produced a fastball that ranged 86-87, 88 mph (up to 2450 rpm) that looked a bit quicker out of the hand. Overpowering hitters with the heater on elevated fastballs with two strikes to get punch outs. Steady diet of fastballs early on due to inability to find the feel for a 73 mph slider, but flipped in more sliders for strikes as the outing went on. Struck out six hitters in 3 ⅓ innings of work and gave up four earned runs on two swings (home run & a double). Garnering plenty of JUCO interest and offers as of late and should make a solid contribution to a college program.

RHP Javon Christian (4/29/21)

+ SS Jordan Evans (2022) was the leader for the Tuscaloosa Academy offense in Game 1 with multiple hits and runners driven in in this AISA State Playoff matchup. Stocky frame with strength in the lower-half, but can also move very well around the bases. Blasted a no-doubt home run in the 3rd over the monster in left field, and added two other hits in the contest. Finished 3-for-4 with a single, double, home run and three RBI’s hitting out of the two-hole. Glove is solid up the middle and could move to 3rd or 2nd base easily in the future if needed.

SS Jordan Evans (4/29/21)

+ OF Houston Evans (2021, Florida State) was another impressive bat hitting in the middle of the Tuscaloosa Academy order that flashed solid tools across the board in this AISA State Playoff series. Balanced, simple approach and setup from the right side with strong hands that translates to quick bat speed. Comfortable takes and didn’t chase out of the zone. Didn’t get much to hit on the day, but had two walks and a RBI on a sacrifice fly out to right field in Game 1. Covers plenty of ground out in center field defensively.

OF Houston Evans (4/29/21)

+ C John Lott (2024) is the lone underclassman playing on a talented, veteran Pike Liberal Arts squad as a freshman. Starting at the catcher position at this young of an age, it speaks volumes that the staff has the much confidence in putting him behind the plate to play arguably the most important position on the field. With numerous Patriot arms that can run the fastball into the upper-80’s, Lott showed no trouble handling and receiving those big arms in this doubleheader. Slim, projectable 5-11, 160-pounder starts in an athletic stance and keeps his weight back well before firing the hips through on the swing. Uses an early toe-tap load to be on time, and recorded multiple hits, one being a double, in both games of this AISA State Playoff matchup. 

C John Lott (4/29/21) 

 

7A No. 10 Hoover (3, 6) vs. 7A No. 8 Bob Jones (1, 3)

Friday, April 30th @ Hoover High School

+ C Lucas Steele (2022, Samford) has undoubtedly been one of the leaders that has led the Bucs into the 7A State Playoffs and has them playing as hot as anyone right now. A former Future Gamer from this past summer, Steele reached base in all three plate appearances in a tightly-contested 3-1 win in Game 1. The biggest swing of his day was a two-run shot that got out to right field in a hurry in the bottom of the 1st. Also singled and walked in his next two plate appearances to finish 2-for-2 with a single, home run, two RBI’s and a walk. Switch-hitting catcher that has shown power from both sides with a free and easy stroke from both sides. Pure hit tool with excellent ability to hit for both average and power.

C Lucas Steele (4/30/21) 

+ RHP/3B Walter Ford (2023, Alabama) is regarded as one of the top two-way players in the country for the sophomore class, but the right-handed arm was on display in a short stint to close out Game 2 on the mound for the Bucs. Called upon with the bases loaded with one out and the tying run at the plate and after a walk on some close pitches to the first batter, Ford overpowered the next two hitters with a fastball/slider combo that showed high spin metrics on both pitches. Fastball was a consistent 92-93 mph (2400 rpm) with run & some occasional cut to the arm side at times. Mixed in a 79-80 mph (2650 rpm) slider with hard bite for swing and miss in his last two hitters. Big time arm in that Hoover bullpen with strikeout stuff on the mound.

RHP Walter Ford (4/30/21)

+ RHP Matthew Hawsey (2021) was in command from the beginning in his series-clinching start for Hoover in Game 2 over Bob Jones in the 1st Round of the 7A State Playoffs. Opened up in the first couple of innings throwing a running 84-85 mph fastball that climbed up to 88 mph in the 2nd inning of work. Breaking ball had sharp action at 70-71 mph with ability to throw for strikes, and also featured a 75-76 mph changeup a few times that showed the same arm side action as the fastball. Hanged three straight zero’s on the scoreboard before allowing a run in the 4th and 5th. Pulled in the 5th inning after allowing only two runs and striking out four hitters to earn the win.

RHP Matthew Hawsey (4/30/21)

+ OF Evan Radford (2021, Southern Miss) is regarded as one of the more physically imposing prospects throughout the state, and the senior outfielder provided multiplied extra base hits in both games of the 7A State Playoffs that scored runs. Listed at 6-4, 207-pounds, Radford was probably one of the most consistent hitters of the day for either team. Finished 1-for-2 with a double and a RBI in Game 1, then exploded in Game 2 going 2-for-2 with a home run in the 1st inning, two RBI’s, two walks and two runs scored to lead the way. Impacts the baseball at a high level in a fairly low-effort stroke from the right side of the plate.

OF Evan Radford (4/30/21) 

+ RHP Brewer Smith (2023) looked very impressive in his first playoff start in his young high school career in Game 1 against Bob Jones. Facing a lineup that featured multiple power threats and the ability to hang up a bunch of runs, Smith held the Patriots at bay for the most part in this start. Pitched at 82-84 mph for most of the game, but ran the fastball up to 85 mph in one of his last pitches in the 7th inning. Changeup at 75-77 mph worked to both-sided hitters thanks to excellent feel to pronate and get swings and misses in any count on the pitch. Got the win on the mound going 6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 4 BB & 7 K’s.

RHP Brewer Smith (4/30/21)

+ C Max Soliz, Jr. (2021, Arkansas) turned in an excellent effort offensively in the Game 2 loss for Bob Jones by reaching base in all four plate appearances in the middle of the order. The senior backstop recorded two singles in his first two at-bats of the contest before hitting a screamer out to left field in the next at-bat for a home run. Also added a walk to finish 3-for-3 with a home run, RBI and a walk. Excellent presence in the box at 6-5, 220-pounds and uses explosive hip speed and upper body strength to mash balls to the power alleys. Handled all arms well behind the plate defensively and wasn’t afraid to back pick at 1st base.

C Max Soliz, Jr. (4/30/21)

+ RHP Tyler Wilson (2023) had been as steady as they come for the Bucs’ staff this season, and he was heavily relied on in this series to close out both games for Hoover. In Game 1, Wilson relieved Smith in the 7th needing two outs to close the game out, but the tying run was at the plate and the two hitters he was tasked to face were both signed to SEC programs. The sophomore did not shy away from the opportunity, as he induced a fly out to left field and a groundout to 3rd to end the game. Also came in during the 5th inning in Game 2 and tossed two efficient innings before being relieved in the 7th. Worked up to the mid-80’s in both settings, but the feel to spin and locate a 72-73 mph knuckle-curve for strikes. 

RHP Tyler Wilson (4/30/21)

+ 3B/C Cade Carr (2023) didn’t have much to show for after Game 1, but hit a couple balls right on the screws before finally finding a couple of holes in Game 2 of the doubleheader sweep. Facing two pitchers who showed the ability to run the fastball up into the mid-80’s, Carr handled fastballs well in both games with multiple line drives up the middle and to the pull side. Hitting in the cleanup spot as a sophomore, Carr went 2-for-3 with two singles, two runs and also added a walk in Game 2. Average 5-10, 165-pound frame with still more physical growth to come. Gets the foot down on time and slots his hands close to his body, making it easier to shoot quick hands through the zone. Made some difficult plays look easy at the hot corner defensively. Plays multiple positions, including catcher.

3B/C Cade Carr (4/30/21)

+ RHP Sam Mitchell (2023) has thrown in some big games for the Patriots this year as a sophomore, and tossed Game 2 against Hoover in this 7A State Playoff matchup on Friday. Projectable 6-6, 210-pounds that ran the fastball up to 85 mph in this outing, while consistently working in the low-80’s out of a high ¾ arm slot. Breaking ball at 69-71 mph was a slightly above average offering with 11/5 break. Flashed a few changeups at 75-76 with some sink to the arm side. Worked at a very slow pace in between pitches early on, but seemed to affect hitters in the process. A bit inconsistent on the delivery and landing spot, but there’s a ton to like in the future coming from this sophomore. 

RHP Sam Mitchell (4/30/21)

 

No. 9 Chelsea (5, 1, 7) vs. No. 3 Cullman (4, 7, 2)

Saturday, May 1st @ Chelsea High School

+ RHP Parker Szush (2021, Huntingdon) has been featured both out of the pen at times and has also made some starts this year for the Hornets, but definitely pitched some of his biggest innings of his career in this Game 3 start against perennial power in Cullman. Lean 6-3, 160-pounder with feel for a solid two-pitch mix throughout his outing. Ran the fastball up to 84 mph in the 1st inning before pitching in the low-80’s with heavy sink into the 7th inning. Breaking ball was a two plane pitch at 72 mph with swing and miss and located well to the glove side. Earned the win in a decisive Game 3 to push Chelsea into the Elite 8 while allowing only four hits, no earned runs, a walk and six strikeouts.

RHP Parker Szush (5/1/21)

+ MIF Evan Jones (2022) was one of the leaders in an impressive offensive Game 3 showing for Chelsea. With two outs in the 1st inning and already leading 1-0, Jones quickly found himself down 0-2 to start his at-bat, but Jones took a pitch on the outer-part of the plate and sent it down the right field line for a two-RBI triple to push the lead to 3-0. Athletic skill set at 5-11, 170-pounds with loose hands and a line drive approach at the plate. Defended well throughout the series for the Hornets at 2nd base as well.

MIF Evan Jones (5/1/21)

+ 3B Jackson Webster (2021, Birmingham Southern) continues to be a major force hitting in the middle of Chelsea’s lineup that is part of the reason why the Hornets have won 14 of their last 16 contests. Sturdy 6-0, 220-pound frame that possesses solid bat-to-ball skills as he rarely strikes out against quality arms on the mound. Went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored in a pivotal Game 3 matchup hitting in the cleanup spot. Singled back up the middle on a breaking ball down in the zone in the 1st, and later showed maturity by driving a pitch the other way for a double in another at-bat. Physical bat that has posted exit velocities into the low-100’s (mph) at prior PBR events.

3B Jackson Webster (5/1/21)

+ C Christian Kallaher (2022) drove in a pair of Hornets in the 3rd inning that ended up proving to be the difference between the two teams on Sunday. Went down in the zone and used a short, compact swing with a direct path to contact to send a pitch back up the middle for a two-RBI single to push the lead to 6-0. Listed at 6-1, 175-pounds, Kallaher has been solid all year long behind the plate for the Hornets handling multiple Division 1 signees with ability to receive and block efficiently.

C Christian Kallaher (5/1/21) 

 

6A No. 8 Hartselle (7, 3) vs. 6A Homewood (2, 0) 

Friday, April 30th at Hartselle High School

+ LHP Colby Widner (2021) entered game 1 of the Hartselle Tigers second round matchup in the 5th inning with two outs and two runners on in a one run game. His arm slot, paired with the break on his curveball made for a deadly combination. While using his small frame and quick motion, the southpaw dotted up the outside corner for strike one with his fastball, and strike two and three were filthy curveballs in the bottom half of the zone. Attacking batters, pounding the zone with his fastball, while not being afraid to step out of the zone to get hitters to chase, Widner would go the final two innings of the games racking up 5 K’s in 2 ⅓ IP, and only allowing one base runner. 

LHP Colby Widner (4/30/21)

 + RHP Elliott Bray (2022, Auburn) was nothing short of dominant in his outing for the Tigers in game 2. Bray went the first time through the patriots order throwing nothing but fastballs, which allowed him to save his curveball and changeup for the next time through the order. The Auburn baseball commit was sitting 85-88, topping out at 89, generating a ton of power with his 6-2 frame. Bray showed nothing but confidence, attacking hitters in every count, almost never failing to get ahead 0-2. Hitters often failed to lay off the changeup and 12-6 curve in the bottom half of the zone, resulting in a 13 K outing for Bray.

RHP Elliott Bray (4/30/21)

+ 2B JoJo Williamson (2024) showed us on Friday night why he continues to find himself in the starting lineup for the Tigers. The freshman would go 4-6 in the Tigers two games against the Patriots and would show multiple tools along the way. Williamson would reach base twice in game one by lining an outside pitch the opposite way. A bunt single in his next at bat would show his speed down the line. A very disciplined approach at the plate made it incredibly easy for Williamson to find pitches to hit. Williamson displayed his power in game 2 as he would rope a fastball to the left center wall for the Tigers first hit of the game.

2B JoJo Williamson (4/30/21)

+ RHP Charlie Teel (2022) went toe to toe with Hartselle ace Elliott Bray for 5 innings of no hit baseball in game 2 before allowing his first hit in the 6th inning. The junior attacked the Hartselle lineup from the start of the game, getting ahead in almost every count, living off of the edge of the strike zone. Teel displayed a quality fastball and coupled it  with a changeup that perfectly tunneled with his fastball. His arm slot allowed for his curveball to end on the back foot of left handed batters.

RHP Charlie Teel (4/30/21)

+ OF Owen Isenhower (2023) was one of the few bright spots for the Patriot offense on Friday as he went 3-5 and was 3 of Homewood’s 6 hits on the evening. Isenhower showed the ability to take a pitch anywhere over the plate and drive it to any side of the field as he managed to take an outside fastball to the opposite field for a line drive single, as well as take a fastball up in the zone to his pull side. Paired with his quick jump out of the box, Isenhower looked to be a threat for extra bases off of any ball put in play. 

OF Owen Isenhower (4/30/21)

 

5A No. 2 Madison Academy (4, 6) vs. 5A St. Clair County (1, 3)

Thursday, April 29th @ Madison Academy

+ RHP Matt Manley (2023) entered Game 2 in the 7th inning with the Mustangs leading 6-3 and looking to end the series in two games. Manley made sure the Mustangs advanced as he worked a quick 7th inning, establishing an overpowering fastball. He did allow one baserunner, which was on a catcher’s interference on a late swing from a hitter. Other than that, the sophomore right hander simply attacked the zone with the fastball that showed late action, mainly to the glove side (cut) and a few pitches that moved late to the arm side. We have seen Manley up to 86 mph but this night saw the velocity increase as he was 87-89 mph, bumping 90 mph twice. The fastball was dominant so he was not forced to use the breaking ball except for once as it took nice shape at 75 mph with late down action. 

RHP Matt Manley (4/29/21)

 

7A No. 6 Sparkman (4, 5, 2) vs. 7A No. 7 Spain Park (3, 6, 1)

Friday, April 30th & Saturday, May 1st @ Sparkman High School

+ RHP/3B AJ Causey (2021, Jacksonville State) jumps out every time we see the Senators and this past weekend was no exception. Obviously, his pitching prowess has been well documented (and was on display again Friday night) but Causey has been a key catalyst on offense all season for the Senators as well. The senior RHP was once again dominant, showing a fastball 88-90 mph from multiple arm slots, creating serious action into RH hitters while spinning a breaking ball with slider action at 72- 74 mph. The bat played big time in the series as Causey was 5-10 with 2 doubles and a HR. He seems to never chase out of the zone while showing power to every spot on the field. Causey went 6.1 innings on the mound, scattering 6 hits and striking out 12. He did not allow an earned run.  

RHP/3B AJ Causey (5/1/21)

+ LHP Eli Copenhaver (2021, South Alabama) got a “surprise” start in Game 3 to the people sitting outside the fence as his competitiveness was on full display. Not having started for several weeks, Copenhaver gave the Jags everything he had and it was ultimately 6 innings of 5 hit baseball. We have seen Copenhaver throw much harder but his pitchability allowed him to consistently live on the outer half of the zone, causing numerous hitters to chase. He showed easy, clean mechanics and consistently repeated the delivery and seemed to always be in control. Really liked the late breaking curveball that is a definite swing and miss pitch. Quick worker on the mound and worked very quick between pitches. Allowed 5 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 5 hitters. 

LHP Eli Copenhaver (5/1/21)

+ RHP Patrick Moody (2022) just continues to turn in quality start for the Senators during his junior campaign. Obviously Causey is the front line arm on the team but Moody can be just as effective from the slide arm slot he uses effectively. All of his pitch offerings seem to sink late as he continues to pound the lower half of the zone. The fastball was 79-81, topping at 81 mph with a ton of arm side action. His other pitch, the breaking ball at 72-74 mph, creates the exact opposite action as it darts late from RH hitters. If the effectiveness of pitching is missing barrels, then Moody can be considered ultra-successful Count us in as big fans of Moody as he does it each time out. In G3 he went a complete game, only allowing 3 hits while striking out 10, not issuing a walk and did not allow an earned run. 

RHP Patrick Moody (5/1/21)

+ OF Michael Glick (2022) showed the bat tool this past Saturday as he collected two hits against the difficult matchup in Moody. Glick, who was on top of the plate, showed an open stance and a simplified front side. There is some quickness in the hands as he did a nice job of keeping the barrel through contact and didn’t try to do too much on pitches on the outer half. 

OF Michael Glick (5/1/21)

+ 2B Kylan Duncan (2021, Alabama A&M) is an athletic 2B that shows plenty of range up the middle and has shown a knack of a quick turn on the double play. The senior has come through in clutch situations over the last half of the year and Game 1 on Friday night was much of the same. With the score knotted at 3-3 in the bottom of the 7th, Duncan got to an a fastball on the inside half of the plate and delivered the game winner into left field. 

2B Kylan Duncan (5/1/21)

+ OF Jack Buening (2023) has the look of a throwback type player that has plenty of current strength in the hands and barrel. Buening is up on the plate in the batter’s box and simply challenges pitchers to throw the ball in. he has shown plenty of juice to the middle to pull side throughout the year. He shows a very controlled load of the hands and doesn’t try to do too much with the bat as the swing plane shows some tilt in the path. Buening had a 2B while walking twice and also delivered the game-winner in the bottom of the 7th inning with 2 outs. 

OF Jack Buening (5/1/21) 

+ RHP Jordan Pearce (2022) didn’t throw a ton of pitches but he succeeded in one of the series biggest moments. The junior came into Game 1 in the bottom of the 7th inning with the bases loaded and 1 out in a 3-3 game and struck out the only 2 batters he saw to get the win. Pearce creates nice downhill tilt on the fastball that he commanded well at 84-85 mph. He mixed in a quality breaking ball at 73-75 mph that showed true 12/6 action and is a definite swing and miss pitch. Hitters swung over the top of the breaking ball that he commanded very well down in the zone. 

RHP Jordan Pearce (5/1/21) 

+ 3B Ryan Strachan (2023) is a name that we know very well and he continues to shine with the bat. During the 3 game set, Strachan was 3-9 with a 2B but delivered two of the bigger hits in the series for the Senators. In Game 1 Strachan led off the bottom of the 7th inning with a double as he got a first pitch fastball that he did not miss on. The Senators soon ended Game 1 with the win. In the bottom of the 4th inning of the deciding Game 3 and the Senators facing a 1-0 deficit, Strachan came through again as he got a fastball on the outer half of the plate and promptly singled to right field to ties things up at 1-1. The Senators would go on to win 2-1. Strachan continues to handle all zones with the barrel.

3B Ryan Strachan (5/1/21) 

+ C Trent Thompson (2021) came up with several clutch hits over the two days for the Jaguars as he was 3-10 during the series with a 2B and 3 RBI’s. Hitting out of the 4 hole in the lineup, Thompson came up huge in Game 1 as he came up with a clutch 2 out 2 RBI single off of a tough matchup (AJ Causey) as he served a base knock to right field that tied the game up at 3-3. In Game 2 he got a fastball out over the plate that he got the barrel to and served it to the pull side gap to extend the Jaguar lead to 5-3. In Game 3 Thompson got a breaking ball over the plate and served it right back up the middle to help the Jaguars jump out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the 4th. Also like the quick transfer on the throws to 2B.

C Trent Thompson (5/1/21) 

 

7A No. 4 Florence (11, 9) vs. 7A Thompson (3, 7)

Friday, April 30th @ Florence High School

+ RHP Grant Taylor (2021, LSU) was everything you could ask for in Game 1 for the Falcons. The 6-2, 205-pound right-handed hurler came out of the gates pounding the zone with both the fastball and the breaking ball. Looked more comfortable with the breaking ball in the early going and was able to locate it in any count during his outing, allowing him to keep hitters off balance and force a lot of weak contact. Taylor has an aggressive arm that produced an 88-91 mph fastball and a 74-78 mph breaking ball during his 6 ⅔ innings of work leading Florence to an 11-3 victory in Game 1 of the series. Taylor’s final statline in the win concluded with 6.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R and 15 K’s. 

RHP Grant Taylor (4/30/21)

+ MIF Caleb Mahan (2022) had a well-rounded showing at the plate during the doubleheader in the 1st Round of the 7A State Playoffs on Friday. The uncommitted junior wrapped up his day in the box going 5-for-6 combined in both games. Went a perfect 3-for-3 in Game 1, adding a double with a pair of base knocks in the playoff opener while scoring two runs as well. During Game 2 of the series, Mahan continued right where he left off, going 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and scoring three runs for the Falcons and securing the series sweep. Hits from an upright stance at 5-11, 180-pounds and showed some pop to the pull side in each contest.

MIF Caleb Mahan (4/30/21)

+ RHP Samuel Sneed (2021) was very impressive during the Game 2 matchup for the Falcons. The uncommitted right-handed senior commanded all three pitches in his arsenal and even took a no-hit bid into the fourth inning. Sneed showed a gutsy performance for Florence and even worked out of a one-out bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning holding Thompson scoreless. Moved his fastball around the zone at 80-83 mph and mixed in a fading & deceptive 70-72 mph changeup with arm side fade as well. The breaking ball at 69-72 mph was a go-to pitch throughout his outing and was effective down in the zone. Sneed led the Falcons to a 9-7 Game 2 win and advancing to the Elite 8 by going 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, and 9 K’s. 

RHP Samuel Sneed (4/30/21)

+ SS Raleigh Claunch (2021) is going to be a great pick up for any program in the fall. The uncommitted senior had himself an all-around day on the diamond for the Falcons in the doubleheader on Friday. At the shortstop position, Claunch displays great range and shows the ability to make the tough plays look fairly routine. During Game 1, Claunch was 1-for-3 at the plate with four RBI’s, with his one hit in the coming by way of a no-doubt home run to dead center that put the game out of reach early on. In Game 2, he was 2-for-2 at the dish while scoring two runs.

SS Raleigh Claunch (4/30/21)

+ SS Logan Braunschweig (2021, UAB) put together some great at-bats during the two game set at Florence on Friday. The left-handed hitting shortstop competes well in the box and makes it a tough first out for opposing pitchers. Braunschweig had base knocks in both games to all sides of the field and sparked the Thompson offense late in Game 2 to put pressure on the Falcons. Actions are smooth and clean at the shortstop position, and also moves well around the bases. Active skill set at 6-2, 175-pounds that generates plenty of leverage in a quick left-handed stroke.

SS Logan Braunschweig (4/30/21)

+ OF Brodie Holcomb (2022) made a statement for himself in Game 1 of the series Friday at Florence. In the series opener, the uncommitted junior was 3-for-3 off of a formidable arm with an RBI and pushing across a run. He concluded his night at the plate going 1-for-4 in Game 2, bringing his stat line to 4-for-7 for the day against numerous quality arms. Holcomb is an athletic outfielder at 6-0, 175-pounds that displays a simple gap-to-gap approach at the plate and is short and simple with the hands. Previous 6.83 60 YD dash on a laser at previous PBR events. Concluded his junior campaign on a big note and should be able to carry it into the summer circuit.

OF Brodie Holcomb (4/30/21)

 

4A No. 9 Oneonta (11, 8) vs 4A Brooks (8, 5)

Friday, April 30th @ Brooks High School

+ OF Chandler Ross (2021) was a consistent bat in the lineup for the Lions in their series against Oneonta. The uncommitted senior showed why he has been one of the top hitters for the Lions all season. In Game 1, Ross put together a 3-for-5 performance with a double and three RBIs. Ross is an athlete both at the plate and in the outfield. The right-handed hitter helped the Lions stay in both games coming through with big hits when needed. Throughout the series, Ross put together quality at-bats and was a tough out for opposing pitchers.   

OF Chandler Ross (4/30/21) 

+ SS Braden Moore (2022) was impressive at the plate for Oneonta in their sweep of Brooks in Round 2 of the 4A State Playoffs. In Game 1, the uncommitted junior was 2-for-5 with a towering, no-doubt home run to left field and also smoked a triple into the gap in another at-bat. Moore’s hits in Game 1 plated four of the 11 runs for Oneonta, and went 1-for-4 with a run scored in Game 2. Moore, a right handed hitter, showed consistent ability to find the barrel and displayed athleticism at shortstop for the Redskins. Good bloodlines.

SS Braden Moore (4/30/21)

+ RHP Connor Faust (2021) showed consistent ability to pitch to the outer-half of the plate against Brooks in Round 2 of the 4A State Playoffs. The uncommitted senior right-handed arm has a smooth, low-effort delivery and throws from an over-the-top arm slot from the right side. He showed the ability to throw two different breaking balls which have similar 11/5 shaped break, but are thrown at different speeds. He used both breaking balls to get out of jams and pitched off of the fastball to the outer-half when facing both right and left-handed hitters. The final line on Faust in Game 1 included 4 IP, 3 H, 2 ER and 6 K’s. 

RHP Connor Faust (4/30/21)

+ RHP Luke Hodge (2022) took the mound as the Game 2 starter for the Redskins. The junior right-handed hurler, who is headed to Troy to play football, commanded the outer-part of the plate and consistently stayed down in the zone with the fastball. Hodge displayed a loose and athletic delivery with a quick arm action that provided some deception on his fastball. Hodge also showed a breaking ball with 11/5 action that was used to get swing and misses and keep hitters off balance. The final line on Hodge was 5 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 5 BB’s, 9 K’s.

RHP Luke Hodge (4/30/21)

 

 

Upcoming Events

Showcase	State	Date	Location
Future/Junior Future Games Trials	AL	5/23	Spain Park HS
All-State Games (Invite-Only)	AL	6/8	Troy University
Underclass Games (Invite-Only)	AL	6/22	Choccolocco Park
Top Prospect Games (Invite-Only)	AL	6/23	Choccolocco Park
PBR at The Hank	AL	7/6	Hank Aaron Stadium (Mobile, AL)
Southeast Unsigned Senior Games (Invite-Only)	AL	7/27	LakePoint Sports Complex (Emerson, GA)
PBR Future Games (Invite-Only)	AL	7/28	LakePoint Sports Complex (Emerson, GA)
PBR Junior Future Games (Invite-Only)	AL	7/28	LakePoint Sports Complex (Emerson, GA)

 

 

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