All State Games: Player Preview

September 26, 2015

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

The All-State Games will be October 31^st and November 1^st at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. We have invited the top players from across the state. These players will compete representing their geographic region in a double elimination tournament. We are starting are preview now due to the extensive number of talented players competing in this game.

Northwest

Kasey Ford, 2016, RHP, Bentonville HS
Ford is a 6-foot-5 245-pound RHP with a large frame and an average body. He pitched from a low ¾ arm slot with a short but quick arm action. During the 7A State Championship Game he attack the strike zone with a fastball of 88-91 mph with slight arm-side run. He complimented his fastball with a slider thrown at 75-78 mph with gradual 10/4 break. He repeated mechanics consistently allowing him to throw strikes throughout the game. Ford showed the ability to make big pitches in big spots. Overall is a big physical athlete with a strong arm and is highly competitive. Ford is ranked No. 2 in the 2016 class and is committed to Kansas State.

Northeast

Evan Hooper, 2017, OF/RHP, Cabot HS
Hooper is a 5-foot-11 175-pound OF/RHP with a wide shoulders and an athletic build. Defensively he is sound with the ability to defend gap-to-gap due to his overall sped. He runs a 6.34 in the 60. He has a short arm action that is accurate with carry at 85 mph. Offensively he has a line drive swing with fast bat speed. He produces exit velocity up to 95 mph. He repeats his mechanics and stays balanced through extension. Overall Hooper is a rare athlete with a ton of tools, over time he should develop more offensively finding barrel on a more consistent basis.As a pitcher Hooper works from below 3/4 arm slot with a quick arm. He attacks the bottom half of the strike zone with a fastball 83-86 up to 88 mph. The fastball has sink with slight cut.He compliments his fastball with a frisbee breaking ball thrown 70-72 mph, and a change up with arm side run thrown with fastball arm speed and a He has repeatable mechanics and rhythm. Overall Hooper has good deception and stuff, I project him more as an outfielder but it isn't far fetched to see him pitch out of the bullpen at the next level either. Hooper is committed to Arkansas and is ranked No. 2 in the 2017 class.

Southeast

Austin Powell, 2016, C, Star City HS
Powell is a 6-foot 180-pound catcher with a medium frame and a physical build. He is a good athlete running a 7.19 in the 60. Powell threw a 1.81-1.96 pop time during the pro-style work out. He receives with soft hands and maintains proper arm angles. Offensively he starts from an athletic stance, and maintains good balance throughout his swing. He attacks the baseball with an uphill bat path and fast bat speed, producing exit velocities up to 92 mph. Overall Powell is an advanced catch and throw catcher with enough offensive aptitude to handle the catching duties early on at the collegiate level. Powell is committed to Arkansas State University and is the No. 6 Ranked player in the 2016 rankings.

Southwest

Jon Youngblood, 2016, RHP, Lakeside HS
Youngblood is a 6-foot 200-pound right-hander with a large-frame and an average build. He works from a low ¾ arm slot with a loose arm. He commanded his fastball 83-85 mph up to 86 mph with late sink. He showed advanced pitchability locating two off speed pitches, a change up and Frisbee breaking ball. His changeup was thrown with fastball arm speed and arm side run. The breaking ball was thrown 74-76 mph with late sharp break. He repeats his mechanics he would benefit from loading his hips more and using his lower half more aggressively. Overall he is an advanced pitcher with some projectability. Youngblood is currently uncommitted and is ranked as the No. 14 pitcher in the 2016 class.

Central

Paxton Wallace 2017,CIF/RHP Greenbrier HS
Wallace is a 6-foot 200-pound with a large frame and a physical build. Offensively he starts from an athletic stance, he transitions with a smooth load. Once he gets loaded he attacks the baseball with fast bat speed, with a slight uphill bat path. He does a good job maintain balance through extension. Wallace has advanced bat speed and strength generating exit velocity up to 96 mph. Defensively he does a sound job at first base with some stiffness to his actions. He runs a 7.13 in the 60. Prior to his sophomore season Wallace was impressive on the mound pitching with a fastball down in the strike zone 82-85 mph up to 86 mph. He complimented that with a curveball and changeup with fastball arm speed. Overall Wallace is a physical athlete with raw power and is intriguing to follow as he gets back on the mound this fall. Wallace is currently uncommitted and is ranked No. 4 in the 2017 class.