By Jeff Markle

Assistant State Director

The Prep Baseball Report’s  Dakota Ridge Scout Day took place Tuesday October 11th at Dakota Ridge High School.   This was the first year for this event. Strong talent was on display with members of the 2019 - 2023 classes participating in the event. Prospects came together in a pro-style workout to strut their stuff in front of the PBR scouting staff. 

Following is a look at top performances in a number of measurable categories. Click Here for a statistical breakdown of this event.

QUICK HITS

+ The Eagles coming off a spring where people did not expect them to make the Final 8 in 5A, look like they could be over looked again in 2018. On hand was a solid core of juniors that will be coming on the seen for the first time. Combine that with a coaching staff that has been together for over 15 years, led by head coach Jeff Legault who has been the only head coach in Eagles history opening the school in 1996, don't be surprised to see the Eagles make another solid playoff run in 2018. 

+ The Dakota Ridge Eagles look like they will be strong up the middle this spring. 2019 MIF Cade Akerfelds and 2019 MIF Jacob Sansburn stood out at the event. Akerfelds ran a 6.9 60 time (on a slow wet track) and impressed with a solid batting round showcasing gap to gap, line drive power. Arm was strong across the diamond and showed good range to both sides. We came away impressed with Sansburn live round. Bat stays in zone a long time, level through, with good extension. Had good actions at SS, throwing 77 mph across the diamond. 

+ 2019 C/1B Ben Biffinger showed athleticism behind the dish. 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, wiry, athletic frame. Pop-times were 2.06 and arm velo was 71 mph. Also had top exit velocity of 88 mph. What we also liked was how he rushed over from the end of football practice to compete in the event. Good looking catcher with a lot of projectability. 

+ Came away impressed with 2020 OF Jacob Diaz. Bats and throws left. Ran a 7.3 60 time on a slow wet track. Feel like he can get that time down. Arm velo was 72 mph from right. Nice, pure, left-handed swing with pull power. Bat stays in hitting zone long time. Good extension through zone. A player that could make an impact in the future for the Eagles. 

+ 2019 LHP Alex Overlie had a good showing on the mound. FB sat 76 mph, but had a good 3-pitch mix with a change that was 67-68 mph for strikes, and curve that was 63 mph. Last spring Overlie got 33 AB's for a Final 8 Dakota Ridge team, and hit .333. 

Top Numbers

60 Time
2019 MIF Cade Akerfelds: 6.9

Exit Velo
2019 C Ben Biffinger: 88 mph

Arm Velo
2020 OF Jacob Diaz: 72 mph

Pitching Velo
2019 LHP Alex Overlie: 76 mph.