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North Georgia Preseason ID: Quick Hits

January 16, 2024
Ian Smith
Assistant Scouting Director

Cartersville, GA: Our Preseason Events kicked off last weekend, and this weekend we head to the brand new Georgia Highlands baseball facility.  The Georgia high school baseball season is a week a way, and we are eager to get the season started. During our Preseason Events we will build our list for players we need to see throughout the year. Preseason events are a great chance to show off the progress made in the off season, as well as getting tuned up for the season. We will have post event coverage throughout the week from our event on Sunday. Today, we will take a quick look at some instant standouts that stoodout to our scouting staff. 

To view all the stats from the event CLICK HERE

JP Kilgo, First-Baseman
Easy barrels throughout the round for Pepperell junior. Utilizes a high handset with a quick trigger and above-average bat speed from the right-side. Present barrel control and ability to impact the ball out front with some heaviness in the barrel, (Avg./Max EV 89.3/95.2). Showed a strong glove at first with some good picks and flexibility in the lower half. The uncommitted bat is very sound in many facets of the game and continues to look the part of a quality college bat.

Connor Lee, Shortstop
It may have been in the low-30s in Cartersville Saturday morning, but Connor Lee wasn’t phased with a 6.9 60 to start a great all-around day for the Lassiter sophomore. Showed present ability to manipulate the barrel in BP with great length through the zone and consistent line-drives. There’s a chance for average raw power as he matures into a lean, 5-foot-9 frame. The 2026 SA really stood out in infield drills showing above-average lateral range and a vacuum of a glove in both directions. Solid arm strength across the infield that plays up with good accuracy.

Tristan Costoulas, Outfielder
Poised for a major spring season with Fellowship Christian, the uncommitted junior had a strong showing at Georgia Highlands college this weekend. Extremely hitterish actions at the plates with quick-twitch toe tap and excellent barrel control. Present bat speed and ability to work both gaps with ease. Good defensive actions in the outfield with confident footwork attacking balls that’s backed by solid arm strength in the low-80s.

Trip Fowler, Shortstop/Right-Handed Pitcher
Fowler flashed some high-upside two-way tools on Saturday, and could shine some light on what's to come for the incoming freshman. With a high-waisted, athletic 5-foot-9 frame and plenty of projection remaining, Fowler creates impressive separation at the plate that could lead to significant power power potential and is strengthened by present bat speed. Barrel control is evident, especially for the 2027 class, and does a good job of creating leverage for pull-side carry. On the mound, the upside could be equally as high. Good feel for a three-pitch mix with present command. Fastball in the mid-to-high 70s has some life and natural cut. High-60s curveball is the best of the mix with big 11/5 shape that he holds well to create depth consistently. Changeup does a good job getting arm-side fade at 70. Good, complete profile and showing for the 2027 from Greenbrier.

Anthony Planeta, Shortstop
Allatoona has a good weapon in the middle-infield this uncommitted junior. Planeta shows good hand and bat speed with great length through the zone that allows him to utilize his gap power well and even create some pull-side carry. Strong, confident defender on the dirt with great footwork and soft hands. Rarely looks out of control and makes on-target throws with present arm strength. Tools to play across the infield, but can stick at short long-term.

Aden Rucker, Third-Baseman
The 2023 Junior Future Games continues to mature into an athletic 5-foot-9 frame and starting to really find impact at the plate. The freshman has a mature ability to manipulate the barrel in-zone that’s paired with an uphill bat path that’s geared to do damage as he gets stronger. Easy mover in the infield with ability to make all the throws necessary. Rucker will be a name to watch over the next couple years at Carrolton.

Malachi Butler, Shortstop
With an already physical 5-foot-11 frame for the McEachern freshman, Malachi Butler put together an impressive day at the North Georgia Preseason ID this weekend. Quiet approach from the left-side the 2027 infielder does a great job staying balanced and on-plane, with advanced incorporation of his lower half. Real feel to hit already, with significant raw pop coming as he matures into the frame. Staying power in the left-side of the infield with soft hands and present above-average arm strength at 81 across the infield. There’s a lot to like in the profile, and with plenty of projection and time remaining, Butler could have a bright future.