Over the past few months, there has been a flurry of recruiting activity in Missouri. We bring up the latest in recruiting news across Missouri.

Ryan Lee, LHP, Grandview- University of Missouri- In limited work this season, Lee showed flashes of dominance. While he went only 2-3, he did post a 1.83 ERA with 39 strikeouts and holding opposing batters to a .169 batting average.

Jansen Smith, INF, Rock Bridge-Three Rivers CC- Smith broke out in a big way this season, breaking the school record with 48 RBIs and leading Rock Bridge with a .500 batting average. At 5-foot-9, 175-pounds, Smith's game is bigger than his size suggests. Although primarily playing first base this season, Smith also possesses the speed, athleticism and arm to play the outfield. At the plate, the left-handed hitter shows good power for his size, as the ball jumps off his bat. And with some more consistency in his mechanics, Smith should evolve more into a doubles-machine and see a spike in his home run totals.

Austin Southmayd, LHP, Franics Howell-University of Central Missouri- A veteran of the Howell staff, this season Southmayd has posted a 7-3 record with a 2.66 ERA in 52.7 innings pitched. Opponents hit only .237 against him this year. Southmayd is a lanky 6-foot, 155-pound left hand pitcher who has smooth mechanics, a long loose arm, and a deceptive delivery that looks to be very effective against both right and left handed hitters. Southmayd threw all three of his pitches for strikes. His fastball sat 77-81, topping at 82 with late cutting action. Southmayd also impressed with a heavy, late moving 1-to-7 breaking ball that showed good two-plane movement.  He also threw a 76-78 mph change up down with arm side runs and some depth. As Southmayd’s body continues to fill out, he should see a spike in velocity. 

Ethan Howser, SS, Waynesville- Longview CC-Howser led Waynesville with a .429 batting average, 10 doubles, and 17 RBI while striking out only seven times all season. Howser also went 2-2 on the mound, striking out 41 batters in 30.7 innings pitched. 

Chase Simmons, C, Notre Dame-Jefferson College- Simmons provided production in the middle of the Notre Dame lineup, driving in a team leading 33 runs and hit a team leading .404. 

Ft. Scott CC received a trio of signees:
Jacob Boiling, RHP, St. Joseph Central-Ft. Scott CC- A member of the Class of 2013 Midwest Future Games, Boiling possesses a mid to upper 80s fastball and compliments it with a two plane breaking ball and a changeup that has some depth.

Luke Crabb, Ft. Osage-Ft. Scott CC
Max Bergman, 3B/RHP, Oak Park-Ft. Scott CC 

Three players have made their commitment to Maple Woods College:
Ryan Stevens, RHP/MIF, Kickapoo-On the mound, Stevens used a quick, loose arm to throw an easy 80-81 mph fastball. Stevens threw his 65-68 mph 11-to-5 curveball and 72-75 mph change up consistently for strikes. As he gets stronger, Stevens should see an increase in velocity. At the plate, the 5-foot-8, 160-pound Stevens had an aggressive approach and produced a level line drive swing, spraying the ball gap-to-gap. In the field, Stevens used athletic movements, soft hands, and a quick transfer to deliver accurate throws.

Conner Matson, INF/RHP, Oak Grove
Justin Givens, RHP, Lee’s Summit

Lindenwood University received a commitment from:
Andrew Kendrick, 1B, Parkview

Other players committing include:
Evan Payne, RHP/OF, Glendale-Pratt CC-Payne is a lanky 6-foot-2, 185-pound two-way player who showed to be a versatile player on the mound and in the outfield. In the outfield, Payne move to the ball with a purpose, fielding the ball cleanly with a good transfer and strong arm with some carry (79-83 mph). Offensively, Payne has the potential to be a consistent hitter with some power. He has a good load and level, line drive producing swing. At times he tried to muscle the ball; when he relaxed and controlled his swing, he showed to be much more consistent. On the mound, Payne has repeatable mechanics with good rhythm and a long, loose arm. Payne’s fastball sat 80-82 mph, topping at 83 mph and was consistently down in the zone. He also showed a 11-to-5 breaking ball (62-65 mph) and a change up (70-72), both with fastball arm speed. 

Austin Schweiss, OF, Nixa-College of the Ozarks-Schweiss is a long, athletically built 6-foot, 155-pound prospect with arm strength and considerable upside. In the outfield he moves fluidly and had good carry on his 78-mph throws. Offensively, he takes an aggressive approach and uphill swing to show some pull power potential. Schweiss ran a 7.37 60 last summer.

Derek Pike, 1B/RF, Ft. Osage-Allen County CC

Zach Bartlett, OF, Lee’s Summit-Hannibal-LaGrange

David Luna, OF, Oak Park-MidAmerica Nazarene

Sam Baxter, 2B, Platte County-Kansas City CC

Brandon Beavers, OF, Parkview-Highland CC

Tyler Nemmers, SS, Parkview-William Woods 

Class of 2014
Tyler Cunningham, OF, Camdenton-Missouri State