There is a new No. 1 in the North Carolina Class of 2021.  LHP Philip Abner (Charlotte Christian) has continued to make jumps on the mound, now featuring four above average pitches, including an elite fastball that has been up to 93 for PBR Scouts, with a spin rate ranging 2300 – 2550rpm. 

(Philip Abner - Game Footage, MAR 2020)

At this time, two North Carolina players are in contention for the top overall slot in the Overall Class of 2021 Rankings, released last week.  Josh Hartle (LHP, Reagan HS) may move to No. 2 in the NC rankings, but he has continued to make improvements season after season, and will continue to push Abner for the top spot. 

Within the Top 10, two players, with Abner, made jumps.  Bryan Arendt (C, Holly Springs HS) continued to show advanced skills behind the plate while also continuing to improve his bat.  Pop times have been as low as 1.81 in workout situations with an easy release and carry that has registered as high as 89 mph out of his hand, out of the crouch.  LHP Cyle Phelan (Fuquay-Varina HS) dazzled at the PBR Future Games in August and has continued to climb the rankings.  At the NC ProCase in February, Phelan continued to show a strong arm and increased feel for his stuff.  During the abbreviated 2020 season, Phelan transferred his good performances in pre-season bullpens to actual game action.

(Bryan Arendt - 2020 ProCase, FEB)

The new Class of 2021 Rankings increased from the top 200 in North Carolina to the Top 215.  Typically the post-winter event rankings update is small and this update fits that billing.  It is a small update, featuring some movement from players that were seen at the one of PBR’s Preseason All-State events, the NC PBR ProCase, preseason workouts, preseason scrimmages, and the early part of the spring season. 

In the coming week, we will take a deep look into the updated Class of 2021 Rankings.  Published articles will look at some or the risers in the class as well as newcomers, making their way into the NC rankings for the first time.  Below we get a sneak peak at the Top 10 of the updated NC Class of 2021 Rankings.  To see the full Top 215 in the class of 2021, CLICK HERE.

 

By the Numbers

• 215 Players from NC are in the updated NC Class of 2021 Rankings
• 17 Players are also ranked in the PBR Overall Class of 2021 Rankings
• 15 Players are new to the rankings
• 37 of the Top 50 have committed
• 51 of the Top 100 have committed
• 52 Total commitments in the updated rankings
• 69 of the Top 215 are primary pitchers
• 22 corner infielders are in the updated rankings
• 48 middle infielders make the updated rankings
• 30 primary catchers are in the top 215
• 46 outfielders make the cut
• 8 players have committed to NC State & UNC Wilmington respectively, most of any schools
• 20 players have committed to Power 5 Conference Schools

 

2021 Rankings Preview

 

To see the complete list of the Top 215 Class of 2021 players in NC, CLICK HERE.