By Brandon Hall
PBR North Carolina Director of Scouting

The 2015-2016 school year has come to a close. State champions were crowned and the summer circuit has begun. As we get rolling, the State Games of North Carolina give us a great opportunity to see players from across the state in one setting. On Wednesday, each of the eight regions convened at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, NC, starting the weekend with workouts. Below are some standouts from the first day…

Reid Johnston, IF, Rocky Mount Academy, NC (2017)
Listed at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds with a strong frame that will continue to improve with maturity. Flashed solid contact during BP with an aggressive approach and some leverage in the swing. Consistently barrels the ball from the left side. Ran a 7.29 in the 60 and showed solid actions with some looseness during the defensive portion. Long arm action produced above average carry.

Sam Scmidt, IF, Hoggard HS, NC (2017)
High energy, high motor workout. Moved well with solid 1st step quickness and good actions. Arm lacked some carry but showed good accuracy and the arm should continue to develop with maturity. The 5-foot-11, 170 pounder ran a 7.33 and was consistently on the barrel with some aggression during BP.

Greg Jones, IF, Cary HS, NC
The UNC-Wilmington recruit turned in one of the best 60s of the day at 6.57. Athletic and moved with energy throughout the workout. Showed an average arm and the ability to throw from multiple angles.

Jonathan D’Ercole, IF/C, Middle Creek HS, NC
Showcasing at multiple positions, the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder showed some versatility. Played a little high on the infield but showed the ability to catch and be accurate with at least an average arm. Behind the plate, had a 2.07 pop time with an average arm that could improve as the release becomes quicker. Barreled several balls in BP and flashed strength to the pull side.

Lucas Oxendine, RHP/C, Purnell Swett HS, NC
An athletic, switch-hitting catcher that impressed while throwing and in the box. Offensively the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder was a little more consistent from the left side with good bat speed. There was some uphill leverage from both sides. Behind the plate, showcased an above average arm, with carry that produced consistent 1.95 pop times. Accuracy was adequate until he worked to exchange quicker later in the workout. Ran a 7.12 60.

Ryder Giles, IF, Union Pines HS, NC
The underclassman had one of the best rounds of defense throughout the day. Consistently caught and exchanged cleanly, showcasing good angles and first-step awareness. The arm is average and should continue to develop and allow him to stay on the left side for a while. Good accuracy from multiple angles. Offensively it was a simple, linear swing that produced good barrel awareness. Ran a 7.27 in the 60.

Patrick Bailey, C, Wesleyan Christian Academy, NC
NC State commit that has an advanced feel for catching and throwing. One of the most accurate catchers throughout the day, showed an above average arm, with carry and a simple, quick release. Consistently sub-2.00 and an average of 1.95 with his throws. Athleticism was emphasized with a 7.19 60. The switch-hitter has some looseness from both sides and length through the baseball at contact.

Tristan Shea, C, Porter Ridge HS, NC
Athletic catcher that flashed ability throughout his workout. The North Carolina commit showed above average bat speed from both sides of the plate with a little better feel for the barrel from the right side. Quick exchange and carry on his throws produced consistent 2.01 pop times. Accuracy should continue to improve with maturity. Ran a 7.01 60 to cap his day and continue the trend of athletic catchers having solid workouts.

Alex Ortiz, IF, West Wilkes HS, NC
The 5-foot-8, 145-pound infielder showed a quick bat and athleticism. Ran a 6.97 in the 60. Some upper half coil produced whip and quickness with the bat.

Chad Treadway, C, AC Reynolds HS, NC
The 6-foot, 210-pound catcher showed strength and quickness on offense and defense. The switch-hitter showed better from the left side with more barrel awareness and more authority with the contact. Chance to hit for power as he continues to mature. Defensively flashed a solid average to above average arm that produced a 1.98 pop.

A few players from Region 6 had notable 60 times. Brian Comer (Independence HS, NC), a 2018, ran a 6.93. Jeremy Whitehead (Lake Norman Charter HS, NC), an East Carolina recruit, ran a 6.6. Jake Whitcomb, a Charlotte recruit, ran a 6.69.

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