Class of 2023 | Rankings Update
February 23, 2023
Brett Harrison
Nevada Scouting Director
As we approach what is set to be an exciting Spring, we have updated the Nevada Class of 2023 PBR Player Rankings. As players begin to shift their focus to the high school season, the Fall and Winter Preseason have seeing some prospect's stock rise considerably after their overall games have come together with a huge spring expected ahead.
As always, the evaluation process is a fluid and ongoing process with multiple viewings in order to get the best feel for players abilities. It’s important to note that as players continue their development some show marked improvement at a much more rapid pace. That doesn’t indicate that other players got worse or went backwards, it’s just how player development works. As the year unfolds, players make improvements and new prospects pop up on the radar expanding the PBR rankings universe. In addition to the evaluations of players, our scouts, both those in Nevada and nationally, have also had multiple discussions with each other to review our individual lists and then make adjustments based on what we've each seen.
In this update, we have some significant movement within our Top 10 with Desert Oasis standout outfielder, Jet Gilliam, while two newcomers, Easton Shelton and Aiden Pollock, coming off of success Fall and Preseason campaigns that earned them both a shift up in the 2023 PBR Players Rankings. This is one of Nevada's deepest classes in recent years with a number of prospects that could be recognized the Top 10 and we will be out to cover the Silver State throughout the Spring to ensure we maintain the most accurate rankings possible. Look forward to more content covering the 2023 updated rankings and another update heading into the Spring season!
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Nevada Super 60 representative held his own among the top draft prospects in the country, putting together an impressive day with a standout batting practice round after posting a Swift Performance 6.7 Laser Timed 60. The Long Beach State signee has steadily climbed to the top spot in Nevada's 2023 Class and has held strong to that spot since securing it this past year. A premium position prospect with present draft attention that could hit for both average and power has been a staple at the top of the Desert Oasis batting order over the past few season and is expected to continue his exceptional prep career with another standout year in 2023.
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Mercurius comes off the a successful Summer campaign where he participated in a number of high profile events and tournaments, including the Area Code Games, where he ran it up to a PBR Verified 94 mph on the mound with an improves secondary mix that only projects to get better with time. The two-sport standout has continued to prove himself as a high level arm with projection on his side as he still has plenty of room to fill out his developing 6-foot-4 frame.
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Sheff is another prospects who has steadily climbed the rankings throughout his prep career. A "Swiss Army Knife" type player who could get it done on both sides of the ball, on the mound and has even shown he could get it done behind the plate. A key contributor in Basic Academy's back to back State Championship runs, Sheff will now be called on more than ever to get his squad back to raising the State Title trophy for the third consecutive year. The future Oregon Duck has proven himself as a high level competitor with the tools and projectable frame that will translate well beyond the high school level.
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The UNLV signee comes off a State Championship football season for Bishop Gorman that has seen his frame and build improve since the 2022 Season. The corner infielder was a key part of the Bishop Gorman lineup this past Spring and this year will be no different with his ability to hit for both average and power. A separator for Myro is the ease in his ability to use the whole field with and do so with authority. The improved range and footwork at 3B over the past year have also solidified him as player that could make a significant, early impact for the Rebels next year.
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The third UNLV commit in the Top 5, Shelton has exploded onto the scene over the past 12 month as he lead the state in homeruns as a Junior and massive Summer and Fall campaigns leave little to doubt that he is the front runner to do so again this Spring in his senior campaign. The buzz around Shelton is warranted as soon as you see him step in the box at 6-foot-5, 230 pound with massive power to go with his ability to hit for average as well. Maybe the most underrated part of his game is on the defensive side at first base where he has settled in and become a high level defender with confident action around the bag to go along with quality target he presents. Keep an eye on Shelton as a player who may not be done with his surge up the PBR Nevada Player Rankings when its all said and done.
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Perry has been a staple in Nevada's Top 10 with fastball that continues to climb in the velocity department and we project that he is not done yet. Up to 93 mph this preseason, things only expect to increase as the warm weather comes. The development of his secondary stuff is what has impressed most about Perry with his breaking ball continuing to gain the desired sharpness and wipeout feature that is believed to be in his tank and his most underrated pitch has been his changeup that when he feels confident in that pitch, it could become just as effective as his breaking ball. Perry will a top arm for a senior loaded Bishop Gorman group with State Championship aspirations.
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Scolari has continued to trend over the past year and half with added strength to his now 6-foot-4, 190 pound frame now helping accelerate his fastball velocity consistently into the low 90's and their is still more there as things continue to warm up this Spring. The USD signee had his breakout Spring this past year as he lead the Bishop Manogue staff to the State Tournament where he carried a no hitter into sixth inning before having to be pulled because of a popped blister on his finger. Now the top arm in Northern Nevada, he looks to lead an exciting Miners group on another deep run this Spring.
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Pollock is another prospect that has exploded onto the scene over the past year where it seems that all of his tools have come together to go with his premium level athleticism. The 2022 West Coast Games saw it first hand as he Team Nevada up early over a stacked Team California group with a two run homerun then hopped on the mound to close out the game with his fastball cruising in the high 80's and his curveball spinning at 3000+ rpms. His power will be something to keep an eye on this Spring as he may be able to give Shelton a run for his money as the 2023 Nevada Homerun King. The two-way Dallas Baptist signee has had a standout preseason both at the plate and one the mound and we expect him to continue that this Spring for the Gaels and into his collegiate career with the Patriots.
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Over his prep career, Marnell has solidified himself as Nevada's top 2023 backstop and one of the top in the West Region with elite level catch and throw skills. His low 80's arm behind the plate secured his status as one of the top catcher arms in his class nationally and the ability to receive, especially with his added strength in his hands and forearms continues to further that narrative. A premium defender, Marnell had his breakout season at the plate last Spring where he hit well over .400 in the heart of a stout Bishop Gorman batting order that came up just short in their State Championship run. With obvious added strength coming into this Spring, expect Marnell to put up similar average numbers, but do not be surprised if his power numbers surge in his senior campaign.
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The USC signee has had an impressive past 12 months, helping lead his Shadow Ridge Mustangs to the 2022 4A State Championship, a loud Summer at the plate, standout performance at the 2022 West Coast Games for Team Nevada and finally signing with the University of Southern California. The athletic outfielder has seen his game continue to trend over the past few years since his coming out party at the 2021 Future Games and hasn't slowed down since. Silva is expected produce another huge Spring in his senior campaign before shipping off to LA and make an early impact with the Trojans.
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Complete 2023 PBR Player Rankings available HERE
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