Prep Baseball Report

College Interest In Future Games Continues To Soar


Bruce Hefflinger
Ohio Senior Writer

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The 13th annual Future Games took place on July 24-28 at LakePoint in Emerson, Georgia. Top uncommitted prospects in the classes of 2026 and 2027 participated in one of the most popular events each year.

There were 36 teams, including Team Ohio, with players representing 43 states plus Canadian prospects. Each team played three games the final three days of the event after all position players are put through a showcase workout on Wednesday, the first day of the Future Games.

More than 300 colleges from across the country were looking on as approximately 500 players participated in this year’s event. This year, more than 450 college coaches from all over the country were in attendance.

To view the schedule/articles related to the 2024 Future Games, please click here.

CLICK HERE to view the Future Games Statistics.

2024 Future Games: Team Ohio - College Interest In Future Games Continues To Soar

EMERSON, Ga. - It was another record-breaking Future Games as interest in the event continues to rise.

The Prep Baseball event that started in 2011 drew an astounding 425 college coaches, surpassing last year’s previous high number of 375 in attendance.

The attraction? It was obvious with 36 teams featuring players from 43 states and four Canadian provinces. Adding to the interest was the addition of the Senior Future Games with a dozen teams for uncommitted players entering their senior year of high school.

“The sheer amount of talent stood out,” noted Shooter Hunt, vice president of scouting for Prep Baseball. “I had many of the 425 college coaches in attendance come by and say that this was the deepest class that they had ever seen at the event.”

The talent was evident according to Hunt.

“It seemed like every single arm that toed the rubber had huge upside, and 87-90 became the norm,” Hunt noted. “While the arms were outstanding, I was even more impressed by how comfortable the position players were in the box against those studs. There were some downright scary position player prospects.”

Team Ohio made an impression.

“I loved the physicality that Ohio brought to the diamond,” Hunt said. “They were uber impressive in the box and on the mound with what appeared to be a buffet of players for colleges to choose from. I had one prominent recruiting coordinator who was not from the region exclaim to me ‘I LOVE this Ohio team.’”

Prep Baseball Ohio Director of Scouting, Kyle Weldon, found a lot to like in his first year at the event.

“With so many college coaches and the best players in the country all converging in the same place at the same time, nothing beats it,” Weldon explained. “The (Prep Baseball) Ohio team did a great job staying organized and grinding out social coverage for the event.”

The results on the field were spectacular in the eyes of Weldon, highlighted by Matt Ponatoski, a Moeller 2026 SS/RHP who tied the Future Games all-time infield velo record of 96.

“A three-game sample is quite small, but each player showed during the course of these four days what made them worthy of being there,” Weldon said. “I’m happy with all our guys and glad they had such a great experience.” 

Hunt was thrilled with how it all turned out.

“A record-setting 425 college coaches were in attendance for this event, and that number alone speaks volumes to the importance of the event in the recruiting world,” Hunt said about the 14th annual Future Games for incoming sophomores and juniors along with the Junior Future Games for soon-to-be ninth graders and select eighth graders and, this year, the first Senior Future Games. “There is simply nothing else like it. Many schools were there with three and four coaches because there was so much talent.

“It was fascinating hearing how each school split up the event,” Hunt added in reference to the challenge at hand to see players at each of the three levels of play. “They all appeared to have full on meetings prior to coming to LakePoint to figure out how to dissect the coverage to get the most out of it.”

Ohio players were certainly noticed.

“We’ve had over 25 Power 5 schools reach out about guys and even more mid-majors,” Weldon noted. “It’s been a busy few days. A lot of players opened some eyes down there.” 

That was also the case with the Ohio Junior Futures team.

“The future of Ohio baseball is extremely talented,” Weldon pointed out. “Brian Thacker did a great job coaching that group this week and I’m excited to watch their impacts next spring at the high school level.”

 As for what lies ahead, that is still to be determined.

“Nothing has been set for 2025, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some changes and advancements,” Hunt concluded. “We are never satisfied, and always want to provide the best experience for both the player and college coach so that it is easier for the two to unite.”

While the 2024 Future Games experience will be difficult to top, Weldon sees it happening.

“As expected, this was the most talented group of players in the history of the Future Games,” Weldon said. “I’m sure as the new rule changes mature that will be the case again next year.”

A Prep Baseball thank you to all that participated and a special thanks to the players on Team Ohio that gave their thoughts about the event (including what schools have been in contact with them since Aug. 1):

***** If you were on Team Ohio and did not share your thoughts, feel free to email us and we will get them included within this article.

The Two-Ways

Johnathan Brenner RHP / OF / Cardinal Mooney, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My highlights from the Future Games were the atmosphere and the respect of the other athletes and staff. 

PBR: Assess your performance.
While I didn’t perform to my usual standards, I believe I did the best I could in my given situation.  

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
It was amazing. We naturally bonded. Everyone knew of each other and there was a natural respect for everyone.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was out of this world, nothing like I’ve ever seen before. Each kid on every team was extremely good in their own way. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It opened my mind to the other competitors in the U.S. and humbled me.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
I’ve had small interactions like follows on twitter and more camp invites than usual.

Conner Cuozzo 3B / RHP / Archbishop Moeller, OH / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

Grant Lashutka RHP / SS / St. Edward, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Triple, 1 inning pitched, 2 Ks.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I feel like I could’ve statistically performed better but I put my 100 percent out on that field so if I do that I will never be mad and the results will take care of themselves.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Ohio was a great experience. Playing with the best really brings out the best in you. What stood out to me was just how many more things you can learn just off playing with all these amazing players.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition that we played was out of this world. Every team that we faced, there were no easy outs at the plate. The pitching that we faced was even more amazing. Every pitcher knew how to command every pitch and had a great arsenal.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games helps me so much with my college recruitment. The event puts you basically in front of every college in the country and gives you the availability to be noticed by colleges that wouldn’t have even known who you were if you had not gone.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
The colleges I’ve been in contact with since August 1st are: Wright State, Lehigh, Eastern Michigan, Ohio University, JMU, and Alabama.

Owen Mikin C / RHP / Saint Ignatius, OH / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

Drew Oerther 1B / LHP / Loveland, OH / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

Jack Ryan RHP / 1B / St. Xavier, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
This is my second time attending the Future Games and I also attended the Junior Future Games. It has always been an awesome event. The amount of college coaches is what truly stands out and makes the event the place to be.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I felt like I performed very well all week. I have been battling a high ankle sprain and scapular dyskinesis over the summer which affected my velocity. … I pitched very well during my inning of work giving up no hits with two strikeouts against a very talented Indiana offense. I also had a double off a top arm.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Ohio is great because I had an opportunity to meet new players and had fun playing with old friends who I have played with and against over the years.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was top notch. There were some really talented players at the  event.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
The Future Games can help me with the exposure and connections that I have made over the years playing for Team Ohio.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
I have been in contact with a variety of schools from multiple conferences, some that I had been in contact with in the past and some new ones. My interest has been from schools locally and from schools across the country. I am looking to develop relationships with coaching staffs, have visits and find the right fit for me and the school. It’s an exciting time.

Mason Springs SS / RHP / Marysville, OH / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

Isaac Sullivan SS / RHP / Chaminade-Julienne, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were playing underneath the lights in front of a ton of colleges. It’s just such an amazing atmosphere to experience.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I think that my overall performance was okay, but I definitely didn’t compete as well as I know I can. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
I thought it was great being part of Team Ohio. Meeting my teammates from all over the state and wearing the OH on my jersey was amazing. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was by far the best I’ve ever seen. This was such a competitive event and a great opportunity to face other great players. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in Future Games can help get your name out to coaches and it can also help you learn more about your mental game. It’s tough playing people that are better than you, but if you can stay positive and still keep competing then it shows a lot about you. 

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Since I went to the Future Games, Notre Dame has reached out to me and said they have interest in me as a player which is awesome.

The Arms

Cameron Anderson RHP / West Clermont, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights consist of being able to showcase my talents in front of a lot of college coaches while at the same time forming connections with other players in Ohio as we are on the same journey together.

PBR: Assess your performance.
As I look back on my performance, I believe I did the best I could have done with the situation I was in. Starting against Indiana was no easy task, so I was happy to get two strikeouts because I wanted at least one. Going into my start, I was hoping I’d hit 91 on the mound but I am still pleased with my velo. It felt very easy and smooth compared to previous starts.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Being able to represent Team Ohio was an incredible experience. Not only the ability to play with some of the best players in the state was great but also being able to talk to other guys in the same situation as me about baseball and what we’ve done to get to this point. My conversations with other pitchers about mindset, grips and mechanics will also help me going forward in developing my game. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
Like I mentioned earlier, starting against Indiana was a challenge. As a pitcher it is really hard to find consistency against teams who don’t strike out, and that’s exactly how Indiana was. However, that also came with benefits for me because it allowed me to really see how good my stuff is against some of the best hitters in the region and country. Pitching against this competition, even if it was only for two innings, will definitely benefit me in a positive way going forward.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games will definitely help me going forward because of the amount of knowledge I’ve learned in just a few days by watching game play and listening to my teammates advice. It’s also going to motivate me to continue working hard to make sure I stay at this level in the future.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
College coaches reaching out: Auburn, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Northwestern, Toledo, Akron, Wright State, Marshall, Liberty, Butler, Kent State, Jax State.

Nathan Bryant RHP / 3B / Lake Center Christian, OH / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

Rhys Canan RHP / Walnut Hills, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I would say the biggest highlights of the Future Games were just the overall level of play in-game and the sheer amount of high-level hitters and arms. I probably saw more balls hit over 90 mph and more pitches thrown around 90 mph in one game than I did my entire summer season.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I think I pitched really well. I was really proud of how calm and collected I stayed even while pitching in such a crazy environment. I never really felt any pressure and I just had fun and competed.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Ohio is the coolest experience I’ve ever had playing baseball. I had a great time playing with all the other high-level guys in the state and forming bonds that will last a long time. I think what really stood out is how well everyone got along even though most of us have been competing against each other for years.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition at the Future Games was probably the best all around that I’ve faced. Everyone there could hit. I think almost every pitcher who threw for us, at least that I saw, gave up a ball 90+ off the bat. Just being able to go out and compete and be tested by that is an incredible experience, and on top of that you’re doing it with hundreds of schools in attendance.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
The connections that the Future Games gives you in every aspect I think is the biggest way it helps you. Not only are a bunch of schools seeing you play, but you also are making connections and friendships with other elite players in your state. On top of that, you also get to test your abilities against some of the best in the country.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Since August 1 I’ve heard from Oregon, Ohio State, ECU, Campbell, Notre Dame, Butler, Toledo, Akron, Wright State, Brown, George Mason, Kent State, Marshall and Eastern Michigan.

Ben Hanley RHP / Mason, OH / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

Logan Minamyer RHP / 1B / Hilliard Bradley, OH / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

Dominic Singleton LHP / 1B / Saint Ignatius, OH / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

Landon Thiel LHP / Massillon Jackson, OH / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

The Infielders

Matthew Mansbery SS / 3B / Walsh Jesuit, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
One of my highlights from the Future Games was going 2-2 in front of many college coaches.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I think I had a very good performance. I was competitive in every at-bat and I think my fielding was solid. All in all I think I showed I belonged and can play with the best.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Being on Team Ohio meant a lot to me. I knew many of them so it was very fun. One of things that stood out to me about our team was how well-rounded we were. I can’t think of a place where we were short.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was insane. Every pitcher was very good and all the hitters on opposing teams were top notch.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I think the biggest thing is that it can help me in recruiting with all the colleges that got to see me play.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
So far in total I have had contact from: Michigan, Purdue, Kent State, Wright State, Cincinnati, Ohio U, Louisville, Loyola Marymount, Akron, Ohio State, Kentucky, Oregon, Yale, Virginia.

Matt Ponatoski SS / RHP / Archbishop Moeller, OH / 2026

Will update when a response is received.

Landon Wolf 1B / 3B / Amherst Steele, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I was proud of myself for showing that I could compete with the best competition in the country. 

PBR: Assess your performance.
I got a few barrels that fell down and helped out the team with a few RBIs. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Ohio was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had playing the game. All the kids were very welcoming and I hope they had as much fun playing along with me as I did along with them. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition is undoubtedly the best I have ever faced in a weekend. Every arm was very quality and I’m just glad I got a few good swings off of them. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
The Future Games definitely should help all of our recruiting processes, especially the ones that stood out and did well. There’s not one other tournament/showcase with that many coaches in attendance.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Brown, Dartmouth and Kent State have reached out.

The Outfielders

Donovan Corbett OF / RHP / Lakota East, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were when I threw out three people, two at home and one at third.

PBR: Assess your performance.
My performance offensively wasn’t very good and could’ve been better. I learned that I need to be more aggressive early and work more on trusting my eyes rather than trying to guess how I’m being pitched. Defensively I think I had a strong showing.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Being on Team Ohio was pretty fun and cool. It felt good to be recognized and included among all of the other great players in Ohio. All of the work I’ve put in made it all worth it. I loved competing with such a talented team. The thing that stood out about Team Ohio were the players' personalities. There were funny guys, relaxed guys, and motivated guys which allowed us to have a good balance for Team Ohio.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition down in LakePoint was awesome because it brought a lot of elite arms from around the country. I like being challenged that way because then it gives me something to work on.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It can give you a perspective of how at the next level there will be good arms for sure. The Future Games allowed me to also meet guys that have the same goals as I do and want to work for what they want.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
On Aug. 1, I received two calls, coming from the University of Michigan and Rice University.

Enzo DiCocco OF / OF / Brecksville-Broadview Heights, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Gathering three hits over the weekend and hitting .500 for Team Ohio. One double, two singles, a walk and a stolen base

PBR: Assess your performance.
I would say I did very well during the Future Games. Collecting multiple hits against quality arms across the country was an accomplishment for sure. In the outfield I played very solid, making the plays when needed.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Ohio was a great honor. Being able to play with the top players around the state was very exciting and thrilling. What stood out was the way our players collaborated with each other easily. For most, this was the first time we got to meet, but it seemed like we have been friends for a long time.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition at the Future Games was the best I’ve played up until this point. Every player seemed to be quality players and very good at their respective positions.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games helped me realize some of the holes in my game. The type of competition and velocity exposure will help me out in the long run of perfecting my game and playing style.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Texas Tech, Wright State, Northwestern, Michigan, Cincinnati, Xavier, Miami OH, Purdue, Troy, Marshall, Akron, Kent State, Jax State, Brown, Yale, Harvard, Georgetown, Charleston (WVa.), St. Joseph's.

Chandler Taylor OF / 1B / Badin, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I had lots of plays in the field and a few good pieced balls that I ran into over the three days.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought I did pretty good even though the bat wasn’t at the best it’s usually at. I did the best I could to help my team win in the box and in the field.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Playing with Team Ohio means a lot because you get to represent your state and play with guys you know or have played against in the past.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition I thought was the best I have seen all summer with facing top arms consistently over the three games and doing my best to compete with them.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I think this will help me a lot with my recruiting process with lots of coaches already watching me over the summer and now watching me vs the top competition.

Zander Triplett OF / RHP / Louisville, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were making new friends and going against the best competition in every state and seeing how I stack up against other players.

PBR: Assess your performance.
My performance was good, though I definitely could have done some things better to show my skill. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Being on Team Ohio was great. The things that stood out to me was the coaching and how easy it was to talk to the coaches and have a good one-on-one conversation. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was amazing. It was good to see how I stack up against the best guys. It was challenging all in all. I feel it was great to go out and compete against them.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I feel that with playing in the Future Games it was great to play and get me on coaches radar for the future. 

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
I have got in contact with Kent State and some other schools. 

The Catchers

Keaton Bowers C / SS / Hilliard Bradley, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlight was throwing a kid out against Indiana to get the second out. 

PBR: Assess your performance.
I think my performance could've been better on the hitting side had I focused on making solid contact. But I thought I put together quality at-bats and got some walks in key situations for Team Ohio. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Ohio was an amazing experience because I was surrounded with a lot of friends and boys I get to play against. Also, playing with them was a great experience. Seeing all the talent that was on this team was incredible.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition I faced was very high talent. Every pitcher I faced didn't throw below 86 with their fastball and the top one reaching 93. Their off-speed worked well and I just tried to make a quality at-bat and put up a good fight.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
The Future Games can help me with my future because being at such a high-level showcase and in front of so many scouts can put me on their radar.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Colleges that have reached out since August 1st are: Bucknell, Bowling Green State University, West Virginia, Georgetown University, Georgia Tech, Ohio University, Louisville, Belmont, Wright State, Purdue, Miami.

Braydon Johnson C / OF / Lakota West, OH / 2026

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were probably the showcase and my framing behind the plate. I didn’t have any ridiculous ESPN moments, but I really helped the pitchers.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I think I did very well catching overall. I was very anxious at the plate, I just needed to find a barrel.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Ohio was very special. It was a great group of guys. What stood out is how well we meshed together.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was crazy. I saw some top-tier level pitching and hitting. You can definitely see why those kids were given a shot to represent their state.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games not only gets you in front of college coaches, but it gives you a chance to see what kind of competition you’re gonna see at the next level if you want to get there.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches have you been in contact with since the event ended and the Aug. 1 deadline has been reached?
Alabama, Baylor, JMU, UNC, UK, Maryland, EKU, Michigan, West Virginia and Virginia Tech.

THE ROSTER

Name High School Class Pos.
Cameron Anderson West Clermont 2026 RHP
Keaton Bowers Hilliard Bradley 2026 C
Johnathan Brenner Cardinal Mooney 2026 RHP
Nathan Bryant Lake Center Christian 2026 RHP
Rhys Canan Walnut Hills 2026 RHP
Donovan Corbett Lakota East 2026 OF
Conner Cuozzo Archbishop Moeller 2026 3B/P
Enzo DiCocco Brecksville-Broadview Heights 2026 OF
Ben Hanley Mason 2026 RHP
Braydon Johnson Lakota West 2026 C
Grant Lashutka St. Edward 2026 P/SS
Matthew Mansbery Walsh Jesuit 2026 SS
Owen Mikin Saint Ignatius 2026 C/P
Logan Minamyer Hilliard Bradley 2026 RHP
Drew Oerther Loveland 2026 1B/LHP
Matt Ponatoski Archbishop Moeller 2026 SS
Jack Ryan St. Xavier 2026 RHP/1B
Dominic Singleton Saint Ignatius 2026 LHP
Mason Springs Marysville 2026 SS/P
Isaac Sullivan Chaminade-Julienne 2026 SS/P
Chandler Taylor Badin 2026 OF
Landon Thiel Massillon Jackson 2026 LHP
Zander Triplett
Louisville 2026 OF
Landon Wolf Amherst Steele 2026 1B

Team Ohio Future Games Records

Category Name High School Class Pos Stat
Year
Top Fastball Velo Chris Machamer Massillon Washington 2016 RHP 92 mph 2013
Top Fastball Velo Andrew Edrington Princeton 2023 RHP 92 mph 2021
Top Exit Velo Caden Crawford CHCA 2022 1B/OF 104 mph 2020
Top 60-Yard Dash Kasey Centeno Massillon Perry 2019 OF 6.49 2017
Top Infield Velo Andrew Edrington Princeton 2023 P/SS 93 mph 2021
Top Outfield Velo Carter Christenson Archbishop Moeller 2025 SS/OF 92 mph 2023
Top Catcher Velo Dillon Dingler Massillon Jackson 2017 C 82 mph 2015
Top Catcher Pop Time Dillon Dingler Massillon Jackson 2017 C 1.86 2015

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