OK Preseason All-State Analysis: Catchers
February 24, 2020
PBR OK hosted the third annual OK Preseason All-State Showcase at the state of the art World Baseball Outreach indoor facility. There were nearly 95 invite-only players showcased their skill in front of the PBR OK staff, 3 colleges and a pro scout. The talented event saw ten sub 7.00 60s, nine 90+ exit velos, 16 infield velos of 80+, four outfield velos of 85+, seven sub 2.00 second pop times, and 23 max fastballs at 80+ mph. Players profiles have been updated with stats and will continued to be updated with pictures, reports, and videos in the weeks to come. The number below do not represent a players all-time best, only what they achieved at this event.
Complete Roster: Click Here
Complete Pitching Stats: Click Here
Complete Position Stats: Click Here
Today, we take an in-depth look at the catcher from the event.
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William Armour C / RHP / Bishop Kelley , OK / 2021Demonstrated a long and lean 5-foot-11, 150-pound frame with room to fill out. The right-handed hitter starts with an open stance utilizing a toe-tap stride to initiate his swing. Hit behind the baseball with sink into the lower half while registering a 69 mph bat-exit velocity off the tee. Entered the hitting zone slightly uphill while hitting into a consistently stiff front side. Recorded a 7.71 60-yard dash. The primary backstop showed average receiving skills with some hand movement at the catch point. Displayed pop times ranging from 2.18-2.23 on accurate throws of 69 mph from the crouch. Featured solid straight-line footwork and repeatable transfers that allowed for him to get rid of the ball in a hurry out of a fluid, high ¾ arm-slot. Showcased adequate blocking skills during defensive evaluations creating soft walls to both sides and downward chest angles deadening the baseball. |
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Logan Bolin C / 3B / Sallisaw , OK / 2020Demonstrated a large 5-foot-10, 200-pound frame with strength in his actions. The right-handed hitter begins with an open stance utilizing a leg-kick to initiate his swing. Generated a short, fluid stroke through a slightly uphill barrel path in the hitting zone. Featured controlled barrel whip with a gap to gap approach off the tee, yielding an 81 mph bat-exit velocity. Recorded an 8.63 60-yard dash. The backstop showed adequate receiving skills with small movement at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 2.00-2.15 on accurate throws of 74 mph from the crouch. Displayed solid straight line footwork and easy transfers allowing for repeatable, accurate throws to the target out of a fluid, high ¾ arm-slot. Showcased a low center of gravity to both sides of the plate while blocking and created soft walls. |
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Brody Briggs C / OF / Tulsa Union, OK / 2023Showcased a long and lean 5-foot-11, 155-pound frame with athleticism and room to add strength as he matures. The left-handed hitter begins with an open stance with hand wiggle at the shoulder utilizing a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Generated a slightly uphill barrel path through the hitting zone while hitting into a stiff front side. Quick hands created consistent, hard contact to the middle of the field off the tee, yielding an 82 mph bat-exit velocity. Recorded a 7.40 60-yard dash. The backstop featured adequate receiving skills with a soft glove hand at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 1.98-2.09 on throws of 74 mph from the crouch. Quick transfers allowed for accurate throws on the bag out of a quick, high ¾ arm-slot. Demonstrated advanced blocking technique behind the plate creating soft walls on both sides of the plate with downward chest angles. |
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Heath Brown C / Yukon , OK / 2022Displayed a stocky 5-foot-8, 155-pound frame with some strength. The right-handed hitter begins with a balanced, even stance utilizing a lift and replace stride to initiate a slightly uphill barrel path into the hitting zone. Showcased a middle of the field approach off the tee with feel for the hands. Featured solid barrel control while registering an 83 mph bat-exit velocity off the tee. Recorded an 8.64 60-yard dash. The primary backstop demonstrated a low setup in the crouch and flashed adequate receiving skills with a soft glove hand at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 2.25-2.35 on accurate throws of 68 mph from the crouch. Showed average footwork on accurate throws out of a high ¾ arm-slot. |
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Nathan Fisher C / 2B / Bixby, OK / 2023Showcased a lean 5-foot-10, 155-pound frame with feel for his body and room to fill out as he matures. The right-handed hitter begins from a wide, open stance utilizing a leg-kick to initiate his swing. Demonstrated comfortability in the hands and solid release through the hitting zone off the tee. Hit into a soft front side with a high finish while registering an 80 mph bat-exit velocity. Recorded a 7.59 60-yard dash. The backstop showed adequate receiving skills with a soft glove hand at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 2.09-2.21 on accurate throws of 73 mph from the crouch. Displayed solid straight line footwork with smooth transfers generating throws out of a fluid, high ¾ arm-slot. Featured adequate blocking skills to both sides of the plate yielding soft walls and downward chest angles. |
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Hunter Brown C / 1B / Yukon , OK / 2020Demonstrated a physical 6-foot, 165-pound frame with room to fill out as he matures. The right-handed hitter begins with an open stance utilizing a leg-kick to initiate his swing into the hitting zone through a slightly uphill path. Displayed a repeatable swing with present barrel whip generating an 80 mph bat-exit velocity off the tee. Recorded a 7.88 60-yard dash. The primary backstop showed adequate receiving skills with minimal sway at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 2.08-2.24 on accurate throws of 73 mph from the crouch. Quick transfers allowed for repeatable throws on the bag out of a short, high ¾ arm-slot. |
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Ian Daugherty C / RHP / Kingfisher, OK / 2021Oklahoma State commit. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound backstop features an advanced physical frame with athleticism and noticeable strength. The right-handed hitter begins with an even stance utilizing a lift-and-replace stride to initiate a slightly uphill barrel path into the hitting zone. Generated backspin deep to both gaps off the tee and showcased advanced barrel whip with regularity. Made loud contact and found the barrel consistently evidenced by a 93 mph bat-exit velocity off the tee. Recorded a 7.28 60-yard dash. The backstop showed advanced receiving abilities with minimal body sway and a soft glove hand at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 1.81-1.91 on accurate throws of 80 mph from the crouch. Quick transfers and a powerful lower half allowed for repeatable throws on the bag out of a short, high ¾ arm-slot. |
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Jackson Hill C / 3B / Deer Creek, OK / 2021Displayed a solid 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame with physicality and above average feel for his body. The right-handed hitter begins with an open stance utilizing a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Showed a strong lower half that generated barrel whip through a slightly uphill path into the hitting zone. Featured good hands that found consistent barrels while hitting into a stiff front side yielding an 85 mph bat-exit velocity. Ran a 7.75 60-yard dash. The primary backstop flashed advanced receiving skills with soft hands at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 2.02-2.18 on accurate throws of 78 mph from the crouch out of a short, high ¾ arm-slot. Quick transfers and solid straight line footwork set up consistent throws on the bag. The third baseman showcased advanced footwork arriving on time and playing through the ball with quick transfers and legit feel for his hands. Made the play on the run look easy going between the legs on the transfer and finished with an accurate throw across his body. Generated accurate 85 mph arm-strength out of a long and fluid, high ¾ arm-slot. |
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Ryan Hayes C / RHP / Choctaw , OK / 2021Showcased a long and lean 6-foot-3, 145-pound frame with athleticism and room to add strength as he matures. The switch-hitter mirrors from both sides of the plate beginning with a tall, open stance and utilizing a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. The barrel whips through a flat path allowing for a middle of the field, line drive approach off the tee. Showed good feel for the barrel evidenced by an 81 mph bat-exit velocity. Ran a 7.38 60-yard dash. The backstop featured adequate receiving skills with some body sway at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 2.24-2.33 on accurate throws of 64 mph from the crouch out of a fluid, high ¾ arm-slot. Demonstrated transfers that have room to quicken up and solid straight line footwork that repeated well. Featured solid blocking technique with quick actions to both sides of the plate flashing soft walls and downward chest angles. The middle infielder displayed long actions arriving to the ball on time with a low center of gravity. Notched accurate throws of 68 mph across the diamond. |
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Drake Jones C / OF / Cache, OK / 2023Demonstrated a physically advanced 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame. The right-handed hitter begins with a loose, even stance utilizing a knee-knock stride to initiate his swing. The barrel enters the hitting zone through a slightly uphill barrel path while hitting into a stiff front side with late give. Showcased some barrel whip evidenced by an 81 mph bat-exit velocity off the tee. Ran a 7.45 60-yard dash. The primary backstop featured adequate receiving skills with some stiffness at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 2.25-2.40 on accurate throws of 73 mph from the crouch. Displayed average blocking ability with soft walls to both sides of the plate. The outfielder showed fluid, athletic actions arriving to the ball on time allowing for a quick and fluid, high ¾ arm-slot to whip towards the target generating an 82 mph arm-strength from his position. |
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Hunter Jones C / RHP / Norman North, OK / 2021Displayed a physical and proportional 6-foot, 195-pound frame with athleticism and comfortability in his actions. The left-handed hitter begins with a wide, even stance utilizing a lift-and-replace stride to initiate a flat barrel path into the hitting zone. Showcased a repeatable stroke with a strong top hand at contact point. Hips pull up slightly early while hitting into a front side with late give. Generated an 84 mph bat-exit velocity with a pull-side approach off the tee. Ran a 7.58 60-yard dash. The primary backstop showed adequate receiving skills with minimal body sway and a soft glove hand at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 1.99-2.07 on accurate throws of 74 mph from the crouch out of a high ¾ arm-slot. Created soft walls on blocks to both sides with downward chest angles. |
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Jacob Knox C / 1B / Edmond North, OK / 2023Showcased a solid 6-foot, 178-pound frame with physicality and athleticism in his actions. The switch hitter mirrors from both sides with a bent, open setup utilizing a controlled lift-and-replace stride with quick hip rotation to initiate his swing. Displayed quick hands through a slightly uphill path with lower half sink off the tee. Showed a gap to gap approach with ability to pepper both from either side of the plate. Registered a 75 mph bat-exit velocity and ran a 7.25 60-yard dash. Demonstrated adequate receiving skills with a soft glove hand at catch point. Pop times ranged from 2.09-2.15 on accurate throws of 68 mph from the crouch out of a short, high ¾ arm-slot. Featured advanced blocking technique with ability to range deep to both sides of the plate and create soft walls with downward chest angles. The outfielder notched accurate throws of 80 from his position out of a fluid, high ¾ arm-slot with solid leg drive. |
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Preston Petty C / 3B / Union, OK / 2022Demonstrated a physical 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame with present strength in his actions and room to fill out as he matures. The right-handed hitter begins with a wide, even setup using a quick lift-and-replace stride to initiate a flat barrel path into the hitting zone. Displayed a short bat path to the ball creating solid hand speed through contact point. Registered an 85 mph bat-exit velocity off the tee and ran a 7.58 60-yard dash. The primary backstop showed adequate receiving skills with a soft glove hand upon catch point. Pop times ranged from 2.06-2.13 on accurate throws of 73 mph from the crouch out of a fluid, high ¾ arm-slot. Featured adequate blocking skills with soft walls on both sides and recovery ability. |
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Hal Smith C / RHP / Metro Christian Academy, OK / 2020Displayed a compact 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame with some strength in his actions. The right-handed hitter begins with a wide, balanced stance utilizing a knee-knock stride to initiate his swing. Hands worked well through the ball, getting to extension consistently. Generated a solid 81 mph bat-exit velocity off the tee with a gap to gap approach. The primary backstop showed a low setup with average receiving skills with some glove movement at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 2.16-2.28 on accurate throws of 72 mph from the crouch out of a high ¾ arm-slot. Demonstrated adequate blocking technique with a low center of gravity and ability to create soft walls on both sides of the plate. |
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Silas Ward C / SS / Crossings Christian School, OK / 2023Showcased a stocky 5-foot-8, 155-pound frame with strength in his actions and room to fill out as he matures. The right-handed hitter begins with a bent, even stance utilizing a lift-and-replace stride and a quick load sequence to initiate an athletic barrel through a slightly uphill path in the zone. Created advanced hand-speed through contact point yielding lift to the pull-side gap off the tee. Registered a 79 mph bat-exit velocity and ran a 7.40 60-yard dash. The primary backstop showed solid receiving skills with minimal sway at the catch point and a soft glove hand. Pop times ranged from 2.07-2.16 on accurate throws of 72 mph from the crouch out of a short, high ¾ arm-slot. Demonstrated athleticism while blocking, displaying soft walls on both sides of the plate with recovery ability. Quick straight line footwork from the crouch and comfortability on transfers allowed for repeatable, accurate throws on the bag. The middle infielder featured adequate footwork arriving to the ball on time with regularity. A low center of gravity and quick hands yielded accurate 71 mph arm-strength across the diamond. |
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Brock West C / SS / Choctaw , OK / 2023Demonstrated a solid and advanced 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame with fluidity and strength in his actions. The right-handed hitter begins with a bent, even stance utilizing a lift-and-replace stride to initiate an athletic swing through a slightly uphill path in the zone. Generated repeatable lift to the deep pull-side gap with present barrel whip. Showcased advanced barrel control, consistently hitting the ball hard to all fields off the tee. Registered an upper 80’s mph bat-exit velocity and ran a 7.50 60-yard dash. The backstop featured advanced receiving skills with a firm, but soft glove hand at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 1.98-2.16 on accurate throws of 77 mph from the crouch utilizing a fluid, high ¾ arm-slot and quick straight-line footwork. Displayed feel for above average blocking technique, beating the ball to the spot while creating soft walls and downward chest angles on both sides of the plate. |
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Jase White C / 3B / Edmond Santa Fe, OK / 2022Showcased a lean 5-foot-9, 148-pound frame with twitchy actions and room to add strength as he matures. The right-handed hitter begins with a balanced, open stance utilizing a lift-and-replace stride to initiate an athletic swing through a slightly uphill path. Displayed fluidity in his hips allowing for the barrel to stay in the zone for an advanced amount of time. Demonstrated some lift to the pull-side while registering an 83 mph bat-exit velocity. Ran a 7.51 60-yard dash. The primary backstop showed adequate receiving skills with a soft glove hand at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 2.12-2.21 on accurate throws of 71 mph from the crouch utilizing quick straight line footwork and average transfers. Featured comfortability while blocking, repeatedly beating the ball to the spot and creating soft walls with downward chest angles. The third baseman flashed adequate footwork playing low through the ball and arriving on time with regularity. Soft hands in front allowed for momentum towards the target yielding accurate 76 mph arm-strength out of a fluid, high ¾ arm-slot. |
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Carson Williams C / 3B / Ponca City, OK / 2022Demonstrated feel for a stocky, physical 5-foot-9, 175-pound frame with strength in his actions. The right-handed hitter begins with a balanced, even stance utilizing a heel-raise to initiate a slightly uphill barrel path into the hitting zone. Generated sink into a strong lower half allowing for solid hip rotation through the baseball. Hit into a stiff front side with late give creating an 82 mph bat-exit velocity off the tee and ran a 7.65 60-yard dash. The backstop showed adequate receiving skills with minimal body sway at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 1.96-2.12 on accurate throws of 71 mph from the crouch utilizing quick straight line footwork coupled with a long, high ¾ arm-stroke. Showcased comfortability while blocking on both sides of the plate with a low center of gravity and soft, downward chest angles. |
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Jackson Young C / 3B / Stillwater, OK / 2021Showcased a physical 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame with advanced strength in his actions. The switch-hitter mirrors from both sides, beginning with a balanced, open stance utilizing a lift-and-replace stride to initiate a slightly uphill barrel path through the hitting zone. Generated a whippy barrel with advanced hand speed through contact point yielding lift to the middle of the field. Registered an 87 mph bat-exit velocity off the tee and ran a 7.46 60-yard dash. The backstop demonstrated adequate receiving skills with minimal body sway at the catch point. Pop times ranged from 1.97-2.01 on accurate throws of 76 mph from the crouch utilizing a strong lower half and quick straight-line footwork coupled with a fluid, high ¾ arm-slot. Displayed adequate blocking skills beating the ball to the spot and creating downward chest angles on both sides of the plate. |
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DRAIKE SPARKS
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