DFW Top Prospect Games: Quick Hits

June 16, 2017

By Toby Bicknell
Texas Scouting Director

PLANO, TX - On Wednesday, June 14, some of the top rising seniors in the 2018 class attended the DFW Top Prospect Games. The talent level was outstanding, but here are some quick hits about several players that stood out.

+ Steve Hayward, RHP, Marcus HS, 2018
6-foot-5, 175-pound, wiry projectable frame. The right-hander works from an over the top slot with a short arm stroke and some effort in the delivery. His fastball was heavy action at 86-88 mph, topping out out at 88 and 89 during his two innings of work. He located his fastball to both his arm and glove side at the bottom of the zone. Although his secondary stuff was not as sharp, Hayward’s fastball jumps out of his hand and gets on top of hitters quickly.

+ Josh Killeen, C/SS, Reagan HS, 2018
5-foot-10, 175-pound, athletic, muscular frame. Killeen had one of the best all-around performances of the day. He ran a 7.16-second 60, had an exit velocity of 88 mph, then threw 82 mph on the infield. Last but not least, he threw 79 mph from behind the plate with a consistent and accurate pop times of 1.93-2.03. During batting practice he showed off power from the right side, driving balls to the pull side gap. Killeen is a dynamic player whose stays behind the plate in college.

+ Cole Johnson, 3B, Southlake Carroll HS, 2018
6-foot, 185-pound, sturdy, high-waisted frame. Johnson continued to show why he is one of the top uncommitted hitters in Texas. The right-handed hitter has rhythm and strong hands, during batting practice he drove the ball from the middle to pull side with leverage and carry. During the game, johnson was 2-for-2 with a sharp single to left-field and a triple to dead center. Johnson has been impressive this spring with his defense at third. He has the ability to catch and throw on the run and has a good feel for the position.

+ Mason LaPlante, SS, Allen HS, 2018
5-foot-10, 155-pound, lean, fast-twitch frame. LaPlante started the day by running a 6.79-second 60-yard dash. At shortstop, he plays catch at an elite level, he has smooth actions, quick footwork, takes good angles and makes the play on the run look easy with accurate throws. LaPlante is a high academic student that has interest in academic schools, including military academies. For those schools looking for plus defender in the middle of the field, LaPlante is a player they will want to see sooner rather than later.

+ Nolen Hester, OF/LHP, Midland Christian HS, 2018
5-foot-10, 160-pound, lean, athletic frame. Hester was all over the field on Wednesday, he ran down a ball in the gap, made a diving play in right field, and collected two hits during the game. Hester is a live-bodied, left-left outfielder that threw 85 mph during the workout. In BP he showed smooth rhythm with strength at contact, barrel awareness and extension through contact. Hester plays faster than his 7.15 60-time suggests.

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