The Mississippi Preseason All-State Showcase was held this past Saturday, January 22nd at Mississippi College in Clinton. This event consisted of some of the top players ranging from the classes of 2022-2025. These players went through an extended pro-style workout and took batting practice using Trackman. Pitchers were able to throw in simulated bullpens and were able to get numbers and metrics off of our Trackman unit, such as pitch velocity, spin rate, horizontal & vertical movement & much more. There were some players who showed up and continued to build off of prior performances, but there were also some new names who jumped onto our radar with a strong showing on Sunday.

Kicking off our post-event coverage for this event, we take a look back at some of the top performers and standouts from the event. Continuing over the course of the next week or so, we will release Statistical Leaderboards for the event then transition into releasing individual scouting reports for each player in attendance.

Mississippi State recruit Ross Highfill of Madison Central showed why he will be in Chicago next month for the Super 60. Despite chilly conditions the solid framed catcher displayed multiple tools that make him attractive to professional scouts as well. Highfill started the day with en event best 6.58 60, followed by multiple 1.90 - 1.94 pop times, and a very impressive batting practice round with exit velocities holding steady in the upper 90’s using wood.  

Southern Miss recruit Nick Monistere of Northwest Rankin is one of the more complete pitchers in the state. Armed with a fastball that reaches into the low 90s his command and usage of his excellent secondary stuff is what sets him apart. The lean athletically built Monistere works both sides of the plate well with action that will induce tons of ground balls.  

 

Aiden Moffett of Taylorsville looked really sharp in the bullpen this weekend. The big, sturdy LSU recruit worked his fastball up to 93 mph with nice run while showing really good tight action with a breaking ball that will give hitters fits.  

Another Mississippi State recruit that put on a show was Aiden Fancher of Winston Academy. Fancher, using wood, showed tons of pull side power with multiple exit velocities in the upper 90’s. The very athletic and energetic outfielder also registered an 88 mph arm from right field during defensive evaluations.  

 

Uncommitted 2022 Owen Abney of Jackson Prep was solid again. Each time we see Abney he looks more polished. The 3B showed his sure handedness during his defensive round, sprayed line drives during batting practice with exit velocities regularly in the low 90 mph range.  

Seth Farni (2023) of St. Stanislaus made quite the impression this weekend. Farni, using his strong lower half, was next level from both sides of the plate using a controlled, well balanced yet explosive approach. The Ole Miss recruit recorded multiple high 90 exit velocities from both sides of the plate. His arm and legs were also on display with throws up to 93 mph from the outfield and a 6.76 60 on a very chilly day. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on for the 2023 Super 60!  

Another Ole Miss recruit stood out this weekend. Cooper Pratt (2023) of Magnolia Heights was a large presence at this past weekend’s event. The 6-4 shortstop moved very well during defensive evaluations showing advanced footwork and a very strong consistent arm up to 90 mph across the diamond. At the plate, Pratt used a good extension and leverage attacking balls out front with plenty of pull side power potential.  


Uncommitted Grenada outfielder Amari Conley has lots of untapped potential. The 6-4, 215lb uber athletic Conley squared up several baseballs to his pull side showing power that hasn't quite developed. As he learns to stay on pitches longer his low 90’s exit velocities should rise. Also registered a 6.8 60 on a very chilly day.  


Uncommitted Duncan Mathews continues to show his worth each time we see him. The 2023 from Jackson Prep and Future Game alumni not only gets it done on the field but has excellent leadership qualities. Mathews was stellar behind the plate as usual while putting together a good batting practice round with multiple line drives.   


Auburn commit Hank Eaton of Kossuth is one of the states top dual prospects. the 2024 features a mid to upper 80’s fastball, tight swing and miss slider and changeup that mimics his FB well. The solid defender also brings run producing ability with him to the plate. Using a swing with tons of aggression and full plate coverage, Eaton knows how to find the gaps.  


Jack Ketchum of Heritage Academy turned some heads this weekend with sharp and late action to his slider. The 2024 reached 84 mph (up to 2600 spin) with his fastball, but the slider was one of the best at the event. Look forward to seeing him work in game action!  


Former Junior Future Games participant Mason Gillentine should begin to gain plenty of attention this year. The 2024 catcher from Mooreville stood out behind the plate with pop times of 1.97 - 2.02 and very strong arm, accurate arm. Gillentine also rattled off lots of line drives during his BP round with a well balanced line drive approach.  


John Abt (2025) of Brandon should provide some dual production over the next few years. Abt used a longer stride and plenty of leverage to hit several balls well (87 EV) during his batting practice round. The righty shows plenty of upside on the mound with feel for 3 pitches and more velocity on the way.  


Pearls John Mark Grissom is developing into a serious middle infield prospect. The 2025 works with next level hands and great footwork. Grissom also uses a very level bat path at the plate resulting in line drives and the ability to hit to all fields.  


Cole Gideon (2025) of Jackson Prep is yet another up and coming dual prospect. Gideon, a former Junior Future Games participant was up to 89 mph with his exit velocity this weekend finding the gaps often. On the mound the lefty showed good feel for a 3 pitch mix and a body that says added velocity should be on the way.