Another Successful Future Games Completed For Team Canada
August 8, 2022
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EMERSON, Ga. - A Prep Baseball Report event that first began in 2011 is now more than a decade old. But the fun and interest received is anything but old when it comes to the Future Games.
This year’s showcase drew raves from so many in attendance watching 32 teams with players from 41 states and five Canadian provinces participating in front of approximately 350 college coaches.
“I'm not positive of the exact number of college coaches, but what stood out to me was how many schools traveled with the maximum number (3) of coaches in attendance,” related Shooter Hunt, vice president of scouting for PBR. “It is usually rare to see major head coaches out on the road, but the Future Games saw a plethora of BIG named head coaches walking around.”
What all coaches at LakePoint witnessed was impressive - to say the least - during the four-day event.
“I think the overall median level of talent was ultra impressive,” Hunt said. “There was so much to watch on each team throughout the entire roster that I felt like I was missing more than I was seeing. It's what makes the Future Games so special: there is something for every coach to watch for on each team. The staffs that brought multiple coaches were rewarded best because they were likely able to see the most.”
One major change made this year was with the schedules, each team playing different opponents from previous years at the Future Games.
“I LOVED the new schedule, and I think that it helped rejuvenate the kids and staff after a long summer of playing against the same regional talent,” pointed out Hunt. “It was especially evident when the Ohio boys took on Florida. Ohio played like it had something to prove, and with a plethora of SEC and ACC coaches watching, I thought that they made the most of that big stage.”
Canada lost close games with Mississippi and Alabama while tying Arizona in an eight-inning game.
“I liked the change of scenery for our players,” related George Halim, PBR Canada Director of Scouting. “We get to play northeast players in the majority of tournaments we attend, so to play guys from Arizona, Alabama and so on, it was an eye-opener for some of our guys. It sets a different bar for them.
“But if I had a fourth game, I would’ve played against a neighboring state. Schools watched our guys play in a perfect showcase format for three games this year. Last year Cam Macleod hit a clutch single up the middle at 11:15 p.m. in a game that felt like it meant something, and that was a unique environment for schools to watch him perform. I believe that’s because it was against Ohio, and we have history that goes back years. How can we not want to beat them?”
As for how Team Canada showed at the event, Halim was more than pleased.
“What stood out immediately was the workout day,” Halim noted. “Of all the years I’ve been to the Future Games, that was easily the most efficiently-run Day 1 that I’ve been to and the players loved it (kudos to Stevie Ballgame). Our advantage is that we can create an arena where the players can play up in a relaxed environment, in spite of hundreds of coaches in attendance. It definitely set the tone for the week.”
Team Canada had a lot of strong performances during the three games.
“I thought the Canadians cemented that they can compete with anyone down here,” Halim said. “Brendan Lawson was one of the best players in Georgia, and he did it quietly. He forced attention on himself by taking good swings and playing confident defense, and he’s been doing that all summer.
“Jorge Valdes didn’t turn right at first very much and swiped 5+ bags. He hits from the left side and has a chance to stick in center field.
“Esteban Dessureault isn’t flashy, but as a physical 2025, he hits from the left side.
“Evan Arnold put together competitive ABs coming off an injury a few months back. It’s a twitchy swing from the left side and he can defend at second base with the best of them (just needs size).
“Declan Spooner has a golfy swing at times but also possesses tremendous barrel feel and hits the ball hard. Pitchers like throwing to him, and while his transfer is a touch behind, he has arm strength and gets his throws on the bag regularly.”
There was more that stood out in the eyes of Halim.
“On the mound I felt as though our staff competes with the best states in the company. Matt Brown is a 6-5 righty with a natural feel for pitching and athleticism, he just needs reps. Makaio Cisneros grew a few inches in the last few months and was up to 91 for the first time. As a 2024 with stuff that moves, he manages to pound the zone and locate. He’ll have bad misses, but will induce bad swings, too.
“Will Hynes has a chance to be one of the best 2025 arms around beyond Canada. His fluidity, effortlessness and feel for spin can’t really be taught, and he’ll be fun to watch. Owen Slater looks right when he pitches. Now at 6-3, he’s another loose and lanky righty who throws at moderate effort. He’s got strikes and spin, down in the zone and a natural feel for being a pitcher. Jacob Wallace has a way to go, but his arm and his stuff works.”
Hunt saw a lot to like in the team from Canada.
“Team Canada was easily one of my favorite teams,” Hunt said. “I loved the physicality that their left-handed hitters brought to the plate. Adding to their intrigue as a squad, they rolled out multiple big arms with starter-upside, and there were college coaches from coast-to-coast following them closely.”
Canada also showed well in the Junior Future Games.
“This was the first year we sent two Junior Future Games teams, and it was the best decision we made,” Halim explained. “The ability to grow our brand at the younger age groups is huge for what we can provide to players in Canada. A shot to play in Georgia with players from across the country, against players from all over America, we couldn’t ask for more. Our teams were pretty good, too.”
Hunt feels strongly that those participating, no matter the level, are more than worthy of being part of such a prestigious event.
“Every player at the Future Games has been evaluated by the PBR staff, so their presence alone means that they have next-level talent,” explained Hunt. “Many players had strong, breakout weeks, but even the guys who didn't see in-game success are still likely very much on college coaches' radars. I think it is important for those kids who didn't think that they performed well to understand that it was only four days, and college coaches are evaluating much more than whether or not they produced in that short window.”
A PBR thank you to all that participated and a special thanks to the players on Team Canada that gave their thoughts about the event (including what schools have been in contact with them since the event):
To view all the stats/articles related to the 2022 Future Games - Team Canada, click here.
To view the entire 2022 Future Games stats, including the Trackman/Blast Analytics, please click here.
Another Successful Future Games Completed For Team Canada
The Arms
Matthew Brown RHP / SS / Waterdown District, ON / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended? |
Makaio Cisneros RHP / OF / All Saints Catholic secondary school, ON / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended? |
Brett Getz LHP / LHP / Vauxhall Academy of Baseball, AB / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended? |
Will Hynes RHP / SS / Lorne Park Secondary, ON / 2025Waiting to hear back from. |
Wes Johnsto RHP / 2B / Senator O'Conner College School, ON / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 10
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? |
Owen Slater RHP / Brooklin High School, ON / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended? |
Carson Tehan RHP / OF / Sandwich Secondary School, ON / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 12 / POS: 6
Waiting to hear back from. |
Jacob Wallace RHP / 1B / Chene Bleu Pincourt, QC / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended? |
Hudson White LHP / Holy Heart, NL / 2024Waiting to hear back from. |
The Catchers
Keegan Drinkle C / 1B / Maple Ridge Secondary, BC / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? |
Declan Spooner C / 1B / North Shore Academy, BC / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended? |
David Stanley OF / C / Greenwood College, ON / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 13 / POS: 3
Waiting to hear back from. |
The Infielders
Evan Arnold SS / 2B / Blessed Trinity, ON / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 8 / POS: 3
Waiting to hear back from. |
Oliver Clements SS / 3B / Vancouver College, BC / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended? |
Jesse Dale 3B / 1B / Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, ON / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 20 / POS: 1
Waiting to hear back from. |
Esteban Dessureault 3B / 1B / Academie Estacades, QC / 2025PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended? |
Owen Fernandes 3B / RHP / Maple Ridge Secondary, BC / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended? |
Brendan Lawson SS / 3B / Lawrence Park, ON / 2024Waiting to hear back from. |
The Outfielders
Asafa Jones OF / LHP / TNXL - Florida, ON / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 1 / POS: 1
Waiting to hear back from. |
Liam Lewis OF / SS / Bishop Macdonell, ON / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 9 / POS: 2
Waiting to hear back from. |
Ryan Stalony OF / Loyola Catholic School, ON / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 4
Waiting to hear back from. |
Jorge Valdes OF / Bishop Reding, ON / 2024Waiting to hear back from. |
2022 Team Canada - The Roster
To view all the stats/articles related to the 2022 Future Games, click here.