Mid-Atlantic State Games: Underclass Quick Hits Part II
November 10, 2022
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Last weekend, well over 150 players from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and DC descended on War Memorial Stadium in Hampton Roads, Virginia for the 2022 Mid-Atlantic State Games. Players took part in a showcase workout on Saturday and a game throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. Some of the Region's top committed prospects were also on the field on Saturday night for the 2022 Committed Game.
Now we take a look back at some standout moments from uncommitted underclass players that were in attendance.
Underclass Quick Hits: Part II
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Patrick Sido OF / 1B / West Springfield, VA / 20256-foot, 186-pound frame with some strength present, especially in the upper half. Square stance at the plate, small lift to stride, and hands are quiet and short to contact. The strength translates into at bats. Sido has some hand and wrist strength that will allow him to mishit balls for singles/doubles. Had a nice line drive single in game where he was slightly out front, but still strong enough to muscle it for a hard single.
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Aydan Smith SS / RHP / Monacan , VA / 2025Smith has a thin athletic frame, standing 5-foot-11, 140-pounds. Short clean arm action and a normal effort delivery. The biggest thing that I have seen with Smith, in the two to three times I have watched him, is that he pitches. He moves the fastball in and out and has an ability to spin it for strikes at a very high clip. The upper 70's fastball is not an overpowering pitch, but he can throw it to all quadrants for strikes and will use the low 70's curveball in any count, allowing hitters to stay off of the fastball. Add some strength to this right hander and watch the velo tick up.
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Connor Smith C / OF / Warwick, VA / 2025I thought Smith was one of the better catchers during the defensive workout on Saturday. The Warwick backstop tied for the second best velo of the day at 76 mph, but had the quickest and cleanest exchange, while displaying a really accurate arm. In late July, Smith showed off some of the offensive skillset in game at ODU. During the State Games he showed his defensive skillset during the workout and game. Like the way this 2025 backstop is trending.
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Kelson Sowden C / 3B / Smithfield, VA / 2025Sowden is another solid young player from the Smithfield program. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound athlete continues to grow and the frame is still taking shape. Versatile defender behind the plate and in the infield. Contact bat right now with some occasional doubles power. Sowden has a level path to contact, barrel stays above the hands, and seems more of a line drive type of bat to the middle and backside.
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Jackson Toole 3B / OF / Glen Allen, VA / 2025One of my favorite bats in the VA/DC 2025 class. Toole continues to grow on the offensive end and it showed up once again at the State Games. The corner infielder/outfielder has cut down on the leg lift and simplified the load. The swing is a touch quieter and just as explosive. Solid bat to ball skills with some extra pop to the pull side. Started for the regional champion and state runner up, Glen Allen Jaguars, as a freshman. In game on Sunday Toole's final at bat resulted in a loud triple to left center field. He worked to a 3-1 count and did not miss the fastball he got on the next pitch. Defensively, I think long term he moves to corner outfield, or possibly first base, but regardless, the bat will find a way into the lineup.
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Kaleb Williams SS / 3B / West Springfield , VA / 2025Lanky 6-foot-1 frame. Williams was impressive last spring when our NOVA coordinator, John Nolan, saw him and this weekend was no different. Average run tool that should continue to get better, above average arm strength for class, and a really solid hit tool that plays in game. Small lift to stride, lands on line and on time, and good bat to ball skills. Had a loud barrel in game that resulted in a triple to deep left field. Really like this 2025 NOVA shortstop and it will be interesting to see how he continues to trend this spring.
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Mark Windle SS / RHP / Boys Latin, MD / 20256-foot, 175-pound frame with proportional strength. Windle keeps the hands loose and in rhythm before getting them back tight to the shoulder before any forward move. The hands stay inside and tight on the turn. Had a hit in game on Sunday where he snuck it right past the bag and legged it out for a double.
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Dylan Wood RHP / C / Greenbrier Christian Academy , VA / 2025One of the better performances on the mound this weekend came from 2025 right-hander, Dylan Wood. The physical right hander was up to 84 and featured four pitches, but the fastball/slider combo were the standouts. Shoulders uphill, longer arm swing, and works from a three-quarter arm slot. Normal effort on the delivery and builds arm speed through release. The slider was mid 70's and got up as high as 77 and hitters had a hard time settling in on this pitch. Two-way now and arm long term. Junior Future Games alum.
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Brady Yates OF / 3B / Independence, VA / 20255-foot-10, 170-pound athletic frame with lean strength. It is a pretty simple setup and swing. Hands are short to contact, matches plane well, and has a little extra pop to the pull side. A slightly above average runner with average arm strength in the outfield and upside on the offensive side. I like the combination of strength and athleticism that Yates brings to the table. Should be yet another solid young piece for what has become a perennial power, in the Independence Tigers.
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Zachary Zelazny SS / 3B / Patrick henry, VA / 2025Zelazny has a lean 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame with strength visible throughout the frame. This kid has not missed many weight room sessions, as he has filled out well over the past year. Athletic actions and just has a different feel to his game and the way he carries himself. Slightly above average arm strength across the infield, slightly above average runner (was a 6.97 last February), and some strength in the swing at the plate. As the offense continues to develop, this Richmond area middle infielder will continue to trend up because there is a lot to like with the physical makeup and tools.
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