THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 10/8/2021

Scorpions/GST trip but don't fall

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Jordan Taylor (Perfect Game)

JUPITER, Fla. – Early morning was rapidly brightening into late morning on Friday at the Roger Dean Complex and the games in the day’s first time slot were wrapping up with the final scores being recorded into the history books of the preeminent Perfect Game WWBA World Championship.

Day 2 at the most heavily scouted amateur baseball tournament in the world was just getting started and only two hours in, teams and their players were already experiencing equal doses of delight and disappointment. Baseball has a knack for bringing reality home to roost on both the positive and negative sides of the aisle.



Let’s be clear before going any further. A loss during pool-play on the second day of a mega five-day event like Jupiter is not a deal-breaker, not with the 25 pool champions and seven wild card entrants that will advance to the 32-team playoffs yet to be determined. The outcomes of the last 50 pool-play games scheduled for Saturday will ultimately determine how that 32-team bracket will look.

The players and coaches from the highly regarded Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based Scorpions/Giants Scout Team fully understood how all of the numbers will be tabulated. They also went to bed Friday night knowing that the 1-1-0 record they possessed after a loss to the 5 Star National Midwest (2-0-0) Friday left them in a less than enviable position.

The Scorpions/GST face the US Elite 2022 National (0-2-0) to complete pool-play at mid-morning Saturday knowing it’s a must-win if they hope to keep any shot at a playoff berth alive. Even with a victory, they’re going to need the Dirtbags Scout Team (1-1-0) to knockoff 5 Star and then have tie-breaker criteria work their way. It’s the nature of the beast and it’s now up to the Scorpions, one of the nation’s proudest programs, to conquer that beast.

This unwelcome scenario materialized after the Scorpions were beaten by the 5 Star National Midwest 4-1 Friday morning, a game in which the Scorps managed just two hits but were also walked 10 times, providing for plenty of baserunners.

“We just need to regroup,” Scorpions/GST third baseman and PG All-American Jayden Hylton said postgame. “We’ve got to start putting good at-bats together and stop wasting them – put bats on balls and get baserunners on. We had a lot of opportunities today but we couldn’t cash in. We had small hits here and there but we didn’t have them when they were going to count.”

Hylton, a Stetson commit ranked No. 47 overall in the class of 2022, isn’t the only PG All-American on the Scorpions roster. He’s joined in the dugout by Jackson Holliday, an Oklahoma State commit who came into Jupiter ranked No. 36 overall in the 2022 class; Holliday was in total agreement with his fellow  PGAA.

“We have to have a winning mindset,” he said of Saturday’s approach. “We need to come out and score a lot runs and not allow many runs and just win. … We had a lot of opportunities to score and put the game away but we didn’t capitalize. I feel like we can for sure do this. I feel like we’ll come out motivated and ready to win.”

Things started well enough for the Scorpions/Giants Scout Team here on Florida’s central Atlantic Coast when they opened play Thursday with a resounding 8-2 win over the Dirtbags Scout Team out of North Carolina.

2022 catcher Brody Donay (No. 221-ranked, Virginia Tech commit) was a triple short of the cycle with a single, double and a home run, and finished with two RBI and three runs scored; 2022 outfielder Jordan Taylor (No. 64, Florida State) delivered a pair of singles and a double and drove in three runs; 2022 Joshua Hogue tripled and drove in a run and ’22 Cameron Smith singled with an RBI. 2022 right-hander Ryan Fry (No. 408, Miami), allowed one run on one hit and struck-out six without a walk in picking up the win.

That offense all but disappeared Friday, although the 5 Star National Midwest pitchers weren’t throwing much of anything over the plate as 10 walks will attest. 2022 outfielder Nico Banez (t-500, Dartmouth) singled in the top of the third and Smith added a single in the fifth for the Scorpions only two hits; they scored their only run on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Hogue in the fourth.

Manager/GM Johnny Goodrich, a longtime fixture on the Florida high school baseball scene, stressed that the majority of the players come to the Scorpions as opposed to the Scorpions seeking-out the players. He believes they like what the organization stands for and how it goes about its business, but mostly they like how much pride the coaches and directors take in the development of their players.

Although every one of these players are extremely talented young prospects, Goodrich has the ability to look at them and know that no one at this level is a finished product. So the people within the program just try to clean things up a little around the edges and make sure the players are as close to ready for competition as possible.

“We try to leave no stone unturned, obviously, and on the other side of it we really go after kids that fit the character mode,” Goodrich said. “We may not win every game but it’s a joy to be around the players we get to be around because they’re quality human beings and great baseball players.”

So here is this extremely talented roster that boasts, with only a handful of exceptions, players from the classes of 2022 and 2023 who are ranked as top-500 prospects or better.

They are overwhelmingly from Florida but elite players like Oklahoma ’22 shortstop Holliday and Mississippi ’23 shortstop/right-hander Hudson Calhoun (No. 313, Ole Miss) are welcomed additions.

Some of the other top Florida guys from the 2022 class in addition to Hylton, Taylor and the others previously mentioned include catcher Austin Fawley (No. 454, Kentucky) and top-500s in left-hander Justin Jackson (South Florida), first baseman Jack Bello, infielder Michael McAloose, outfielder Evan Griffis (Stetson), first baseman Simon Kohn and right-hander Evan Chrest (Jacksonville).

Don’t overlook the 2023s either, with outfielder Jake Kulikowski (No. 60, Miami) and right-hander Chance Fitzgerald (No. 114, Florida State).

“Everybody jells together so much it’s not like it’s really hard getting along with other people,” the talented Taylor said. “I like to accept people who are really nice and we become teammates pretty quick so it’s not hard to jell with each other.

“Our team is pretty fun. The energy is contagious and when we get going all of us are having fun. You try to have fun on the field and then everything else will kind of play out.”

Added the PGAA Hylton: “Being a part of this team is amazing. It’s a good group of kids who come out here and play their hearts out. It’s just great being around these kids every day.”

There is an unusual yet very intriguing dynamic associated with Jupiter, one in which every team in attendance professes its desire to win the championship while also trying to showcase their top players in front of more than 1,000 scouts from both the professional and collegiate ranks. The whole environment surrounding the event does tantalize the senses.

The PGAAs Holliday and Hylton are at the WWBA World Championship for a second straight year, although the 2020 rendition is a bit of an outlier because it was moved across the state to Fort Myers due to Covid restrictions in place in Palm Beach County. It’s an especially cool environment for Holliday, who has a bit of a recent past in this city.

“This is really neat,” Holliday said, adding that he knows his way around the neighborhood because his dad, former NL All-Star Matt Holliday, spent numerous spring trainings here when he played with the Cardinals, who train at the Roger Dean Complex.

“I lived in Jupiter for a long time so I came to this tournament and watched the older guys; now to be able to play in it is really neat. It really does bring out the competitiveness in you and the will to win. You want to be on top and it definitely gives you that.”

Taylor, on the other hand, is getting his first taste of the Jupiter experience. But with the Scorpions in their “must-win” mode Saturday, he’s trying to keep his blinders in place.

“This is definitely neat seeing all the scouts out here but you can’t really look at it too much or it’s going to get you off your game,” he said. “It’s about coming out here and playing as a team more than worrying about what’s out there. We’re playing a game and we’ve seen (some of) these teams throughout the summer so it’s definitely like a regular game for us.”

The message the Scorpions/Giants Scout Team staff conveys to the players coming into an event that carries the prominence and the respect of Jupiter never varies or never gets off track, and it resonates because of the insistence on a team-first approach.

They talk to the players about competing, always giving their best and supporting their teammates. They insist the focus should be playing for the people inside the fence and not outside the fence (i.e. scouts). The coaches have been around baseball for a really long time and feel like it’s their responsibility to reduce as much as possible some of the pressures their players are feeling.

“Every day you play you learn something new,” Taylor said. “You learn more about your game and maybe see something else that somebody does that you can implement into your game. Everyday you’re just trying to get better yourself. You just look at what you did and look at what somebody else did and add that to your game so you can better the next day.”

Or, as Goodrich put it: “If it’s about the team then I think things become a little bit easier; if it becomes about ‘me’ things become a little more difficult. The biggest challenge is that … you’re just trying to create the camaraderie that’s necessary to be a good team and understand how to be productive in certain situations; that’s never an easy thing. The win is never final and the loss is never fatal and there’s going to be other games after this one. Just keep going and keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

It’s all a part of the Jupiter experience, even when the lesson of dealing with losses is one that must be learned. This also likely brings to a close the overall Perfect Game tournament experience for the seniors on the Scorpions/Giants Scout Team roster, which is bittersweet in many respects.

“I think this is a special time for them,” Goodrich concluded. “This is the end of their travel ball career and everybody wants to go out on top and it’s not possible for everybody. So, it’s about just taking the moment and enjoy it because this is the last hurrah when it comes to travel baseball.”
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 1/27/2026

MLK East Scout Notes Recap
Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘28 OF Jakob Groeschel (OH) continues to impress with the bat on the circuit, picked up 2 2Bs in the first game today. Really athletic, went 4.4 on turn; easy to dream on all the traits. #MLKEast @PG_OhioValley pic.twitter.com/wOIwnGKnkg — Perfect Game Florida (@Florida_PG) January 17, 2026 2028 OF Jakob Groeschel (Springfield, Ohio) broke out at this event last year hitting a casual .909, and although he didn’t turn in quite the same performance, he hit a strong .462 with 4 extra-base hits, 5 walks, 5 bags and only struck out once. He’s a pretty dynamic athlete who can do a lot of things well, but the bat is the calling card as he just lives on the barrel and has no problem handling all kinds of pitching. It’s a simple swing, but he’s got fast hands and he can really impact the ball without being overly physical yet.  2030 RHP Michael Vazquez...
Read More
College | Rankings | 3/9/2026

College Top 25: March 9

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Collegiate Player Report Database While there will not be any new faces in this weeks Top 25, there is quite a bit of shakeup as the season, somehow, becomes even more unpredictable.  There were several teams in the poll that dropped weekend series and, in some cases, registered losing records in the last seven days.  There is sure to be more chaos this week as virtually every conference starts league play and the race for regular season titles begins.  The UCLA Bruins (13-2) remain No. 1 as their sizzling hot bats led the way to a perfect (4-0) week and they swept their first Big Ten series of the year.  As one of only two remaining undefeated teams in the nation, the Texas Longhorns (15-0) jump to No. 2 before they open SEC play this weekend in Austin.  No. 3 Georgia Tech and No. 4 Mississippi State both (14-2) hold their spots in the poll after both dropped a...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 3/7/2026

Debut: Contreras YouTube Feature

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME DEBUTS NEW YOUTUBE FEATURE FOLLOWING JOSEPH CONTRERAS ON HISTORIC DAY BEFORE WBC   Behind-the-scenes access captures the youngest player in the World Baseball Classic preparing for the global stage   Sanford, Florida (Friday, March 6, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the debut of a new original YouTube feature spotlighting right-handed pitcher Joseph Contreras, as PG cameras followed him throughout the day of his final high school start before departing to join Team Brazil in the World Baseball Classic.   The feature provides exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to one...
Read More
Softball | Softball Tournament | 3/4/2026

Perfect Game Softball March Madness

Ashley Mears
Article Image
2026 Perfect Game March Madness February 27-March 1st Ashley Mears What a weekend at the Fun City Dome in Burlington, Iowa! The energy was electric from first pitch to final out towering home runs, edge-of-your-seat battles, dramatic comebacks, and extra-inning thrillers with some unpredictable endings, it was a great weekend all around. The Top Performers list welcomed some exciting new names, while seasoned seniors continued to cement their legacies, delivering standout performances week after week. For some, this may have been their final appearance on a Perfect Game stage, and they made sure it was unforgettable. In the 18u division a tough Nebraska Gold 319 Berning team outlasted the Southeast Iowa All Stars in the championship. In 16u the Top Gun 2028- Strange completed their weekend by beating the Iowa Aries 16U CE Fire Black. 18U The weekend’s Most Valuable Player award...
Read More
High School | General | 3/5/2026

High School Notebook: March 5

Steve Fiorindo
Article Image
Full BP & pregame I/O from ‘26 SS Keon Johnson. Whippy hands and lifted to the middle of the field throughout the rounds, athletic mover on the dirt & enough arm strength to stick on the left side. #4 in @PG_Georgia & #50 on the @PG_Draft Board. #PGHS @FPDVikingSports https://t.co/vYvReQKTVh pic.twitter.com/BksHJtA09X — Cam McElwaney (@CamMcElwaneyPG) February 20, 2026 Keon Johnson, SS, First Presbyterian Day Johnson has long been near the top of the 2026 rankings and it all culminated in being a PG All-American last August. He heads into the spring as one of the names to know in the upcoming MLB Draft and is drawing crowds to his high school in Macon. It’s a well-built 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame with good actions up the middle. The defensive acumen has continued to improve over the last few years and now looks comfortable at shortstop and even projects there...
Read More
College | Rankings | 3/4/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: March 4

Nick Herfordt
Article Image
The 2026 college baseball season is starting to reveal its early storylines, and across the Division II and Division III landscape a few programs have already forced their way into the spotlight. From the blistering start by the Pittsburg State Gorillas baseball that rocketed them to the top of the rankings, to the steadily rising championship ambitions of the Taylor Trojans baseball, the national picture is beginning to take shape. In Division III, heavyweight programs like the Trinity Tigers baseball and the Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks baseball have already traded blows in one of the season’s first statement series, while emerging challengers such as the Keene State Owls baseball are looking to turn early momentum into a breakout year. With many teams still just getting their seasons underway, the rankings remain fluid, but the early results are already giving us clues...
Read More
Juco | Rankings | 3/4/2026

JUCO Top 25: March 4

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Another week down as we get into conference play in parts of the nation. This week is led by Chipola at No. 1 with an impressive 24-1 record. Walters State drops to No. 2 at 16-3 and Florida SouthWestern State College (17-5) follows closely behind. Powerhouse programs  McLennan Community College (11-2) and Johnson County Community College (18-2) round out the top five, while one-loss teams Fresno City, Ohlone, and Cloud County are quickly climbing into the national conversation. With traditional Texas powers, West Coast contenders, and deep Florida Juco rosters all in the mix, the race for Grand Junction is already taking shape.   Rk. Team Record 1 Chipola (FL) 24-1 2 Walters State (TN) 16-3 3 Florida Southwestern (FL) 17-5 4 McLennan (TX) 11-2 5 Johnson County (KS) 18-2 6 Gaston (NC) 20-2 7 Blinn (TX) 12-6 8 Florence-Darlington (SC) 18-5 9 Northwest Florida (FL) 16-8 10...
Read More
High School | Rankings | 3/3/2026

High School Top 50 Update: March 3

Tyler Russo
Article Image
As we get rolling deeper into the spring here in the southern states, other states are only a few weeks away from their seasons beginning and some are even starting the day this will be posted. We’ve concluded the first major event on the high school schedule, the PG High School Showdown, and it was an epic weekend in Hoover. The event was littered with talent and these rankings reflect just that. St. John Bosco (CA) holds onto the first spot in this update and are being pushed by an IMG Academy (FL) team that’s 8-0 after winning the High School Showdown as well as beating two preseason top-10 teams in the first few weeks of the season. Orange Lutheran (CA) holds onto the No. 3 spot after a 1-0 start to the year and just a few weeks away from NHSI. A trio of Florida schools follow Olu in South Walton (FL), fresh off a win at the HS Showdown, Venice (FL), a surging team...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 3/3/2026

PG & RaceTrac Expand Partnership

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME AND RACETRAC ANNOUNCE EXPANDED PARTNERSHIP   Sanford, Florida (Tuesday, March 3, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced an expanded partnership with RaceTrac, naming the convenience store brand the Official Convenience Store of Perfect Game in Georgia and Florida. The enhanced relationship significantly broadens RaceTrac’s presence across Perfect Game’s premier tournament venues and digital platforms, deepening its engagement with players, families, coaches and fans throughout two of the most active youth baseball markets in the country.   As part of the expanded agreement, RaceTrac will launch a robust...
Read More
College | Story | 3/3/2026

College Players of the Week: March 3

Craig Cozart
Article Image
March 3 Perfect Game/Player of the Week:  Cider Canon, OF, Duke  The Duke Blue Devils (11-3) went through massive changes in the offseason, with a new coaching staff and heavy roster turnover like is often seen in the college game today.  That hasn’t held them back as they have kind of flown under the radar on their way to a tie for the most wins in the nation.  They won 4 out 5 games last week and Cider Canon was the driving force behind their offensive onslaught.  The 5-11/180 outfielder from San Marino, CA put together an incredible week collecting 9 hits in 14 at-bats, good for a .643 BA, scoring 7 runs, with 3 walks, 4 home runs and driving in a total of 10 runs.  After a successful couple years at Davidson College, Cider made the trip north to Durham and has fit right into the Blue Devil’s high-octane offense.  For the season, he is...
Read More
High School | General | 3/2/2026

HS Showdown Scout Notes: Days 2-3

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
High School Showdown Event Page | High School Showdown Preview High School Showdown Scout Notes: Day 1 An extended look at ‘26 3B/RHP Coleman Borthwick (FL)… 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 8 K, 0 BB #PGShowdown @SWseahawks @Florida_PG @PG_Draft https://t.co/IHJFWFbn4T pic.twitter.com/I2izGcEdyA — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) February 28, 2026 Coleman Borthwick (2026, Freeport, Fla.) was excellent over the weekend, securing MVP honors and delivering one of the best starts of the event on the mound. At 6-foot-6, 255-pounds, Borthwick is an ultra-physical prospect and one of the top two-way prospects in the draft. The Auburn signee drew the biggest crowd of MLB scouts in attendance as there were around 50 or 60 so lined up behind home plate on Friday morning. Borthwick was nothing short of dominant, striking out eight hitters and...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.