Pool A
Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024
With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on the defensive end, and it will be interesting to see what they can put together on the mound. If they get some length from their starting pitchers, this club could be playing for another Jupiter crown.
Dark Horse: Cangelosi Sparks
If you appreciate the classic, blue-collar fundamentally sound and hard-nosed version of our game than you will love the Cangelosi Sparks. This club fills up the zone on the mound with workhorses, Brady Chambers, Max Kaplan, and Nathan Anderson leading the way with their swing and miss repertoire. Plus, with their stock of LHPs they can neutralize the lefthanded power hitters in their pool. However, if any team has a chance to slug with the Dirtbags the Sparks are the ones to answer the call. Louisville commit, Collin Mowry, is a monster in the middle of the lineup having hit a couple home runs in just six fall games to date. Cash Campbell, Enzo Infelise, Dayton Murphy, and Dominic Catalano can all slug and are all a part of the reason this team averages an impressive 8 runs per contest. Watch for this group to make a legitimate run and hang around deep into the event.
What to Look For: Offensive Firepower to Lead the Way
The high-end talent in this pool is heavily tilted towards the offensive side of things and with the way pitching depth is always challenged in Jupiter, the team that slugs the most will come out as the winner. The blend of power and speed that these clubs possess will create problems for opposing defenses and should make for exciting games across the board. Free passes and mishaps with the glove will turn into big innings and crooked numbers on the scoreboard. So, whoever cashes in the RBI situations at the highest level will set themselves up to advance.
Uncommitted Impact: Jon Young
The 6-1/190 infielder has had a productive fall thus far for the Dirtbags National 2024 club and is primed to have a breakout week in Jupiter. Young is a gifted athlete who brings tremendous value with his flexibility to play anywhere on the infield and has the quickness and lateral range to cover a lot of ground. He is an average runner at best, but he profiles as a run producer with the stick. His fall batting average is deceptive as he has been on the barrel a ton, walks more than he strikes out and has a knack for driving in runs. There is natural loft to his swing, enough strength in his hands to drive the ball through the gap and is a killer for his team in the bottom half of the batting order. Young is getting plenty of interest and with a solid week in Jupiter, I would imagine he lands at a quality college program soon.
-Craig Cozart
Pool B
Projected Pool Winner: Texas Twelve Red Sox
Texas Twelve is well-rounded in all facets with big time bats and deep arms. Braylon Payne was one of the hugest risers this summer with legitimate tools to garner draft buzz next year. Carson Luna is smooth up the middle and brings upside on the hill. Cooper Markle simply gets it done at the plate with his hitterish traits and bat-to-ball skills. Jacob Silva is dynamic behind the dish, and Ryler Smart is a physical lefty with three pitches from a fast arm. Karson Reeder is one of the top incoming sophomore arms in the country and can be used at any given situation. Texas Twelve can make a deep run if it all comes together.
Dark Horse: Home Plate Chili Dogs
Home Plate is no stranger to big time tournaments, and this year shouldn’t be any different. They bring in a good group of outfielders highlighted by Jaxon Walker and Bo Walker. Ariston Veasey is one of the top two-way talents in the class with an absolute rocket behind the dish. Wesley Alig offers some versatility on the dirt, as well. There’s a solid group of arms that can step up in key spots. The Chili Dogs are a feisty, gritty bunch of ballplayers and have all the traits you want to win in Jupiter.
What to Look for: Impact Lefty Bats
This pool is not short of high end left-handed bats. Brady Ebel is one of the best uncommitted talents in the class with real hit/power upside in a smooth left-handed swing. Michael Torres and Braylon Payne offer plenty of bat speed and budding pop from that side all while roaming center field. Heath Whitlock and Jaxon Walker are another enticing combo of left-handed sticks with legitimate power upside and bat-to-ball skills. The left-handed sticks should come to play in Jupiter, and can bring plenty of fireworks as a result.
Uncommitted Impact: James Rheaume
Rheaume is a big time two-way talent who stood out in multiple facets this summer. He’s a physical left-handed stick with a real handle for the barrel. The 6-foot-4. 200-pound frame bodes well for some future power projection, as well. He can spray the opposite field gap in looks, and there’s untapped upside on the mound. Runs it up to low-90s with heavy life and mimic his slider from the same window with late tunnel and sweep. Traits are present to be an asset at the next level and he’s a high academic along with it.
-Isaiah Burrows
Pool C
Projected Pool Winner: Power Baseball 2024 Marucci
Coming off winning that gauntlet that is the 17u WWBA National Championship, Power looks poised to pull off the rarely seen WWBA-Jupiter combination with the same group of guys. Three PG All-Americans are on the roster in 17u WWBA MVP Brodie Johnston along with two-way stars Talan Bell and Kaiden Lopez. This is a tight-knit group who should expected to be a title contender all week.
Dark Horse: Lonestar National 2024 – Sanders
Lonestar is another group that has been playing together for multiple years and their up-the-middle duo of Theo Gillen and Kayson Cunningham should be among the best of the tournament both offensively and defensively. Their offense looks like they’ll be able to score in bunches as Matthew Scott, Trey Craig, Sage Sanders, and AJ DePaolo should be able to provide length to the lineup. The pitching will need to step up and provide innings as this isn’t a huge roster but if they get hot they will be dangerous.
What to Watch For: Deep Committed Talent
This pool is pretty impressive from top to bottom as all four teams in the pool boast at least double digit college commitments. These lineups are full of players who will be playing college baseball in 2025 and that can make pitching depth even more of a scarce resource. The pool winner here will likely come down to who is able to get the biggest pitching performances out of their staffs.
Uncommitted Impact: Eliezer Rosario
Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield boasts a pretty impressive uncommitted arm in 2024 right-hander Eliezer Rosario out of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Rosario is a strongly build 6-foot-3, 226-pounds and is coming off a performance at the Northeast Qualifier where he struck out nine hitters over five innings of one-hit baseball. Rosario was up to 89 mph during the start as well, marking a jump in stuff from last year and should be a solid target from Northeast based college coaches.
-Vinnie Cervino
Pool D
Projected Pool Winner: Sticks Baseball Brewster/White Sox Scout Team
The White Sox Scout and head coach Chase Brewster have a sense for what it takes to make a deep run at a title in Jupiter and that’s a stable of quality arms with a few guys that are well seasoned in high leverage situations. A rotation of Russ Martin, Grant Wren, Minjae Seo, Mark Brissey, and Tyler Guerin on paper is a fierce-some 5-some, not to mention stand out right-hander Lance Davis. Hard to be more impressed with the new Hogs commit, Eli Crecelius and his exceptional execution in relief. The squad's positional talent should provide defensive excellence behind those big arms, headlined by rangy outfielder Griffin Enis and several versatile middle infielders guarding the dirt. Offensively, the lineup is far from a bunch of thumpers but filled with tough outs that will put the ball on the barrel.
Dark Horse: Canadian Premier
This certainly the definition of a true “dark horse” pick, a team packed with future division one talent that hasn’t received the level attention they rightfully deserve. Will Hynes and Matthew Brown will headline the pitching staff, both of which can run it up north of 90. The right-handed hitting infielder, Jordan Jacob will certainly be a name to watch at the plate as an uncommitted top 100 2025 player. Lots of professional attention will be on the top ranked Canadian in 2024 class and Perfect Game All-American, Brendan Lawson, who will surely have an influence in the outcomes for the squad. The team is balanced with more than enough talent to make some noise.
What to look for: Jupiter Experience to show
The White Sox Scout Team is loaded with arms that have been through the full cycle and have experience pitching on amateur baseball's biggest stage. Nowhere else in prep baseball are these 16- and 17-year-olds playing in front of this type of conglomerate of collegiate and professional scouts. So, having more than a few guys that have done it and can be healthily numb to the eyeballs can play a role in the success of the ball club. The staff of the White Sox Scout Team has been running out these stud underclassmen for years to prepare them for this year. Come in, get the job done, survive, advance, and attack success.
Uncommitted Impact: Jordan Jacob
The uncommitted Canadian infielder is tabbed as a Top 100 player in the 2025 class and has a limited sample size of Perfect Game at-bats in 2023. Expected him to firmly re-establish his name and ability in the minds of many both collegiate and professional decision makers. His quiet load with controlled violence through the zone produce big strength off the barrel that headlines the prospect profile. He is a more than capable defender with a strong arm that is usable from the position he best profiles long term, third base.
-Troy Sutherland
Pool E
Projected Pool Winner: Canes National 17U
Canes National brings a roster to Jupiter with a depth of high level talent. From power arms to pitchability arms and power bats to elite table setters, this roster on paper is very well rounded. Vaughn Neckar is one of the hardest throwers in the 2025 class, while fellow arms Sawyer Deering, RJ Cope, and Evan Amos are prospects that have really performed in 2023. This team has plenty ability to score runs with Everett Johnson hitting a the top of the order and power bats Bryden Bull and Brady Murrietta driving in runs. Look for a group of high level two-way talents led by Ty Thompson to round out the roster and help make enough impact to win the pool.
Dark Horse: Royals Scout Team 2024
This roster features not just a talented group but a group with some continuity as well. Many of whom have played together for several years now. A group of talented infielders stand out with power hitting Drew Dickerson and well rounded players Grant Hollister and Tytus Cissell. Two-way talents Connor Shouse and Jordan Martin will make an impact on the infield as well as on the mound. Hard throwing right handers Victor Christal and England Bryan will give them a chance on the mound. Continuity can make an impact in tournaments and this team will certainly have that.
What To Look For: A Midwest Influence
The Royals Scout Team will feature the majority of the prospects from the midwest in this pool. However, two other teams in this pool will have at least one player from the midwest on the roster. It’s an underrated region that has high level arms and bats every year. The prospects from the midwest in this pool will get a chance to prove that once again.
Uncommitted Impact: Jackson Glueck
A left-handed hitting middle of the order presence. Performed well at several events over the summer being named to two All-Tournament teams and showing plenty of raw power at the 2023 National Showcase. A simple swing with some natural loft and real strength to drive the baseball. This is a profile that could slot into the middle of a college lineup and drive in plenty of runs with home run pop from the left side.
- Blaine Peterson
Pool F
Projected Pool Winner: East Coast Ghost Scout
After months of seeing this squad dominate on a weekly basis up in the Northeast, the NJ based boys have their sights set on bigger hardware. Stacked up with eleven 90+ arms and a staggering 23 total commits, Ghost certainly have the depth to make a deep playoff run as well as the experience to win it all. Led by names like Taylor Tracey, Chase Harlan, and Jordan Serrano on the offensive end, the lineup is assuredly not going to give any breaks 1-9 and is going to be a headache for opposing pitchers trying to navigate through it. Harrison Lollin and Cory Sheridan are expected to lead the staff on the mound, not to mention the athletic two-way freaks like Charles Batista also on the roster. Opposing teams are going to want to steer clear of this matchup if possible.
Dark Horse: Chicago Scouts Association
If there’s a team to pull off an upset, Chicago Scouts Association may be in the best position to do it. JD Dix is slated to command the IF, a guy who we had at #116 on our recent 2024 MLB Draft Board back in December. Alongside Dix are two quality arms in the form of Ethan Bauerschmidt and Nolan Buss, both ranked in the top 450 of their respective classes. Expect this squad to bring the tough, blue-collar mentality of the Ohio Valley region and create chaos for other teams in multiple ways. This is a multi-talented group of guys that in no way should be underestimated coming into the tournament.
What To Look For: Uncommitted Arms
Though there’s already plenty of guys with schools attached to their names coming into the event, you can find plenty of hidden uncommitted gems up and down the rosters just waiting to be picked up. Just looking at East Coast Ghost Scout alone, William Vieira, Ryan Walsh, and Lucas White are all high quality arms not to mention studs from other teams like Will St. Onge from Florida Burn Scout. The best part about these tournaments is watching the unexpected happen, and this pool specifically could have serious diamonds in the rough on the mound.
Uncommitted Impact: JD Dix
This is an obvious one, as the former Roll Tide commit has recently reopened his recruitment with Draft buzz also surrounding his name. I don’t think this tournament will tell us anything we don’t already know, but will only reinforce the fact that the #1 overall player in WI for 2024 can straight up play, and dominate. Whether it be the ability to effortlessly impact the baseball from either box or make smooth plays from the left side of the IF, Dix is going to have his fingerprints all over the box score each time Chicago Scouts Association takes the field.
-AJ Denny
Pool G
Projected Pool Winner: Scorpions Scout Team
Scorpions Scout Team is once again loaded this year and is the clear-cut favorite to win Pool G. Ethan Holliday, the number one ranked player in the 2025 class, and Duke commit Lamar Edwards can change the game with one swing of the bat and on the defensive side of the ball with impressive glove work. UCF commit Stephen Chucka and Oklahoma State commit Ty Kennedy give the Scorpions a dynamic duo of table setters able to make consistent contact and reach base at a high clip for their two headed monster to drive them in. There is good balance amongst the pitching staff with left handers Noah Campbell, Patrick Jones, and Brandon Reiter and right handers Merrick Beamish, Arron Watson, and Gavin Stedman all capable of throwing meaningful innings. Look for Scorpions scout team to make a deep run towards the WWBA title.
Dark Horse: Marucci Elite Texas - Dunn
It’s sometimes hard to consider the number 2 seed in a pool with 12 commits a dark horse, but that is the case when you’ve assembled a team the Scorpions have. Marucci Elite is that said dark horse with a lineup full of Texas natives that can rake. The battery of Southern Miss commit Cade Adams and Texas Tech commit Dane Perry give Marucci a pair of solid defenders behind the plate and much needed depth at the catcher position always necessary in a long tournament. Braylon Mitchell, Devin Nunez, and Nicholas Partida can all handle the stick well on the dirt and can provide that extra thump needed to advance throughout the tournament. Texas commits Jordan Stribling and Matthew Millet are power arms who when their stuff is on can match up against any opposing line up in the country.
What to look for: Ethan Holliday
Ethan Holliday will surely command a ton of eyes when Jupiter begins and rightfully so. There will be high level decision makers and scouts from all over trying to gain insight on how he fairs against the best of the best. A solid performer at last year’s event, he is not new to the spotlight and seems to produce at every big tournament he goes to. I’m excited to see the progression and high level tools that place him at the head of the class. Will this WWBA cement him as a top 5 pick in the 2025 draft? Go and see for yourself!
Uncommitted Impact: Gavin Stedman
Stedman has seemingly dominated the past three years on the national circuit with a sub 2 ERA throughout. He can reach into the low 90’s but his command of his arsenal is a separator. The long right-hander spins two distinct breaking balls with high RPM and has no problem manipulating the shape and placing them where he wants to. He is a top 150 ranking and an impressive showing down in Jupiter shouldn’t keep him on the uncommitted scene for long.
-Jake Cosart
Pool H
Projected Pool Winner: MLB Breakthrough Series
The Breakthrough squad enters pool play as the early favorite in H and rightfully so given the offensive firepower they'll have at their disposal, basically 1-9 in the order. A quintet of PG All-Americans in Aiden Harris, Samuel Richardson, Kaiden Lopez, David Hogg II and Noah Sheffield lead the way while fellow senior Sir Jamison Jones and a three-headed underclass monster in Quentin Young, Rashad Hayes and Donavan Jeffrey will all prove they have the talent to compete with the older crowd on both sides. Each of the 9 names mentioned are capable of delivering a souvenir on any given swing and with a full 27 man roster, there's plenty of depth to be had. Left-handed Justyn Hart is a lefty already up to 90 mph and committed to Mizzou who'll be one of the arms counted upon, though of the 27 players rostered, 9 are listed as primary arms meaning Hart won't be solely relied upon.
Dark Horse: Team Indiana Bulls
Not every team in the tournament, nor many for that fact, can lay claim that their entire time hails from the same state, but the collection of talent within Indiana's boarders shines bright on this Team Indiana Bulls roster. With 10 players already committed to various powerhouse programs across the Midwest, from Louisville to Wabash Valley, this club is one that'll come together and plays a unit which is a crucial element in making a run at a tournament like Jupiter. They have their power arm at the front of their rotation in Nash Wagner, a 6-4 Alabama commit who has worked his heater into the low-90s and is one of 7 primary arms on the roster, meaning some players will be pulling two-way duty. JD Stein is a spark plug at the top of the lineup as well as in the dirt up the middle and though he's just a 2025, he'll make an impact on this club in a variety of ways. Add in the athleticism of Jayce Lee, Richard Cromartie (both Notre Dame commits) and the rest of the club, and they squad should make some noise in Pool H.
What To Look For:Aiden Harris
Ever since his days at the 13u level where he was making a AAA stadium look small during the 13u Select Festival, Harris has been regarded as one of the premier power bats in the 2024 class and his time on the national circuit this past summer did nothing to shake that notion. His titanic blast at the National made its rounds on social media, and rightfully so, given the sheer strength he's able to produce in his right-handed swing despite still being just 16 years old. The combination of strength, performance and age will keep Harris under a microscope from scout's perspective throughout his at-bats during Jupiter, though that's nothing new as he has continued to surge up the rankings in 2023.
Uncommitted Impact: Take Your Pick
Throughout each of the four rosters you'll find a variety of uncommitted players, from bats to arms who could very easily change the course of a game, or even the entirety of the pool. The biggest name here is of course Quentin Young, a power hitting outfielder from California who recently jumped back to the 2025 class and landed at No. 2 overall after a summer in which he hit baseballs extremely hard coast-to-coast, unlocking very real juice to all fields. Team Indiana Bulls have a 6-foot-3 right-hander in Aiden Schwartz who has already been up to 91 mph while 5 Star Performance possess some intriguing pieces in Tyler Simpson and Aiden Poirier and the Slammers have a potential impact bat in left-handed slugging first baseman Connor Larkin.
-Jheremy Brown
Pool I
Projected Pool Winner: Wow Factor National
The Wow Factor organization has surged to the top of the ranks in the travel ball industry over last couple of years, and this collection of talent they’ll bring to Jupiter speaks to the caliber of player they’ve attracted. They’ve got players from 16 different states rostered, and while they have some key pieces in the form of seniors, this group is made up of a chunk of very talented underclassmen. The group of Omar Serna (#13), Sebastian Norman (#20), RJ Holmes (#43), Eli Pitts (#49), Justice de Jong (#64), Jax Bishop (#86) and Miguel Sime Jr (#90), as well as younger Kevin Roberts Jr (#11 in 2026), gives them EIGHT guys in the Top 100 of the 2025s (1 in 2026), a staggering number. They’ve got real depth on the mound, which is key here, but the position guys they have are a pretty dynamically athletic and physical group that’ll stand out playing up.
Dark Horse: HP 2024 James
When you look at this roster on paper, it’s not going to blow you away from a ‘guys throwing 90+, committed to powerhouse programs or ranked significantly amongst this year’s class’ perspective, but this group is chalked full of guys that both have a track record of winning and are the type of guys that can certainly go in and win a pool at Jupiter. Their core of position players given them top-to-bottom balance both athletically and in terms of higher-end contact rates, while they’ve got just enough top-end arms and depth behind it to win 3 games early if they can get clicking right away; they showed well at the South Qualifier with the same group.
What to Look For: Evan Taylor vs Wow Factor?
Just about every team that comes to Jupiter has that one arm that certainly can knock off the top dog in the pool, and if we see Team Northeast go with Evan Taylor against the favorite of Wow Factor, we’ll get a good one. He’s missed a ton of bats on the circuit this year, while also throwing steady strikes, and his low-90s heater paired with two strong secondaries, is good enough stuff to churn through good innings against those big bats; now it’s just a matter of if we’ll get the chance to see that matchup and if Taylor brings the stuff we’ve seen all of 2023.
Uncommitted Impact: Arms
When looking at the four rosters here, there’s not a ton of position players left on the market amongst the 2024 & 2025 classes, but there are a ton of arms coming to Jupiter looking to find their place to play at the next level. It’s been a trend that higher-end/committed arms don’t always make the trip to this event, which leaves room for the next tier to step up and make a name for themselves. DS3 has a few uncommitted senior arms, like Christopher Petersen, who is 6’4/210 and was up to 87 this month; Team Northeast has a couple, with Eamon McDermott having been up to 88. HP has a handful in both classes, and while Wow Factor is mostly comprised of 2025s that are still uncommitted, they've got a good one still uncommitted in their senior group in right-hander Damian Brown; this is a solid pool for college coaches to go and check in on.
-Tyler Russo
Pool J
Projected Pool Winner: Cincinnati Reds Scout Team
The Reds Scout Team always brings a very talented, Midwestern-based club down to Jupiter following a few other stops in the early fall, and 2023 is no exception. A quality blend of talented bats and versatile arms comprise the Reds roster, along with a few choice underclassmen sprinkled in per usual. Righties Jack Detienne, Cody Freitas, Kellen Klosterman and Noah Wech comprise a formidable row of power righthanded arms, not to mention the two-way righties like Trevor Baumler and Jake Hanley, both of whom bring serious power to the plate as well. Joseph Broughton is the leading lefty arm on the club, an athletic Michigander whose developmental trajectory has been pointed skyward since high school season. Offensively, the aforementioned Hanley and Baumler bring serious thump, with outfielder Logan Dunn also providing serious offensive firepower in the middle of the order as he looks to continue a huge fall in PG events. Cole Crafton had a good summer on the circuit and should hit near the top of the lineup and play the middle infield somewhere. This team always brings a handful of high-level underclassmen with them as well, and this year is no exception with catcher Carter Kutz, the aforementioned Freitas, and infielder Matt McKnight headlining the group.
Dark Horse: Alpha Prime 24
Alpha Prime, based primarily in California and pulling from the general West Coast, brings a talented group to Jupiter this year though, interestingly, the headliners in terms of ranked players on this roster come primarily from underclassmen. Jupiter has been a launching pad for a ton of high-level underclassmen over the years, and don’t be surprised if Alpha Prime has one or two of their own in 2023. Mason Pike is one of those underclassmen, a 2025, a switch-hitting infielder from Washington who should lead the charge both offensively and defensively. Infielder Brock Sell and power-hitting first baseman Maverek Russell are two more high-end 2025’s on this roster, and they are joined by highly-ranked Dillon Moses, a Stanford commit ranked No. 57 overall in the 2026 class. They are more veteran on the mound, however, and that’s always a good thing in Jupiter. Senior righties Ross Felder, Nick Fazio and Micah Bujacich bring a good mix of talent, upside and experience to the pitching staff. Lefties Carson Kuehne and Michael Lejeune should be key pieces from the southpaw side of the mound. The talent is high-end here, and while they might not be as experienced in key spots as others, talent often plays and there’s no better stage than Jupiter to let talent shine.
What To Look For: Can the Reds Make a Push?
The Reds Scout Team, as stated above, traditionally does a pretty good job of bringing together some of the best players in the general Midwest and coming to Jupiter. The last few years haven’t gone great in terms of results, however, with a first-round playoff exit in 2021 followed by an overall playoff miss in 2022. This team is very strong, per usual, and every one of their games will be heavily attended by scouts–but is this the year they make a deep push? I’m staking my personal claim that they win a playoff game or two, at least.
Uncommitted Impact: Carter Kutz, C/RHP, Cincinnati Reds Scout Team.
Kutz, a true two-way prospect at this juncture as a power-hitting catcher and power-armed righthanded pitcher, is sure to have been one of the more popular calls when the 2025 recruiting window lifted a few months ago. He’s big and physical with some room to fill remaining, showing burgeoning approach skills at the plate to go along with above-average bat speed and the projection for above-average power. He’s got some athleticism behind the plate and has a chance to play there long term, though he’s seen time at both infield corners and his arm will be an above-average tool as well. He’s no slouch on the mound either, working up to 90 mph with his fastball and showing a softer breaker and flashes of a changeup. He’ll surely be followed closely by the RC’s in the building once we tee it up.
-Brian Sakowski
Pool K
Projected Pool Winner: Canes National/NY Mets Scout Team
Over the years the Canes have been a well-balanced team in terms of having both elite arms and bats scattered around the roster. The depth has always been one of the biggest strengths of the juggernaut organization. This years roster is no different. The line up is led by Perfect Game All Americans: Noah Franco, Jack Haferkamp, PJ Morlando, Dante Nori, and Owen Paino. About as starred studded as you can get, with Morlando potentially being the crown jewel of the class. That doesn’t mean its one sided as the pitching staff is loaded with both stuff and pitchability. Chase Mobley will certainly get one of the starts and when he gets the ball, you certainly feel good about your chances regardless of the opponent.
Dark Horse: Top Tier Roos Americans 2024
This is a gritty team that knows how to win. Cole Huddleston, Jace Kohler, and Ethan Burkhardt have all been very good on big stages and all have the type of ‘hard nosed’ personalities it takes to pull off a run to bracket play. On the mound, there are a lot of upper-80s strike throwers that can pitch. This is a team that can make some noise.
What To Look For: The Stars
In a year where there are a lot of questions about the high school class in terms of where prospects may stack up come July 2024, PJ Morlando and Chase Mobley will be clearly in the discussions when it comes to top arm and bat. It will be fun to see when Mobley is used and he has a monster WWBA World Championship performance under his belt as an underclassman and will look to punctuate a huge Perfect Game career in Jupiter. Morlando was on the Canes big team a year ago and he hit .333 with a 1.243 OPS so he is ready to lead! We know what he is capable of but this is about leaving with a championship. We will know soon!
Uncommitted Impact: Top Tier Americans Roster
This roster is just absolutely littered with kids that will be very good players that are prepared to play at the next level. Using ‘grit’ again come to mind, but it isn’t for a lack of a ceiling. It is just a really good roster of players that will come off the board during and soon after Jupiter.
-Jered Goodwin
Pool L
Projected Pool Winner: South Charlotte Panthers 2024 Marucci
The South Charlotte Panthers have a roster full of some of the most competitive players in the nation every season. They have an all-around ball club with pitching and hitting that match up extremely well. Their pitching rotation is led by Sam Cozart, Wes Estes, and Tyler Baird. With these star prospects on the mound, runs will be very scarce for the opponents. Offensively, this team, from top to bottom, can hit and score runs, which are led by Tyler Howe, Brady Marshall, and Skyler Hegler.
Dark Horse: USA Prime Scout Team 18u
USA Prime is loaded with talent and should be able to make a big run. It would come as no surprise to see them come out on top in this pool. They have a slew of quality infielders including Arnold Abernathy, Cole Green, and Brayden Leonard. All 3 of these players can man short with their athleticism and feel on the dirt so keep an eye on them. They have a pair of catchers that have both posted elite pop times and velos from behind the dish. Keep an eye on Caleb Daniel and Ryan Schwartz. Ajay Jones, Judson Hartwell, and Terrence Kiel II will roam the outfield and they can all cover ground. USA Prime is also loaded with arms who can get the job done so expect some dominant outings from this crop of players. USA Prime is a highly athletic bunch and that should show up on the diamond when the time comes. Expect to see a lot of quick movers on the dirt.
What To Look For: Pitching
This pool is loaded with pitching talent on every team and pitching wins championships. The amount of top tier pitchers in this pool will have scouts watching each and every one of these ball clubs. There will be quite a few one run games, which will be quite entertaining to watch.
Uncommitted Impact: Tyler Baird
Baird showcases a power arm and the ability to make any hitter look silly. The right-handed pitcher has a very projectable frame coming in at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds. He displays a fastball that sits in the low 90s and touches the mid 90s. Baird will go right after the hitters from pitch one and rarely gives up more than one to two runs an outing, which makes him a must see for all scouts, period.
-Todd Coffey
Pool M
Projected Pool Winner: eXposure National Scout Team
It certainly isn’t easy trying to pick against a team whose entire nineteen man roster is made up of D1 commits. As it turns out, that is exactly what eXposure is bringing to the table when they arrive in Jupiter. Seasoned with experience from a summer of winning at every stop, this is a fundamentally sound group of ballplayers who know how to play ball and win games. Spearheaded by 2023 All-American Conrad Cason, the lineup can and will mash. Chase Fralick has arguably one of the highest level hit tools in the ‘24 Georgia class and can be expected to lock down the middle of the order, while guys like Lukas Bukner can and will set the table for the rest of this offense. Filling in the gaps throughout the rest of the lineup card include prospects such as Mateo Gray and Trevor Johnson, special athletes in their own rights who have performed all year long. As for the arms, they bring a plethora of right-handers to the table. Stratton Scott & Co. are all proven strike throwers who will challenge hitters, fill up the zone and sequence in their off speeds with ease. Pitchability is present here throughout the rotation as opposing lineups are going to be forced to grind for hit and run they get. This is a very well rounded squad who has proven all year to be a difficult head to head matchup.
Dark Horse: Hawaii Elite 2G
The Hawaii Elite program always proves to be a threat in any pool they get placed in, and this year is no different. Bringing fourteen players ranked in the Top 500 or better will always give your club an edge when it comes to winning games, as this roster has loads of talent to dissect. A must watch arm on the week is Kaimi Kahalekai, a recent Texas commit who stands at an intimidating 6’8/207 and brings a polished three-pitch mix to the table. He ran it up to 92-mph in our most recent glimpse and has feel to spin a depthy curveball, giving way to self explanatory intrigue given the size and stuff. Isaac Ahokovi looked solid all summer behind the dish, handling his battery mates well with comfort receiving between the shoulders, a strong/accurate arm down to second as well as an interesting hit tool to follow. The likes of Tanner Chun (#419 ranked) and Jace Souza (#262 ranked) speaks for itself, as you should expect consistent offensive production from these two in the order. There is a lot of talent on this roster, both committed and uncommitted to keep an eye on.
What To Look For: Pop-Up Prospects
While the entirety of the eXposure roster has been unearthed and discovered by scouts and coaches alike, there are still three other squads in this pool who could have some hidden gems on the roster. Upstate Mavericks arm Michael Vandemark is a 6’5 right-hander who hasn’t seen action at Perfect Game events in over two years but is set to make an appearance, having sat mid to upper 80s throughout high school with some feel to spin a curveball. Elite Squad National is bringing a pair of prospects in Ronny Cruz and Willy Mendez over, both of whom are ‘24 grads from the touted Top 10 Academy that helped produce the likes of Deivi Garcia and Cristian Javier. Both of these prospects produced in a big way with the stick at the East Memorial Day Classic and it will be interesting to see how they fare against a step up in overall competition. Hawaii Elite 2G has an intriguing arm in Nakoa Moses-Gomera, currently ranked a high follow who comfortably sits 83-86 and spins both a CB/SL with a cambio rounding off the mix.There is good size here at 6’4/200 and has shown to be tough to barrel up when his stuff is in the zone. The beauty of Jupiter is the competition and finding new talent, all of which are going to be abundantly present in this pool.
Uncommitted Impact: Kamden (KJ) Scobey, Chandler Murray
Kamden (KJ) Scobey has had a very impressive summer that culminated in National Showcase appearance which saw him reach max exit velocities off of wood at a staggering 101-mph. A strong, physical 6’2/190 primary shortstop, the power projection for the spot here paired with clean actions and a good arm across creates a very interesting overall dynamic. You won’t find many uncommitted prospects in the class with these kinds of tools that show up in the game, as he posted a 1.014 OPS with four homeruns and a 13:12 BB/K ratio in the box this year. All of these aforementioned factors make KJ one to watch in Jupiter with the Upstate Mavericks ST. Chandler Murray is another highly touted uncommitted prospect in the ‘24 class playing for Hawaii Elite 2G. Currently ranked #298th nationally, the 6’4/220 corner infielder has done nothing but produce at PG events over the course of his career and that trend hasn’t stopped this year. With an OPS of 1.037 and only two strikeouts over 44 plate appearances, the bat to ball skills here are evident and quite honestly special for a corner guy with this size. With good bat speed present and a compact swing to pair, keep an eye on Murray throughout the week as he looks to perform against the highest level of competition in the country.
-Michael Albee
Pool N
Projected Pool Winner: CBA Marucci
CBU Marucci comes to Jupiter with some of the top California and National prospects on hand. They went 3-0 in pool play in 2022 and made a deep playoff run to the final 8. They’re sending a well-balanced and deep squad led by the two PG All-Americans in catcher Nicholas Montgomery, an Arizona State commit and the #1 ranked catcher in California, 3rd nationally, and Daniel Arambula, an LSU commit, the #1 ranked third baseman in the state. CBU Marucci features a deep stable of arms that will be required to make a serious run in the tournament, headlined by Mason Russell, the lefty out of Queen Creek HS in Arizona, and a University of Arizona commit. Russell has been rising in popularity since his outstanding performance at the Area Code Games playing for the Cincinnati Reds. The rest of the pitching staff shapes up with nine more Division I commits; ‘24 RHP Brady Dockan (Cal State Fullerton) ‘24 RHP Cohen Gomez (Stanford) ‘24 RHP Smith Bailey (Arizona) ‘24 LHP Luke Kalfsbeek (Washington) to name a few.
CBA’s offense has similar depth and they’re counting on numerous guys to get the job done. There is some serious thump in the lineup beginning with the All-Americans Montgomery and Arambula. 2024 shortstop JJ Moran (Stanford) and ‘24 catcher Cole Hansen (Oklahoma) provide impressive over the fence power potential and both look to have solid performances. If all cylinders are firing, CBA is a handful and boast about more capable prospects, like the #1 ranked SS in the state of Nevada, 2025 Texas A&M commit Ethan Clauss and the slick-fielding shortstop, 2024 UCI commit Theo Kim.
Dark Horse: Canes American 18U
With 14 commits, it's hard to say an organization like the Canes would be a dark horse. Based out of Fredericksburg, VA, Canes American 18U goes national with players coming from 10 different states. Top ranked outfielder in Michigan for the 2025 class, Joshua Campbell, who comes in as the highest ranked prospect for the Canes; a Michigan commit that has been an offensive force in PG events over the years accumulating a .395 batting average, 1.107 OPS, 122 hits, 106 runs scored, 82 RBI, and 72 stolen bases. He’s the #1 ranked outfielder for his class in the state of Michigan. The Canes American 18U features six underclassmen in the 2025 class on the roster, suggesting there is plenty of talent for the next couple years. We are looking forward to seeing how the 25’s respond.
What to look for: Youth infusion & Next Wave of Talent in the 2025 Class.
Some to keep an eye on in Pool N are: Canes American: Catcher, Myles Mayse (Oklahoma) who has accumulated a .321 batting average, with 60 walks and 62 RBI’s in PG events over the years. Another Canes American catcher Noah Franklin (Duke)
Prospects National: Shortstop Victor Coronado (Texas) and outfielders William Hill (Texas), Jadyn Nunez (North Carolina) and shortstop RJ Machado (Florida St.) 5 Star/ Chicago Cubs Scout Team: RHP Xavier Carrera (Indiana)
Uncommitted Gems:
Prospects National: 2024, 3B Rafael Furcal Jr. (Westin, FL)
5 Star/Chicago Cubs Scout Team: 2025, 1B/LHP Mason Braun (South Bend, IN)
-Steve Doherty
Pool O
Projected Pool Winner: 5 Star National - Black
This club is built as well as any club in the tournament to make a deep run into bracket play. A trio of PG All-Americans lead the way on offense in Myles Bailey, Cade Brown and Hunter Carns and it's a three-headed monster that has proven to perform at the highest of levels and brightest of stages throughout their prep careers. Should an opposing arm successfully circumvent those three they'll have to deal with a host of other D-1 commits littered throughout the lineup from underclassmen Alexander Peck and Kelvyn Paulino Jr. to Josh Castellani and Mitchell Rodriguez amongst many others, including the talented and uncommitted Cooper McMullen. The arms are just a deep as they boast 17 (!!) primary arms, something we've come to know is a must in a deep push, and will be led by Anderson Nance and Tomas Valincius, two arms who are no strangers to the national spotlight.
Dark Horse: NEB
NEB is a talented club who has the pieces in place to make noise in Pool O. This ball club can absolutely smash the baseball and will be led by the likes of Matt Conte, Luke Gallo, and Sean Griggs who'll create havoc for any opposing pitcher as these guys show discipline at the plate alongside the ability to drive in runs. The lineup is super deep and represents all of New England as 21 of their 28 players are committed, from Boston College to Alabama and Wake Forest and having that type of depth is crucial. Just as important as the depth is the fact this is a tight knit group, with most playing in the organization throughout their travel ball careers. More than half the roster is made up of primary arms, including 7 left-handers meaning they'll be able to match up to the situation and make adjustments on the fly should they need to.
What to Look for: Brett Crossland
Brett Crossland is a big-time right-handed pitcher who has been up to 96. He is a physical righty off the bump. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame projects really well off the mound with big time length and strength in the frame. Crossland is a physical specimen with a real power arm. He's been up to 96 and should settle in the low-90s with big time heaviness. His fastball is overpowering and should get in on hitters quick. He attacks from steep angles and works downhill. He will go to a disgusting 12-6 curve that he can locate and land for strikes with healthy shape and depth. His curve is a true swing and miss pitch and should play off his fastball extremely well. Crossland is one of the top uncommitted arms left on the table and will be an exciting look.
Uncommitted Impact: McMullen and McCall Could Make a McImpact
Cooper McMullen and McCall Biemiller are two uncommitted names rostered on 5 Star National who should be squarely on the radar of any school looking to make a late splash. McMullen, a primary outfield, is loaded up on tools as evidenced by his 6.72 speed but it's on the mound where the 6-foot-4 Florida native may open the most eyes as he has been upwards of 92 mph and punched out 41 in 32.1 innings this summer, limited hitters to a mere .168 average against. Biemiller is one of those coveted left-handers schools are always looking for and he has the track record of success to merit the attention as he made the All Tournament Team at the 17u BCS, Elite National, and WWBA, showing the same velocity throughout, though there has been an uptick as of late, while averaging just over a strikeout-per-inning.
-Geoff Billock
Pool P
Projected Pool Winner: USA Prime National/ Detroit Tigers Scout Team
USA Prime once again fields a roster littered with top-ranked prospects from across the country and will not only win Pool P but look primed for a deep run in the 2023 WWBA World Championship. The roster consists of 22 Division 1 commits and all 25 players on the team are ranked in the PG Top-500 rankings. Teams with a deep pitching staff excel at the WWBA and USA Prime National have just that with quality arms throughout led by Schuyler Sandford (Florida) and Jake Yeager (Maryland). The offense will be led by third baseman Kale Fountain (LSU) and catcher Aukai (Jaydon) Kea (Vanderbilt) along with a slew of highly regarded impact bats.
Dark Horse: GBSA Rays Premier 2024
The GBSA Rays from South Georgia will bring to Jupiter a club that is hot having won the 2023 WWBA Southeast Qualifier and the 2023 18U PG Fall Peach State Invitational while finishing runner-up at the 2023 18U PG Southeast Fall Frenzy in their last three tournaments. Most of the players on the roster are a part of Georgia Premier Academy and play together year-round so the comraderies between them is unmatched. The roster will feature some young talent with solid arms and exciting position players that are playing well and could run the table as the dark horse winner of Pool P.
What To Look For: Uncommitted Underclass Impact
The four teams in Pool P will each host a plethora of underclass talent on their rosters which will have an impact on which teams advance from the pool and a must-watch for college colleges looking for uncommitted impact talent. Baseball U Prospects will feature five underclassmen including uncommitted right-handed pitcher Nicholas Morlang and shortstop Isaiah Nolan. Baum Bat Scout Team will feature 11 with eight uncommitted including shortstop Bruin Agbayani and outfielder Slater de Brun. GBSA Rays will feature the youngest roster in the tournament with 13 underclassmen which includes 2026 grad left-handed pitcher RJ Cope and 2027 grad shortstop Collin Thomas. USA Prime National will have five underclassmen and two that are uncommitted in Sean Gamble and Josiah Hartshorn who are ranked No.5 and No.11 in the PG 2025 class rankings. The underclass talent in Pool P will be on full display for college coaches and recruiters looking for impact bats and arms to add their respective programs.
Uncommitted Impact: Sean Gamble
The left-handed hitting 2025 Grad from IMG Academy is a game changer with the highest-level athleticism to impact a game on both sides of the ball anytime he steps on the field. Gamble is a 6.5 runner with power to all fields and can carry a team at either shortstop or centerfield as a superb defender. One of the select underclassmen in the tournament, Gamble will be looked upon to lead USA Prime National/ Detroit Tigers Scout Team to advance from Pool P and make a deep run in the tournament.
-Jason Phillips
Pool Q
Projected Pool Winner: East Cobb/SD Padres ST
Yet again the East Cobb/SD Padres ST are bringing a loaded roster down to Jupiter, headlined by over 20 D1 commitments. They will be able to match up with some tough lineups in the pool with dominant arms each time out. Headlining the staff is LSU commit Cam Caminiti, who can run it into the upper-90s from the left-side. Two way star Connor Shouse will see some innings on the bump as well and Georgia Tech commit Reid Brosnan has been as consistent as it gets on the mound. The offense shouldn’t be overlooked with a name we’ve already mentioned, Connor Shouse, right in the middle. Georgia Southern commit Jack Myers always hits and one of the top uncommitted prospects in the country Erik Parker will garner a bunch of eyes.
Dark Horse: Stix 2024 Scout
It’s hard to call a team with 17 commitments a dark horse but this Stix 2024 Scout team has a very good chance of making a run in Jupiter. They’ve loaded up the roster with some of the top talent from Texas from the 2024 and 2025 classes. The offense will be headlined by one of the top underclass talents in the country, Texas A&M commit Matthew Boughton. Some other names to look for in this lineup is Arkansas commit Zane Becker, Oklahoma commit Austin Phillips, and Texas A&M commit Nathan Tobin. They have some dominant arms lined up as well with DBU commit Dasan Hill set to lead the rotation with numerous Power-5 commits set to take the mound.
What to Look For: Shutdown Arms
Up and down the pool there are arms that will shine in Jupiter. East Cobb and Stix arms have been highlighted above but don’t sleep on the arms that the Richmond Braves and KBC Prime will roll out onto the mound. The Richmond Braves roster from top to bottom is loaded with top-500 ranked arms including Virginia Tech commit Andrew Kerns, Coastal Carolina commit Hunter Chambers, Penn State commit Sean Williams and East Carolina commit Nathan Wines. KBC Prime will also roll out some arms that will keep this pool close throughout pool play. Louisville commit Brady Davis headlines the staff for KBC Prime and he’s been into the low-90s in outings over the summer.
Uncommitted Spotlight: Erik Parker
Parker comes into Jupiter as one of the top uncommitted prospects in the entire country. He’s a name that we’ve known for quite some time as a two-time PG Select Festival alum and he’s got loud tools across the board. He’s a plus-runner, clocking a 6.39 60-yard dash at PG National, a strong arm across the diamond and huge power projection. There aren’t many players in the class with the amount of tools that Parker has and think he’s in for a big showing in Jupiter.
-Cam McElwaney
Pool R
Team |
Top Pos. Player |
RK |
Class |
Top Pitcher |
RK |
Class |
Location |
Knights Knation/Dodgers Scout Team |
Sam Erickson |
77 |
2024 |
William Schmidt |
15 |
2024 |
Mandeville, LA |
San Diego Show |
Gavin Fien |
21 |
2025 |
Luke Hemric |
500 |
2024 |
San Diego, CA |
SBA Bolts National 2024 |
Brady Harris |
2 |
2026 |
Gio Rojas |
72 |
2025 |
Charlotte, NC |
Scorpions |
Tyler Boyesen |
500 |
2024 |
Joey Duprey |
282 |
2025 |
Orlando, FL |
Projected Pool Winner: Knights Knation/Dodgers Scout Team
Coming in with a loaded roster of talent look for them to make an extremely deep run with a pool of big time bats at the plate and power arms on the mound. There will be plenty of help on the offensive side with Sam Erickson, Diego Velasquez and Ethan Surowiec. The pitching staff will feature many arms ten of them touching 90 mph or above. Perfect Game All-American William Schmidt will be one of those arms at the top of the rotation who was up to 95 mph at the Classic. Backing him up will be a pair of southpaws in Bradyn Garner and Bryce Navarre and right handers Easton Hawk and Alexander Umland which help make this pitching staff elite. The depth on both sides of the ball make this roster very tough to match in this pool.
Dark Horse: SBA Bolts National 2024
Coming in with a ton of youth, the roster consists of plenty of 2024, 2025 and 2026 talent including two of the top three players in their respected classes. Florida commit Brady Harris looks to lead the way offensively being the #2 Player in the 2026 class he will have some help as the #3 player in the 2028 class Luke Esquivel will be in the lineup as well. The pitching staff has a ton of talent as well with a pair of righties leading the way in Florida commit Ethan Wheeler and Florida State commit Brayden Harris as both can run their fastballs into the upper 80s to lower 90s. Along with the two righties Miami commit Gio Rojas, North Carolina State commit Tristan Potts and East Carolina commit Conner Barozzino are on the roster as well to provide plenty of depth. There are loud tools and plenty of athleticism on this team that wouldn’t surprise me if they make a ton of noise and come out of this pool as champs.
What to Look for: Backstops
This pool is loaded with several high level catcher who are some of the top ranked ones in the country. Dylan Fien is a switch-hitting catcher with major pop in the bat with extremely high upside on both sides of the ball. Stanford commit Landon Hodge is a highly skilled defensive catcher with a lot to like in his game with high level catch and throw actions behind the dish with a plus arm and has shown the ability to control the barrel from the left side of the box. Rounding out the loaded pool of backstops is Texas A&M commit Gianni Corral who has shown a lot to like in his game with advanced actions behind the plate for his age and advanced bat speed in the box.
Uncommitted Impact: Jack Hedrick
Keep a close eye this week on Jack Hedrick of the SBA Bolts National. He is a long and lengthy right-handed pitcher at 6-foot-5, 205-pounds with some present strength throughout the frame. The fastball sits in the 87-90 mph range with plenty of jump out of the hand and some late sink to it down in the zone. He will mix in a tight mid 70s breaking ball with plenty of 12-6 depth to it. Jack should command both pitches well in the zone and make a big impact on the mound in Jupiter.
-Alex Dorso
Pool S
Projected Pool Winner: Artillery Baseball 2024 Scout
Artillery comes into Jupiter with some expectations as they made the playoff rounds last year and will look to continue their success across the circuit. The lineup will be led by PG All-American and the #4 ranked player in the Class of 2024 Caleb Bonemer, as he looks to put a stamp on his immensely loud 2023 campaign. He will likely be paired with Luke Dickerson, a Virginia commit atop the Artillery lineup. LSU commit Ryan Costello and Clemson commit Chase Harlan will provide some thump in the middle-of-the lineup, as they boast real feel for the barrel and take professional at-bats seemingly every time they come to the plate. The pitching staff has a ton of depth with 14 arms that have been 85 mph or above with 5 of them breaking the 90-mph threshold. Who they turn to in a big matchup will likely be one of the deciding factors of them taking down the pool. A trio of left-handers in Jack Sanderson, Mason Child and Owen Yarussi will allow for them to be deployed in a variety of matchup situations, while Kansas St. commit Robert Hamman and West Virginia commit Ben Hudson are guys with a deep arsenal of pitches that could thwart a lineup multiple times through the order. Ultimately, the firepower atop their lineup coupled with a bevy of arms should allow for them to navigate throughout pool play and set themselves up for another playoff run.
Dark Horse: Midland Redskins 2024
Midland is no stranger to the atmosphere in Jupiter, as they have long been a participant and made several playoff runs of their own. This year’s rendition is filled with talent from literally straight down the middle-of-the country. Players from Ohio, Kentucky, Texas and Puerto Rico, as they will look to pull the upset and prevail from Pool S. Southern California commit Maddox Riske should be the catalyst atop the lineups, as Jackson Kirchner, Lui Rodriguez and highly touted 2025 Grad Gustavo Melendez are amongst the names that should provide depth for the Redskins. Salvador Valenzuela and a pair of Texas Tech commits in Ty Presley and Jonathan Christner are members of the pitching corps that could be called upon in big matchups versus both Artillery and the East Coast Sox. Look for this squad to not make things easy for the favorites with an exciting brand of baseball that always seems to show up when the lights get bright.
What To Look For: Artillery/East Coast Sox Matchup
While Artillery Baseball is considered the favorite amongst Pool S, the East Coast Sox are very accustomed to prevailing in their pools come Jupiter time. This matchup could certainly determine the pool, as both teams will come to Jupiter with tons of talent. One key matchup or misplay could be the deciding factor when it comes to who moves on to the playoff rounds. Christopher Rembert, Michael Ryan and backstop Tanner Waldrop should lead the Sox’s lineup as they will look to certainly jump out early in this pivotal matchup. A pitching staff with a healthy amount of both righties and lefties will allow for them to be deployed against Artillery’s incredibly deep lineup. Who blinks first could determine the pool here.
Uncommitted Impact: Samuel Bradley, 1B, 2024 (Artillery)/Joseph Mascaro, INF/RHP, 2024 (Artillery)
Bradley is a hulking left-handed hitting first baseman with legitimate power potential. He could provide pivotal depth and some extra thump within the Artillery lineup, while providing someone still looking for a power bat in the 2024 class. He could be the one pitched to as teams look to maneuver their way around the top of the lineup.
Mascaro is a twitchy athlete that was previously committed and is now looking for a home. He has been up to 90 mph on the bump with feel for spin and plenty of projection remaining. He is positionally versatile with some offensive upside but could be an immediate help on the mound, as he throws strikes and can get swings-and-misses.
-Johnnie McAdams
Pool T
Projected Pool Winner: Trosky National 2024
Scoring a lot of runs, and giving up just a few has long been a solid plan to win games, and that’s exactly what Trosky National has done in 2023, averaging 8 runs per game while allowing just 2. Xavier Neyens has shown the ability to impact the game in many ways, ranked as the #3 prospect in the 2025 class. A left handed hitting third basemen with big time power, we have seen Neyens impact games in the batters box and then jump on the bump and work in the low 90’s showing true 2 way capabilities. Andrew Bell heads to Jupiter sporting an OPS north of 1000 for Trosky National with the ability to drive the gaps, get on base at a high clip and steal a base when needed. The roster is littered with top 500 prospects (19), fifteen of which are Division 1 commits.
Dark Horse: Knights Baseball 18U National
It’s hard to imagine a deep team with 20 college commitments being a dark horse entering a tournament, but that just shows the overall depth and talent that will be on hand in Jupiter. A deep stable of arms highlight the Knights roster, lead by Saxon Roberts, a 6’4” righty that is committed to Auburn University that regularly lives in the low to mid 90’s. Aaron England (Louisville commit) heads to Jupiter as the #3 lefty in the state of Ohio who has shown the ability to miss bats in limited action at PG events, as has fellow lefty Cooper Jones (Uncommitted), who recently fanned 7 hitters over just 3 2/3 innings of work at the 2024 18U Fall World Series in Georgia.
What To Look For: Can the FTB Phillies swing their way through Pool T
The Phillies will bring a deep lineup to Jupiter, in what looks to be a loaded pool with a lot of talented arms. The Phillies lineup features a pair of Arkansas commits, with shortstop Gabe Fraser coming from So Cal powerhouse Orange Lutheran High School and catcher Carson Willis, one of the top catchers in the state of South Carolina. Miami commit Cristian De Los Santos (Florida, class 2025) is a physical specimen at 6’3”/210 pounds with big power that could provide impact in the Phillie lineup. Jackson Roper (2025) is another Florida native, who is the #2 ranked SS in the state for his class, who adds tools to what looks like a deep Phillies lineup.
Uncommitted Impact: Ethin Bingaman, RHP, Arrowhead Christian Academy
Ranked #80 in the country for the 2025 class, Bingaman epitomizes the modern pitcher featuring high spin rates on the breaking ball and excellent traits on the fastball with an IVB getting north of 25 inches on occasion. A recent participant in the first annual Perfect Game All Star Game, Bingaman tunnels the riding fastball well with his hammer breaking ball, both with spin rates in to the 2500’s. Bingaman worked 88/89 with the heater at the PG All Star Game with the curveball 71-73 mph.
-Steve Fiorindo
Pool U
Projected Pool Winner: Banditos Scout Team 2024
After coming into last year’s tournament as an underdog in their pool, the script has flipped for Banditos Scout Team 2024. With nine arms above 90 mph, Banditos is expected to pitch their way through the competition. A staff led by the likes of right-handers Jason Flores and Vanderbilt commit Tristan Bristow will have the responsibility of limiting runs, which happened to be a struggle for the previous year’s regiment in this event. A shortage of left-handers may be an obstacle that Banditos Scout Team 2024 will have to overcome because EBC 18U Martin will be looking to take advantage of any and every weakness. Offensively, the South Alabama commit Braelon Richardson and Dallas Baptist commit Bryan Williams Jr. will serve as the spark plug at the top-of-the-order. The Cal commit Elijah Clayton provides plenty of versatility, rounding out this well-balanced Banditos lineup. Although EBC 18U Martin is looking to threaten a Banditos Scout Team 2024 run, expect the latter to exit pool play as the top-seed.
Dark Horse: Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team
It has become quite the routine as the Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team enters pool play with the “dark horse” label for the sixth consecutive year. With the hopes of replicating the historic 2019 run, the club has a realistic shot at forcing their way into the playoff bracket yet again. Experience will be a major determinant if and when they happen to be in a close ballgame; so in this case, a well-coached Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team will have a slight edge. Not to mention, this club is loaded with athletes from top to bottom. The offense is led by big-time power hitter Bailan Caraballo and NC State commit Vincent Decarlo. Both bats are expected to find several barrels in pool play and trigger the power surge for this Jays lineup. The pitching staff is loud and fun to watch, however it lacks depth. A lot of pressure will be on Louisville commit Tague Davis and Florida commit Ethan Wheeler to construct quality outings and pitch into the later innings. Don’t be surprised if this Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team defies the odds once again.
What To Look For: Bullpen Depth
The easy answer to this question would be the Banditos Scout Team 2024 and EBC 18U Martin matchup, as many expect this game to be the determining factor when predicting which club walks out of Pool U with the top-seed. However, the depth of these two pitching staffs appears to be the clear separator from the rest of the pool. Banditos staffs nine arms above 90 mph and another four chucking 85+ mph. In addition, EBC possesses the deepest pitching staff of the four clubs as they enter the tournament with 18 arms that throw above 85 mph. With that being said, Puerto Rico Scout Team 2024 and Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team have a much smaller margin for error as they will rely heavily on their top arms to show out in their starts.
Uncommitted Impact: Jason Flores
The 6-foot-2 210-pound right-hander out of Wylie, Texas has established himself as a consistent, high-end performer. The heater has been clocked at 96 mph on multiple occasions, showing bowling-ball sink while ducking barrels at a high rate. He compliments the sinking fastball with a firm changeup as well as a late-breaking power curveball that shows spin up to 2600 rpm and freezes right-handed batters. Through 23 innings of work this summer, Flores has allowed just one run while averaging a strikeout an inning. The uncommitted two-way talent has proven that he can perform just as well at the plate, where he has showcased a consistent barrel with plenty of loud juice from gap to gap. Flores will have a high-pressured task of leading Banditos Scout Team 2024 to a playoff appearance as the club enters pool play as the early favorites.
-Anthony Gambardella
Pool V
Projected Pool Winner: GBG/TB SoCal National
GBG and TB SoCal are two powerhouse programs out of Southern California that have combined forces for the WWBA World Championship where they have brought together a roster with tons of depth on both sides of the ball. They won’t have any sort of trouble on the mound with arms like Braylon Doughty, Stunner Gonzales, Andrew Johnson, Wylan Moss, and Nate Stern who all run it into the low-mid 90s with avg. to above avg. secondary options. Offensively they are led by some athletic outfielders and UCLA recruits in Kasen Khansarinia and Logan de Groot as well as ASU commit 3B Landon White who has hit .500 at PG events this summer. Kalen Applefield and Augie Lopezare two other bats to look out for as they have the ability to leave the yard and do damage at any moment. If the offense performs to what they are capable of, this squad can make some real noise.
Dark Horse: CBU 2024 Scout Team
CBU has two uber-talented arms in Lazaro Collera and Johnny King that can shut down any offense in this entire field. Collera is physically imposing at 6-foot-6, 230 pounds where he runs his fastball into the mid-upper 90s with ease while also mixing in a sharp low 80s slider. Then you have King who whips it from the left side into the low 90s with a hammer upper 70s breaker. The East Cobb/SD Padres St. Underclass squad is also a team you shouldn’t sleep on. They bring a roster full of 2025s but some very impressive ones like their twitchy LH/SS Ryan Mitchell, a physical right-handed bat in Maddox Monsour, an uber-projectable left-handed two-way player in Colin White, and a physical/power right-handed arm in Grayson Burleson.
What to Look For: Under the Radar ‘24s
Nolan Johnson of GBG/TB SoCal National is a player to be on the lookout for. He was bit with the injury bug this summer but is back ready to go. He is a super intriguing athletic catcher with an outlier 6-foot-5, 195-pound frame who can also impact it at the plate. Nate Stern who I already mentioned, is also someone that could really surprise some scouts this tourney as the velo has seen a considerable tick up this summer and now into the fall which helped earn him his recent TCU commitment.
Uncommitted Impact: Braylon Doughty
Braylon Doughty is the obvious top uncommitted follow in this pool as he brings some of the best power stuff in the country, uncommitted or not, where he runs his fastball into the mid-90s with an outlier breaking ball that sits in the mid-80s at 3000+ RPMs. Terrance Bowen for East Cobb is another easy one to follow as athletic MIFs who bring adv. bat speed and sneaky pop are always sought after.
-Joey Cohen
Pool W
Projected Pool Winner: Team Elite/Atlanta Braves Scout Team.
A loaded roster will head down to Jupiter featuring both top-end talent and quality depth. PG All-American Michael Mullinax will lead the way offensive, bringing dynamic switch-hitting ability and advance speed that can impact games in a multitude of ways. Tate Sirmans is another advanced athlete who will provide plenty of in-game power to the lineup. Evan Hankins brings an enticing young left-handed stick with top-of-the scale raw power. On the bump, Thorpe Musci brings a powerful repertoire that can overwhelm hitters. The fastball works into the mid-90’s with feel for a sweeping slider present. Owen Hancock is another arm that should fill valuable innings, featuring a high upside profile with the ability to miss bats. The components are there to make some noise.
Dark Horse: GBG/TB SoCal American.
A roster loaded with young talent from the West Coast will put out a deep lineup that should give opposing pitchers a difficult time. Anthony Pack Jr. is the headliner, providing one of the more dynamic skill sets in the country. He will be joined by Benjamin Trey Gudoy and Angel Laya in the outfield, forming one of the better trios in the pool. Caleb Danzeisen is an advanced athlete who is a versatile defender and consistently brings a productive left-handed bat to the lineup. The Arizona commit will likely log most innings behind the plate, but can move around if needed. Infielders Aiden Aguayo and Tyler Wick should provide sure handed defense on the dirt and a collection of young power bats should fill the corner spots. Arms like Jaxon Baker and Paul Grossman will need to step up and fill large roles on the mound. If they can, it is very easy to see this team making a run.
What To Look For: Impact of Underclass Talent.
The pool features an intriguing collection of talented players from the 2025 and 2026 classes, including multiple Top-50 players. There is a mix of athletes, power hitters, and potential high upside arms. It would not be a surprise if one of these players ended up being a deciding factor in how the pool shakes out.
Uncommitted Impact: Anthony Pack Jr.
The California product is not only the top uncommitted player in the pool, he is among the top uncommitted players in the entire event. The young outfielder continues to trend upward, showing twitchy athleticism and massive offensive upside. An advanced hit tool has stood out all summer long and the power only continues to develop further. Pack may end up a Top-10 player in the class and should have plenty of eyes on him throughout the event.
-Tyler Henninger
Pool X
Projected Pool Winner: FTB Phillies National
FTB Phillies National have a very well-balanced squad with plenty of high level bats, as well guys with high-level stuff on the mound. PG All-American Andre Modugno leads the offense and has as good as juice as anyone in Jupiter. He is also capable of running the fastball up to 97 in short stints. The roster is loaded with Power 5 talent and the pitching staff will be led by Florida commit Niko Janssens and Auburn commit Ashton Alston, both physical arm who are capable of running up into the mid-90s. With players from 11 states/provinces, the team has deep talent from all around the nation and looks primed to make a deep run in Jupiter.
Dark Horse: USA Prime American
Loaded with excellent underclass talent, USA Prime American is capable of playing it close with any team. Two top 60 talents in the class of 2025, outfielder Mason Greenhouse and shortstop Jack Ruckert will head the offense. 6-foot-8 southpaw Austin Dean really impressed over the summer and is a very tough at-bat. Plenty of Division-1 talent fills out the rest of the roster as the pitching staff. There is a lot of physicality across the group and there is certainly no shortage of quality of depth.
What To Look For: Depth on the Bump
All four teams in the pool are full of talented pitchers, which should allow for some very well-pitched games. There is a plethora of arm talent, with plenty of guys who can bring the high octane as well pitchability. There is not a team in the pool who looks to be short in that department, and there should be a lot of close ballgames.
Uncommitted Impact: Jackson Barberi
Barberi is one of the top uncommitted arms in the country and there will be a lot of eyes on the righty, both from Power 5 programs as well as pro teams. The Georgia native will be pitching for Ninth Inning Royals and can run it up to 94 with great life. The arm speed is some of the best in the class, with the slider and changeup both being weapons.
-Kyler Peterson
Pool Y
Projected Pool Winner: Dulins Dodgers Performance
Dulins Dodgers Performance will bring a balanced roster down to Jupiter with highly ranked players and Power 5 commits all across the field. The rotation for Dulins Dodgers Performance is led by Brody Walls, a Texas commit with an explosive fastball over 90 MPH on several occasions this summer, and Ryler Smart, a Tennessee commit that is a power left-handed pitcher looking to build on a strong showing at the National Showcase. Wyatt Sanford and Kendyl Johnson will anchor the defense at the premier positions. Sanford will hit in the middle of the lineup and will need to continue his strong summer in order for his team to have success in the tournament. There are a lot of strong hitters in this lineup that will be a problem for opposing pitchers as there are no easy outs to be had.
Dark Horse: Ostingers Baseball 2024 Osting
Every team in Jupiter will have immensely talented players. And when the talent level is this high, sometimes winning baseball games comes down to the simple things. And that’s why you can never count out the Ostingers, as they play a fundamentally sound brand of baseball. The mark of the program is throwing strikes, playing good defense, and timely hitting. And of course, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to have some 90 mph arms mixed in as well! Josh Hammond (Wake Forest commit) and Blaine Rowland (Florida) will be the marque names in the Ostingers rotation, but keep an eye out for Wade Walton (High Point), Justin Glassford, and Jack Brooks, as all three can run their fastball into the high 80’s/low 90’s. There is plenty of offensive firepower as well, as Cooper Hinson (Marshall) and Colby Brewington (GA Southern) are both hitting well over .400 in PG events this year. Braden Moon (FL Tech) will bring a welcomed power threat to the middle of the order, having hit four homeruns in just 34 at-bats this summer. The lineup will be centered around PG All American Akhil Nimmala, who will look to create his own legacy at this historic event.
What To Look For: Can the Ostingers repeat their success from 2021?
In what was by many accounts an unlikely outcome, the Ostingers gave us an underdog story for the ages in 2021, as they took home their first ever WWBA World Championship. They conquered some true travel ball giants along the way, and it was here where future PG All-American and Blue Jay’s first round pick, Arjun Nimmala, cemented himself as one of the top players in the country. Now armed with Arjun’s younger brother, Akhil Nimmala, and a plethora of power arms, this Ostingers squad is no longer an underdog. They have as good of a shot as anyone to take home the title, and they would join an elite group of orgs who have won two titles in three years (Braves Scout Team, Canes, and Florida Burn).
Uncommitted Impact: Jackson Taylor
Taylor is a left-handed hitting shortstop with a lean, athletic frame that will have plenty of opportunities to put his stamp on games and drive in runs with the high powered offense that 5 Star features. He is frequently on base and creates havoc, stealing 109 bases in his Perfect Game career. He shows athletic movements on defense and his quick feet and good reads allow him to cover ground and make plays that other defenders are not able to. Look for Taylor to establish himself and have a strong week in Jupiter.
- Cade Schares and Michael Reuter
Pool Z
Projected Pool Winner: Ohio Warhawks
The Ohio Warhawks come into Jupiter looking to bring a plethora of depth to the table, hoping for success. With a stable of arms, including eight 90+ fastball players, the Warhawks are looking to limit the opposition’s chances at the plate. They have guys like Chase Davis (South Alabama), Nick Diehl (Tulane), Blake Encarnacion (Nebraska), Keegan Holmstrom (Ohio State), Ross Lawrence (Missouri State), Rhett Vaughn (FSU), and Cooper Walls (Hawaii) all headlining their 2024 class of arms. Hunter Richardson comes in at no. 221 in the 2025 class, and the left-handed Kentucky commit will also be on the Warhawks' pitching staff. They have some studs on the offensive side of things as well, with prospects like Brady Dallimore (TCU), Michael Dudolski, Logan Fyffe (Missouri State), Hunter Meyer (Cal State Fullerton), Julio Solier (Vanderbilt) that will look to be impactful. Not to mention, Bailey Thorne and Cole “CJ” Weinstein are two uncommitted bats that should be able to provide some impact with the stick. All-in-all, the Warhawks bring depth on both sides of the ball and are looking to prove that, coming out on top from Pool Z. The Warhawks will try and blend a deep pitching staff with steady offense to find success.
Dark Horse: Original Florida Pokers 2024
The Original Florida Pokers’ squad is going to come ready to play. They have a group of players who compete frequently on the PG Florida circuit, competing from start to finish with good depth throughout the roster. Whether it is the impact bats like Niko Benestad (USF), Devin Fitz-Gerald (NC State), Rylan Lujo (Dayton), Anthony Quigley (USF), Alex Rodriguez (UCF), and Maddix Simpson (Ohio State), who are no strangers to coming up in big moments and churning out big innings offensively, it will be tough to keep that lineup quiet. They surely are going to make some noise throughout the event. They have a couple of arms that will come out and look to make a statement as well. Breylynn Courtney, Jayden Dubanewicz (Florida), Gavin Gargiulo (UCF), Bryaden McCluskey, and Javi Miranda (Indian River State JuCo) will look to string together some impressive performances. The Pokers are going to come out swinging and look to get up ahead early and provide run support for the arms.
What to Look For: BPA to be BPA/ Team Elite to rely on young stars
BPA will not go quietly in Pool Z. They will come out and swing it, with some intriguing arms to pair as well. Brandon De Goti (Ohio State) has been exceptional on the circuit and is looking for a big performance in Jupiter. He’s joined by Billy Carlson (Vanderbilt), who will have some impact at the top of the lineup. Cooper Flemming will also look to join them up the middle on the dirt, providing depth and a solid bat while helping out on the mound as needed, being a mid- to upper-80s right-hander. Ernie Echevarria (Pennsylvania) has emerged as a quality backstop with some strength to impact at the plate, being another bat that will help the BPA lineup. William Mencho & William Patrick will look to shine in the outfield as well as handling the stick to help get it done at the plate. On the mound, Seth Hernandez (Vanderbilt) has really loud stuff and is looking to show up and show out in his chances on the mound. Porter Rovin (San Diego) will join Hernandez as another arm to keep an eye on. BPA will undoubtedly swing it, so keep an eye on them in Pool Z.
Uncommitted Impact:
Cooper Flemming (2025, SS/RHP, BPA)
Flemming stands out on both sides of the ball and is looking to provide impact on both sides of the ball for BPA. He’s got a long and lean athletic build with balanced and fluid actions on the dirt at shortstop. On a team with plenty of depth up the middle, the left-handed bat will look to provide depth with the stick and move around the infield. Not to mention, he can get up on the mound and work the mid-to upper-80s on the fastball with tight-spinning curveball and diving changeup. Flemming’s Two-way standout remains uncommitted and is looking to show off his skill set for BPA in Jupiter.
Samuel Fernandez (2025, C/1B, Team Elite National)
Fernandez has performed well on the circuit this past spring and summer. After finding such success with the stick, he’s looking to come to Jupiter and jump into the Team Elite National lineup and swing the stick well. The backstop has plenty to like and looks to show that off in Jupiter. He’s a right-handed hitter with a simple stroke through contact, being able to get some jump off the barrel. There’s carry pull-side with a good path to contact. He’s got athleticism throughout, having thrown 74 mph out of the crouch with a 1.96 pop time. The uncommitted prospect will look to be solid on both sides of the ball for the Team Elite squad.
Bailey Thorne (2024, SS/3B/RHP, Ohio Warhawks)
Thorne is going to bring impact to the Warhawks on both sides of the ball. The uncommitted infielder has tools for the left side but can also jump on the mound and be impactful there. Thorne has worked up into the low-90s, reaching back for 92 mph on the fastball. Shows a full pitch mix to attack opposing hitters in a plethora of different ways to find success on the mound. Thorne handles the stick well, too. Big right-handed stroke, being able to use a physical frame to work pull-side for success. The right-handed bat can impact and produce some loud results pull-side. He’s looking to provide some upside on both sides of the ball for the Ohio Warhawks squad.
- Tyler R. Kotila