By Brandon Hall
Director of Scouting, PBR NC

Prep Baseball Report has continued to work the entire state of North Carolina identifying the top talent and top teams in an effort to be the No. 1 source for high school baseball in the state.  As part of the identification process, PBR staff will has attended numerous games, practices, and workouts.  In the fall and winter, PBR held workouts that allowed players to connect with over 800 colleges and universities that subscribe to PBR.  These workouts also allow PBR’s staff to continue their evaluation process.

With the release of the updated 2019 rankings, the list is expanded to the Top 125 players from across North Carolina.  Remaining in the top spot is RHP Brennan Malone (Porter Ridge HS).  Malone was up to 93 in his first outing of the spring with PBR in attendance. 

Along with Malone, 17 other North Carolina players make an appearance in the 2019 Overall Rankings update.  In this group, several players made jumps forward in the rankings.  AJ Wilson (LHP, East Surry HS), an East Carolina commit, jumps into the Top 5 in the state as his stuff continues to tighten.  The up-tick in stuff has shown on the field where Wilson is attacking hitters and showing consistent swing and miss stuff. 

Ronald Evans (INF, Leesville Road) is a physically imposing prospect with some quickness in his bat.  Attending the premier winter workout event in North Carolina, the Preseason All-State,  Evans showed an exit velocity of 90mph off the bat and good carry across the infield at 80mph.  Still maturing, there is rhythm in his game and the physical frame can continue to add strength.  Evans jumped into the Top 10 in the state with his continued maturation.

The biggest jump on in the top of the board comes from RHP Tim Cao (Northern Guilford HS).  Cao impressed in the early summer, in front of PBR staff, with solid pitch-ability and a feel for spinning the baseball, moving into the Top 20 in the updated rankings.  As the frame has grown, Cao showed increased arm strength at the Preseason All-State.  The fastball peaked at 86, with ease, continuing to show premium command for his age.  The frame is still maturing, but has some length in his levers.    

The highest ranked new-comer to the rankings is Alex Sniffen (3B/RHP, New Hanover HS).  Sniffen has a true chance to be a dual position recruit.  Physical, listed at 6-foot-4, 218 pounds, Sniffen shows awareness and some quickness in his body.  The bat has a chance to play with power, with an exit velocity of 90mph.  On the bump, the fastball worked up to 82, in one of his first bullpens of the year at the Preseason All-State.  The fastball should continue to grow, and quickly.  In total, fifteen players were added to the updated rankings.

A preview of the Top 10 can be seen below.  To view the full list, make sure you are signed into your PBR subscription and CLICK HERE.

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CLASS OF 2019