Prep Baseball Report

NC Insider: Class of 2020 Rankings




By Brandon Hall
North Carolina Director of Scouting

The initial release of the class of 2020 North Carolina rankings features players from the coast to the mountains.  In all, 50 players are listed in the initial release with well over 200 players receiving consideration.  The rankings process for PBR North Carolina is detailed and vested in our ability to see as many players as possible, across the state.  PBR staff has been working to see games, practices, workouts, and video.  Along with PBR events, players are graded out and given a confidence rating on the grade. 

The initial class of 2020 ranking for North Carolina is led by physical left hander, Liam Norris of Green Hope HS.  Norris is an imposing figure on the mound at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds.  The fastball has run up to 92 and there are makings of a plus slider.  Norris is also included in the recent 2020 Overall Rankings update where he is listed at No. 4. Norris committed to the University of North Carolina.

Inside the top 10, only two players remain uncommitted.  NO. 2, Nolan McLean (RHP/C, Garner HS) is a multi-sport athlete, also playing QB for the Trojans on the grid iron.  On the field, there is a high baseball IQ to go along with his physical abilities.  On the mound the fastball has touched 90 with a short, loose arm action.  The length in the body suggests more strength and quickness is coming as well. 

At No. 10, Gus Hughes (RHP/OF, Grimsley HS) is not an uncommitted “hideout guy”.  Gus had a big summer showcasing arm strength and pitch-ability in several different settings.  The breaking ball is advanced and the fastball has an ease about it as it ramps up to 87.

Just outside of the Top 10 is West Wilkes switch hitting shortstop, Colton Stotler.  Stotler impressed at the Carolina Rockies scout day with PBR, showing a good feel for the barrel from both sides of the plate.  While still nursing a hamstring issue, Stotler is at least an average runner.  The body type suggest there may be advanced future power.

Moving forward, PBR’s “boots on the ground” philosophy will keep PBR staff on the road watching fall games, practices and workouts.  PBR events will run in the late fall and winter as well.  The rankings are an ever-shifting practice as players continue to get better and as PBR continues to find more players across the great state of North Carolina.

Class of 2020 Rankings – Quick Hitters
+ 50 players ranked in the initial list
+ 18 Pitchers are ranked
+ 17 Middle Infielders are ranked
+ 8 Outfielders are ranked
+ 4 Catchers are ranked
+ 3 Corner Infielders are ranked
+ 10 Players in the North Carolina Rankings made the PBR 2020 Overall Rankings

CLASS OF 2020

Updated on Sep 15, 2017


RANK NAME STATE SCHOOL CLASS POS COMMITMENT
1 Liam Norris NC Green Hope 2020 LHP North Carolina
2 Nolan McLean NC Garner 2020 RHP
3 Austin St. Laurent NC Western Alamance 2020 SS East Carolina
4 Jack Hicks NC Leesville 2020 SS Kentucky
5 Connor Monroe NC West Forsyth 2020 RHP North Carolina State
6 Coby Ingle NC Rockingham County 2020 RHP North Carolina State
7 Landon Ginn NC Eastern Wayne 2020 SS East Carolina
8 Travis Hamrick NC Watagua 2020 RHP North Carolina
9 Jake Harwood NC Whiteville 2020 SS Clemson
10 Gus Hughes NC Grimsley 2020 RHP


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