Preseason All State: Underclass Quick Hits
January 29, 2025
On the weekend of, January 25-26, Prep Baseball Report Arizona hosted the Underclass Preseason All State Games at Casteel High School. The Underclass Preseason All State Games is an invite only showcase provided for players in the 2028-2027 classes in the state of Arizona. Giving the players the chance to showcase their skills in front of the PBR Arizona Staff using state-of-the-art technology on field.
Today, we’ll start by giving you the Top Performers from the Underclass Showcase, which we like to call Quick Hits. In Quick Hits you will be able to see how these players tested and were evaluated by the PBR Arizona Staff throughout the showcase. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more post event coverage.
 |
Owen Konerko 3B / RHP / Cactus Shadows, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 11 / POS: 3
Owen Konerko, a 2027 two-way prospect and corner infielder from Cactus Shadows High School, delivered a standout performance during the workout day portion of Preseason All State event. Known for his high-level bat speed and serious raw power, Konerko consistently posted exit velocities in the hundreds, peaking at an impressive 103.5 mph. His display of power included numerous towering shots over the left-center field wall, turning heads throughout the event. Konerko carried that momentum into gameplay, driving a triple off the right-center field wall, further solidifying his offensive prowess. With his ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball, Konerko has established himself as one of Arizona’s premier prospects in the 2027 class.
|
 |
Robert Villa III SS / 2B / Centennial, AZ / 2027Bobby Villa, the #1 prospect in Arizona for the 2027 class, lived up to his billing with an exceptional showing at the Preseason All-State event. The switch-hitting shortstop displayed high-level athleticism across the field, impressing with his mature approach at the plate. During batting practice, Villa sprayed line drives to all fields with impressive balance and control in the box. In gameplay, he continued to stand out, causing havoc on the basepaths by stealing multiple bags and showcasing his instincts and speed. Villa also delivered at the plate with a hard-hit single back up the middle. His polished skill set and well-rounded game make him a clear standout and a key reason why he holds the top spot in Arizona’s 2027 class.
|
 |
Baylor Denny SS / 3B / Casteel, AZ / 2027Baylor Denny, a shortstop and right-handed pitcher from Casteel High School, is the #2 ranked prospect in Arizona’s 2027 class and continues to impress with his polished skill set. During the preseason all states, Denny stood out in the defensive portion, showcasing smooth, clean actions with the glove and a strong, accurate arm across the infield. As one of the most refined middle infielders in the state, he is poised to be a key player up the middle for the reigning 5A state champions, the Casteel Colts. Offensively, Denny has made notable progress, particularly with his improved bat speed, leading to harder and more consistent contact. With his all-around talent and continued development, Denny is set to be a standout prospect this summer at the Future Games and beyond, making him a must-watch player in Arizona baseball.
|
 |
EJ Mayer SS / 2B / Sahuarita, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 10 / POS: 3
EJ Mayer, a 2027 middle infielder from Sahuarita High School, continues to solidify himself as a must-see prospect in Arizona. With his long, lanky frame and true shortstop build, Mayer exudes projection and promise. At the plate, his clean left-handed stroke stands out, displaying a smooth swing and the ability to drive the ball with authority. During the gameplay portion of a recent event, Mayer showcased his offensive potential by connecting on a fastball and driving it deep to RCF for a double. As he continues to develop, Mayer’s combination of size, athleticism, and offensive tools positions him as one of the state’s top young talents.
|
 |
Grady Openden RHP / OF / Brophy College Preparatory, AZ / 2027Grady Openden, a 2027 right-handed pitcher from Brophy High School, emerged as the standout arm of the weekend, showcasing advanced pitchability and command well beyond his years. Openden demonstrated the ability to throw three pitches for strikes with consistency, highlighted by a fastball that sat 85-86 mph and topped out at 87 mph, featuring impressive arm-side run. His polished approach on the mound and ability to locate his arsenal make him a high-upside prospect with significant potential. As he continues to develop, Openden is poised to become one of the top arms in Arizona’s 2027 class and will be a must-follow talent in the coming years.
|
 |
Andrés Armenta OF / RHP / Casteel, AZ / 2028Rankings StateRank: 4 / POS: 1
Andres Armenta, a two-way player in the 2028 class from Casteel High School, was a standout at this past weekend’s preseason All-State event, displaying elite athleticism and significant power potential. At the plate, Armenta’s strong, balanced swing and high-level bat speed were evident, especially during the gameplay portion, where he smoked a ball to left field for a double. His natural feel for the game and impressive tools on both sides of the ball make him a must-follow prospect in the 2028 class as he continues to develop into a high-impact player.
|
 |
Maddox Wahlenmaier RHP / SS / Pinnacle, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 27 / POS: 4
Maddox Wahlenmaier, a 2027 right-handed pitcher from Pinnacle High School, impressed as the game 3 starter on Sunday, showcasing his ability to fill up the zone with a polished three-pitch mix. Wahlenmaier’s ultra-smooth delivery and clean arm action allow the ball to come out of his hand effortlessly, making his 82-84 mph fastball play up. With added strength and physical development, significant velocity gains are anticipated in the near future. Wahlenmaier’s composure and command on the mound position him as an exciting prospect to watch in the 2027 class.
|
 |
Jameson Mohler C / OF / Sandra Day O'Connor, AZ / 2028Jameson Mohler, a 2028 catcher from SD O’Connor High School, made a strong impression during the workout portion of the event, showcasing a powerful arm behind the plate and advanced power at the plate. Mohler demonstrated his ability to drive the ball to all fields, highlighted by one of the standout moments of the day when he crushed a hanging breaking ball over the left-field scoreboard. With his combination of defensive strength and offensive impact, Mohler has positioned himself as a top catching prospect in the 2028 class.
|
 |
Kyle Wisniewski SS / RHP / Campo Verde, AZ / 2027Kyle Wisniewski, a 2027 middle infielder from Campo Verde High School, made an immediate impression in his Prep Baseball debut. With a projectable 6-foot-2, 170-pound frame, Wisniewski has the ideal build for a true shortstop. His defensive actions stood out, displaying a smooth glove up the middle with natural athleticism and a knack for finding the pocket. At the plate, he showcased a quick bat and consistent barrel control, proving his ability to make solid contact. Wisniewski is a name to watch as he continues to develop.
|
 |
Max Germaine C / 1B / Mountain View, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 5
Max Germaine, a 2027 catcher from Mountain View High School, is no stranger to Prep Baseball, having represented Team Arizona at the 2023 Junior Future Games. Germaine has continued to develop both offensively and defensively, showing noticeable strides in his game. With a physical and athletic frame, he possesses significant power potential at the plate, making him a threat in the box. Behind the dish, he has refined his skills, solidifying himself as a reliable presence. As he enters his sophomore season at Mountain View, expect Germaine to make a big impact and establish himself as one of the top catchers in the 2027 class.
|
 |
Blake Gonzales 3B / RHP / Hamilton, AZ / 2027Blake Gonzales, the #5 ranked prospect in Arizona’s 2027 class, put on a show during Saturday’s workout, posting the highest exit velocity of the day at 104.1 mph. The Hamilton High School standout is a true two-way prospect, showcasing his ability to play a quality third base with smooth actions and a strong arm across the diamond. At the plate, Gonzales brings high-level power potential, driving the ball with authority to all fields. On the mound, he continues to impress, running his fastball into the upper 80s. With his elite tools on both sides of the ball, Gonzales is a must-follow as he continues to develop.
|
 |
Cooper LeRoy 1B / RHP / Mesquite, AZ / 2028Cooper LeRoy has solidified himself as the top pitching prospect in Arizona for the 2028 class, continuing to impress with his elite arm talent. The right-handed pitcher and first baseman made his Prep Baseball debut at the 2024 Junior Future Games, where he served as the ace for Team Arizona. LeRoy built on that momentum at this past weekend’s Preseason All-State event, where he posted the highest velocity of the day, topping out at 89 mph. With his projectable frame, clean mechanics, and electric arm, LeRoy is a must-follow as he continues to develop into a premier arm in the state.
|
 |
Landon Swinehart OF / 1B / Millennium, AZ / 2028Rankings StateRank: 7 / POS: 4
Landon Swinehart has been a high-follow prospect for the Arizona staff since his breakout summer in 2024, consistently displaying a quick left-handed bat that finds the barrel with ease. The 2028 graduate is a true center fielder, showcasing impressive range and a quick first step that allows him to track down balls in the outfield with ease. Swinehart’s overall athleticism and advanced feel for the game make him one of the top follows in the state for his class. Expect him to make an immediate impact as a true freshman for Millennium this season.
|
 |
Troy Tewers 3B / RHP / Liberty, AZ / 2028Troy Tewers has established himself as one of the most polished defenders in the state for the 2028 class, displaying elite glove work and smooth actions up the middle. At the plate, he continues to make strides, showcasing growing power with a hard-hit double to the left-center field gap during gameplay. Since his time with Team Arizona at the 2024 Junior Future Games, Tewers has developed into a well-rounded two-way prospect. Expect him to play a key role for the Liberty Lions this spring and solidify himself as a high-level follow in the 2028 class.
|
Upcoming Events
| Showcase | State | Date | Location |
| Preseason All-State Games: Upperclass (Invite-Only) | AZ | 02/01 | Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ |
| Super 60 Pro Showcase | NATIONAL | 02/02 | The MAX - McCook, IL |
| Mesa Preseason ID | AZ | 02/09 | Desert Ridge High School - Mesa, AZ |
| Phoenix Rising Stars ID - Session 1 | AZ | 03/15 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |
| Phoenix Rising Stars ID - Session 2 | AZ | 04/05 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |
| Mesa Rising Stars ID | AZ | 04/26 | Mountain View High School - Mesa, AZ |
RECENT NEWS