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Rising Stars: Quick Hits

April 16, 2024
Shea Sbranti
Arizona Scouting Director

On Saturday, April 13th, Prep Baseball Report Arizona hosted the first Rising Stars event of the spring at Grand Canyon University in, Phoenix AZ. The Rising Stars is an open event held for prospects in the 2028-2029 classes in the state of Arizona that stands as a tryout to represent team Arizona at the 2024 Junior Future Games in Atlanta Georgia. Giving the players the chance to showcase their skills in front of the PBR Arizona Staff using state-of-the-art technology on field.Β 

Today, we’ll start by giving you the Top Performers from the Rising Stars, 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.

FULL EVENT COVERAGE

Ben Jacobus OF / 1B / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2028

Ben Jacobus, a promising 2028 graduate set to enroll at Corona Del Sol High School, showcased exceptional talent during the recent Rising Stars event. With a smooth left-handed swing, Jacobus impressed during batting practice, consistently making solid contact to various parts of the field. His defensive skills in the outfield were equally impressive, demonstrating clean actions and reliability while fielding. Jacobus's standout performance suggests he is a top prospect to watch as he embarks on his high school baseball journey, with the potential to make a significant impact for Corona Del Sol in the future.

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Parker Spade C / 1B / Valley Christian, AZ / 2028

Parker Spade, the 2028 catcher, made a significant impression at this year's Rising Stars event, showcasing exceptional skills both behind the plate and in the batter's box. Displaying a potent combination of defensive acumen and offensive prowess, Spade's performance stood out among his peers. Behind the plate, his strong arm and impressive pop times, ranging from 2.09 to 2.25 seconds, coupled with a 67mph arm, showcased his ability to control the base paths and deter potential base stealers. His receiving skills during live pitching demonstrated smoothness and maturity, while his agility in blocking showcased his defensive proficiency. At the plate, Spade exhibited a simple and direct swing path during batting practice, highlighting his ability to generate above-average power, particularly to the pull side. His offensive approach, coupled with his defensive prowess, positions him as a formidable all-around player with significant potential for success at higher levels of competition.
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Tanner Sultan SS / 3B / Catalina Foothills High School, AZ / 2028

Tanner Sultan, a 2028 middle infielder slated to join Catalina Foothills in 2024, showcased his talent at the Rising Stars event, impressing with both his defensive skills and prowess at the plate. With an 80 mph arm and clean fielding actions, Sultan exhibits the poise and reliability expected of a top-tier infielder, making accurate throws and fielding grounders with ease. At bat, his quick bat speed and above-average power profile him as a line-drive to fly-ball hitter, consistently making solid contact and driving the ball into the gaps. Sultan's all-around skill set and potential for development make him a promising prospect to watch as he progresses in his baseball career.

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Braden Kemp OF / C / Chandler, AZ / 2028

Braden Kemp, a 2028 graduate set to join Chandler High School in 2024, exhibited his versatility on the field at Saturday's Rising Stars Event. Notably, Kemp showcased his skills in both outfield and catcher positions, distinguishing himself as one of the few athletes to excel in multiple roles. However, it was at the plate where Kemp truly shone. With a wide and balanced base, Kemp demonstrated a refined hitting approach. His long but quick bat path allowed him to make direct contact with the ball consistently, resulting in solid hard hits to all areas of the field.Β 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Arizona Rising Stars ID AZ 04/13 Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Rising Stars ID - Session 2 AZ 04/27 Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ
Mesa Summer ID AZ 05/29 Desert Ridge High School - Mesa, AZ
2024 ProCase - West AZ 06/02 Pepperdine University
Top Prospect Games: Upperclass (Invite-Only) AZ 06/03 Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ
Top Prospect Games: Underclass (Invite-Only) AZ 06/10 American Family Fields of Phoenix
West Side Summer ID AZ 06/18 Canyon View High School - Waddell, AZ
Glendale Summer ID AZ 07/16 Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ
Future Games (Class of 2026/27) NATIONAL 07/24 LakePoint Sports
Junior Future Games (Class of 2028/29) NATIONAL 07/24 LakePoint Sports
Senior Future Games (Class of 2025) NATIONAL 07/24 LakePoint Sports

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