Rising Stars Preseason All-State: Infielder Reports

On Saturday, March 4th the PBR Georgia staff hosted the first Rising Stars event of the year, the Rising Stars Preseason All-State. This event provided us an ample opportunity to check-in on some of the area’s young talent, and get a jump start of what is to come. 

In the week that followed this event, we produced post-event analysis that includes performance highlights inside of our Quick Hits story, a look at the traditional stats measured within our Statistical Analysis. We also took a pitching dive, so be sure to check it out. 

Top 10 Infielders

Aden Rucker 3B / RHP / Carrollton , GA / 2027 Positional Profile: 3B/RHP True SS candidate, very smooth actions in all facets with 5 tool potential if he continues to progress steadily. Body: 5-5, 140-pounds. Athletic frame, long levers, plenty of projection. Hit: RHH. Exceptional swing mechanics for age. Hips engine of swing and start hands in load. Good hip pace from a medium, slightly open base with good posture. Hands relaxed off shoulder.  Shoulders tilt south in stride to work on incline plane post landing, matching pitch trajectory with ease. Short to, long through knob led path. Barrel replaces late for extended time in hitting zone. Nice loft, occasional sweep. Power: 78 max exit velocity, averaged 72.3 mph. 223’ max distance. Backspin line drives to both gaps with considerable carry. Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Loose one piece arm action, strong and accurate for age with carry. Defense: Anticipates with impressive footwork, reads hops well, soft hands with body control. Run: 7.51 runner in the 60. Long, easy strides, speed builds

Isaiah Galason SS / RHP / Westfield, GA / 2027 Positional Profile: SS/RHP Body: 5-8, 145-pounds. Hit: RHH. Open, tall stance. Consistent barrells with a lower hand set up, but sets the angle and drives through the ball with a smooth swing. Power: 84 max exit velocity, averaged 81.1 mph. 240’ max distance. One of the best swings of the day. The hips work, and produce power to all parts of the field. Consistent bat path leads to consistent barrels. Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. One of the strongest arms at the event. Effortless, clean action. Can throw it from all angles. Defense: Dynamic player, true SS that will continue to develop. Has all the right actions. Keeps the feet moving, clean glove to hand transfer. Run: 6.99 runner in the 60. Short, powerful strides. Already a sub 7 runner, and will continue to get faster with growth.

Tyson Ganas RHP / SS / Houston County, GA / 2027 Positional Profile: RHP/SS Explosive mover on the mound who should end up nice velocity regardless of eventual size. Body: 5-9, 135-pounds. Medium, wiry frame. Hit: RHH. Base just outside shoulders, slightly open and front side dominant. Simplified, repeatable forward move with good lower half momentum due to smooth leg kick. Mostly direct, lofty path that can manipulate barrel angle based off pitch location. Power: 80 max exit velocity, averaged 72.6 mph. 249’ max distance. Gap to gap backspin. Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Short, quick, full circle arm action. Defense: Passive reads, needs to be more aggressive as soon as ball is hit. Solid footwork laterally with plenty of arm for position. Run: 7.40 runner in the 60.

Ryan Trout RHP / SS / North Oconee , GA / 2027 Positional Profile: RHP/SS Standout arm strength, athleticism, and a repeatable swing Body: 5-11, 145-pounds. Slender frame with long levers and present athleticism. Hit: RHH. Tall setup with narrow base and hands set more forward than typical. Slowly angles hands into launch position on negative move, well timed with stride. You'd like to see a more minimal negative and more ground gained in stride. Would increase EV & power output. Hands work close to body for short to, long through path and has ability to manipulate barrel to different pitch locations. Very consistent swing path. Power: 81 max exit velocity, averaged 76.4 mph. 249’ max distance. Backspin to both gaps. Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Quick, short circle arm action 3/4 slot. All throws carry with accuracy. If he can make his delivery on the mound look more like him throwing from the infield he will throw even harder. Very natural thrower from IF. Arm strength and arm speed. Defense: Impressive lateral quickness with sure hands. Catches ball in pocket consistently. Run: 7.45 runner in the 60.

Kingston Jones SS / RHP / Pope, GA / 2028 Positional Profile: SS/RHP Body: 5-10, 135-pounds. Hit: SH. Slightly open, leg kick stride.  Really consitent contact from the right side with power. Hands work from both side. Power: 76 max exit velocity, averaged 68.2 mph. 231’ max distance. Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Strong, quick arm. Defense: Moves well, strong athletic ability for the 13u level. Run: 7.67 runner in the 60.

Carson Heath LHP / 1B / Carrollton, GA / 2027 Positional Profile: LHP/1B Body: 6-1, 160-pounds. High waisted, rangy, Large frame. Hit: LHH. Medium base, barrel set vertically, minimal movement. Big negative move that can be more efficient. Separation timing is solid and repeats launch position well.  Steeper, sweeping path. Power: 86 max exit velocity, averaged 79 mph. 296’ max distance. Some loft. Arm: LH. INF - 69 mph. Deep, lengthy H3/4 arm action across the diamond. Shortens action well on 2 ball. Defense: Smooth hands with solid reads. Footwork is adequate for position. Run: 7.06 runner in the 60.

Jayzen Johnson OF / RHP / Lumpkin County, GA / 2027 Positional Profile: OF/RHP Nice follow. Body: 5-10, 160-pounds. Large, stocky frame. strong lower half. Hit: RHH. Wide base, barrel angled toward eventual launch position. Good hip pace, separation timing needs improvement. Be more gradual with hand load at same pace of stride. When he's timed up, the ball jumps. Efficient path with good extension, some sweep. Power: 85 max exit velocity, averaged 78.9 mph. 288’ max distance. Top spin line drives to pull side. Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Quick, short circle arm action 3/4 slot. Makes throws from all angles with ease. Defense: Very good footwork laterally with advanced range for age. Sure hands. Run: 7.56 runner in the 60.

Lio Garcia SS / OF / North Gwinnett, GA / 2028 Positional Profile: SS/OF High impact bat with a run tool that will end up at least A/AVG. Will be able to play many positions well on diamond. Energetic player. Body: 5-8, 135-pounds. Medium, proportional frame with athleticism throughout. Hit: RHH. Base just outside shoulders with perfect rhythm in hips & hands. Advanced lower half sink gets the lower half activated and on plane early as well as helps him track. Good hip pace out of hole with front hip leading the stride as the upper half coils to create elite hip/shoulder separation for his age.  Optimal launch position creates knob led path with ideal barrel angle for loft. Hands and aggressive stride create loose, explosive rotational acceleration.  Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 81.3 mph. 349’ max distance. Ball jumps off bat with backspin to all fields. Very twitchy. Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. OF - 85 mph. Loose, quick, medium circle arm action with ideal intent.  shows ability to throw from all angles at SS. Defense: Very good instincts for age, aggressive reads with good momentum through ball. Rangy at SS, good anticipation and footwork for age. Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. Stays low and explosive with solid forward lean and smooth strides

William Russell 1B / OF / Evans, GA / 2027 Positional Profile: 1B/OF Power, velo potential. Body: 6-6, 180-pounds. Medium frame, built like a skyscraper. Very athletic, coordinated for height. Hit: . Wide base, barrel laid just off shoulder. Toe tap in same area of foot strike, well timed as barrel works into launch position.  Lofty path. Power: 83 max exit velocity, averaged 74.4 mph. 240’ max distance. Lets ball get too deep, needs to catch more out front to use his rare length to his advantage. Arm: . INF - 80 mph. OF - 83 mph. Two piece arm action, deep stab, 3/4 slot. Plenty of arm strength for age. Could really make jump with more fluidity. Defense: Moves well laterally at 1B, feel for shortening arm action there and changing angles. Run: 7.41 runner in the 60. Upright posture with long strides that cover ground with ease. Runs very well for size.

Machi Davis SS / RHP / Home School, GA / 2028 Positional Profile: SS/RHP Body: 5-4, 109-pounds. Hit: RHH. Wide stance, toe tap load Hips and hands stay connected. Perfect hand set up for consistent contact. Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 60.7 mph. 313’ max distance. Arm: RH. INF - 62 mph. Quick, clean action Defense: Quiet feet, clean glove to ball transfer. Moves well laterally Run: 8.19 runner in the 60.

Best of the Rest (Alphabetically)

Caleb Allen, Ola (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-4, 135-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, upright stance Toe tap stride, gets the barrell still before load. Finishes through the ball with good hip rotation in the swing.
Power: 66 max exit velocity, averaged 62 mph. 192’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 62 mph. Consistent throws to 1B, follows his throw.
Defense: Good footwork, gets the ball out quickly
Run: 8.93 runner in the 60. 

Logan Bell, Jackson Co (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-8, 120-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open stance Leg kick load, good finish, and consistent contact when he keeps the front side closed.
Power: 70 max exit velocity, averaged 58 mph. 180’ max distance. High energy player with quick, efficient actions at SS. Love the athletism he displayed.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Quick arm, can throw it from all angles.
Defense: Quick feet, fast arm, ranges well and has high energy.
Run: 8.28 runner in the 60. 

Wesley Blair, Ringgold (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 152-pounds. Large frame, long levers.
Hit: RHH. Medium base, active rhythm in hands. Backside dominant weight distribution. Sweeping path with impressive hand-eye.
Power: 77 max exit velocity, averaged 72.6 mph. 269’ max distance. Top spin line drives to pull side.
Arm: RH. INF - 65 mph. Lengthy, two piece arm action 3/4 slot.
Defense: Solid footwork and sure hands. Can play at lower height.
Run: 8.65 runner in the 60. 

Noah Cagle, Cartersville (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-0, 185-pounds. Large frame.
Hit: RHH. Medium base, hands relaxed off back shoulder.  Good separation timing, wraps barrel into launch position.
Power: 81 max exit velocity, averaged 71.6 mph. 236’ max distance. ball carries to both gaps.
Arm: LH. INF - 60 mph. One piece arm action 3/4 slot.
Defense: Solid footwork, sure hands. momentum carries thru throw.
Run: 7.86 runner in the 60. 

Harris Chafin, North Oconee (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-7, 130-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Simple, compact stance, loose hands with great connection in the upper and lower half. Consistent bat path with a powerful finish.
Power: 74 max exit velocity, averaged 67.1 mph. 223’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 62 mph. Loose, whippy arm, strong finish
Defense: Ranges well, long legs, keeps his feet under his hips and works through the ball.
Run: 8.34 runner in the 60. 

Weston Clements, Sonoraville  (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: 2B/OF
Body: 5-8, 124-pounds. Rangy frame
Hit: RHH. Narrow base, barrel tilted vertically. Relaxed upper half. Efficient negative move with light toe tap, separation timing can improve (needs to load hands post toe tap). Short, direct path, can manipulate barrel.
Power: 76 max exit velocity, averaged 63.2 mph. 240’ max distance. Line drives to all fields.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. mid depth, one piece arm action 3/4 slot.
Defense: Reads hops well for age, keeps momentum flowing toward bag. Smooth actions, plays low.
Run: 7.94 runner in the 60. 

Brody Conner, South Paulding (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-9, 135-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open, relaxed hands, and gets them back on the load. Quick swing, and his hands do most the work. When he connects everything the ball had good carry.
Power: 71 max exit velocity, averaged 63.1 mph. 243’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Works through the ball, and uses lower half to carrying velocity over to 1B.
Defense: Quick feet, and keeps them moving through the ball
Run: 7.42 runner in the 60. 

Connor Fox, Union grove middle (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-2, 113-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open, good feel for lower half  Smooth bat path with a strong lower half finish.
Power: 62 max exit velocity, averaged 60.4 mph. 190’ max distance. Power to pull side.
Arm: RH. INF - 57 mph. Lower slot
Defense: Good glove to throw transfer
Run: 9.02 runner in the 60. 

Evan Hall, Calhoun (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: OF/1B
Body: 5-6, 100-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Wide, even stance Keeps the bat in the zone, and catches the ball out in front.
Power: 63 max exit velocity, averaged 52.5 mph. 178’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 50 mph. OF - 63 mph. high 3/4 slot in OF, Shortens ar action at 1B
Defense: Stays behind the ball in the OF.
Run: 8.40 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Johansen, Buford (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-7, 141-pounds. Proportional build with some present strength.
Hit: LHH. Medium base, knees angled inside feet for center of balance. Fluid negative move where hips touch and go off backside from well paced toe tap.  Shoulders and hips match plane well with and uphill path that generates plenty of loft.
Power: 72 max exit velocity, averaged 70.4 mph. 237’ max distance. Pull side loft.
Arm: RH. INF - 65 mph. Short, side arm arm action. Ball gets out at fast pace.
Defense: Good footwork with plenty of range and instincts. Smooth hands with subtle push thru ball.
Run: 7.70 runner in the 60. 

Grant Kruger, Green Hill (TN), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 140-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Even, strong base Gets the back elbow in the slow, and keeps it level throughout the entire swing with consistency and power.
Power: 83 max exit velocity, averaged 73.6 mph. 241’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. INF - 73 mph. Behind the plate. quick transfer with a strong consistent arm action.
Defense: In the field, strong, wide base and keeps his chest over toes while fielding the ball.
Run: 7.78 runner in the 60. 

Julian Lively, Westminster School of Augusta (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 5-7, 145-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Even base Simple, toe tap load and keps his barrel through the zone. Hits the low pitch well, and stays through the ball after contact.
Power: 71 max exit velocity, averaged 61.6 mph. 185’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 64 mph. Good action, and finishi
Defense: Keeps the chest over his toes and stays through the ball.
Run: 9.01 runner in the 60. 

Sam Lowe, Alexander  (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-4, 120-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup Good hand speed with strength
Power: 72 max exit velocity, averaged 67.5 mph. 211’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Quick loose arm.
Defense: Gets the ball out of his glove quickly.
Run: 8.44 runner in the 60. 

Knox Nolan, N/A (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 5-0, 125-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Feet under hips, simple load. Level barrel
Power: 70 max exit velocity, averaged 60.6 mph. 199’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 51 mph. Over the top slot, clean action
Defense: Good foot work on bag at first, and stays in his during ground balls.
Run: 9.27 runner in the 60. 

Knox Overstreet, Pope (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-9, 145-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Medium base, closed off stance with quiet barrel. Hands right near eventual hitting slot. Chest loads hands for him, good stretch in separation with repeatable launch angle. Mostly direct path.
Power: 71 max exit velocity, averaged 65.1 mph. 248’ max distance. Line drives pull side.
Arm: RH. INF - 63 mph. Shorter 3/4 arm action.
Defense: Needs to play on legs more at lower height, make more aggressive reads.
Run: 8.31 runner in the 60. 

Dylan Schoenthal, N/A (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-3, 104-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Even stance, flat bat Stays connected, and keeps his hands through the zone anf finishes after contact.
Power: 70 max exit velocity, averaged 59.5 mph. 216’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 62 mph. Short, quick action
Defense: Keeps his chest over his toes, and works through the ball.
Run: 8.39 runner in the 60. 

Cody Sneed, Bethlehem Christian Academy (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 145-pounds. Slender frame with long levers.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup with forward lean, barrel pre set into launch position. Load timed up with stride.  Steep, sweeping path.
Power: 74 max exit velocity, averaged 65.8 mph. 198’ max distance. Pull side line drives with some loft.
Arm: RH. INF - 59 mph. Near sidearm slot, gets the ball out with pace.
Defense: Stays in front of ball well, soft hands. Good anticipation and overall feel for position.
Run: 7.68 runner in the 60. 

Hayes Stephens, Mount Bethel Christian (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-5, 110-pounds. Lean frame with athleticism
Hit: RHH. Flex in the knees  Quiet, quick hands with good bat to ball connection. Stays through the ball on the finish.
Power: 74 max exit velocity, averaged 65.6 mph. 224’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Clean, repeatable.
Defense: Keeps the feet moving
Run: 7.83 runner in the 60. 

Brian Ward, Union Grove (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds. Medium frame, strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, slow flow in hands, weight centered. Good hip pace with smooth, repeatable upper half coil in stride that creates stored rotational power.  Mostly knob led path with some sweep but good feel for back elbow tuck and front arm shrink. Ability to manipulate.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 70.3 mph. 262’ max distance. Backspin to both gaps.
Arm: RH. INF - 56 mph. Short arm action H3/4 slot who gets the ball out quickly for age & position.
Defense: Solid footwork with soft hands.
Run: 8.34 runner in the 60. 

Ethan Williams, Alexander  (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 5-3, 136-pounds. Short, stocky
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced set up Quick hands, short powerful swing, straight through the ball.
Power: 78 max exit velocity, averaged 69.2 mph. 239’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. OF - 74 mph. Over the top slot, and follows his throw through the ball
Defense: Keeps his feet underneath him with a good strong base.
Run: 7.64 runner in the 60. 

Matthew Zander, Calhoun (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-8, 135-pounds. Medium frame.
Hit: RHH. Narrow base with low set hands, elbows/upper half relaxed. Smooth negative move, can improve hip pace with a pre set hip hinge.  Well timed separation, repeats launch position and path very well. Knob led path with directness. Still head.
Power: 74 max exit velocity, averaged 68.9 mph. 197’ max distance. Impressive hand eye, barrels to all fields.
Arm: RH. INF - 67 mph. Repeatable short circle arm action 3/4 slot.
Defense: Solid momentum and direction to bag, sure hands.
Run: 8.90 runner in the 60.