Rising Stars Preseason All-State: Outfielder 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 Outfielders

Caleb Hudson OF / SS / Carrollton , GA / 2027 Positional Profile: OF/SS Hudson was the  top 2027 at the event. He will be a name to remember for years to come. He has progressed physically in a years time, and will only continue to get better. Body: 5-7, 134-pounds. Strong, compact, athletic frame Hit: SH. Slightly open, flat bat, relaxed hands.  Simple load, consistent contact for power. Effortless swing. Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 81.5 mph. 293’ max distance. Arm: RH.OF - 87 mph. Strong, athletic Defense: Plus actions for his age, works behind and through the ball. Uses his strong lower half in his crow up for powerful, accurate throws. Run: 6.53 runner in the 60.

Dexter McCleon Jr OF / 1B / Buford, GA / 2028 Positional Profile: OF/1B Very rare talent with easy 5 tool potential. Body: 6-2, 180-pounds. Large frame (broad shouldered, long levered). D1/Pro type body currently with much more strength to add. Hit: RHH. Tall posture, narrow base, slightly open setup with good rhythm in the hips and hands. Hands start just off back shoulder close to eventual hitting slot.  Well sequenced forward move with elastic, well timed hip/shoulder separation. Gets on plane early due to lower half sink, allowing hips & shoulders (slight incline) to match balls downhill trajectory. Natural loft to path with standout hand-eye. Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 83.3 mph. 358’ max distance. Ball carries with exceptional loft to all fields. Arm: RH.OF - 82 mph. Long, loose 3/4 arm action that builds momentum gradually. Future top of scale arm. Defense: Good footwork for age, consistently makes catches in the pocket with good momentum through ball and direction. Effortless actions. Run: 7.10 runner in the 60. A/AVG runner with long, gliding strides. Good forward lean, covers ground quickly.

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.

Win Hoots OF / RHP / The Westfield School, GA / 2027 Positional Profile: OF/RHP Good athlete for age who can really run. Body: 5-11, 146-pounds. Medium frame with a long levers, closer to slender. Hit: RHH. Upright stance with narrow base. Minimal negative move, slow/deliberate forward move thats well timed.  Steeper, grooved path with some sweep. Noticeable hand-eye. Power: 79 max exit velocity, averaged 75 mph. 279’ max distance. Line drives to both gaps. Arm: RH.OF - 77 mph. Short circle, 3/4 arm action that builds momentum well. Defense: One of the top prospects in the outfield at the event. He moves well, and does a great job of getting behind the ball and working through the ball both on the ground and in the air.  Run: 6.98 runner in the 60.

Brock Holcombe OF / RHP / Lakeside , GA / 2027 Positional Profile: OF/RHP Body: 5-11, 145-pounds. Long, athletic frame that has seen a big jump, and now will begin to fill out. Hit: LHH. Wide, strong base. Keeps the barrell quiet, and in the zone.  Consistent contact with really quick hands and powerful hips. Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 83.1 mph. 314’ max distance. Arm: RH.OF - 77 mph. Longer action, but still produces power with the throw with his long legs and arm. Defense: Works through the ball when its on the ground. and gets good leg drive into the throw. Run: 7.78 runner in the 60.

Jax Lathem C / RHP / The Heritage School, GA / 2027 Positional Profile: C/RHP Priority bat in the class with elite swing mechanics for age. Body: 5-9, 150-pounds. Medium frame. Strong, proportional build with present strength. Hit: SH. Very athletic setup. Medium base with perfect posture and pre set weight on legs. Hands set below shoulder and he works them up into hitting slot, angling into launch position with ease. Chest loads hands for him, smooth hip pace out of negative move due to weight on inside of back foot.  Exceptional torque at foot strike for age. Knob led path that creates an absolute blur during lag. Short and compact stroke. Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 77.9 mph. 283’ max distance. Ball jumps off barrel with backspin to both gaps. Arm: LH. C - 70 mph.OF - 79 mph. Throws are much better when he keeps release point even with shoulder, when he goes above head it slows him down. Defense: Solid receiver for age, moves well laterally and a willing blocker. Run: 7.62 runner in the 60.

Braden Little OF / LHP / Gordon Lee , GA / 2027 Positional Profile: OF/LHP Little was one of the top left handed bats of the day.  Loose hands, powerful hips, and consistent barrels to show for it. Body: 5-6, 130-pounds. Stocky, athletic frame Hit: LHH. Tall, slightly open Ideal lower half mechanics, great bat path and smooth finish Power: 81 max exit velocity, averaged 74.2 mph. 283’ max distance. Arm: LH.OF - 76 mph. Athletic, loose arm, strong finish Defense: Athletic movements, works behind the baseball and really finishes in his crow hop. Run: 7.49 runner in the 60. Short, powerful strides

Miles Norman OF / RHP / Parkview, GA / 2027 Positional Profile: OF/SS Norman is continuing to develop from the '22 Junior Future Games. Most impressive on the mound with some of the best metrics of the day. Body: 5-8, 115-pounds. Long, athletic frame beginning to fill out Hit: SH. Tall, athletic stance Simple load, gets himself into a good power position, consistent contact. Power: 74 max exit velocity, averaged 66.5 mph. 226’ max distance. Swings mirror from left to right side. More power from the left side. Consistent contact from both sides of the plate. Arm: RH.OF - 72 mph. Strong arm that will continue to get better as he fills out his frame. Defense: Gets to the ball quickly. Consistent accuracy on the throws with a simple arm path. Run: 7.26 runner in the 60. Long strides. 60 time will continue to improve with time.

Andrew Williams OF / RHP / Buford, GA / 2027 Positional Profile: RHP/OF Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Larger frame, proportional build with broad shoulders. Hit: RHH. Base outside shoulders with backside stacked. Very well timed leg kick in hip/shoulder separation.  Chest loads hands for him, very well sequenced. Sweeping path. Power: 81 max exit velocity, averaged 68.4 mph. 289’ max distance. Pull side line drives with top spin. Arm: RH.OF - 81 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot. Defense: Nice anticipation with solid footwork and direction. Sure hands. Run: 7.40 runner in the 60.

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.

Best of the Rest (Alphabetically)

Peyton Chancey, Gilmer County (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/1B
Body: 5-10, 165-pounds. Stout, stocky frame.
Hit: LHH. Base just outside shoulders, hands loose and active in one spot.  Toe tap, repeats launch position well in steeper, sweeping path.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 82.9 mph. 313’ max distance. Plenty of loft to the pull side.
Arm: LH.OF - 75 mph. Mid depth, full circle arm action L3/4 slot.
Defense: Sure hands with momentum through ball.
Run: 7.21 runner in the 60. 

Ben Chastain, Harrison (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-10, 137-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide solid stance. Stays in his legs  Leg kick stride, quick hands
Power: 74 max exit velocity, averaged 70.1 mph. 236’ max distance.
Arm: RH.OF - 62 mph. Longer arm action, finishes through the ball.
Defense: Quick ball to hand transfer. Works through the ball.
Run: 8.00 runner in the 60. 

Davaun Dowdy, North Springs (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-9, 130-pounds.
Hit: RHH. 
Power: 80 max exit velocity, averaged 70.3 mph. 264’ max distance.
Arm: RH.OF - 70 mph.
Defense:
Run: 7.65 runner in the 60. 

Cohen Fletcher, Heritage  (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-10, 140-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Square, solid stance. Stays in his legs.  Leve, quiet hands. Consistent barrell path, simple stride and strong finish.
Power: 77 max exit velocity, averaged 67.8 mph. 203’ max distance.
Arm: LH.OF - 68 mph. Higher 3/4 slot. Stays behind the ball to keep the action true and not have run on it to bases.
Defense: Keeps the feet moving, and works through the ball.
Run: 7.70 runner in the 60. 

Kent Gresham, North Paulding (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-9, 185-pounds. Stocky frame.
Hit: LHH. Base just outside shoulders, backside stacked. Good hip pace with efficient load into launch position.  Relatively direct path with some sweep.
Power: 86 max exit velocity, averaged 79.1 mph. 287’ max distance. gap to gap pop.
Arm: LH.OF - 75 mph. Two piece, H3/4 arm action.
Defense: Pursues ball aggressively, solid momentum thru ball.
Run: 7.95 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. 

Cooper Reynolds, Cartersville  (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds. Slender upper half, well built lower half.
Hit: LHH. Medium base, barrel relaxed just off shoulders. Smooth, repeatable two part load that gradually builds momentum in hands.  Lofty path, gets on plane well with hips & shoulders.
Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 77.6 mph. 291’ max distance. Backspin to RC gap.
Arm: LH.OF - 75 mph. 2 piece L3/4 arm action.
Defense: Good momentum thru ball.
Run: 7.86 runner in the 60. 

Isaiah Rogers, North Cobb (GA), 2027
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-2, 165-pounds. XL Frame, broad shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, simplified forward move.  Sweeping path with solid hand eye. Needs to work on getting into proper launch position (knob to catcher's mitt, barrel angled overhead) to allow barrel to stay in zone longer.
Power: 83 max exit velocity, averaged 78.1 mph. 277’ max distance. Line drives to pull side.
Arm: RH.OF - 66 mph. Full circle arm action from OH slot with minimal extension.
Defense: Solid momentum thru ball, sure hands.
Run: 7.24 runner in the 60. Long, gliding strides. 

Logan Schoenthal, Loganville (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-2, 110-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall, slightly open Strong lower half finish, consistent barrels when he keeps his hands on the zone.
Power: 69 max exit velocity, averaged 59.8 mph. 223’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 61 mph. Long, high 3/4 from the OF.
Defense: Works through the ball, and fields the balls on his right foot.
Run: 8.60 runner in the 60. 

Knox Thomason, Lovett (GA), 2028
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-4, 120-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, upright stance, toe tap load Flat hands with a quick bat.
Power: 77 max exit velocity, averaged 70.2 mph. 248’ max distance.
Arm: RH.OF - 64 mph. Over the top slot with true movement.
Defense: Catches the ball high, and works through the baseball.
Run: 8.40 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.