Prep Baseball Report

MS Scout Blog: Uncommitted Prospects


PBR Mississippi Staff

The PBR Mississippi Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the PBR Scouting Staff during the season. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times and much more.

Today we are taking a look back at all of the uncommitted prospects that the PBR Mississippi Saff got to see during the regular season before we turn our attention to the playoff next week.

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uncommitted prospects

 

+ RHP/3B Jackson Moore (Tishomingo County, 2025) it was indeed a pitchers duel on opening night as Moore faced off against Ty Long from Ripley. Moore was just as polished during his outing on Tuesday for the Braves. Came out and also had a quick first inning where he recorded the first three Tigers hitters in less than 10 pitches. Worked around some trouble in the middle innings for the Braves where they ran into a pair of errors that led to three runs for the Tigers. Continuing to battle, Moore settled back in and gave his team a chance and finished with clean innings near the end of his outing. The fastball played in the low-80's and worked up to 85 mph at times, while the curveball generated weaker contact at 68-72 mph. Look for Moore to continue to pitch well and make strides on the mound for Tishomingo County this spring.

+ RHP Gage Thompson (Oak Grove, 2025) was a Future Games participant this past summer though he was dealing with some slight arm soreness. On Saturday at MGM Park in Biloxi, the sophomore showed everyone the reason for the invite to Atlanta. Thompson was 85-86 mph (T87) with late life. The breaking ball is what sets him apart though as the sharp action was back and up to 2600 spin rate. Also serving as the teams shortstop, Thompson serves as a solid dual threat prospect. 

+ RHP Cayden Burger (Petal, 2024) was 81-83 mph on Saturday with late arm side run to his fastball that he worked consistently on the inner half. The uncommitted 2024 also shows solid feel and command to his breaking ball with 11/5 shape. Burger, also a football prospect, was able to throw his curveball off the plate with consistency making it very tough on right handed hitters expecting the fastball in. Burger should be a solid "go to" arm for the Panthers as the season moves along. 

+ RHP Leo Odom (Sumrall, 2025) is an arm now arriving on the scene for the Sumrall Bobcats. The wiry, though solid framed 2025 was 84-85 mph (T88) on Saturday at MGM park with some arm side run. Odom also showed a good breaking ball with 12/6 shape and tumbling action. He had some command issues on Saturday, though look for that to get better as the season moves along. DOdom is another arm Sumrall will look to as they hope to make it back to Trustmark Park to defend their 4A title from 2022. 

+ RHP Britt Stringer (Petal, 2024) looked very sharp in his first outing of the spring for the Panthers. The 2024’s fastball worked in the 83-84 mph range and had some life at the end. His slider had solid shape and quick bite to it with spin rates in the 2300-2400 range. Stringer could play a big role for the Panthers on the mound in 2023 as the rightly was also very efficient as well in his 2 innings of work on Monday night. 

+ MIF Baylor Roberts (Saltillo, 2025) is continuing to work this way into big time prospect status. We knew as the body matured the bat would follow. On Saturday Roberts showed everyone a glimpse of what should be expected over the next few years for opposing pitchers that make mistakes. The lean, slick fielding shortstop still has plenty of room to add to this frame but as that happens he should begin to have plenty of next level options. Roberts has plenty of arm for all positions on the infield, though his hands set him apart and he should stick at a middle infield spot. 

+ RHP Bankston Walters (Presbyterian Christian, 2026) is definitely a young arm to follow! On Thursday the sturdy built freshman from PCS was up to 83 mph (sat around 82 consistently) while showing off some very solid shape to his breaking ball with 2330 spin. As Walters matures its certain the velocity with grow with him and it will only make his breaking ball that much better. The shape it has now will make it difficult for hitters and any added velocity and action will lead to lots of strikeouts and plenty of college interest. 

+ LHP Jackson Clark (Brandon, 2025) was stellar on Monday night at Jones College as the young lefty made his 2023 season debut. Clark shows plenty of command with his low 80's fastball as he didn't walk a single hitter in 7 innings of work. He get tons of late arm side action resulting in soft contact and lots of swings and misses with the ability to work the pitch both in and out with consistency. We didn't see much off speed on Monday but we are sure to see this arm many more times down the road. 

+ C Walker Robey (Madison Central, 2025) looks like he may be a name that gains more and more attention soon as the sophomore showed off his quick feet and strong arm behind the plate on Monday night for the Jaguars. Robey is also a developing right handed bat with some loft to his swing which could result in more power in the middle of the order for Madison Central in the near future. 

+ RHP Logan Fontenelle (Biloxi, 2024) had a solid early season outing on Monday evening at Jones College. The lean framed righty was 84-86 mph (T87) with his running fastball that he used both up and down in the zone, along with showing good feel for a tight slider he worked off the plate with consistency. Fontanelle, through 2 outings has thrown 10 innings with 19 strikeouts and allowed only one run. Nice start for the uncommitted junior. 

+ C Robbie Hokamp (Biloxi, 2024) used a short compact swing on Monday night to deliver a line drive but had to settle for an 0-1 in that at bat as he smoked it right at the shortstop. He is off to a solid start going 4-8 in the teams first three games. The uncommitted receiver has next level skills behind the plate with pop times consistently in 1.9 to 2.0 range. Hokamp will be  a valuable part of the equation as the Indians look to make a deeper playoff run in 2023. 

+ 3B/OF Aaron Alston (Presbyterian Christian, 2026) is a freshman to keep an eye on. The lean, athletically framed third baseman and corner outfielder from PCS found a pitch on the inner half on Tuesday night and drilled a line drive right at the shortstop. Alston looks to be yet another young player getting valuable playing time for the Bobcats which should make the foreseeable future exciting. 

+ OF Ellis Newman (D'Iberville, 2024) found a pitch up in the zone on Thursday evening and showed how high tee work can help by delivering a line drive single into left field. Newman showed a pull side approach at an event this past summer and looks to still carry that approach to the plate this spring. The uncommitted junior has started off solid for the Warriors by hitting at a .375 clip in 18 plate appearances. Newman also runs well (6.91 60) and should also cover plenty of ground in the outfield. 

+ RHP/INF Steele Brooks (Houston, 2024) catching the end of the Houston game against Mooreville on Saturday evening, Brooks made a quick impression in the field as he shows a relaxed demeanor about himself but stills performs at a high and competitive level. Caught his last two at-bats from the contest, during his final at-bat in the seventh inning, jumped on the first pitch he saw off a low-to-mid-80's arm and laced a loud single through the right side for leadoff knock, he would also come around later in the inning to score for Houston. Athletic and developed frame at 5-foot-10, 175-pounds, moves well with an easy motor, intriguing follow throughout the remainder of the spring season.

+ C/RHP Mason Gillentine (Mooreville, 2024) the former PBR Future Gamer was solid all around yesterday as we caught a glimpse of his final at-bat in game one against Houston, Gillentine laced a hard liner into left with runners in scoring position, but settled for a sac fly as the left fielder made a great sliding catch to rob Gillentine of extra bases. On the mound, Gillentine worked the seventh inning for Mooreville, where he showed some struggle with command but there is definitely some potential for him on the mound. The fastball played in the 83-85 mph range and even touched 86 mph at times. Picked right back up where he left off in game one, during his first AB of game two against a low-to-mid-80's arm, Gillentine found himself with two strikes early in the at-bat, did a great job with two strikes and shot a sharply hit single back up the middle. All around toolsy prospect, who is legit behind the dish as we have seen in previous looks with pop times in the 1.81-1.90 range. Was a key contributor in a pair of wins for the Troopers on Saturday. A high level junior that is still on the market.

+ LHP Caden Carroll (Mooreville, 2023)  the uncommitted senior was lights out for the Troopers as he got the nod in game two against a very talented and well rounded Tupelo lineup. Showed some intriguing stuff, a high level of pitch-ability and the ability to pitch backwards in all counts. Worked mainly with the offspeed in the early going, generating tons of swings-and-misses and striking-out five of the first six hitters he faced. The curveball (67-69 mph) and changeup (70-73 mph) were go to pitches for the southpaw as he showed the ability to throw both for strikes and down in the zone for whiffs. Used the fastball (79-80) mph to work in at times and even up in the zone, as to hitters the 79-80 mph fastball looked more firm due to the higher amount of offspeed offerings they were getting from the lefty. Carroll ended up going the distance with a complete game, allowing just one walk and striking out ten Golden Wave hitters. With a more slim and wiry look to the frame, look for Carroll to continue to add size and strength that will lead to upticks in velo. Will be a quality pickup for a program in need of another arm.

+ RHP Walker Hall (Wayne Academy, 2024) was another Wayne Academy pitcher that showed some next level ability as the righty shut the door on a win with a solid 2 inning relief stint. The uncommitted 2024 saw his fastball reach up to 84 mph though the depth and action to his curveball caught our eye. Hall is still developing command of the pitch, though it looks to be pitch that will give hitters fits at any level.  

+ RHP/UTL Gabe Hodges (Northwest Rankin, 2025) showed off some dual threat potential on Tuesday night as the young right hander started on the mound for the Cougars. Hodges worked his fastball in the mid 80's and up to 87 mph on the night. His fastball ran really well on the hands of several right handed hitters creating soft contact multiple in at bats. Hodges used a still developing breaking ball to keep hitters in check. He also helped himself out with a double during the game using a well balanced swing and line drive, middle of the field approach. 

+ C Chase Brown (Northwest Rankin, 2023) had a solid night on Tuesday picking up a couple of hits along with connecting on a home run and driving in 2. Brown used a well balanced swing with loft and looked to make contact out front. Equally impressive was his ability behind the plate as he caught our attention on a well placed bunt to the 3B side as Brown showed very quick footwork and strong arm to nail the runner at first base. Brown is uncommitted at the moment, though, with the tools he displayed last night look for interest to grow. 

+ 1B Jacob Gray (Clinton, 2023) used his hands on Tuesday night as he drove a pitch up and away very hard into right field for a single. The uncommitted senior carries a large frame and quick hands with pop. Gray is hitting .364 for the Arrows with a high yet uncomfortable on base percentage of .650 as the first basemen has been hit by pitch 6 times already on the short season. 

+ INF Zion Ashby (Itawamba, 2023) was a vital piece to the Indians lineup on Saturday against Mooreville. Creating some buzz with his walk-off homerun in the bottom of the seventh inning for Itawamba, Ashby strung together several quality at-bats throughout the evening. Working deep into counts and seeing several offerings from opposing pitchers, in the middle innings Ashby got a pitch over the plate with two strikes and runners on, found a barrel and put a ball into deep left center field for an RBI double. The Indians found themselves trailing in the bottom of the seventh, leading off the inning with a solo shot, Itawamba had tied things up at 8. Ashby stepped into the box, fell behind in the count early, remained with a mature approach and capitalized on an offering over the plate, launching the game winning homerun over the wall in left center. High level 2023 that is still on the market.

+ LHP/OF Cooper Waddle (Itawamba, 2025) did not have his best stuff on the mound on Saturday against a well-rounded Troopers squad, struggled with command in the early innings but still flashed some next level offerings on the mound. Waddle works from a low-to-mid 3/4 arm slot, with a shorter and quick arm action. The fastball played in the (86-89 mph) range and topped at 90 mph multiple times. The slider (76-78 mph) has gained some velocity since our last look at him and has developed tighter spin to go along with it. Waddle also made some noise with the bat on the offensive side of things during the Indians 9-8 win, hitting at the top of the Itawamba order, got a pitch to hit during his second at-bat and laced a single back into shallow right center but was left stranded in the frame. During his third at-bat on Saturday, found a gap into the deeper parts of left center field that would result in an RBI double and would eventually tie the game back up. Although the command was not there on the mound, Waddle shows plenty of upside from the left side and pleads his case as a legitimate two-way prospect in the 2025 class.

+ RHP Andy Wayne Hillman (Petal, 2023) used his running fastball and breaking ball to keep opposing hitters in check on Friday night. Hillman's fastball sat 80-83 mph most of the night with a high of 84, though he showed very solid command of his breaking ball that kept hitters off balance. Hillman has a 1.95 ERA with 20 strikeouts in just 14 innings pitched for the Panthers. 

+ C/OF Drew Hollimon (East Union, 2025) had a solid night on Tuesday squaring up a couple of pitches for a pair of home runs. The uncommitted 2025 serves as a catcher for East Union though can play multiple positions in the field and could be a target for teams that are in search for a utility player at the next level. Hollimon runs well and plays instinctive, so covering gaps should come natural to him in the outfield.

+ OF Cade Freeze (Northpoint, 2023) catches a fastball on the outer half, throws his hands and lines a single into right to plate a big run for the Trojans. Freeze can spray the baseball around the field with a level bat path and all fields approach during his batting practice rounds at a recent event. The uncommitted 2023 has the ability to play both the outfield and infield with fluid movements and a strong accurate arm. 

+ LHP Nick Kagey (Lafayette, 2024) has a funky delivery and short, quick arm action which can be a nuisance to opposing hitters. The uncommitted junior worked into the low 80 mph range on Wednesday with the possibility of a little more in the tank. His best pitch was his breaking ball which he has good feel for and is learning to go back door with it to righties, which will make him even more effective at the next level.

+ OF Cole Gideon (Jackson Prep, 2025) is a name that should begin to draw tons of interest from recruiters as the sophomore is getting his chance to shine this season. The uncommitted outfielder is hitting .394 in the early going with a home run and 6 runs batted in. On Wednesday, Gideon used a very aggressive approach to drive a pitch right at the center fielder though came up with nothing to show for it other than the impressive at bat. Gideon’s aggressive approach and solid pop off the bat should allow him to develop into a huge run producer for the Patriots over the next couple of seasons.  

+ OF Eli Raines (South Panola, 2024) found a pitch on Wednesday evening and deposited it into the left center gap for a double. The uncommitted junior, who serves and an outfielder for the Tigers used a somewhat compact swing with loft to connect with the pitch. With his stocky build, as more strength comes, more power could be on the way for Raines, who’s helping South Panola get off to a solid start in 2023. 

+ INF Jack Dye (Madison Ridgeland Academy, 2024) has a smaller frame but do not let that fool you. The uncommitted infielder gets it done offensively and college recruiters should begin to take notice. On Wednesday Dye showed his ability to work the middle of the field as he uses a short, compact approach with a level bat path that results in plenty of line drive singles. As the body continues to strengthen many of those baseballs should find the gaps. Dye locks down second base for the Patriots who are off to a 9-5 start in 2023. 

+ OF Chance Guisgond (Northeast Lauderdale, 2024) found the barrel a few times on Tuesday and showed his ability to cover the plate. The sturdy framed, uncommitted junior found a pitch on the inner half and hit a hard liner to the third baseman early in the game and later used his line drive approach and level bat bath to smoke a single into right on a fastball away. Guisgond can play both outfield and third base which makes him a possible utility option for teams searching. 

+ RHP/INF JP Abt (Brandon, 2025) is an arm recruiters will want to get out and see. The sophomore worked 84-86 mph on Thursday with good arm side run to his fastball and had tight spin and good shape to a slider. Abt carries a wiry, loose armed frame that could see jumps in velocity and with added command he could become a hot commodity on the bump within the 2025 class. The righty has 23 strikeouts in just 15 innings for the Bulldogs. 

+ OF Eric Booth Jr. (Oak Grove, 2026) will continue to move up the 2026 player rankings as he is beginning to show why Coach Chris McCardle has him in the lineup as a freshman. Booth started the year slow while hitting near or at the top of the lineup though is gaining confidence at the plate after moving down a bit and even picked up his first 2 high school home runs recently. 

+ 2B Eli Wheat (Oak Grove, 2025) does a solid job of staying inside the baseball and lines a pitch up the middle for a single. Wheat found the barrel a few times on Thursday with only one not right at infielders. The sure handed infielder has a wiry frame with next level ability. As his body continues to develop baseballs should find the gaps even more and his singles will become extra base hits. 

+ OF Cooper Bennett (Lewisburg, 2024) got some extension and a lot of barrel on a pitch Tuesday evening and carried it over the outfielders for a triple to left-center field. The uncommitted Bennett is hitting .321 after 22 games for the Patriots and should gamer some looks from recruiters. The junior has good defensive instincts and decent speed to cover a good bit of room in the outfield. 

+ C Trae Cagle (Lewisburg, 2024) uses a fairly compact swing and quick hands to drive a pitch over the left field wall on Tuesday night. The uncommitted Cagle is now hitting .391 with 2 homers and 15 runs batted in for the #4 ranked Patriots. He also does a great job behind the plate with arguably the best pitching staffs in the south. 

+ INF/RHP Landon Hawkins (Sumrall, 2025) is continuing to gain bat speed as he caught a pitch on the inner half Tuesday and deposited it down the left field line for a double. The uncommitted Hawkins can play multiple positions on the infield and is instinctive enough to handle the outfield as well making him a solid utility option for the Bobcats. With a fastball into the low 80's, he also gives Coach Andy Davis another arm to add to the mix out of the bullpen. 

+ 3B/RHP Eli Rankin (Puckett, 2025) showed solid arm side action on Monday evening with his fastball sitting 82/83 mph (T84) while inducing soft contact and creating several ground balls for his infielders. Rankin has shown an uptick in velocity since January at our Preseason All State event where he registered a high of 77.8 mph. The Puckett sophomore is also a dual projects as he picked up a line drive single on a well balanced swing and line drive middle of the field approach. 

+ LHP Drake Williamson (Seminary, 2025) is a lefty recruiters should begin to follow. The sophomore has a very mature feel for the mound already with still developing stuff that presently gives hitters fits. On Monday night Williamson used a fastball that reached 81 mph with good run and late life. He also had excellent feel for a breaking ball he worked backdoor to righties very well inducing soft contact. His changeup is also a solid developing pitch that will keep hitter off balance going forward. 

+ C JD Harvey (Seminary, 2026) has a well put together and still developing young swing. The right handed hitting catcher will continue to gain overall strength which will see his exit velocity continue to increase. Presently the freshman shows a solid line drive, all fields approach though with maturity and loft he could develop into a power threat for the Bulldogs. 

+ OF/RHP Dillon Dehaven (Seminary, 2025) using a slight preset load and quick bat found a pitch out front over the heart of the plate and deposited it over the left field wall on Tuesday night. The scrappy sophomore showed power in a smaller frame and wasn't afraid to try anything to get on base. Definitely another 2025 player to keep an eye on. 

 

 

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