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2024 Nebraska High School Scout Blog

May 16, 2024
Prep Baseball NE Staff
Prep Baseball Nebraska

The Nebraska Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the Prep Baseball 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 more. Simply put, the Nebraska Scout Blog is loaded with information.

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STATE TOURNAMENT  | MAY 15, 2024 

Lincoln Northwest 3
Norris 4

Tyler Aldridge SS / OF / Lincoln Northwest , NE / 2024

Rankings  StateRank: 138 / POS: 21


Gave the Falcons a spark right out of the gate, getting two hits and two RBIs in his first two at-bats, and had the Falcons leading through 4 innings.  He finished the day with three hits and did everything possible to keep the improbable run going. He is committed to Doane for next year.

Beckett Lund LHP / Norris , NE / 2024

Rankings  StateRank: 29 / POS: 7


Closed the game over the final 3.2 innings. Fastball was up to 88 at various points, challenging hitters in the zone.  The Hutchinson CC commit struck out four to send the #1 Titans to the State Championship



STATE TOURNAMENT  | MAY 14, 2024 

Creighton Prep 0
Elkhorn South 2

John Lisec OF / OF / Creighton Prep, NE / 2025

Rankings  StateRank: 11 / POS: 3

Lesec gave the Jr. Jays every chance to win this one.  He went five strong with only one strikeout; Fastball was in the upper 80s for most of the game with a hard 77-80 slider. There was a lot of weak contact, scattering five hits with only two earned runs.

Cal Cooper LHP / Elkhorn South, NE / 2025

Rankings  StateRank: 7 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 413 / POS: 40

The ball came out of his hand well early, topping 91 multiple times; Cooper struck out seven over his 5-inning outing, only allowing two hits.  Early pop from the fastball helped generate swing and miss on his plus changeup and bigger curveball. The Nebraska commit has plenty of room to add strength to the frame with  a lot of future potential at the next level.

 

Millard South 9
Lincoln Southwest 5

Brycen Botos RHP / SS / Millard South, NE / 2025

Rankings  StateRank: 19 / POS: 5


Botos topped at 88 and sat 85-88 with a big low 70s CB. He steadied the ship for the Patriots in relief, striking out four in 4.2 IP. Botos worked fast, with both pitches consistently and competitively around the zone. 

Jaxson Appuhn SS / OF / Millard South, NE / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 5 / POS: 2


Appuhn had two hits and an RBI out of the two-hole for the Patriots.  He has strong hands with bat speed and sometimes flashes some arm strength across the field. He is one of the top shortstops in Nebraska, and he will have eyes on him all summer.

Waverly 0
Lincoln Northwest 3


+ Alex Barry | 2024 | RHP | Lincoln Northwest

Nearly perfect, scattering two hits across a complete game 7-inning shutout, striking out six, and keeping Lincoln Northwest's Cinderella story alive. He changed speeds and locations, with a fastball in the upper 70s-to-low 80s while his defense made play-after-play in the field.

Bruin Sampson RHP / Waverly, NE / 2025

Rankings  StateRank: 48 / POS: 13


The uncommitted Sampson came in in relief for 2/3rds of an inning at the end of the game for the Vikings. He topped 90 MPH with a harder 77-79 slider.  The arm worked and possessed a projectable body.  He is an arm that schools need to follow and check in on this summer.

Elkhorn North 8
Blair 9

Blaine Rosenbaum / Blair, NE / 2024


It was the second-quality look we had seen from Rosenbauem.  The uncommitted senior was up to 84 in relief for the Bears, paired with a hard and tight slider in the 74-77 range.  With a body with plenty of room to add more weight, it is easy to see more velo coming at the next level.  This uncommitted senior should be on recruiters' radars who still need to add an arm in the 2024 class. 

Brady Brown OF / C / Blair, NE / 2024

Rankings  StateRank: 12 / POS: 1


Brown is a two-sport athlete with quick twitch all over the field.  The Bears grabbed the lead in the 5th off his line drive 2-run double. South Dakota State commit has a high upside at the next level, with his best days on the ball field ahead of him.

STATE TOURNAMENT  | MAY 13, 2024 

Lincoln Southwest 0
Lincoln East 2



Mason Gaines LHP / OF / LIncoln East, NE / 2024

Rankings  StateRank: 17 / POS: 5


University of Nebraska-Omaha commit OF Mason Gaines barrels this single the other way for the first run of the game.

 

 

Paul Shortridge LHP / OF / Lincoln East, NE / 2024

Rankings  StateRank: 67 / POS: 11

24 LHP Paul Shortridge controlled every second of his complete game 1 hitter striking out 2. Three pitches with good movement located to both sides of the plate, controlled pace of every at bat.

 

 

STATE TOURNAMENT  | MAY 13, 2024 

Millard North 0
Millard South 3



Jacob Altstadt OF / 1B / Millard South, NE / 2025

25 OF/LHP Jacob Altstadt got the scoring started with this RBI single in the 2nd B3 Mustangs 0 - Patriots 3

 

Carson Derr C / OF / Millard South, NE / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 4 / POS: 1


3rd hit in as many ABs for the uncommitted catcher and ranked ‘26 in NE. 

Brody Jindra SS / RHP / Millard South, NE / 2026

Rankings  StateRank: 1 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 123 / POS: 33


Finishes his outing without giving up a hit over 5IP, 5K, 2BB.

Fastball sat 86-89, breaking ball was tight and hard at 78-80 w/ running action on his 82-83 CH.

STATE TOURNAMENT  | MAY 11, 2024 

Gretna East 5
Plattsmouth 4

+ Trevor Cox | 2025 | RHP | Gretna East  

Cox had seven strikeouts through five innings and worked three pitches around the zone for the whole outing. Uncommitted, his fastball sat 79-82, locating to both sides. He turned over the changeup well at 70-73 and could get swing and miss late in counts.

+ Gabe Villamonte | 2024 | RHP | Plattsmouth  

Villamonte throws from a lower slot, which creates a tough angle. He gets weak contact for most of his outing and topped out at 83 early with some arm-side run into RHH.  The curve had some east/west movement at 69-72. He went 6 ⅓ innings and left the game with a no-decision. 

+ Nolan Green | 2025 | SS/RHP | Gretna East 

Green picked it well at short, flashing good body control on the move and calm glove actions around the ball.  He came on in relief in the middle of the 7th inning, and his location was great, and he was sitting 84-86 with a 75 SL. It was a challenging situation with runners on base late in the game, and his stuff played up. He is a name coaches need to check in on this summer. 

Blair 3
Elkhorn North 7

+ Colin Nowaczyk | 2024 | LHP | Elkhorn North 

Even on a day when he doesn't have his best stuff, Colin is still one of the top pitchers in the state.  Locating, mixing speeds, and making pitches when he needed to - fastball was up to 89 but varied in velo, sitting more 85-87 in this one.  CB/CH  had late movement and created consistent weak contact late in counts.  He also went 3/3 with a double at the plate to carry the Wolves to victory.

+ Jase Reynolds | 2026 | OF | Elkhorn North 

Reynolds is a physical, athletic sophomore outfielder who had two hits, one of which was a triple.  He is smooth around the bases and projects at the plate. He is also a two-way athlete (football) who will be interesting to follow as he matures.

 

DISTRICTS | MAY 3-5, 2024 

Gretna 3
Bellevue West 7

+ Tanner Hosick | 2024 | RHP/OF | Bellevue West 

Hosick is not the tallest pitcher in the state, but his motion is compact and explosive. Multi-sport athlete (wrestling), the Nebraska-Omaha commit gets the three-inning save. Sat 88-91, the slider tunneled well and was late and sharp. He struck out three over three innings pitched.

+ Kenny Orsar | 2024 | 1B | Gretna

This is our first look at the uncommitted first baseman from Gretna. Orsar brought a physical, long, athletic body to the plate. He barreled multiple balls in the semis and finals from some of the state's best pitching. His swing is smooth, keeping his barrel in the zone for a long time, with some rawness at 1B. He's a guy college coaches should check in on this summer.

 

+ Ty Smolinski | 2024 | SS | Bellevue West 

One of the most dangerous hitters in the state from the left side made his mark early with a no-doubt solo home run to put the Thunderbirds up 5-1 in the 3rd.  He has the contact and power tools to excel in the box for the Kansas State Wildcats.  His bat in the middle of the order will be key for the Thunderbirds.  

Papillion LaVista South 1
Gretna 4

+ Karson Skokan | 2024 | RHP | Gretna

Skokan closed the door over the final two innings and started the Finals. His wiry body and arm had a loose whip. His fastball was 90 mph with a 79-82 mph slider. There is a lot of upside in the body and arm action for the Hutchinson CC Blue Dragons next year.

+ Bryce Lakers | 2026 | SS | Gretna 

Lakers had tough, competitive at-bats in both the semis and final.  He looked good up the middle, making plays on the move while flashing smoother actions. He also ripped a double off a Danny Wallace fastball, giving the offense confidence in game one—uncommitted name to know for this summer.

 

+ Danny Wallace | 2025 | OF/RHP | Papio South

Wallace was 92 on the mound with a 76-79 curveball, 78-81 changeup, and 81-83 slider. The ball came out of his hand well, but he didn't have the usual pinpoint command or get much help from the offense in this one. He struck out five over 6.1 IP with 4 BBs for the OSU Cowboy commit.

 

+ Griffin Goldman | 2025 | RHP/1B | Gretna   

Multi-sport athlete (football) Goldman did everything he could to advance the Dragons to the district finals. He pitched five innings, 2 Ks, 4 H, 1 ER, and added a solo HR in the 4th to give the Gators the lead early in the game. The uncommitted athlete moves and controls his body well for size. His fastball was up to 83 with a run to the arm side. His 68-72 curveball kept hitters honest and was well located glove-side for strikes and swing-and-miss.  

 

Lincoln North Star 4
Bellevue West 7

+ Cole Madden | 2025 | RHP/C | Bellevue West 

Madden came out in relief after DHing. He had a very low-effort, efficient delivery. His slider was tight with some sweep at 73-75, and the fastball was located down to both sides of the plate. He caught the District final and threw a base stealer out in the first inning. The uncommitted product has upside at the next level on both sides.

+ Braeden Sunken | 2024 | RHP | Lincoln North Star

Sunken was impressive over his six innings as he battled an excellent Thunderbird lineup. His fastball was up to 89 with more 86-88 as the game continued. The fastball's late arm-side run created weak contact on the ground. His slider was short and sharp, topping at 79.  Sunken is committed to the University of Maryville.

 

+ Colin Flores | 2024 | RHP | Bellevue West  

Flores is a long, big-bodied right-hander who creates tough angles when throwing across his body. His fastball ticked up to 91 multiple times early and sat 87-90 the rest of the outing. HHe hasa bigger 11/5 breaking ball that had a late bite.  llen CCC'scommit went 5.2 innings, striking out seven and walking four. Be on the lookout for Flores on a four-year campus after his time with the Red Devils. 

Elkhorn North 2
Skutt Catholic 1

+ Colin Nowaczyk | 2024 | LHP/OF | Elkhorn North 

There isn't a pitcher in the state that I would want more on the mound to win a game.  Nowaczyk went 7IP, 7K, 4BB, 4H, and 1ER with a fastball up to 89 with running late life. He used the curve and changeup less than usual, but they were highly effective. The future Husker does so many things that lead to a lot of W's: Three plus pitches in the zone in almost any count, plays the game at his pace, is never rushed or hurried, and takes the running and short game away by himself with Baseball IQ and athleticism. Oh, and he is the best hitter in the Wolves lineup.  

+ Jace Ziola | 2025 | RHP | Skutt Catholic 

Ziola ended up on the losing end of a 2-1 ballgame, but his fastball will be the story. Up to 94, he tops the Nebraska Heat Sheet for the season, lived at 92 all game, and had some sizzle out of his hand. The breaking ball was sharp but used sparingly at 79-81. His ability to handle bad pitches/calls/plays and keep pounding the zone and attacking hitters has been his most remarkable improvement this season. The body is easy to dream on with electricity in the arm. The sky's the limit for the Husker baseball commit.

 

DISTRICT B-6 SEMIFINALS | MAY 2, 2024 

Seward 0
Blair 5

+ Nate Wachter | 2024 | C/SS | Blair 

Wachter went 2-3 with a double and an RBI. I thought he looked very hitterish in the box all game, making decisive swing decisions with a quick flat bat.  His added strength while maintaining his athletic actions gives Wachter a bright future as a Jackrabbit.  

+ Brady Brown | 2024 | OF | Blair 

Brown laced a 2-run double in the 2nd.  A 2022 Future Games Team Midwest Alum, Brown has the size and strength to blossom for South Dakota State.  Multi-Sport Midwest athlete that will benefit from focusing on baseball.

+ Dylan Swanson | 2024 | RHP/1B | Blair  

Doane University commit pitched an absolute gem for the Bears.  He stuck out ten over six innings, walking only three and giving up two hits.  He had all three pitches going in any count.  Pitched on the corners and controlled the pace when making tough pitches.  Fastball was up to 81, and his ability to locate it to both sides of the plate set up his off-speed pitches to get a lot of swing-and-miss and weak contact.

Bennington 2
Platte Valley 3

+ Dawson Theis | 2024 | RHP | Platte Valley

 The first in-game look at the future Reiver. Theis had good size to his frame with a smooth lower effort ¾ arm action. He got to his glove side with his fastball, up to 87. The slider/change combination gave him a three-pitch mix to both righties and lefties, getting a lot of weak contact on the ground. He finished 8.1 IP, 5K 1ER.

+ Timmy Hunt | 2024 | RHP | Platte Valley  

The Freed Hardeman University commit went 5.1 Inning of relief to finish off a marathon 14-inning semi-final game.  Hunt had to pitch out of some tricky situations but was able to come through each time. Fastball was up to 83 and used it more as a finishing pitch while getting a lot of strikes early in the count from his 71-74 breaking ball.  

DON KRAFT INVITATIONAL | APRIL 27, 2024 

Millard West 1
Millard South 0

+ Brandt Smith | 2025 | RHP | Millard South

It was a top-shelf performance for the uncommitted RHP against one of the top offenses in the state.  Smith's fastball had a late run at 82-84, slider had sharp depth and tunneled well at 71-74.  He finished the day with six strikeouts through 6.2 IP and no earned runs.  Smith has a projectable body and is a name to follow for college coaches.

Lincoln East 9
Creighton Prep 4

+ Garrett Springer | 2024 | C/1B | Lincoln East

This year, the Missouri State commit has been a force to be reckoned with at the plate.  He not only launched his state-leading 8th HR of the year but collected two additional hits and 4 RBIs, playing a crucial role in leading the state's best offense to a 9-4 victory over Creighton Prep.

+ Liam Smithberg | 2026 | 1B | Creighton Prep

Smithberg banged out three hits against one of the top arms in the state, added two RBIs, and scored a run to keep the Jr Jay offense in the game early.  All three hits were barreled, with his first hit of the day being a 2 RBI backside triple. He is a multi-sport athlete who also plays hockey.

DON KRAFT INVITATIONAL | APRIL 26, 2024 

Millard South 11
Papillion LaVista South 1

+ Brycen Botos | 2025 | RHP | Millard South  

In this chilly, wet, and windy evening, Botos didn't have the upper-80s velocity we have previously seen, but he competed and handled the elements very well. He struck out 11 over 5IP with one hit. He pitched around five free bases but had the fastball location when needed. One of the top uncommitted arms in the 2025 class.

+ Cooper Annin | 2024 | RHP | Papillion LaVista South  

The Butler CC commit only threw one pitch but was 87-89 with a 77-78 breaking ball in warm-ups. Body and arm action has projectability at the JUCO level, a name 4-year schools should keep an eye on in a couple of years.

Millard West 11
Millard North 1

+ Michael Valdivia | 2024 | MIF | Millard West 

The switch-hitting middle infielder went 2-for-3 with a HR, 2B, three RBIs, and three runs scored. He showed quick hands, letting the ball get deep on a first-inning 2 RBI double in a big inning for the Wildcats.  

Creighton Prep 5
Omaha Westside 6

+ John Lisec | 2025 | RHP | Creighton Prep 

On a colder, wet day, the San Diego committee sat 87-89 over 3.2 innings, striking out 6. I am a big fan of his breaking ball at 77-80; he had a late quick break with swing-and-miss potential at the next level.  

+ Cal Anthony | 2026 | OF | Creighton Prep 

4-for-4 day for the young LHH with 2 RBIs and a run scored. He had very good ABs all day and didn't chase out of the zone. He has some helium after putting up good metrics at the NE Preseason All-State—7.09 -60, 86 OF, 92.8 exit, 84 FB—and having a very productive spring. Name to know for colleges this summer.  

Lincoln East 10
Lincoln Northeast 0

+ AJ Evasco | 2024 | 1B | Lincoln East

 The final boss of the loaded Spartan lineup went 2-4, 2B, 2 RBIs and two runs scored. His bat speed and power are everything you want from physical LHH 1B at the next level, and his foot/glove work has improved around the bag from last season. A long baseball career ahead of the Kansas State commit.

+ Owen Laessig | 2024 | OF | Lincoln East 

A massive day at the plate for the Washburn commit: 2-3, 3B, HR (a grand slam), 4 RBIs, and two runs scored. The grand slam came in the bottom of the 6th in a 2-0 ball game that sparked the eight-run inning and eventual run-rule. 

ELKHORN SOUTH VS MILLARD WEST | APRIL 23, 2024 

Elkhorn South 2
Millard West 12

+ JD Moffett | 2024 | RHP/1B | Millard West  

The Northeast CC commit did damage from both sides of the ball on Tuesday evening. He went 6 IP, 6 Ks, 2BB, 1ER—all three pitches worked for him throughout the outing. His fastball was up to 88 and sat 84-87 with a late arm-side run. SL played off FB well, getting countering horizontal movement at 68-70 and a fading CH at 74-76, which was very effective against LHH. He chipped in a 2 RBI double in the third to give the Wildcats the lead early.

+ Michael Meckna | 2024 | RHP/OF | Elkhorn South  

Meckna had five strikeouts over four innings, walking only 2, with just an earned run. His fastball/slider combo was sharp in and around the zone. Fastball was up to 92 in the first and sat 89-91 early and 87-90 later in the outing. The slider has swing-and-miss potential at the next level up to 81 in this one. The Oregon Duck commit is heating up as he gets into mid-season form after a late start to the year. 

+ Eli Hoge | 2025 | RHP | Millard West

Hoge was called to close the game, and he pitched one inning and had two strikeouts. The uncommitted junior had long, easy arm action that projects well with some tail and down angle to his 80-83 FB. The breaking ball had an 11/5 break at 70-71 and a CH that had run and late depth, which he used to get two swinging strikes on the first batter and his first strikeout in the inning. Good follow with more potential velo to come.

+ Keegan Walters | 2024 | RHP/1B | Elkhorn South

The uncommitted senior came in to pitch from 1B and was 84-86 in the first inning, 82-84 in innings 2 through 3, and located FB/SL/CH around the zone. This game's box score results do not provide the entire picture of Walters' performance, and he definitely should have a spot on the staff at the next level.

+ Tyson Lewis | 2024 | SS | Millard West 

The 23rd-ranked player in the country by Prep baseball had another dazzling day on the diamond. He went 4-4, double, triple, two stolen bases, and a walk—his tools speak for themselves and are some of the best in the country. The game continues to seem slower to him every time I see him play. He understands what pitchers are willing to give him in the box, and his barrel hasn't missed very many pitches in the zone.

PAPILLION LAVISTA VS PIUS X | APRIL 20, 2024 

Papillion LaVista 9
Pius X 11

+ Tanner Apgar | 2024 | RHP/1B | Papillon LaVista  

Uncommitted two-way talent flashes pull-side pop out of a large 6'3" 215 lb frame. Apgar went 2-4 with 3 RBI in this one. On the year, he's slashing .375/.471/.410 (.882) with 18 RBIs. He has a 0.75 ERA, 28 IP, 27 Ks, and 5BB on the mound.   

+ Cade Vanis | 2024 | SS | Pius X  

2-3 with three runs scored, a stolen base, and a walk out of the leadoff spot for the Thunderbolts. He played with a good pace at short, showing relaxed actions around the ball. One of the top NAIA programs is adding depth, as Vanis is committed to the Concordia Bulldogs and should fit right in with that program.

PAPILLION LAVISTA SOUTH VS ELKHORN SOUTH | APRIL 20, 2024 

Papillion LaVista South 2
Elkhorn South 1

+ Cal Cooper | 2025 | LHP | Elkhorn South 

The Husker committee had everything working for him in this one, only giving up three hits and striking out six over 5 innings pitched. He is up to 88 with his fastball that has late arm side run. Both offspeed pitches generated weak contact and swing and miss, but his change-up has true out-pitch potential at the next level.   

+ Danny Wallace | 2025 | OF/RHP | Papillion LaVista South 

Despite the challenging weather conditions and a lack of offense from both teams, Wallace, the reigning Futures Games MVP and Oklahoma State commit, stood out. He made a significant impact with a 3-4 performance, including a clutch double late in the game that set up runners in scoring position, even when Cooper had been dominating the game.  

+ Isaiah O'Brien | 2024 | RHP | Papillon LaVista South 

The Northeast CC commit was getting a lot of east/west movement on his pitches in this one. He filled up the zone, added and subtracted with his FB/SL combo, which kept the storm hitters off balance all game, and got a lot of weak contact on the ground. He went six innings, four hits, and five strikeouts. 

NORRIS VS GRETNA EAST | APRIL 15, 2024 

Norris 10
Grenta East 3

+ Kale Fountain | 2024 | 3B | Norris 

Lasered the first ball he saw in the first inning for a single up the middle. The opposing pitching staff was pretty careful with him after that, and with a howling wind from right to left, not many people blame them: He's possibly the biggest power threat in the country at the high school level.

+ Easton Leahy | 2025 | C/RHP | Gretna East 

The uncommitted utility athlete was 84-86 with his fastball, which came out of his hand well, moving it to both sides of the plate. Velo was up some from the 2024 Preseason All-State. The breaking ball had depth and feel in and out of the zone. Primarily a catcher with strong metrics from behind the plate as well (1.95-2.05 pop, 81 C velo, 88.7 exit), recruiters will start needing to consider Leahy's ability on the mound a true weapon at the next level.

+ Crew Moeller | 2025 | OF/RHP | Norris 

Moeller has been good on both sides of the ball for the Titans this year. He hammered an HR to LF after a Kale Fountain walk in this game. Moeller had big-time stats from the '24 PSAS (6.96 - 60, 93 - OF, 95.2 Exit, 88.4 FB). The uncommitted product should continue to come across the recruiters' desks as he continues to play at a high level throughout the season.

PAPILLION LAVISTA VS PAPILLION LAVISTA SOUTH | APRIL 12, 2024 

Papillion LaVista 1
Papillion LaVista South 6

+ Isaac Pamaran | 2025 | CF | Papillion LaVista

Multi-sport athlete (Football) started the game by lining a 3-1 count upper 80s FB to RC and, after a missed play, showing off his speed for the inside-the-park HR. The uncommitted OF is smaller but has strength and pop in swing with a high ceiling of not focusing 100% on baseball.

+ Danny Wallace | 2025 | OF/RHP | Papillion LaVista South   

The two-way Oklahoma State product hopped on the mound and was 88-90 with 78-81 CB that had feel and a sharp late break, mixed in CH at 77. Wallace threw a complete game with 8Ks and 1 H. Whether on the mound or at the plate, these performances come consistently for Wallace, the number one in Nebraska's 2025 class. 

+ Kye Privett | 2024 | C | Papillion LaVista South 

The Northeast CC commit evened the game for the Titans with a third-inning, two-out, 0-2 count bomb. The senior catcher is having a very productive year at the top of the order: .348, 9 RBIs, 3 Doubles, and 2 HRs.  

GRAND ISLAND VS LINCOLN EAST  | APRIL 11, 2024 

Grand Island 0
Lincoln East 10 

+ Carter Mick | 2024 | LHP | Lincoln East 

It almost looks like Carter, a Nebraska commit, is sometimes bored out there with how in control he is of the game and his pitches: 5 IP, 1H, 0R, 2BB, and 6Ks in this game. He shows high-end pitchability, easily manipulating pitches/speeds/locations.

+ Troy Peltz | OF | Lincoln East 

Some added strength this season: Troy punishes baseballs with his aggressive swing, hitting the wall on a double that wasn't two feet higher than everyone's head. His left-handed swing has big-time juice potential for the Huskers at the next level.

+ Owen Laessig | 2024 | OF | Lincoln East 

The Washburn commit was consistent all weekend, hitting the middle of the Spartan order. The Senior looked very comfortable and made opposing pitching pay when getting balls over the plate.  1-3 RBI in game 1, 2-3 3 RBIs in game 2.  There aren't many opportunities to take a breath as a pitcher when playing the Spartans

GRAND ISLAND VS LINCOLN SOUTHWEST  | APRIL 11, 2024 

Grand Island 6
Lincoln Southwest 2

+ Cohen Nelson | 2024 | LHP | Grand Island 

He pitched like a Senior who has pitched in big games before. He had all three pitches and made some big ones when needed. His fastball had a lot of run and sink, 82-85 T86. He pitched 4.1 IP, 9Ks, and 1ER for the Cloud County CC commit.

+ Ethan Foley | 2024 | 2B | Grand Island 

The Coffeyville CC commit started the game with an opposite-field bomb and added another double, 2 BB, getting the Islander offense going from the top of the order. Foley and Dinkelman make a solid duo up the middle.

+ Landon Sandy | 2025 | C | Lincoln Southwest 

Sandy has come out of the gate red hot  (.647, 8 XBH, 15 RBIs over his first 17 ABs). He doubled in the only RBI for the Skyhawks on a laser to the right-center gap. The uncommitted left-handed hitter has been versatile defensively this year, getting quality innings behind the plate and in both corner infield positions. A name college coaches should be checking in on.

+ Sam Dinkelman | 2025 | Grand Island 

I'm a big fan of how Sam moves around the field defensively—quick first step, body control on the move, smoothness around the ball—but today, he showed his offensive upside against a very good upper 80s arm. 3-4, 2B, 2RBIs—his left-handed swing was on time the whole game, producing hard line drives.

KEARNEY VS LINCOLN EAST  | APRIL 11, 2024 

Kearney 3
Lincoln East 8

+ Kalai Larsen | 2027 | RHP | Lincoln East 

The first look at the freshman right-handed pitcher/shortstop was impressive. Larsen moved his 84-85 mph FB in-and-out with a bigger breaking curve with tilt-and-feel in-and-out of the zone at 68-71 and a CH at 73-75 present fade with fastball arm speed. There is a bright future ahead of the young Spartan.

+ Jeter Worthley | 2025 | C | Lincoln East 

Worthley threw a guy out at 2nd that caught him a little by surprise with LHH at the plate. He wasn't afraid to let the ball go to any base, sometimes creating passive tendencies from the base runners. He was 2-3 at the plate with a stolen base, home run, two RBI, two runs, and a walk. His athleticism impacts the game in many ways and puts pressure on the opposing team.

+ Kegan Brand | 2024 | LHP/OF | Kearney 

Playing left field most of the game, Brand got called in in the middle of an inning to pitch. He had a more over-the-top slot with an 81-83 fastball, T85 in his first inning. I liked the breaking ball he threw at 74-76. The late break generated weak contact and s/m early in the outing vs. the state's best lineup.

+ Garrison Burns | 2024 | SS | Kearney 

I liked how the uncommitted senior took I/O light on his feet and athletic actions around the ball with body control on the move. Multi-sport athlete who excelled as a hockey player, batted out of two-hole and is going to battle some size questions but showed the skills to play up the middle at the next level should he choose that direction.

FRANK RYAN INVITATIONAL | MILLARD WEST | APRIL 5, 2024 

Elkhorn South 3
Omaha Westside 0

+ Tanner Foertsch | 2024 | RHP | Elkhorn South

The Doane University commit, who recently earned the Pitcher of the Week title, demonstrated his prowess by pitching a solid seven innings with an impressive 15 strikeouts. He maintained control throughout the game, locating his fastball (86-88 MPH) and slider (76-79) to both sides of the plate, resulting in a significant amount of weak contact.

+ Eamon O Gorman | 2025 | 3B | Elkhorn South

One of the best left-handed hitters in the state who also participated in the 2023 Futures Games, had his second consecutive game with multiple hits. In his first two at-bats, he hit a double and a triple. He is a Creighton commit and possesses a strong physical presence and swing in the middle of the Storm lineup. He also has significant power potential.

+ Markus Chandler | 2027 | RHP/SS | Omaha Westside

The freshman from Westside proved he belonged on the varsity field with his versatility. He had impressive stats this year, both on the plate and the mound. After DHing against Elkhorn South, Chandler relieved for the Warriors, throwing 80-83 with a strikeout and no walks.

Millard North 3
Lincoln Southwest 9
 
+ Samuel Jaynes | 2026 | LHP | Lincoln Southwest 

The young lefty's fastball topped out at 81 miles per hour, and was consistently in the range of 76 to 79 mph. He effectively changed speeds within the strike zone with his curve/changeup combination. During his six innings, Jaynes struck out seven batters. He has a smooth and repeatable motion, that should develop quickly into a college-upside arm.

Millard South 4
Lincoln East 3

+ Harrison Hart | 2024 | OF/1B | Millard South 

The uncommitted prospect has all the tools to excel at the next level (6'3, 210, 6.88 - 60, 100.3 - Exit, 87 - OF) and is starting to put it all together on the field. Had two hits in this game, both backside barrels, the first on a 2-strike count for an RBI and the second on an up-count breaking ball he barrelled to right-center gap for a double.

+ Tyler Albert | 2025 | RHP | Millard South

Another rising uncommitted arm out of the Patriots program. Albert is a multi-sport athlete who is also being recruited as a hoops player. He is 84-88 with his fastball but his offspeed is his best weapon. The curveball is one of his favorite pitches: 76-79 sharp late break generates a lot of weak contact and s/m. He also has a changeup (75-78) with late fade and fastball arm speed throws with confidence to left-handed hitters.

FRANK RYAN INVITATIONAL | MILLARD WEST | APRIL 4, 2024 

Elkhorn South 1
Millard South 2

+ Cal Cooper | 2025 | LHP | Elkhorn South

The Husker commit battled through some uncharacteristically spotty command, finishing with eight strikeouts and seven walks, but did not allow a run over five innings. His fastball was up to 87 but sat more in the 83-86 range. His three-pitch mix was very good at times against a young and talented Patriot lineup.  



+ Brody Jindra | 2026 | RHP/SS | Millard South

This time, Jindra emerges victorious in another Husker vs. Husker pitching duel. Sat 87-89 breaking ball and good depth. He made big pitches when needed, going six strong and striking out nine while surrendering one unearned run. At the plate, he sparked the rally with a single in the bottom of the 6th, eventually coming in to score the winning run on a wild pitch.  


+ Devin Meier | 2025 | RHP | Elkhorn South

The uncommitted righty was up to 93, while his fastball sat 88-91 in his one inning. The breaking ball had some later tilt at 77-79. He is relatively unknown to the Prep Baseball Nebraska staff as he also has an upside as a football prospect. He will be someone we will see again very soon. Should he want to play baseball in college, several schools will be very interested in him.  

Lincoln East 2
Omaha Westside 0

+ Thomas Fraley | 2024 | LHP | Lincoln East

The Emporia State commit gave up no runs over four innings with six strikeouts and scattered two hits. His fastball was 82-84 for most of his outing. Fraley worked out of his own jam in the third after walking a pair, getting Omaha Westside's cleanup to pop out to center field.

+ Markus Chandler | 2027 | 2B/RHP | Omaha Westside

The young infielder showed a high upside in this game, recording one of Westside's two hits. Chandler had solidly competitive at-bats all game. In the field, he turned the double play well in the fourth. He is hitting .417 in 26 at-bats on the year with two doubles and seven RBIs. On the mound, he has chipped in six and a third innings in three appearances with eight strikeouts. The Freshman has a bright future for the Warriors.

Lincoln Southwest 3
Millard West 2

+ Karter Chamberlain | 2024 | RHP/SS | Lincoln Southwest

The Blue Dragon commit was sensational in this one—five innings, two hits allowed, no runs, a walk, and five strikeouts—against one of the best lineups, top-to-bottom, in the state. His fastball was 86-88, and he mixed speeds well with a 70-73 breaking ball. When they put the ball in play, he kept the potent Wildcat on the ground for most of the day.

+ Landon Sandy | 2025 | C | Lincoln Southwest

Fresh off a Prep Baseball Nebraska Player of the Week honors, the uncommitted Sandy picked up right where he left off, going 1-for-2 with an RBI, double, and a walk. The double extended the Sliverhawks' lead 2-0 in the fourth. Behind the plate, Sandy and Chamberlain kept Millard West's active runners stationary throughout the ball game by controlling the run game.

BELLEVUE WEST AT CREIGHTON PREP | APRIL 2, 2024 

Bellevue West 13
Creighton Prep 6

+ Braden Caito | 2026 | RHP/3B | Creighton Prep

Up to 89, he settled in at 85-88, having some trouble with command at times in a windy and wet evening. The 2nd and 3rd innings were the best for the uncommitted RHP, who attacked the zone with his fastball and got swings and misses on his 66-70 MPH breaking ball.  

+ Ty Smolinski | 2024 | SS | Bellevue West

Smolinski's bat was red-hot this game. He started his day off with a 2-run HR, adding a double, a single, and a walk with 5 RBIs in two of his next three at-bats. The Kansas State commit has been a force this season at the plate: .419/0.500/0.709 (1.210 OPS) with 18 RBIs, three doubles, and two HRs. 

+ Colin Flores | 2024 | RHP/OF | Bellevue West

Flores dominated on both sides of the ball for the Thunderbirds: 

  • 2-3, 2B, BB, 4 RBIs
  • 2.0 innings, five strikeouts, one walk.

The Allen County CC commit has been dialed in on the mound, fanning 22 hitters over his last 12 innings.

+ Charlie Ziola | 2026 | OF/LHP | Creighton Prep

Ziola has been swinging a hot stick since an Easter trip to Kansas City. In this contest, he went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. He had a loud barrel in his first at-bat, resulting in a double over the center fielder's head off an upper 80s FB. His game has a lot of upside as he continues to get comfortable.

NEBRASKA CITY AT SKUTT CATHOLIC | APRIL 2, 2024 

Nebraska City 0
Skutt Catholic 2

+ Jace Ziola | 2025 | RHP | Skutt Catholic 

The Husker commit leads the state with 29 strikeouts over 17 innings, and he did not disappoint in this one, adding to his total with 7 strikeouts over his five innings with one hit and no earned runs against Nebraska City. His fastball overpowered hitters and had good life out of his hand, with velocity up to 92, while sitting 88-91 into the 5th. Ziola has the body and projectability to have a high ceiling at the next level.

+ Keston Holman | 2024 | RHP/SS | Nebraska City

Holman matched Ziola, inning for inning. His fastball was at 88 MPH, up three from last year's Elite 50 event. The Southwestern CC commit mixed speeds well, manipulating his breaking ball with varying shapes and speeds. He pitched the complete game, striking out five, walking none, with a lone earned run.  

+ Sam Brummund | 2024 | RHP | Skutt Catholic 

The Washburn football commit closed the game for the Skyhawks. He showed a heavy dose of an 80-82 MPH cutter and got plenty of awkward swings, finishing with two strikeouts in his one-inning save. 

 

BEATRICE AT WAVERLY | MARCH 29, 2024 

Waverly 3
Beatrice 2

+ Hunter Thoms | 2025 | CF | Waverly 

The uncommitted outfielder went 2-3 with 2 RBI and two stolen bases in the leadoff spot for the Vikings. He is a patient hitter with a calm load and good hands, and he does not expand the zone. Speed is his major weapon offensively, and he is fearless in using it. Thoms posted good metrics at the 2024 Preseason All-State: 6.67 60, 91.4 Max Exit Velo, and an outfield arm of 85 MPH.  

+ Austin Baldwin | 2026 | SS | Beatrice

Baldwin has fluid actions up the middle for the Orangemen. Austin went 2-3 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored. The RBI was a go-ahead triple in the top of the 6th to take the lead at the time.

+ Drew Koch | 2025 | C | Waverly

The junior caught a clean game behind the plate for the Vikings. His Preseason All-State metrics, which include a 1.91-2.01 pop time, 79 MPH catcher velocity, and a max exit velocity of 97.4, project well at the next level. In the game, Koch finished 1-4 with an RBI, but that one hit was a walk-off RBI double to give Waverly the 3-2 win.

MILLARD WEST AT MILLARD NORTH | MARCH 28, 2024 

Millard West 6 
Millard North 1

+ Carson Obrecht | 2024 | RHP | Millard North

The Wayne State commit came in relief for the Mustangs in the third, going 2.1 innings with three strikeouts and a walk. His slider/fastball combo was well located to the glove side early in the outing. Fastball was 87-88 with good life out of his hand, and his slider has good late horizontal movement. 


+ Tyson Lewis | 2024 | SS | Millard West

It was a monster day for one of the top shortstops in the country and an Arkansas commit. He banged out three hits, showing off all his impressive tools:

  • A home run in the first
  • An infield single in the second
  • A two-strike count laser single in the fifth

Lewis showed solid adjusted in at-bats; he took what the game gave him and let his tools and athleticism take over.  

BELLEVUE WEST AT MILLARD SOUTH | MARCH 27, 2024 

Bellevue West 4 
Millard South 1

+ Drew Grego | 2025 | SS/RHP | Bellevue West

On a chilly 40ish-degree evening, Grego was fantastic. The Husker commit pitched around three defensive errors, not allowing a hit and striking out 8 in 5 innings pitched. The slider was the go-to outpitch late in counts, with the upper 80s tailing/sinking fastball in his back pocket when he needed it. As the lead-off hitter, Grego added a hit and two runs scored.

+ Brody Jindra | 2026 | SS/RHP | Millard South

The Husker showdown on the mound did not disappoint. Jindra's fastball was up to 92, sitting 88-91 for most of the outing. He went to the slider late in counts more often than not, totaling six strikeouts with no walks or earned runs in 4 innings. Jindra had two big strikeouts at the bottom of the third- with one-out and bases loaded- to keep the deficit at one run.

+ Ty Smolinski | 2024 | SS | Bellevue West

Smolinski made his presence known in the three-hole for the T-Birds, going one-for-two with two runs driven in and a hit-by-pitch. His backside RBI single extended the lead by a run and provided some much-needed cushion late in the game. The Kansas State commit has significant upside and potential at the next level, both at the plate and in the field.

+ Tanner Hosick | 2024 | RHP/OF | Bellevue West

Hosick flashed an 87-89 MPH fastball and 77-80 slider from a smaller explosive delivery. Comfortable in late-game situations, he attacked hitters early and often with that two-pitch combo, striking out four over the final two frames. The UNO baseball commit is a wrestler in the winter and should see his stuff and velo get even better while his arm and body get in baseball shape and the weather starts to warm up.  

LINCOLN SOUTHWEST AT MILLARD SOUTH | MARCH 19, 2024 

Lincoln Southwest 1 
Millard South 9

+ Jaxson Appuhn | 2026 | SS | Millard South

Appuhn went 1-2 with 2 RBIs, a walk, and a run scored from the lead-off position for the Patriots. The single broke the game open for Millard South, extending the lead to 5-1 in the fourth. 

+ Carson Derr | 2026 | C | Millard South

Derr is the 4th-ranked player in the state and looked the part on Tuesday night behind the dish, throwing out two runners and blocking everything in the dirt, giving the staff a lot of confidence with their offspeed late-in counts. Derr also went 1-1 with an RBI double in the 3rd to get Millard South on the board.  

+ Karter Chamberlain | 2024 | RHP/SS | Lincoln Southwest

There is a lot to like about Chamberlain and his upside. He is a tall, athletic, solid athlete running his fastball up to 89 MPH. Chamberlain entered the game in a tough spot in the middle of the inning, down by one, with runners on his end line. The results do not look great, but Karter has a lot better days ahead of him on the baseball field. 

+ Brycen Botos | 2025 | RHP | Millard South

Botos went 2.0 IP, 3K, BB, H, 0R in his outing. Arm action was short and quick, attacking hitters early with his FB at 85-87 and a bigger 11/5 breaking ball.

+ Tyler Albert | 2025 | RHP | Millard South

Albert has made a big jump on the mound from last year. Fastball at 85-87 coming out of a longer loose arm action and he generated a lot of swing-and-misses on a 77-79 breaking ball with good tilt/sharpness. He struck out all three batters he faced in his inning of work.