Inside the 2023 State Rankings: SS
October 23, 2020
TEXAS - As we continue to break down the 2023 rankings, let's take a closer look at some of the best shortstops the lone star state has to offer. We have a good mix of athletic middle infielders that have the chance to stay at SS as well as impact the game with their bat. Today we will dive into 5 of the top SS in the 2023 class, each a little different than the other but all bring a lot to the table for their teams.
SCOUT NOTES
This class is highlighted by Florida State commit, Tristan Russell (Cypress Woods), a stand out from the South Texas Underclass Games. The switch hitting, high waisted, athletic defender, looks to have the ability to stay on the left side of the infield. Russell has plenty of room to physically mature and develop still but stands out both in the field and at the plate.
Another standout from the South Texas Underclass Games was Micah Dean (William B. Travis). Dean stood out right away during the showcase portion of the event and came out and ran a 6.85 60-yard dash, and put on an impressive BP living in the middle of the field with hard hit line drives. He followed all of that up being equally impressive during the game. Seems to have a natural ability to defend and plays with a clock in his head.
One of the better overall defenders in the state Blake Brown (Lake Creek) stood out multiple times to our staff over the summer. Brown will show high level actions with his hands and feet on the dirt. He has shown the ability to play through the ball and play on the run when necessary as well as throw from multiple arm angles across the diamond. Look for jumps from Brown down the road as he continues to develop at the plate and becomes a complete SS.
* Blake Brown
The last two we will touch on today both play for the Stix 2023 team, can really impact the game offensively, and also have shown the ability to have a natural feel for the game. Brayden Randle (Rockwall), Texas commit, is a strong offensive presence from the left side that can play all over the diamond right now but is a predominant SS right now. Randle has a smaller frame but makes up for it with a strong muscular build, as well as his natural feel for the game and multiple positions. Stix teammate, Ethan Mendoza (Southlake Carroll) has shown continuous improvement each and every time our staff has been able to see him play. Mendoza has committed to gaining strength and it has started to show up at the plate. On top of the noticeable offensive improvements, Mendoza also shows a natural feel for the game as a ball player. We look forward to seeing him compete at Southlake Carroll this coming year.
* Brayden Randle
We wanted to highlight just a few of the premium short stops of a deep and talented 2023 class. There are plenty of others that can impact the game offensively and defensively, and we look forward to highlighting them down the road as well.
TOP RANKED
| RANK | NAME | STATE | SCHOOL | CLASS | POS | COMMITMENT |
| 1 | Tristan Russell | TX | Cypress Woods | 2023 | SS | Florida State |
| 2 | Lane Allen | TX | Denton Guyer | 2023 | SS | Texas |
| 3 | Noah Paddie | TX | Marshall | 2023 | SS | Texas A&M |
| 4 | Lathan Van Ausdall | TX | Allen | 2023 | SS | Oklahoma |
| 5 | Tanner Sever | TX | Coppell | 2023 | SS | |
| 6 | Micah Dean | TX | William B. Travis | 2023 | SS | |
| 7 | Minjun (MJ) Seo | TX | Heritage | 2023 | SS | Arizona |
| 8 | Tine Hampshire | TX | Lumberton | 2023 | SS | |
| 9 | Brayden Randle | TX | Rockwall | 2023 | SS | Texas |
| 10 | Cash Glaze | TX | Silsbee | 2023 | SS | |
| 11 | Blake Brown | TX | Lake Creek | 2023 | SS | |
| 12 | Ethan Mendoza | TX | Southlake Carroll | 2023 | SS | |
| 13 | Tyler Garritano | TX | Boerne | 2023 | SS | |
| 14 | Cam Johnson | TX | Boerne | 2023 | SS | Wichita State |