LAS VEGAS, NV - With poor weather sweeping the country, the Southern Nevada Preseason ID beat the storm.  Steady winds accompanied a brisk morning, but the sun was shining and the players were ready.  The group featured some high-level committed prospects as well as some rising stars.  Let’s take a quick a look at just a few highlights from yesterday’s event.

It won’t be long before scouts and college recruiters are knocking down the door of ‘22 Demitri Diamant (Bishop Gorman HS). Diamant is a sturdy bodies two-way player with present strength who will undoubtedly find himself among the 2022 class elite when rankings are released later this Spring. He has solid actions in the infield with plenty of arm to stay on the left side.  If that wasn’t enough, he showed strength in his bat with good barrel release. Hard to say where his final stop on the field will be, for he was up to 84 on the mound with feel for spin and a changeup.  This young man has a bright future and will be fun to follow him going forward.

Equally as impressive was TCU commit, '21 Thomas Di Landri.  Di Landri is freakishly strong with perhaps as much twitch as strength. He posted a 6.6 60-yard dash as well as 105 mph exit velocity off the tee. Di Landri took a minute to settle into batting practice but his second round was "silly".  He made consistent loud contact, sending balls regularly over the left-centerfield fence.

With quality backstops at a premium, the event hosted a few intriguing options.  The first of which, ’21 Dylan Dirig (Desert Oasis).  Dirig has made considerable strides since scout day last Fall.  The time he has spent catching the Desert Oasis staff last Fall and this Winter has given him a noticeable confidence.  I sat quietly, receiving with soft hands and minimal glove movement. His pop times, 1.94-2.07 provide a tight window with true and on target throws.  Also, behind the dish, 2'21 Gavin Mez (Bishop Gorman) offered a sturdy bodied, projectable receiver with a solid transition to throw, 1.93-2.03 pop times.  He maintains balance throughout his swing and made consistent quality contact.  Mez’s left-handed bat will raise some eyebrows. 

There was no shortage of outfielders at the event and a few uncommitted class of 2020 participants caught the eye of PBR Nevada.  Aussie, '20 Maxwell Luega (Green Valley) started the day strong.  The 6-foot 180 Luega posted a 6.73 60-yard dash as well as a solid 86 mph exit velocity off the tee.  He maintains a manageable length to his swing achieving consistent quality contact.  There is an unpolished athleticism to his game which lends to a high ceiling and with work and guidance could be a force. Joining Luega was '20 John Howard Bobo (Basic Academy). Lean, 6-foot-1, Bobo is projectable with an athletic build. He likely profiles as an outfielder but has been trained as an infielder. His 6.83 60-yard dash may lend to a corner position but his bat will carry him. He has wiry strength and twitch.  His bat moves through the zone quickly and it is easy to see power down the line. 

’19 Nathan Bartlett (Palo Verde HS) maybe the hidden gem. The uncommitted, stocky, 5-foot-9, Bartlett is strong with a compact swing and makes consistent hard contact.  He profiles as an offensive second baseman and two-hole type hitter. He has reliable infield actions with a feel for turning the double play from the right side. Bartlett is a consummate college performer type whose true value may only be witnessed the more you see him play.