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Knoxville Preseason ID: Quick Hits

January 27, 2025
Hunter Martin
TN Scouting Director

KNOXVILLE, TN - The Prep Baseball Knoxville Preseason ID was held on Saturday, January 25th at BC Athletics in Knoxville, TN. Players went through an extended pro-style workout that included batting practice using Trackman, ran the 60-yard dash using Vald Performance, and much more. Pitchers were able to get numbers and metrics on TrackMan during a bullpen setting. There were some players who showed up and continued to build off of prior performances, but there were also some new names who jumped onto our radar with a strong showing at the event.

Kicking off post-event coverage for the event, we take a look at the some of the top performers from the Knoxville Preseason ID. Please be sure to continue to check back as we release other leaderboards from the event, along with the scouting reports on all players in attendance.

Click HERE to view all position stats from the event.

 

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QUICK HITS

Demarcus Lowery OF / OF / knoxville catholic, TN / 2027

Coming into the 2025 calendar year ranked in the top 10 overall for the state of Tennessee, the 5 foot 10 outfielder gave us our first look since the spring, where he as he stepped in at shortstop for their injured do-it-all playmaker Hudson Lutterman in the DII-AA state playoffs. The freshman did not miss a bit going 2-3 with multiple clean plays in the infield that left me very intrigued as I walked out of Hawkins Field. Getting my first look at the now sophomore since that day and the tools continue to polish out as they were on full display at the Knoxville Preseason ID. Extremely young for his class, Lowery could realistically be a freshman this season and would probably be ranked #1 in the state of this conjecture. Coming in with a wiry build that will add another 20 pounds before his 18th birthday, the upside is one to dream on. 4-sport athlete that plays football, basketball and track but really excels on the diamond. Looks to stick in the outfield at the next level with a plus arm/range and will be one that we will continue to follow as the spring season heats up. Sneaky pop with a hit tool that utilizes all parts of the field. One to definitely circle. 

Mason Shelton C / 3B / Hardin Valley Academy, TN / 2027

The sophomore gave us a lot of looks this past spring season as a freshman thrusted into the starting lineup for a team that competed for a 4A state title the prior year. Shelton brings an air of confidence at the plate with a leveraged left-handed bat that put hard hit balls in play all last spring. Strong defensively with a crisp, clean arm that whips the ball on a direct line from behind the dish. Shelton has serious potential at the catching position, especially coupled with a left-handed bat that shows current bat speed (71 mph best). Will continue to grow into his frame and the juice should go alongside it. Looks to be a breakout player this spring for Hardin Valley, with a strong slate of a summer schedule lined up playing for Xposure National. 

JB Moore SS / C / Knoxville Catholic, TN / 2027

Getting our first look at Moore since last summer and I came away really liking what we saw in Moore’s performance at the Knoxville Preseason ID. The traits continue to blossom as he has gotten better each time we have seen him. Currently a little undersized but you wouldn’t know that looking at the metrics his barrel produced. Easy flowing right-handed swing that generates torque through the zone. Will continue to get stronger as the frame holds a muscular look with some twitch in the swing. Another player that hails from powerhouse Knoxville Catholic, Moore looks to garner significant playing time this season and looks to be a big contributor at that.

Kole Carter C / 3B / Cumberland Gap, TN / 2028

The freshman Carter made his first appearance in the prep showcase circuit giving us a glimpse at the Cumberland Gap native. Currently, a little doughy in the frame and lacks present quick athleticism but that doesn't deter my liking of the kid, and especially the swing. The power exit velocity is nothing that screams at you but the swing is simple with a strong hands approach that looks comfortable making consistent barreled contact. I’m looking at upside here and the simplicity of the swing should continue to get better as he matures into his body and learns to incorporate his lower half. All fields approach staying consistently up the middle during his round, again I really like the swing and will not be surprised to see him slim out and refine his body as he goes through maturity. I look forward to seeing Carter again down the line.

Jack Hamilton C / 3B / The Kings Academy, TN / 2026

The King’s Academy product came into the Knoxville Preseason ID with a present physical frame at 6 foot 2 and 210 pounds. Strong lower half with strength in the midsection, Hamilton produced loud contact with ease en route to an event best 98 mph EV, while just averaging south of 90 mph for his round. Produces a lot of force in a quick direct bat path. Finishes fully through contact, while staying closed on his front side. Up the middle approach with low line drives. The uncommitted junior looks to have a big season and someone that has taken significant jumps over the last two years. 

Branson Dean 3B / RHP / Lenoir City, TN / 2027

When you talk about controlled chaos, you are talking about Branson Dean at the plate. The sophomore got his first appearance in front of our staff and left a lasting impression for the Lenoir City product. The swing is eerily similar to that of Josh Donelson’s with the aggressiveness in the hack. Looks to punish the ball through contact with a very quiet head that stays on plane through the finish (surprising for how quick he moves the bat). Creates exceptional separation with the stick, while encompassing a quick firing of the hips. Generated an event best 23 G’s of force (Blast Motion) that should be able to handle velocity as he matures. Produced very hard hit line-drives capping off at a 94 EV, while averaging out to 88 mph. With more mass to surely be in line as he grows, Dean will be someone that we are eager to see again. 

Jack Fennell C / 3B / Bearden, TN / 2026

The Beardan baseball product gave us our first look since the spring and first showcase appearance since two falls ago. The body has really matured and gained significant strength, especially in the lower half. Really has cleaned up his mechanics behind the dish with mobility behind the plate. Quick transfer out of his crouch position that doesn’t pop up too quickly. Delivered consistent throws on target and will be someone making a significant jump this spring season with Brooks Wright since moving on to the University of Tennessee. Showed soft hands with present pop from the right side. Compact swing mechanics that turns over quickly into a strong finish through the zone.

Chandler Tyler RHP / 1B / William Blount High School, TN / 2027

The sophomore William Blount product showed some things on the mound at the Knoxville Preseason ID running his fastball up to the low 80’s with both horizontal and vertical movement shape. Finishes fully through the baseball while showing decent spin present. At 6 foot 2 and 185 pounds, Tyler should continue to fill out his frame and more velocity with it. Attacked the zone on both sides of the plate and should be a quality arm this spring that will have plenty of opportunities.

Bennett Gammon LHP / OF / Smith County, TN / 2025

The former Senior Future Game participant had a strong showing Saturday where he comes in with a more physical presence that has packed on size since the summer. Showed the highest max bat speed at 73 mph while also popping a 94 max EV from the left side. Finishes strong through the zone that gets great extension with his back side. Showed the best positional arm velocity with upper 80’s before getting over the 90 mph club on his last throw. Remains uncommitted and will be a prize pickup for a team looking with a chance to 2-way.

Connor Shanley 1B / OF / Farragut, TN / 2028

Shanley will be stepping into big shoes as he embarks on his first high school season at perennial powerhouse Farragut. Long limbed with present length in the frame at 6 foot 1 and 175 pounds. Present bat speed with an eye popping 94 max EV. Very strong on his backside as he loads that projects for future power down the line. Shanley can get long at times to the ball but I go back to him just being a freshman. Looks like he will hold significant good weight as he matures and the swing should refine out making for an interesting prospect. Don’t know if he will see varsity this season but looks like he has a chance to be right in line with the long list of players that have stepped through the Admiral program to go on to play at the next level. 

 

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Upcoming Events

SHOWCASE DATE LOCATION
Nashville Preseason ID 2/2 Liberty Creek HS Indoor - Gallatin, TN
Tennessee Preseason All-State: Underclass 2/8 Liberty Creek HS Indoor - Gallatin, TN
Tennessee Preseason All-State: Upperclass 2/9 Liberty Creek HS Indoor - Gallatin, TN

 

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