North Houston Preseason ID: Quick Hits
January 16, 2025
On Sunday, January 12th, the Prep Baseball Texas staff hosted the North Houston Preseason ID in Willis, TX. This event was host to more than 30 players from the classes of 2025-2028, and gave our staff one final look at some of the top players in the area before their spring seasons kick off.
We have already released a Statistical Analysis from the event, that highlights the top measurable data performers from the event. Today, we will highlight the top players that stood out to our staff over the course of the event.
QUICK HITS
Drew Emery (Stratford, 2026) is a 195-pound right-hander that showed noticeable physical development since his last outing. His fastball sat 86-87 mph, topping out at 88, with the ability to generate sink. Emery displayed two distinct breaking balls—a curveball and a slider—with solid feel for both, along with a changeup that flashed average. With a starter profile and continued growth, Emery is poised for a big spring and is a name to watch moving forward.
Zach Larsen (Katy Taylor, 2026) - At 6'0", 185-pound, is a standout athlete with impressive tools. He ran a blazing 6.6 60-yard dash, the best time at the event, and posted the top outfield velocity at 89 mph. Larsen also displayed versatility with solid defensive actions on the dirt. At the plate, he showcased pull-side power, leaving the yard multiple times and recording a max exit velocity of 97.8 mph.Larsen is part of a very talented junior class at Katy Taylor.
Brayden Hernandez (Montgomery, 2026) had a strong showing, especially on the mound. His fastball topped out at 83 mph with excellent carry, consistently producing over 20 inches of induced vertical break (IVB). He paired it with an upper-60s breaking ball that featured spin rates north of 2500 rpm, showing good depth and room to improve with added power. Hernandez also demonstrated good feel for his changeup, which worked effectively off his fastball. With plenty of strength to gain, Hernandez is poised to add velocity and continue developing into a standout arm.
Miles Horton (Katy, 2026) continues to elevate his game every time we see him. Defensively, he’s a reliable catch-and-throw guy with athleticism behind the plate, recording a best pop time of 1.99. Offensively, Horton is showing increasing power, highlighted by a max exit velocity of 99 mph and a max distance of 370 feet. With a strong, projectable frame, Horton is poised to keep getting better and will be an exciting player to follow.
Christopher Racey (Ridge Point, 2028) is an extremely physical player whose strength stands out in the batter's box. He consistently hit balls in the mid-90s, topping out at 97.5 mph, projecting to develop serious power as he matures. On the mound, Racey sat in the low 80s with his fastball, showing the ability to fill up the zone. As part of a talented freshman class at Ridge Point, Racey is a name to keep an eye on.
Grayson Youngblood (Victoria East, 2025) - The middle infieler is a smooth defender with excellent range and the ability to make plays in all directions. His arm is solid and accurate, complementing his steady glove work. At the plate, Youngblood features a compact swing and consistently sprays line drives to all fields, showing versatility with the bat. A reliable performer every time we’ve seen him, Youngblood is a dependable player who can impact the game in multiple ways.
Alec Wentrcek (Grand Oaks, 2026) put together an impressive all-around performance. He ran a 6.83 60, showcasing solid athleticism, and displayed good arm strength, topping out at 85 mph. At the plate, Wentrcek consistently barreled the baseball, recording a max exit velocity of 96.9 mph. With the ability to drive the ball with authority to all fields and some present strength, Wentrcek is a well-rounded player with plenty of upside.
Tristin Gaines (Waller, 2028) - The 6'2" 108lb freshman is an easy mover with a natural athleticism that shines on the diamond. Defensively, he profiles up the middle with smooth actions at shortstop and plenty of arm strength, while also projecting as a potential plus defender in center field. At the plate, Gaines utilizes a line-drive approach, staying in the big part of the field with consistent contact. As he adds strength to his frame, he’s likely to develop significant power. A dual-sport athlete, Gaines also served as QB1 for Waller as a freshman, showcasing his all-around athletic ability.
Michael Atkinson (The Woodlands Christian, 2028) features a highly projectable frame (6'0", 155lb) and an easy arm action on the mound. His fastball topped out at 81.3 mph, with clear signs that more velocity is on the way as he continues to develop physically. Atkinson is a strike thrower with smooth movement down the mound and a quick arm from a high 3/4 slot. He spins the baseball exceptionally well, recording over 2700 rpm on his curveball and 2500 rpm on his slider, and also mixes in a low-70s changeup. With his advanced pitchability and room to add strength, Atkinson is a name to watch as he continues to rise.
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