Prep Baseball Report

Utah Preseason All-State: Quick Hits


Jeff Scholzen
Utah Scouting Director

Preseason All-State: Quick Hits 

PBR Utah kicked off the 2022 high school season with the Preseason All-State event, with close to 80 of the top players in the state. The classes of 2022-2025 were represented and they displayed their tools and talents, with three MLB scouts in attendance! The event was held at Desert Hills HS, and originally scheduled for March 5th, we pushed back the event to the 6th, due to impending weather and the event went off without a hitch. 

We had the usual tech and data collection for the players from our partners like Trackman and Blast Motion, as well as the laser timed 60’s. We collected ProPlayAI to capture biomechanical pitching video and data for pitchers. We also broke out some new exciting tech that we will be importing into player profiles come June. 

Swift Technologies is a new partner and we tested their timing devices for new speed implementation of 10/30/60 yard dashes. We also used a ground force plate, called EZ Jump and we use their mobile apps to collect vertical jump, ground force information and a whole host of different data to help each player understand what kind of athlete they are and can become. 

PBR is the nations #1 trusted source for collecting data on players and delivering that information to the player, and then spreading their information around the various social media platforms in marketing players for the next level. Our tech stack deliverables are second to none in the industry and why college coaches trust PBR as the go to source for college recruiting! 

We now break down the players and highlight those who stood out at this prestigious event. We can’t highlight everyone, but will take a snapshot at various top players in each class represented. 


2022

Devan Harmer, OF, 5-9 160 (Clearfield HS)

Harmer, who was a 2nd Team All-State player as a junior, has been a staple at PBR Utah events and has shown well at each stop. A small package with pound for pound strength. Possessing an upper 80’s arm from the OF and running sub 60’s at most events, Harmer was also a member of Team Utah at the inaugural PBR West Coast Games this past August. Showing pull power and a clean repeatable stroke, Harmer is a table setter at the top of a lineup and gets on base and is an aggressive base runner that swipes bags. Harmer is going to be serving a two year mission after HS and is looking to get an offer from a school that will be grateful for doing so. An athlete who shouldn’t lose much when returning after two years, this is the top uncommitted player in the ‘22 class. 

Cole Watterson, CF, 5-9 185, R-R (Skyview HS)

The Edmonds CC commit has been a staple at PBR events and always turns in one of the top 60’s at each event. This event was no different, as Watterson clocked a 6.60 and use’s that speed at the HS level to rack up SB’s. Also a two sport All-State athlete, where he also excelled on the football field. Once Cole is focused on baseball full time at the next level, and turns his twitchy yet muscled build, into further improvements on the baseball side, his all fields approach and all out aggressive style of play, he should be a force on both sides of the ball. 

Hagen Bowen, OF/RHP, 5-10 170, R-R (Tooele HS) 

The Columbia Basin CC commit has improved his game every step of the way, over the last year + since he’s attended our events. A lean athletic build and room for added weight and strength at maturity, Bowen has more floors left to climb in reaching his ceiling. A strong accurate arm from the OF at 83 mph, Bowen also shows solid mechanics and movement patterns in his hitting stroke at the plate. Has a solid load and turn of the knob, into a good stretch from hip and shoulder separation. At contact, he hits off a firm front side and keeps his head behind the baseball. I look forward to seeing a strong spring from him. 

Drew Beck, OF, 5-11 175, R-R (Bountiful HS)

Another player who also still has steps to climb and has enough hand speed 21.6 and bat speed 71.8 to hit JC pitching. Can get a little too much movement to his front side and tuck the hands in too close to his body, but it’s easily fixable. Can show flashes of an inside out and drive the ball the other way, much like Nick Castellanos of the Reds. The OF arm of 84 mph is online and gets one hop to his target throws off. A 7.12/60, will relegate to LF, but should be able to handle both corner OF spots at the next level. With a good spring, I can see this young man playing at the next level for someone. 

Jake Lindsey, UTL, 6-2 195, R-R (Weber HS) 

A solid two sport athlete, who should make vast improvements once he continues with baseball full time. With being on the football field, he still has room for improvement in all facets of the game. Once he works out some of the football stiffness to his lean muscled build, the movement patterns should smooth out. A big year at the plate as a junior with a well over .400 avg, look for Lindsey to have a big senior year and catch college attention. 

Chris Billings, LHP/1B, 6-3 205 (Lone Peak HS)

A two way kid who caught my attention at a snowbird scrimmage in St. George at the end of January. Displayed his strength and aggressive demeanor at the Preseason ID and continued that momentum at the Preseason All-State as well. With EV’s over 100 mph and a FB form the left side, that touched a personal best of 86, with a lean yet strong muscular build, Billings already fills out the uniform nicely with his man strength to come. Has the type of tool set to man 1B in the lineup everyday at the JC level and comes out as an aggressive left on left type that gets arm side run to the FB and should be tough on LHH’s. A strong junior year at the plate and on the mound should propel Billings into a stronger senior campaign. 

Garrison Sumner, RHP, 6-3 215 (Westlake HS)

A U of Utah commit, Sumner was off to a good start to his junior year, where in an early preseason tourney in St. George, I saw Sumner flash a potential big FB 87-93 and sit 89-91. Thereafter he was tender and shut things down shortly thereafter to have surgery on his elbow. Missing all of the summer and fall, Sumner is back and feeling good and healthy. The FB 87-90 at the Preseason All-State was firm with late hop through the zone and a high spin rate of 2601! The CB 75-77 sets him apart from other pitchers with a “elite” spin rate of 2840 with quick late TQ shape and biting depth. The FB/CB combination of high spin and late life to both pitches, is the best in the state to date. Look for even more gains to the FB velo as the spring unfolds and he gets his sea legs under him from the time off. One thing is for sure, Sumner is giving the Utes in 2023 a potential elite arm that has the frame and build to be a workhorse. 

Jace Carroll, RHP, 6-6 200 (Stansbury HS)

The Dixie State commit has made the most improvement of any pitcher in the state, since I first saw him over a year ago. Year ago he was 81-84 and weighed 170 lbs. But his velo has shown a steady climb each quarter of the year. An Area Code team alum, Carroll now has a FB that is 88-91 and reached 93 during indoor workouts this past winter. The CB 73-74 has a high spin of 2507 and is an OH 12 to 6 variety with considerable biting depth. Carroll shows the ability to land the pitch for a K and also bury it for swing and misses. The CH 77-80 has the right differential spacing off the FB and has late fade with mild bottom, but can kill the spin at 1885 and the pitch should compliment into a solid 3 pitch mix, when he arrives on the St. George campus. Look for Carroll to draw MLB scout attention as he was the feature arm for the scouts who were in attendance at our event. 

2023 (Very DEEP Class)

Petey Soto Jr, SS, 5-10 155, R-R (Crimson Cliffs HS)

The Dixie State commit is one of, if not the smoothest defender in the state, regardless of class. Have seen him play since he was 10 years old. Gifted with dancy, educated feet and plus movement patterns to allow for his glove to be in the right place at the right time. Also can play CF, and shows off a avg arm at 86 from the OF and 77 from the INF, though he doesn’t sell out for metrics, but just plays catch and throws K’s in all directions. Able to throw from multiple arm slots and do it EZ. From the plate, Soto has a quick twitch well synced up hitting stroke with good use of his lower ½ and looks the part of a young Francisco Lindor. An fringe to avg runner at 7.06 in the 60, yet his lateral quickness at SS, belies a player that moves within a circle of range, rather than a straight line runner. With an additional 15-20 lbs at maturity, this kid has a very high ceiling. 

Grant Scholzen, SS/2B, 5-9 165, L-R (Hurricane HS)

The U of the Pacific commit, sets himself apart with his quick twitch hand speed: 26.9 and bat speed: 76.9 from the left side of the plate in generating a fast bat that handles velocity. With growing strength, an EV of 92.4, should jump exponentially as he gains his man strength. With a smooth stroke and discerning eye at the plate, Scholzen is also able to work counts and draw a 2 to 1 ratio of BB’s vs K’s. Scholzen also has a knack for making diving plays and coming up to throw good runners out. He also is adept at using his glove hand to feed the 2B'man with glove flips. A SS at present, Scholzen projects as an offensive 2B at the next level. Scholzen is part of a bloodline of former college and professional baseball players in his extended family, as his father played in the Angels organization, one uncle (Jimmy) played in the Rays organization, as well as another uncle (Jeremy) played at Southern Utah University. Scholzen’s extended cousin is a Utah Valley U commit, Luke Iverson, the current Pine View HS catcher, while another extended cousin is a star softball player at College of Southern Nevada and lastly an immediate cousin was a standout women's basketball player at CSI and Dixie State. With two years left in HS baseball, look for even more progression to his game as he continues to mature. 

Cade Nalder, C, 5-11 175, R-R (Jordan HS)

Uncommitted and looking for a home, Nalder is an aggressive blue collar catcher that also can play the OF and posts 84 mph online accurate throws and has a quick release with accuracy behind the plate. A strong hitter with power and a straightaway to pull stroke, Nalder has emerging power and participated as a representative for the state in the national power showcase HR derby in Tampa. A 1st Team All-Region catcher, Nalder hit .397 as a sophomore as he dealt with an injury that kept him from everyday service until region play. Once he got his sea legs under him, he took off and was a performing staple in a strong sophomore class for the Beetdiggers. Colleges take notice of this kid, as he has 2 years of HS baseball to really make his mark and create a track record of success. The type of player that could be an impact D2 and top JC player at the next level. 

Crew McChesney, CF, 5-11 180, L-R (Lone Peak HS)

The top uncommitted ‘23 in the state, and is the best athlete in the class. A two sport star, as McChesney is also one of the better WRs on the gridiron, as he blows by defenders in getting deep in hauling in highlight type plays. On the baseball field, Crew tore his UCL on a freak injury with weeks to go in the ‘21 season, which caused him to miss all summer/fall. Now healthy and only 8 months post op, McChesney posted arm velo from the OF at the Preseason All-State of 90 mph. Look for even greater velo to the low to mid 90’s as he is removed further from surgery and gains his man strength in 3-4 years. But what sets McChesney apart is premium speed as he posted a blazing 6.24/60, which on the MLB scale of 20-80 is an “80”, making him the best runner in the state, as well as one of the handful of fastest 60’s in the entire country. A quick compact stroke from the plate that generates elite hand speed of 25.7 and bat speed of 80. Now that McChesney is back on the map, look for a big year at the plate and on the bases, as he possesses Power 5 school type talent and should impact any program on both sides of the ball. 

Hunter Gatti, OF, 6-0 165, L-R (Jordan HS)

Gatti is new to the PBR system and will now be on the radar as he continues to show and promote himself to schools. A 2021 1st Team All-State player as a sophomore, Gatti hit .462 with 26 RBI’s, 8 2B’s and a triple. A very good student that should be able to receive academic money on top of baseball money. Gatti has a slasher type all fields approach and has a knack for barreling the baseball. One stat that stands out with Gatti is he also drew 13 BB’s to only 3 strikeouts in 98 plate appearances, easily the best mark in the state across all classes. This is evident with his Vizual Edge score of 75%, which falls in the collegiate range for edge scores. A below avg arm: 76 mph may relegate him to LF at the next level, but one thing is for sure, at 165 lbs, he has 20-25 pounds he can gain with a strong strength and conditioning program, should elevate his power production, as he posted an EV max of 94.8, which should reach beyond 100 mph when he reaches his man strength. 

Cameron Nielson, SS/RHP, 6-0 170, R-R (Cottonwood HS)

The U Utah commit, and PBR Future Games alum, has a strong hitting profile and emerging pitch arsenal on the mound. The projected ace of the staff this spring at Cottonwood, Nielsen should make a loud statement on both sides of the ball this spring. With an EV range over the past 6 months of 96-99 mph, Nielsen can get long in his swing, but possesses hand and bat speed to handle velocity. An efficient and consistent defender at SS, Nielsen posted an event best, 87 mph arm across the INF, and look for his arm to creep into the low 90’s over the next two seasons. On the mound, Cam has touched 89 mph with the FB at the PBR West Coast Games last August, which was a 5-8 mph range increase from this time a year ago. In the low to mid 80’s at the Preseason All-State, is a valid range for coming out of the snow and cold weather of northern Utah, as he works his arm into mid season form in the coming weeks as the HS season unfolds. At 170 lbs, Nielson has the frame to add another 20 lbs over the next few years, and as he reaches his man strength, look for Nielson to make his biggest mark from the pitching rubber, as his FB should creep into the low 90’s FB in the near future.  

Ryker Schow, OF/MIF, 6-0 170, R-R (Pleasant Grove HS)

A BYU commit and All-Tournament team selection at last summer's PBR Future Games, Schow put himself on the map and shortly thereafter, committed to BYU, after receiving his offer prior to the Future Games. A strong game player, that’s metrics also translate to game play. A 6.97/60, which recorded a high of 6.84 at the Future games, but also plays well in game, as he takes aggressive tight turns around 1B, and looks for extra bases out of the box. An EV max of 95.6 should jump to 100 as he gains the 20 lbs his frame suggests handling. A product of the powerhouse Pleasant Grove program, Schow has a high baseball IQ and shows it in his actions and instincts on the field. Not a toolsy player, but what he is, is what recruiters like, and that's a baseball player that performs and stirs the drink for team success.  

Brayden Marx, RHP, 6-0 170 (Pleasant Grove HS)

The top uncommitted arm in the ‘23 class, Marx has scholarship offers to a half dozen programs, and is betting on himself to find his best fit. With offers ranging from west coast schools to midwest D1 interest from the Power 5, Marx has jumped his velo from 83-85 a year ago to a T92 in the fall, and sits 88-90 on most days. Posting an 86-88 mph FB at the Preseason All-State, Marx had the flu for a week and had just overcome being sick, when he still showed up, to increase his stock and be present. A baseball junkie, Marx has become a name since his breakout performance at the PBR Future Games last summer, Marx posts very high spin rates to his CB 2656 with a velo range of 71-75. The CB has short, quick tunneling action and reacts like a hard SL in shape and depth, yet because it comes out of a short, ball to ear type HTQ slot, the pitch locks up hitters and darts and dives with late zone action. The CH 76-78 kills spin with an average spin of 1738. Like most HS pitchers, Marx can work off the FB/CB combo and sprinkle in the CH to keep hitters honest. With two seasons of HS baseball remaining, look for Marx to be a region player of the year type arm moving forward, and landing in the college spot of his choice. 

Gage Olsen, RHP/SS, 6-1 165, R-R (Copper Hills HS)

Another top uncommitted arm in the ‘23 class, Olsen shows two way athleticism and will man SS at Copper Hills, as well as assume the ace role on the pitching staff. Olsen has reached 88 with the FB at the Fall All-State Games, Gage reached 86 with a FB range of 83-86 at the Preseason All-State, as he is coming out of the cold, and working his arm into spring shape. A clean delivery, that is a short strider at foot strike, could lengthen his stride and get into his lower ½ more efficiently, which would bring about less stress on his arm, resulting in velo increases in short order. Olsen possesses a potential avg to solid avg CB 70-72 with a lower spin, that with better lower ½ thrust in his delivery, will jump the spin as well as the velo. A high baseball IQ, that is coachable and with the right coaching and research on his part, we should see a low 90’s FB by 2023. 

Tyler Ball, RHP, 6-1 195 (Skyridge HS)

The top pitcher in the ‘23 class, Tyler committed to Stanford after his freshman year and was highly recruited by other schools as well. An Underclass Area Code alum, Ball has been on my radar since he was 14 years old, as I’ve seen him play with my son at a younger age. Ball has intriguing potential and is built like a MLB pitcher, with a lean, yet strong muscular build. Possessing a clean, yet shorter HTQ arm stroke, Ball shows good use of his lower ½, and has genetic arm strength, which he possessed at a young age. Now with two seasons of HS baseball remaining, not only is he a D1 commit, but shows the type of arm and arsenal of pitches to be a pro prospect out of HS. With a Stanford offer in hand, the Cardinal very rarely loses a HS commit to the draft, thus it will have to be a very high draft selection, for Ball to forgo a Stanford education, in addition to being a top Cardinal pitching recruit. Ball features a FB in the 88-90 mph, that reached the low 90’s in the fall. Ball also has a tight late breaking CB in the 74-78 range and has late tilt and biting depth. The CH 79-80 has late tumble and 13.8 inches of depth and turn over type life. Look for Tyler to have a big junior year, as he features the type of arm to put him in the conversation of region and state pitcher of the year, whether it's this spring or next. One thing is for sure Tyler will be a name to keep an eye on for Utah baseball fans, as he has big time potential. 

Austin Laycock, RHP, 6-2 200 (American Fork HS)

The Utah Valley U commit, is one of 3 aces on the national powerhouse Cavemen program. Laycock is one of 6 D1 commits on a loaded roster that went 30-1 a year ago, enroute to the 6A state title. Laycock, a secondary arm a year ago, will be out in front this year, along with Kaden Carpenter and Dax Newman to form a trio that will be tough for opponents to handle. Austin has a strong, sturdy athletic build and has grown an inch and put on 15 lbs since we last saw him this last July. Austin features a high flexible kick to a tucked delivery and maintains balance and creates deception from a short, ball to ear type arm slot, that makes it tough for hitters to pick up his pitches. He shows a FB/Lateral SLV and CH, with the FB 87-89 and ripping his fingers through the ball, he creates 2419 spin and the pitch has natural cutting action and darts off the barrel of hitters. The SL 71-73 has CB velo and SL action, which from his lower arm slot, looks like a frisbee and can be a tough pitch for both RHH/LHH’s to handle. The CH 78 has kill spin and is evident of the spin rate of 1418, which is one of the lower spins in the state. It fades really well, but needs to maintain his arm speed and create added turnover sync. A K thrower, repeating his delivery with his natural deception, should create a ton of mis-matches in Laycock’s corner this coming spring. 

Ryder Robinson, MIF, 6-2 175, B-R (American Fork HS)

Robinson the #1 ranked player in the ‘23 class and a TCU commit, didn’t do anything to be knocked off that perch, as he sprayed hard LD’s to all fields from both sides of the plate during his BP round. With 3 MLB scouts in attendance, Robinson was immediately noticed and it won’t take long for other scouts to do the same. A PBR Future Games alum and a 2021 1st Team All-Region and 1st Team All-State honoree, Robinson has a silky smooth stroke to hit from both sides of the plate and makes it look EZ. A bloodline player, as his uncle was a four year starting 3B at BYU and his Father was an All-American MIF at CSI and played in the Cardinals chain for three years. Ryder’s older brother Crew was a 1st Team JUCO All-American at CSI a year ago and currently plays at UC-San Diego. Robinson is also the leadoff hitter for national powerhouse American Fork and lef the state in runs scored with 52 a year ago. Look for Robinson to contend for state player of the year honors before he culminates his HS career. 

Nolan Miller, OF/RHP, 6-2 185, R-R (Salem Hills HS)

Miller, a PBR Future Games alum, is a two way threat at the plate and on the mound. Last summer Miller was touching 90 mph with his FB and sitting 86-89, while touching a 91 at the BYU Prospect Camp in late August. Sitting in the low to mid 80’s at the Preseason All-State, as he is coming out of snowy and cold northern Utah, and rounding his arm into shape. Miller impressed with the bat and posted a 94.9 EV, and clocked in a 6.91/60 and a 6.92 at the Future Games. The OF velo is at 83 and can be better, as his recent FB velos on the mound suggest. An athletic tall rangy OF, with broad shoulders and long arms and legs, Nolan has the frame to hold another 15-20 pounds and be a physical corner OF, with enough arm for LF and possibly RF at the college level. The bat is held high over his back shoulder and he gets into the slot well and has some funky mannerisms to his game that remind me of former big league OF’er Hunter Pence. Not the prettiest of movement patterns, but he is strong and projects further strength as he matures. It remains to be seen which spot on the field he lands down the road, but with his athleticism and arm strength, speed and power potential, he is a future next level player no doubt. 

Easton Gunn, C, 6-1 195, R-R (Mountain Ridge HS)

 A strong lean athletic backstop that should be on college radars in short order. A .381 hitter in limited time as a sophomore, Gunn should have a coming out party this spring, as he has the type of hitting stroke to play D1 baseball. A solid foundation with a conventional RHH stance, he loads and separates well into a quick, efficient and powerful stroke to hit with a fluid two hand finish to his back shoulder. Posted an EV of 97.9 and this should only improve and reach the 100 mark before all is said and done. He made loud sweet spot contact at 80% efficiency via Trackman and the hand speed of 22.4 and bat speed of 71.2 definitely plays for the next level. The receiving is still improving and with quality instruction, will only make additional strides. The arm was one of the better arms at the event with a high pop time of 2.00. But the bat is definitely intriguing and has piqued my interest. College coaches take note of this name. 

Brexten Starley, C/1B, 6-1 205, R-R (Crimson Cliffs HS/CBA Summit)

Starley has been a staple at all PBR events and has posted the highest or near high event pop times at all. A sub 2.0 pop is the norm as a physical catcher, he gets his feet into the throwing position quickly and his throws off and online with accuracy. Have seen Starley since he was 10 years old and have a really good feel for his ability. A power bat that posts high 90’s EV’s routinely and has hand and bat speed to go along with a LD bat and pull power. Able to reach the fences in all directions, when his man strength kicks in and he’s close to it, balls should be flying out to LF. Also a 7.0-7.1/60 runner for a catcher, Starley has surprising speed for the position. Hitting in the middle of a talented Crimson Cliffs order, look for Starley to have a big year. 

Cole DeCastro, SS, 5-11 170, R-R (Desert Hills HS/CBA Summit)

DeCastro is as sound defensively as they come at SS in the entire state. A true SS, that doesn’t show flash, but picks everything left to right and comes in on the run well. Reminds me of Pirates SS, Kevin Newman. Steady Eddie with the glove. You hit it to him and you’re out. With the bat, DeCastro works counts and sprays LD’s in all directions with a high contact approach. A 6.9-7.0/60 is plenary for the next level, but what he lacks in pure speed, he makes up for with a high baseball IQ and + instincts for the position. A 2nd Team All-Region and HM All-State player as a sophomore, look for even further steps as he climbs to his ceiling. 

Cole Kershaw, 1B, 6-3 235, L-R (Jordan HS)

Last but not least, the loudest bat in the ‘23 class belongs to Kershaw. Alum of the Power Showcase HR Derby, the U Utah commit has ++ raw power and displays it almost immediately walking into the box in a BP setting. But he does it in games as well. The 2021 6A triple crown statistical leader as a sophomore, Kershaw has lift in a very powerful stroke to hit with a max EV of 102.6. He also shows big hand and bat speed metrics at 28.2 and 82, which are elite data points. Nicknamed the “Baby Bull” by yours truly, it’s caught on across the state, and he also reminds me of former big league hitter, Rusty Staub. For a big kid he can really whistle the bat and drive high and deep shots to the pull side. Look for Kershaw to contend for player of the year honors before his HS career cones to a close in 2023. 

2024

Hayden Smith, C, 5-9 160, R-R (Snow Canyon HS/Mtn West)

Smith has taken over the catching duties at state powerhouse Snow Canyon with a knack for squaring up the ball and making hard LD contact to all fields. He has a simple repeatable whippy stroke to hit and with continued physical development, his metrics will only rise with age and maturity. Behind the plate he takes charge for a young kid and that is key as Coach Reed Secrist expects nothing less, after all Smith is replacing big shoes on 4A Player of the Year Mason Strong (BYU). Smith has a quick release and sound footwork. His throws are on the money with a developing arm that should add significant strength with age once again. Smith plays for highly competitive Mountain West in the summer and as his notoriety increases, and he matures physically, college coaches should definitely take notice. 

Jett Walker, SS/2B, 5-10 155, R-R (American Fork HS) 

A silky smooth defender that has sure feet and glove actions. Is adept with the glove and can make 2B feeds with his glove hand only with a forehand as well as a backhand glove flip. An online accurate arm that gets the ball out and can throw from multiple arm angles. Once his growth and development kick in, look for the arm to jump in velo and straighten out with clothesline throws. The bat is still developing with a slightly laid open load ala Derek Jeter and drives his hands inside and through the baseball with a straightaway to oppo field approach. Has bloodlines as his older brother (Jack) is an OF at D1 Dixie State and his father (Jason) was an All-WAC DB on the gridiron at BYU. His father’s athleticism also got him drafted as an OF in HS with the Montreal Expos back in the day. 

Keaton Stinson, OF/MIF, 5-11 165, R-R (Cottonwood HS/Sicarios)

Stinson, a standout at a couple of previous PBR Utah events, has only continued to solidify his attention with us, as he has posted solid data with an EV high of 99.8 with solid hand and bat speed. A quick bat with a 45 degree load, and starts with his bat turned into his load, while rocking back for leverage and gets his foot down soft at foot strike. Stinson, an everyday player as a freshman on a talented, but young Cottonwood roster, will look to build upon his success as a sophomore for Coach Chris Shelton (former big league 1B) and the Colts. Stinson has also posted 6.9-7.2/60 times and should only increase that as he continues to gain physical strength and maturity. 

Andrew Lombana, LHP/1B, 6-2 175, L-L (Juan Diego Catholic HS/RA Academy)

A tall lanky, yet projectable physical frame to continue to add weight and strength. A loose arm on the mound with a T83 FB at times with natural arm side run. Able to spin the CB with TQ shape and medium depth. Can pick it at 1B and has some glove actions. Needs to smooth out his footwork and sync his lower ½ to his feet, yet has soft hands and plays out front and from the ground up. The bat has some natural loft and a quick inside the ball approach on his pass at the baseball. Has a ¾ high finish to his stroke and can carry the ball high and deep to the pull side. Just now tapping into some power, as he had 2 HR’s on the first weekend of HS play, this past week. Look for this kid's name and track him as he is only gonna get better.

Zach Carlson, OF/LHP, 5-11 170, L-L (Juan Diego Catholic HS/RA Academy) 

Carlson, an everyday two way kid, garnered All-Region honors as a freshman a year ago, before undergoing ACL surgery that shut him down all summer/fall. Now back and healthy, Carlson showed off his quick fluid LH hitting stroke with barreled LD’s to straightaway CF and to the pull side with an EV high 93.8 and has barrel and bat control to spray LD’s consistently. A fluid online accurate arm for the OF, Carlson plays CF and should be able to handle all 3 OF spots at the next level. A high baseball IQ, as he grew up playing in AZ for the Scottsdale Dirtbags upon moving to Utah, where we are glad to have him and market his abilities. A Future Games invite, Zach’s star should shine bright with another solid sophomore campaign and heading to LakePoint this summer. 

Cooper Hansen, OF/LHP, 5-11 175, L-L (Riverton HS/Trosky Platinum)

A starter for a very good Riverton club as a freshman, Hansen has two way potential as a crafty LHP, but his hitting has captured my attention with an EV high of 94.3 with hand and bat speeds of 25.1 and 73.4. A solid direct path to the baseball with a flatter plane and sprays LD’s to all parts of the field, Hansen shows feel for the barrel and drives his hands inside the baseball and finishes strong with a two hand finish around his back shoulder. The ball jumps on a line and has backspin at times. Has grown a couple of inches and 20 lbs since we last saw him in the spring of ‘21. Look for Hansen to make even more strides as a sophomore in ‘22. 

Easton Hicks, OF, 5-11 175, R-R (Riverton HS/Mtn West)

Hicks is a quick twitch CF with plus speed in the 60 at 6.70, posting a top 5 run times at the Preseason All-State and a previous PBR event. Built solid w/a lean athletic muscular build, Hicks has some tweaks to iron out in his hitting stroke with some raw mechanical movements that need to be smoothed out, but he is strong and posted a EV high of 95 with hand and bat speed data of 24.6 and 74.7. His hitting stroke reminds me of a football player that needs more time on the baseball field, his arm will relegate to LF, but with his projectable size, athleticism and run tool, he’s one to keep an eye on over the next three seasons. 

Ike Pickle, SS, 5-11 175, R-R (Skyridge HS/Mtn West)

A newcomer to PBR, Pickle came highly recommended by his high school coach Ryan Roberts (former 12 year recruiting coordinator at BYU) and didn’t disappoint. Showing a high level load and staying on top and through the baseball, the swing is flat and smoked LD’s through the INF with pull carry and posted an EV high of 96.5! With hand and bat speeds of 23.3 and 67.5, suggest even higher EV in his future, as the bat speed can increase with added acceleration at barrel release. The hand speeds suggest a higher bat speed marker, and with emphasis on a quicker barrel at contact, we should see 100 EV’s in short order. Holding down the SS spot as a sophomore suggests the kind of confidence coach Roberts has with this young man to captain his INF now and in the future. 

Tua Wolfgramm, C/MIF, 5-9 170, R-R (Pleasant Grove HS) 

A young projectable catch and throw type catcher that has pop times in the 2.0-2.1 range, yet is accurate and has a fluid arm stroke. Built like the medium build catchers at the next level. Tua receives well and it won’t be long before he takes over the everyday catching duties as a junior in 2023. Blocked by upperclassmen at present, but definitely has next level potential. Also shows a fluid online hitting stroke w/some uphill at times, and the ball jumps off his bat with pull carry. A baseball rat that works hard and loves the game. Plays at powerhouse Pleasant Grove and gets quality coaching from a staff that sends players onto the next level. Keep an eye on this young man. 

Crew Secrist, 2B/SS, 6-0 165, R-R (Snow Canyon HS/SL Gulls)

A bloodline player, he had a couple of brothers that play at the next level and a father, who is the Snow Canyon 4 time state champion head coach, who played 13 years of professional baseball. Taught and coached right, Crew is blossoming into a projectable hitter for the next level. Currently holding down the 2B spot as a sophomore for the defending 4A state champs, Secrist has a slight uphill approach to hit and is gaining strength and maturing physically. Room for another 25-30 pounds at maturity. The ball jumps off his bat with an EV high of 91. Currently with long legs and a lean skinny look, the men in his family are physical and I look for the same from Crew. I see a hitter that will be a late bloomer and impact the Warriors offense. 

Trey Evans, OF, 6-0 180, R-R (Crimson Cliffs/Mtn West)

One of the top 2 hitters in the class presently, Evans garnered 1st Team All-Region and 1st Team All-State honors as a freshman hitting in the 3 hole. A PBR Future Games alum, who will make his way back to LakePoint again this July and already has a D1 power 5 offer in hand. Blessed with a fast bat and an EV high of 100.1, to go along with hand and bat speed metrics of 23.1 and 73.2. Evans generates torque and leverage in his swing and with a slight uphill approach he can send balls deep and out of the park to the pull side as he hit 4 HR’s with 14 2B’s as a freshman. Relegated to LF as a defender and arm/speed wise, what separates Evans from others is an elite bat that should contend for player of the year honors before his HS career is over. 

Dax Watts, 1B/RHP, 6-0 185, R-R (American Fork HS/Marshall’s)

The top EV posted at the event at 102.8 and also ran a 6.96/60! A power/speed type player with a lean athletic look and possesses strength and agility with a quick twitch skill set. Would like to see more of this young man to gain further knowledge on his tools as they are plenty from a 1st look. A product of national powerhouse American Fork and has seen action early as a sophomore. Also a football player and a plus athlete, will be seeing this young man in game action in a couple of weeks and looking forward to it!

Luke Taylor, C/1B, 6-0 180, R-R (Skyline HS)

One of the top 2 hitters in the ‘24 class, Taylor was the most viewed player profile for 2021 and a PBR Future Games alum. The U Utah commit has big time projection with the bat and behind the plate, as well as physical strength, Ht/Wt gains at maturity. Taylor has an abv avg base to hit from, as he starts with his bat in the 45 degree load position and rocks back for timing with a small knee kick to tone his foot strike. Taylor then unloads and fires his hands tight and slightly uphill through the baseball and finishes strong into a full whippy two hand finish. The swing is geared for extra bases and HR power down the road. Behind the plate, he is flexible and sticks pitches and gets off 2.1 pop times with accurate throws. The arm strength continues to improve as he reminds me of a smaller version of Mike Piazza. Look for big things from this potential power hitting catcher. 

2025

CJ Mascaro, OF, 6-0 185, L-L (American Fork HS/Mtn West)

A 6.96/60 with a 93.3 EV, will get you noticed as a freshman, especially when you are projected to see some time as a freshman at national powerhouse American Fork. Already receiving D1 offers and a variety of college interest in-state as well as out of state from power 5 programs, Mascaro is a PBR Future Games invite for this July and will most likely be a very early D1 commit. 

Andrew Wilson, C, 5-10 165, L-R (Desert Hills/Mtn West) 

A strong LHH catcher and especially at a young age, captures attention. Much so, that he already has an early extended D1 offer on the table before playing HS baseball. Playing at state power Desert Hills HS will be a plus for his development as he will receive good coaching. A 2.1 range pop time is really good coming from a 15 yr old at present time. A 93.6 EV suggests strength is evident and present as well. With hand and bat speeds of 22.9 and 74.7, there are fast hands to work with at the plate. The swing is a lay it into the zone from a knee kick and the bat stays in the zone on a linear path, smashing LD’s to straightaway CF and to the pull side. One thing is for certain, his bat belongs in the lineup and his development will be aided by an early entry into varsity baseball. 

Miles Layton, RHP, 5-11 155 (Brighton HS/Trosky National)

Only 79-80 mph with his FB right now, but this is a young freshman and a young maturing body that has tons of physical projection to come. Is able to land and spin the CB, but needs to speed up the arm in doing so. Right now what he does do that gets you excited, is except for a slight cross body landing, the mechanics are super special and on time with his arm at the powerpoint of the delivery. He controls his body and is a K thrower and hits the mitt to both sides of the plate. He gets ahead of hitters and performs beyond his years. With command potential an ability to pitch and set hitters up, and as he continues to refine his delivery and add size and strength, the velo should come in short order. It wouldn’t surprise me to see mid 80’s this time next year and also see steady increments of FB/CB velo moving forward. 

Austin Park, SS/CF/RHP, 5-11 155 (Juab HS/Mtn West)

One of my picks to click on the HS scene this year is Park. A very good athlete with smooth actions and a whippy clean and fluid arm stroke, Park can get off online accurate throws for the OF and I saw him opening weekend at SS as well. He is smooth and sure handed and confident to his backhand as he made a nice play to his right and fired a strike to 1B and made it look easy. He also threw 4 innings on opening night in relief and K out 9 batters. It’s too early to tell where his future lies at a grounded position, as he is athletic and can make them look as though each is his primary position. With EV’s at 88-89, the strength will come as he is skinny and projectable. The 60 time of 7.2 should only get faster as he has a galloping long stride and gets out of the box well. As he gains lower ½ leg strength and matures, look for all his metrics to jump. But the hands, feet, athleticism, loose arm and confident approach in the box, suggests a next level player for sure in 3-4 years. 

Dylan Singleton, LHP, 6-0 165 (Mountain Ridge HS/Mtn West)

With a projectable young frame to add size and strength down the road, Singleton is a Future Games invite for ‘22, based on a K throwing mentality and clean mechanics with some upright finish at the end. The arm is super clean and fluid and gets it up and into the power position at foot strike. It’s a fast arm for a 15 yr old and only 79-80 mph now with the FB, this should jump into the mid 80’s in’s years time. The CB 69 is spun with TQ tilted shape and has depth, while giving promise for added spin and tighter shapes and spin with added physical development. An exciting projectable arm to keep a close eye on over the next 4-6 months through the HS season and into the summertime. 

RELATED NEWS