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By Jerry Shank
Maryland / Virginia Scouting Director

The Preseason All State was held on Saturday, February 11 at Tuckahoe Sports Inc in Henrico, VA. Over 40 players were in attendance, and Virginia talent was on display in full force. Today we give you our early thoughts on just a handful of the many talented players after letting the event marinate for a day.

2017 Class

Starting off the offensive portion, Michael Ludowig (Wake Forest, Pictured) showed why he should be considered one of the top prospects in the state of Virginia in the 2017 class. Looking as if he has added good weight to his frame, the athletic and strong bodied Ludowig had an aggressive BP session, attacking the baseball making loud contact and driving the ball during his session. Very in-sync throughout his load to to contact and through finish. Ludowig then showed off his strength getting 102 on his exit velocity. The lefty continued a stellar workout throughout the day, showing off an 87 mph arm in the outfield and ran a 4.2 on his home-to-first. All-in-all, a great day had by the Briar Woods outfielder/pitcher in the preseason.

Bradley Hanner (Patrick Henry CC) looks to be in line for a rise in the VA class of 2017 rankings after an impressive performance on Saturday. Hanner showed off his arm strength throughout the day, getting 91 mph across the diamond then during his bullpen session, the two way talent sat 87-89 in his bullpen session. Hanner has raw ability and plenty of projection left but already showed a good feel of four pitches, most notably his fastball and breaking balls, showing a nice change of speed and action on the two pitches. His curveball was 65-68 and showed off a hard 74-76 slider.

Plenty of uncommitted 2017 talent on display as well. SS/OF Josh Dawson showed the highest arm strength on the day getting 91 mph from the outfield, 86 during infield, with an 87 mph exit velo. Sean Clark looked very interesting in early season form, getting up to 85 on the mound with projectable big frame. Hampton McClellan touched 88 on the mound during his pen and showed potential with his secondary. Cade Templeton is an interesting lefty, getting up to 81 mph with a hard cutter with late action at 77mph.

2018 Class

Gregory Ryan (Pittsburgh) showed off his athleticism in the infield and arm strength during his workout session. NIce athletic actions in the field with clean hands and quick exchange. Ryan was 87 across the infield and showed strength with his 93 mph exit velocity and a short swing at the plate and shows room for growth at the plate as well.

Hunter Gilliam also put on a show at the plate during his BP session with explosive bat speed at the plate with power potential and a great ability to put barrel on ball. Power is present with potential for more and a 101 exit velocity. The Longwood recruit showed quickness and athleticism in the field and should be another ranked 2018 that could move up the rankings a bit.

Jack Darcy is a middle infield prospect to keep an eye on as the uncommitted 2018 showed nice athleticism and arm strength to go along with a smooth lefty cut that showed some juice as well. Darcy was 87 across the diamond with a 91 mph exit velo.

Seth Mayberry has a long and projectable youthful frame at 6-foot-2, 195-pounds. He was up to 86 during the workout with easy effort and a longer sound arm action. He sat 84-86 and showed good feel for secondary with shape and potential on the breaking ball while his changeup had late sinking action on the pitch. Very interesting as the young talent easily looks to have more in the tank.

Catchers Matt Thomas, Chris Newton, and Parker Wilburn are all interesting catching prospects that are ones to keep an eye on and follow. Each handled the bat well at the plate, then posted strong pop times while also receiving well during the pens...2018 Hickory 1B Jacob Mustain showed strength from the left side and showed some athleticism as well around the bag.

2019 Class

Tucker Mitchell (Flint Hill) showed power potential at the plate with gap-to-gap ability during a nice BP session. Mitchell also showed off a strong arm to second as well...Mason Mitchell (covenant, no relation to Tucker) also has a strong overall workout on the day and will be an interesting sophomore to follow...Nick Rini showed some strength at the plate with a long and projectable body. Rini also showed potential on the mound...Lane Pearson has a long 6-foot-5 frame and looks like he could see himself make a jump after this year.

Again, a great day loaded with quality talent across the board. Check out our stats story from Saturday to see more.

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