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Tournaments  | Story  | 10/15/2018

Sophomore World Day 3 Notes

Taylor Weber      Jerry Miller     
Photo: Nick Anello (Perfect Game)

2018 WWBA Sophomore World Championship: Daily Leaders | Day 1 Notes | Day 2 Notes

Playoff day at the WWBA Sophomore World Championship dawned sunny and hot, and the action on the field was just as exciting. The Canes Midwest won their morning matchup before falling in the quarterfinals, and Austin Bode (2021, Columbus, Ind.) got the day started by hitting a leadoff bomb to the pull side at Lee County. Bode, a lefthanded-hitting Louisville commit and PG Select Fest 14u alum, has always shown advanced hand-eye coordination and barrel skills, and as he continues to develop more and more power as he grows into his frame his profile will continue to rise as well.

Gavin Morris (2021, East Brazil, Ind.) came within about three feet of a complete game, as his final pitch of the game ended up a ground ball single just past the reach of the second baseman, putting Morris over his PitchSmart-mandated pitch count and forcing the Canes to pull him with two outs in the seventh inning. Regardless, Morris was fantastic, and his final line showed 6 2/3 innings pitched, scattering three hits and two walks allowing only one run while striking out seven. He ran his fastball up to 83 mph, pitching down in the zone with command to both sides, and landing his curveball for strikes whenever he wanted as well. There’s balance to his delivery as well as projection to his frame, and given his already-advanced propensity for throwing strikes, Morris is a name to watch in the Midwest moving forward.

In what was one of the more exciting playoff matchups of the day, the Louisiana Knights beat Team Elite Prime by a score of 7-6, a game in which Team Elite once had a 5-2 lead in. Peter Heubeck (2021, Baltimore, Md.) got the start for the Knights, and while he sprayed the ball around a bit and allowed some hard contact up in the zone, it’s easy to see why the No. 250-ranked player in the class of 2021 is an early Wake Forest commit. His arm is extremely fast and he shows off pretty substantial upside when the ingredients of his profile are taken into account, starting with that arm speed and also including physical projection, life to the fastball, and his feel for turning over a changeup. He worked up to 87 mph in this one, with the aforementioned good life, and his changeup is very advanced. He fades it over both sides of the plate, something even good college pitchers have trouble with from time to time, and while the breaking ball lagged a little bit in this outing, it’s easy to see that pitch tightening up and becoming a weapon, especially once he gets to work in the Wake Forest pitching lab with pitching coach Matt Hobbs in a few years.

Offensively for the Knights, Mason Zambo (2021, Baton Rouge, La.), the No. 159-ranked player in the class, stood out immediately for his barrel skills in this one. A lefthanded hitter, Zambo keeps his hands compact through his swing and generates very good bat speed, staying committed to the middle of the field and allowing the location of the pitch to dictate where he hits the ball.

Brant Smith (2021, Denham Springs, La.) also made his presence known offensively, driving a two-run double from the left side of the plate, showing clean hands through the stroke, getting the barrel moving uphill and having the strength necessary to drive the ball at a higher launch. Both are uncommitted 2021’s who have shown significant offensive upside at this juncture.

On the Team Elite side, Carter Holton (2021, Guyton, Ga.) got the start and while he limited damage, his command wasn’t close to what it normally is, walking six in only two innings. A Vanderbilt commit, Holton still shows off intriguing upside, working up to 87 mph with good arm side life on his fastball from the left side, with deception to his delivery as well as tough angle to the plate from an extended slot. His breaking ball is also advanced, with sweeping shape out of the hand and good depth at the plate, allowing him to get both righties and lefties out with the pitch.

Offensively, Keegan Allen (2021, Rogers, Ark.) struck a then-decisive blow, launching a two-run double over the left fielder’s head and up the gap, showing off all kinds of strength and bat speed in the swing. Allen is one of the more interesting two-way talents in the class of 2021, and while we didn’t see him pitch this weekend, his offensive potential as a righthanded hitting outfielder is extremely high, and when taking the pitching prowess into account, it’s easy to see why he’s ranked so highly in the class of 2021.

Elite Squad advanced to the semifinals to be held Monday morning by picking up a pair of wins on Sunday, first a 6-0 decision over The Clubhouse 2021. Justin Webster (2021, Pembroke Pines, Fla.) was sterling in his outing, shutting out the Clubhouse over 6 1/3 innings, allowing a single hit and three walks while striking out four. Webster, at 6-foot-4, 180-pounds, is very skinny and physically projectable and has some ease of operation to his mechanical profile, running his fastball up to 86 mph with some whip to the arm speed and showing ability to throw strikes with both the fastball and curveball. He’s committed to Miami and, as a projection arm, is definitely on the prospect radar moving forward.

Offensively, this evaluator liked the swings that Juhlien Gonzalez (2021, Southwest Ranches, Fla.) has taken all weekend from the left side, and he picked up two more hits in this game, including a gap-shot double. The balance and looseness of the swing stand out immediately, as does the projection remaining on his frame, and Gonzalez looks like he has a chance to be an impact offensive piece for Florida International, should he get to campus there.

The Richmond Braves National advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to Elite Squad, and did so via a 5-1 win over the Canes Midwest. Kyle Fields (2022, Lynchburg, Va.) got the start and the win, allowing only one run over 6 1/3 innings to go along with seven strikeouts. A two-way prospect who also hits in the middle of the order, Fields worked up to 84 mph with his fastball, pitching downhill and absolutely pounding the strike zone to both sides of the plate, and also landed his curveball for strikes. From an offensive standpoint, in their second game of the day vs. Elite Squad, he took a 90 mph fastball over the heart of the plate and absolutely crushed it up the gap to give Richmond a short-lived lead, but still showed off both sides of his two-way potential in the class of 2022.

Another interesting Richmond Braves arm was Timothy David Marshall (2021, Newport News, Va.), a long and lean righthander who looks like he might even be taller than his listed 6-2. Marshall threw 1 1/3 innings total on Sunday in two spurts of two-thirds of an inning, and ran his fastball up to 86 mph in both outings, showing a quick arm with the aforementioned physical projection. It was a very brief look, but an intriguing one nonetheless, and we’re looking forward to following him into the future.




Nick Anello (2021, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) got the start for Elite Squad in their quarterfinal win on Sunday afternoon and was wholly dominant, scattering one hit and three walks over five innings with just one run allowed, striking out eight in the process. Anello, the No. 24-ranked player in the class of 2021 and a Miami commit, has an excellent combination of size, arm strength, and arm speed at his disposal. He ran his fastball up to 90 mph frequently early on before settling into more of the 85-88 mph range. The fastball does straighten out and get flat up in the zone, but the raw velocity is enough at this point in his development that he can still just overpower hitters with the pitch. There is significant effort as well as some restriction to his mechanical profile, and while the up-tempo, moving-parts delivery does aid in deception, it also hinders his command somewhat. He’s able to throw consistent fastball strikes, but does miss over the plate, something that will need be refined as he continues to develop as a pitcher. Make no mistake, Anello possesses vast upside and his lofty ranking is certainly justified, and he could end up being a high-round draft choice if the command and breaking ball develop as his arm strength has.

– Brian Sakowski



The intensity ramped up today at jetBlue Park as the 2018 WWBA Sophomore World Championship playoffs started. The teams participating in the single elimination bracket were all pool play winners and each brought squads that were loaded with talent to the Red Sox spring training fields.

The Iowa Select Black squad is a scrappy, gritty, fundamentally sound club that plays with an edge and plays together. They showed up for their morning contests with a single thought in mind, “play hard and never quit”. They were led by their leadoff hitter and hard-nosed second baseman, Cole Smith (2021, Dubuque, Iowa). The 5-foot-8, 130-pound dynamo who leads the Iowa offensive attack and is the anchor of their infield, is highly energetic and has a “never give in” mind set. At the plate he understands his role at the top of the lineup. He is patient and has outstanding pitch recognition ability. He never expands the zone and uses a short, quick, and compact swing path to consistently get his barrel on plane and through contact. In the field, it appears as if he believes he can make every play on the right side of the diamond. He has very quick feet and anticipatory ability and is always in position to make plays. He makes the routine plays look very easy and the tough plays look routine. He has a quick, highly accurate arm and his throws are true and firm.

Southpaw Jackson Nove (2021, Fairfax, Iowa) was in control of the first round playoff victory for Iowa Select from the first pitch of the game until his last in the seventh inning. The 6-foot-4, 178-pound sophomore at Prairie HS uses his long and wiry frame and whippy arm action to mix and match a very projectable three-pitch mix. He pitches off his lively 82-84 mph fastball that he works to both edges. His number one pitch shows outstanding arm side run and heavy sink. He also has two sound complimentary pitches that he commands like a veteran pitcher. His curveball, that he adds and subtracts velocity on, was clocked in the 65-70 mph range and showed sharp 12-to-6 break at the dish. His change-up (72-74 mph) is a plus swing-and-miss offering that shows fade at the plate and is thrown with the same arm action as his fastball, adding to its deception.

Another young lefthanded pitcher who showed projectable ability was the Tri-State Arsenal FC’s Cole Klein (2021, Elkins Park, Pa.). The Germantown Academy sophomore has a solid frame and sound, repeatable mechanics. His three-quarters arm slot is smooth and easy and all of his pitches come out of the same window. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound long and lean lefty showed outstanding arm side command of his 80-81 mph fastball. His sweeping slider (70-71 mph) missed a lot of bats and his tumbling change-up (69-70 mph) saw the opposition line-up take numerous poor swings. He pitches with outstanding poise and pace and never appears overwhelmed by the moment.

The 5 Star National Black 16u club continued their run to the championship finals with outstanding play on Saturday. Brodie Chestnutt (2021, Wray, Ga.), who had a great Saturday swinging the stick, took his considerable talents to the mound for second round action. The Florida State commit was almost unhittable. His mound presence was truly impressive. His long and easy arm action belies what he can do with a baseball. Chestnutt’s four-seam fastball was routinely clocked between 87-89 mph and showed consistent riding and explosive life up in the zone. His two-seamer was equally effective and was clocked at 84-85 mph and showed plus arm side run and sink. Although he really did not need to throw it many times, his wipe out, 75-76 mph slurvy breaking ball, buckled knees of righthanded hitters. He dominated for three innings striking out the side in each. He tired a bit in the fourth when he allowed a couple of hits, but left after striking out 11 and with his team well on their way to anther convincing victory.

The 5 Star leadoff hitter has had a noticeably impressive run through the tournament. Jackson Mayo (2021, St. John’s, FL) is a twitchy, athletic and heady baseball player. The lefthanded swinger is mature beyond his years at the top of the powerful 5 Star lineup. The Bolles School sophomore is patient and understands his role in the overall scheme of the batting order. He has a flat path to contact and a short and compact swing that allows him to wait on pitches and use the entire field to drive the ball. On the bases he uses that same heady intellect to aggressively and instinctively run the bases. He really shines with a glove on his hand. He has plus range in center field and a strong, highly accurate throwing arm.

West Virginia commit, Treyson Hughes (2021, Valdosta, Ga.) has quietly and confidently had an outstanding tournament. The fundamentally sound sophomore at Lowndes HS has been a steady force in the middle of the 5 Star line-up and has either started rallies or got the big knock to finish them. His cool and calm approach on the diamond shows why this young talent is headed to play in one of the top conferences in the country. The lefthanded swinging Hughes has a patient approach and an inside-out swing path. His middle-of-the-field to opposite field mentality allows him to see pitches deep in the zone and hit them the other way with authority. Defensively, the long and lean Georgian made, quite possibly, the defensive play of the day in right field. His headlong diving catch in the deep corner after a long run to get in position, unquestionably preserved the 5 Star victory in the quarterfinals. The instinctive defender has a plus arm that can shut down an aggressive running team. He is smooth and easy to the ball and can make all the plays in any outfield position.

Jackson Baumeister (2021, Jacksonville, Fla.) was a force offensively and on the hill in the 5 Star quarterfinals, extra-inning victory. The solidly built 6-foot-3, 210-pound Florida State commit, used all of his considerable talents to will his club to victory against a game Diamond Skills Dodgers club. At the dish he is a powerful presence. The imposing righthanded hitter uses a balanced stance and incorporates a solid lower half and strong core into each swing. He showed consistent pull-side gap power. When his club needed him most, he made an impressive appearance on the mound and pitched three-plus shutdown innings. His fastball was regularly clocked in the 86-88 mph range and touched 90 mph more than once. His ability to repeatedly pound the zone with plus stuff enabled his club to preserve a well-earned victory and advance to the semifinals on Monday.

The unsung hero of the day for 5 Star was their starting catcher in the quarterfinals, Coleman Rowan (2021, Panama City, Fla.). The unquestioned leader of the 5 Star defensive effort, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound receiver calls an advanced game and shows a veteran’s presence behind the plate. Where he truly impacted the game, however, was at the plate. His clutch knock late in the contest broke open a tie ball game and enabled his club to eventually pull out the victory. He has a quick, short, and flat swing that he gets on plane early. He never expands the zone and seems to always have the count in his favor.

The Cangelosi Sparks 2021 Black club is a well-managed and fundamentally sound group out of Lockport, Illinois. This scrappy and tough bunch refuses to give in and is always in a position to win games. Pacing the Sparks to two key victories and a berth in the semifinals was the pitching duo of Landen Looper (2021, Frankfort, Ill.) and Ryan Kraft (2021, New Lenox, Ill.).

Looper, a Louisville commit, is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound righthanded power pitcher who throws with poise and pace and works to quickly get his club off the field and back in the dugout. He has a deceptive, high three-quarters arm slot that at times almost appears to come directly over the top. His fastball was consistently clocked in the 87-88 mph range and showed solid riding life. He effectively pitched up in the zone with his four-seamer striking out seven in four plus innings of work. He complimented his highly effective heater with a firmly thrown 72-76 mph tight-spinning breaking ball that was a wipeout swing-and-miss pitch.

Kraft followed Looper to the hill and was equally impressive for the Sparks. The Indiana commit is a command and control lefty with pure mechanics and a clean and smooth arm action. His heavy sinking two-seam fastball was thrown to both edges and showed consistent arm side run. He complimented his fastball with a slurvy , 11-to-5 sweeper of a breaking ball (79-81 mph) and a swing-and-miss changeup (71 mph).

Leading the offense for Cangelosi was outfielder and leadoff hitter, Jared Comia (2021, Dyer, Ind.). The lefthanded swinger had a big day at the dish in pacing the Sparks offense. He was seemingly on base all day. The 6-foot-1, 178-pound twitchy athlete is a contact-first guy who looks to drive the ball to the middle of the field using a flat path and a short and compact swing path. He has advanced skill is getting his barrel to the ball consistently. Once on the bases, the Hanover Central HS sophomore is a powerfully instinctive and aggressive baserunner.

– Jerry Miller
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