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Tournaments  | Story | 7/3/2019

Knights chasing WWBA glory

Photo: Kade Anderson (Perfect Game)

HOOVER, Ala. – Kade Anderson won’t graduate high school for four more years, but he already has his college decision locked up. In the fall of 2023, the Louisiana native will head to Baton Rouge and Alex Box Stadium to play for LSU. It’s a lifelong dream realized, and he says nothing would have been possible without his club team, the Louisiana Knights 14u Black.

Over the last few years, the Louisiana Knights have become one of the top travel ball organizations in the country. Their reputation has only grown in Hoover. With pool play in the rearview mirror, the Knights look primed for a run at the WWBA 14u National Championship.

“The Knights have gotten my name out there and let me do my thing,” said Anderson. “I’ve just been trying to have fun out there. Compete and do my best. That’s all I can do.”

The Knights wrapped up pool play on Wednesday with a 2-2 tie against the Hit after Hit Outlaws. But the result of the game had no bearing on the outcome of Pool D. Having outscored their opponents 55-7, the Knights went 6-0-1 and will be moving on to bracket play on Thursday.

At the heart of this impressive run is Anderson. At the plate, he is 10-for-18 with 13 RBIs, including two doubles, two triples, and a home run. On the hill, he has thrown 5 2/3 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts.

“He has really dynamic stuff on the mound,” said Knights coach Jeremy Trahan. “He’s up to 85 mph, and that’s really good for a 14 year old. But I also like him as a hitter. He barrels balls to all fields, he can run, and plays an excellent outfield. He has a really positive attitude, and he just gets after it every day. He certainly has a lot of ability.”

But other guys have stepped up, too. Andre Poirrier is hitting .545 over these seven games, and Cole Cranford has not allowed a run over his 6 1/3 innings on the mound. In fact, the Knights have eight hitters batting over .300 and nine pitchers who have yet to allow an earned run. For the moment, Anderson is the only player committed on the roster. But as this group gets older and matures, many more are sure to receive phone calls from eager recruiters.

The Knights boast an impressive laundry list of former players who have moved on to play at powerhouse schools like Ole Miss, Auburn, Miami, and LSU. Dozens more have been drafted, such as 2017 3rd rounder Blayne Enlow and 2018 9th rounder Nick Lee. Last summer, their 15u team captured the WWBA 15u National Championship. This week, they have put themselves in position to add another trophy to their growing collection.

“The program is starting to get so much respect across the country,” said Trahan. “I think (LSU recruiting coordinator) Nolan Cain has been at every one of our games. Mississippi State assistant Jake Gautreau was at a lot of them as well.”

Trahan was impressed with the play all week, and took pride in being able to have such a huge impact on his 14u team. When you see clusters of college scouts behind the backstop, it sometimes gets lost that these kids haven’t even entered high school yet. They are still learning how to play, and most are still growing and maturing.

“I’m a high school coach in Louisiana, so I’m more used to coaching older kids,” he said. “But I’m really enjoying the 14s because even though they are really talented, they also have a lot to learn. It’s rewarding to show them things that are going to help them not just in the summer, but when they get to high school ball as well.”

The Knights stay mostly local when they recruit players, as most of the 14u roster hails from the Bayou State. They screen potential players via recommendations from high school and college coaches in the Mandeville, LA area. And they teach their kids that the players that play the best will be the ones that play the most. They try to instill a competitive spirit, as that will serve them well now and in the future.

“Most of the kids are from Louisiana, and there are a handful from Mississippi,” said Trahan. “We’ve had a lot of success as a program recently and now we are really attracting top talent. Our 17s are in Atlanta doing well right now. We’re a very competitive organization, from top to bottom.”

A unique part about playing for the Knights is that a player on any team at any age has access all of the coaches in the organization. The Knights also have a home that they call the Kastle. Players are given an access code to this indoor facility and they can come in 24/7. They can hit in the cages, take grounders, or throw a bullpen any time they would like, all year long. Needless to say, players are given every resource they could want to achieve their goals.

“We have great coaches across all levels that can get these kids the instruction they need,” said Trahan. “Every one of these guys wants to play at the next level, so our goal is to get them better. Once they are ready, we will get them seen by the right people.”

The mantra of the Knights is #4L, which means “For Life.” They want all players to be connected with the program for the rest of their lives. And they hope alumni develop a sense of pride and believe that they have contributed to something bigger than themselves.

Well, nothing creates a lifelong bond quite like winning a national championship. On Thursday morning, the 14u Knights will get their chance to make some history and leave a lasting mark.




Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
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Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
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Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
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Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
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James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
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A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
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Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
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Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
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Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
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Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
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Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
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