Team Ohio: Future Games Continues To Grow And Impress
August 7, 2021
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EMERSON, Ga. - The Future Games returned to LakePoint and the Prep Baseball Report event was better than ever.
After 2020 resulted in the Future Games being held at separate sites due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was full steam ahead in 2021 and with it came the feeling of satisfaction after the 10th annual event concluded its nearly weeklong run.
“It isn't a secret formula: create a format and environment for good players to show off what they've got and the coaches will be there,” explained Shooter Hunt, PBR Crosschecker. “That is what makes this event so special each year. Because when it comes down to it, everyone in the PBR network is working to try and help players connect with schools.”
That is what happened with 32 teams featuring players from nearly every state in the country along with Canada competing in front of a record 333 college coaches.
“It was amazing to see the 300+ college coaches back in attendance,” related Hunt, the vice president of scouting for PBR. “It was almost like returning to school after summer break and getting to see all your friends again. They helped bring some more energy to the yard, and I think the kids raised their level of play because of it.”
Sean Duncan, PBR President, echoed what Hunt had to say.
“This event is always about the players performing in front of college coaches, so it was great to see such an overwhelming amount of college coaches this year,” Duncan said. “More importantly, the players were really really good and performed up to their abilities. So many players have already committed shortly after the event, with hundreds more to come in the near future. And that ultimately is what this is all about: Bringing the top uncommitted underclassmen across the country and having them compete and perform in front of college coaches.”
Doing it in person rather than via live-stream like a year ago only made the event better in the eyes of Duncan.
“It was so much more impactful on a whole to have all the states back to LakePoint,” Duncan admitted. “Last year, due to COVID restrictions in many states, we broke up the Future Games into three regional pods. While all the pods were loaded with talent, it just didn't have the same impact as it does when everyone is together. It also helped that college coaches were able to be there in person to evaluate, as opposed to watching the live streams.”
The setting at the facility in Georgia is hard to beat.
“It doesn't get any better than LakePoint: eight fields in one spot with pristine grounds,” Hunt said. “The facility is easy to navigate for coaches which makes it the perfect spot for players to showcase their skills. Having everyone back in one spot (finally) raised the energy level, and allowed for an amazing event with more than 300 college coaches (with some MLB scouts mixed in!) watching players from 44 states plus Canada.”
For Jordan Chiero, PBR Ohio Director of Scouting, it was fun to be a part of such an enjoyable and unique week.
“It’s always special wearing Team Ohio across your chest but having 330+ college coaches there to see it adds to the experience,” Chiero said. “From a player standpoint, the physicality from position guys and velocity from the arms really stood out. During the BP portion, how big/athletic some of these dudes are across the country (including our guys) continues to progress each year. On the mound the amount of upper-80s arms you see during our games/watching other games is ridiculous.”
Everyone back in one place added to the excitement, according to Chiero.
“It was awesome having scouts back in attendance,” Chiero pointed out. “Last year was a great time, and our team did a heckuva job livestreaming/incorporating broadcasters to bridge the gap between player/coach, but there’s no comparison to having college coaches there in person. The atmosphere alone with coaches walking around and seeing the top uncommitted players in the country is second to none. Also being able to communicate with so many scouts in person versus over the phone helps tremendously.”
The Buckeye State put on a show, with coaches, scouts and those with PBR coming away impressed.
“When it comes to Ohio, you can count on the square-shouldered athletes showing up,” Hunt noted. “Imposing in uniform and at the plate, I thought the Ohio team was top-to-bottom one of the better treasure troves for college coaches. I especially loved the 2024 class that Ohio brought with some premium future prospects to keep following.”
One in particular stood out for Duncan.
“Team Ohio is always loaded, and this year was no exception,” Duncan said. “Big, physical athletes up and down the roster. Plus, the 2024 left-hander, Drew Graham, was arguably the best prospect at the entire event.”
The Avon Lake southpaw topped at 91 with his fastball while adding an 82-83 changeup and 77-80 curve.
There was more that surfaced according to Chiero.
“Our guys played very well and competed at a high level,” explained Chiero about Team Ohio, which lost to Pennsylvania, defeated Canada and tied Michigan during the final three days of game action. “I thought our arms really showed well, with several of them turning in PRs for velocity while also getting outs against the top players in the country.
“Positionally, I thought our guys showed why they deserved to be there. Our athletes ran all over the place on the bases/played defense at a high level and our hit tool guys proved they can drive the ball with authority/find barrels in game. My phone hasn’t stopped ringing from college coaches yet.”
It means more time in Ohio in the future for Hunt.
“Michigan, New England, Ohio, and Canada all put some pressure on me looking toward the spring and next summer,” Hunt admitted. “I just have to get out there to see all the talent. The Future Games gave a good glimpse at just how deep these northern regions are, so I'll be monitoring weather all spring to get out to some games.”
Speaking of weather, this year’s event had just one delay which helped make 2021 memorable.
“Overall, there was an amazing energy coming out of LakePoint,” Duncan concluded. “The players, coaches, parents, there was an incredible vibe every day. Plus the weather cooperated, which is a considerable feat at this time of year in the Southeast.
“Every year I feel like the Future Games keeps getting bigger and better; this year's event will be hard to top, though I am sure we will cook something up to take it to another level.”
A PBR thank you to all that participated and a special thanks to the players on Team Ohio that gave their thoughts about the event (including what schools have been in contact with them since the event):
To view all the stats/articles related to the 2021 Future Games - Team Ohio, click here.
To view the entire 2021 Future Games stats, including the Trackman/Blast Analytics, please click here.
***** If you were on Team Ohio and did not share your thoughts, feel free to email us and we will get them included within this article.
Team Ohio: Future Games Continues To Grow And Impress
The Arms
Dominic Carlson RHP / Toledo St. John's Jesuit, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 63 / POS: 21
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Alex Caudill RHP / 3B / Bellefontaine, OH / 2023PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Nik Copenhaver RHP / Badin, OH / 2023PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Drew Graham LHP / 1B / Avon Lake, OH / 2024Waiting to hear back.
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Brayden Krenzel RHP / OF / Dublin Jerome, OH / 2024Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 5
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Evan Shapiro RHP / 1B / University School, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 25 / POS: 7
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Ethan Stewart RHP / 1B / Meigs County, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 24 / POS: 6
Waiting to hear back.
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Jacob Tabor LHP / OF / Olentangy Orange, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 30 / POS: 4
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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The Catchers
Dominic Brancel C / OF / Hawken, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 18 / POS: 3
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Will Kocher C / OF / Kings, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 45 / POS: 7
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Garrett Wright C / SS / Jackson, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 35 / POS: 5
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
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The Infielders
Cole Cahill 1B / LHP / Olentangy Orange, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 29 / POS: 1
Waiting to hear back.
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Parker Corbin SS / C / Cincinnati Country Day, OH / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Andrew Cox SS / RHP / Mason, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 37 / POS: 10
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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A.J. Havrilla 3B / 1B / Canfield, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 34 / POS: 2
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Ryder Kirtley SS / 2B / Troy, OH / 2024Rankings StateRank: 15 / POS: 4
Waiting to hear back.
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Grant Wilson SS / RHP / St. Edward, OH / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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The Outfielders
Conlan Daniel OF / RHP / Moeller, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 58 / POS: 12
Waiting to hear back.
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Parker Falkenstein OF / SS / Archbishop Hoban, OH / 2024Rankings StateRank: 25 / POS: 4
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Max Palinski OF / OF / St. Ignatius, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 44 / POS: 8
Waiting to hear back.
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CJ Richard OF / 2B / Archbishop Moeller, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 4
Waiting to hear back.
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Ben Slanker OF / 1B / Canfield, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 5
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
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The Two-Way Prospects
Andrew Edrington SS / RHP / Princeton, OH / 2023Rankings StateRank: 20 / POS: 5
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Jake Hanley 1B / RHP / Mason, OH / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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Sawyer Solitaria 3B / RHP / St. Ignatius, OH / 2024PBR: What were your Future Games highlights? PBR: Assess your performance. PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Ohio and what stood out. PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event. PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future? PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
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