Preseason All-State: 2019 vs. The Previous Years
January 30, 2019
One hundred of the top players from across North Carolina converged on Pineville, NC and the On Deck Academy to take part in the PBR Preseason All-State event. In its third year, the Preseason All-State event has become one of the premier events in North Carolina for high caliber high school players.
Billed as one of the top events in the state, with an incredible roster put together the day did not disappoint. Personal records, as well as event records were shattered throughout the day. Today we take a look at exactly how the 2019 Preseason All-State compared to the previous two years of the event.Below is a look at the statistical numbers PBR has collected over the first three years. We are able to see how the crop of talent in 2019 measured up to the previous years.
Preseason All-State Event Records
Top 30 Yard Dash Times
With a January event, PBR has players run a laser timed 30 yard dash inside the On Deck facility in Pineville, NC. Times have been collected over each of the three years of the event. This year saw 4 players post times to reach the Top 10 in the event's history. Archie Dean Herring tied the event's record time of 3.71. Herring also posted a top 60 yard dash time at the PBR Top Underclass Games in August.
Top Exit Velocities - Offensive Testing
The hitters attending the 2019 Preseason All-State posted 6 of the all-time top 10 exit velocities in the event's history. Ronald Evans keeps the top spot but each of the next 6 slots were taken in this year's testing. Chris Katz and Michael Gracer both peaked at 96 mph off the barrel, while still in their sophomore year.
Top Infield Positional Velocity
The only player to show up twice in any one category is Trey Donathan as he posts two of the top ten positional throws from the infield, including the top velocity of 89 mph in 2018. Five of the top 10 velocities are from the 2019 event with 2020 SS, Daniel Stephens touching 87 this past weekend.
Top Outfield Positional Velocity
A strong crop of outfielders at the 2019 Preseason All-State is highlighted with two players tying or breaking the event's positional velocity record. Zane Taylor takes the title touching 92 during his positional work. Five of the top 10 outfield velocities come from the 2019 event.
Top Catcher Velocities
An indoor facility can create some logistical issues, but for the most part the On Deck facility allows for a full range of statistical analysis. Each of the first two years, there were some issues getting all of the information on the catchers as we battled weather. For the look at the top positional velocities for the catchers, we are able to compare 2019 vs. 2018. In that comparison, the 2019 group of catchers at the Preseason All-State takes 6 of the top 8 slots.. All but one catcher is still an underclass player with 2020 Three Hillier breaking the 80 mph barrier from his crouch.
Top Fastballs
A look back at the top fastballs gives a glimpse at some of the top talent that has been on hand for all three years of the Preseason All-State event. For the first time in event history, the 90 mph barrier was broken this year, as 2020 RHP Seth Keener flashed an electric arm this past weekend. The is an understanding with area talent evaluators that most arms are still priming in late January, for the spring season, but it is encouraging to see the depth the Preseason All-State presents year in and year out.