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NorCal Rising Stars Game: Quick Hits

September 13, 2022
Blaine Clemmens
Northern California Director

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LINCOLN, CALIF. - The 2022 NorCal Rising Stars Game took place on September 11 at McBean Stadium (home of the Lincoln Potters and William Jessup University), featuring players in the 2026 and 2027 classes. Players were put through a traditional showcase workout that included a 60-yard dash, a round of batting practice, and a defensive workout, followed by a game. In the game action is where the pitchers' data was gathered via TrackMan B1 portable unit.

There will be data/metrics/stats to be posted in the coming days from this Rising Stars event. Today we start the post-event content with Quick Hits, highlighting five players from the event. 

Listed alphabetically:

Showed himself to be a two-way player to keep an eye on as he matures through his HS years. Presently more advanced on the mound, with an attractive body type for a pitcher, fastball peaking at 76 mph w/2059 avg spin and what will be an above avg curveball that has big change of direction (2137 max spin). Pounded a ball in middle of field in game play after producing a 304' max estimated distance in BP.
Well-rounded player with above average defensive tools behind the plate and what looks to be legitimate switch-hitting ability. Pop throws (2.08-2.16, 72 mph max) in workout and game were ALL on-the-bag accurate. Agile and quiet receiver w/leadership traits and a competitive motor. Stays in middle of field on both side of plate, trusts his hands, line-drive hitter. Fun to see younger brothers of talented players (2023 C Zane Denton) make their own name.
One of most talented 2026 players we've seen thus far and his ceiling looks to be that of a Power 5 caliber player. BIG arm, 76-78 mph from catcher, 87 mph across diamond from 3B, w/skilled catch-throw mechanics and accuracy (2.01-2.03). More than capable at 3B and showed OF skills too, running down a long fly ball in LF and making diving play in CF. The bat plays too, 88.9% sweet spot%, 88.3 max EV, pounded line drive single and double in game play, both to CF. 55.6% line drive% in BP.
Showed significant hitting talent that stands a very strong chance of blossoming into one of the most impactful LHH's in Northern CA in the 2026 class. Like all players, especially those his age, mechanics, approach, and ability to use the whole field have room to improve, but he already has strength and ability to hit the ball hard (94.8 max EV, 89.3 avg, 37.5% hard hit%), 336' max estimated distance (HR in BP). Single in game action, through middle, used hand strength and raw bat speed to get ball through the middle. 7.25 runner projects to go sub-7.0 with physical maturity.
Performed as a two-way and there is ability with the bat and arm and legs to keep an eye on (7.44, 78 mph OF arm, 57.1% sweet spot%). Singled through middle in his first at-bat in game play as well. Serious demeanor which translates well to the mound where he peaked at 76 mph with 2198 max spin and 64-65 mph SL w/max spin of 2168. Pounds the zone, repeats athletic delivery while projecting to be able to develop a high IVB fastball.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
SoCal Underclass Game (Invite-Only) CA 09/24 University of San Diego
SoCal ProCase (Invite-Only) CA 09/25 JSerra High School
NorCal Uncommitted Games CA 10/09 McBean Stadium
SoCal Top Prospects Games (Invite-Only) CA 10/09 Great Park Stadium

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