Prep Baseball Report

Garden State Underclass Games: Sneak Peak


TJ Hunt
Director, PBR New Jersey

The Garden State Underclass Games is just a day away. One of the biggest showcase events of the summer, the GSUG routinely brings in the top Underclassmen talent from the spring season. This year’s rosters are packed with uncommitted talent. Let’s take a look at who to lock in on at the event, team by team.

SCHEDULE

3:30-4:00pm - Player Registration and Warm-Up

4:45-5:15pm
- BP Field 1 (Northeast/South)
5:15-5:45pm - BP Field 4 (Northwest/Central)

6:00-6:20pm
- Field 1 Infield/Outfield (Northeast/South)
6:20-6:40pm - Field 4 Infield/Outfield (Northwest/Central)

6:45pm - Announce Players

7:00pm National Anthem (Kevin Cust)

7:15pm - FIRST PITCH

Central Team

Pitchers

David Zamora, RHP, Hamilton West HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted. Strong, durable 6-foot 205-pound frame. Fastball ranges between 84-86 touching 87 and 88. I could see him bump higher in a one-inning scenario like tomorrow night. Short, quick arm action from a high-¾ slot. His breaking ball separates him from the pack - at 74-75 its a sharp 11/5 downer. Expect Zamora to turn some heads at the event.

Tommy Delany, RHP, Princeton HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted. Lanky, athletic 6-foot 155-pounds - Delany’s polished mechanics and effortless velocity make him a name to watch. Mostly 83-85, Delany’s fastball has late armside run from a high-¾ slot. Longer arm action, breaking ball has 11/5 spin for strikes.

Matt Potok, RHP, Jackson Memorial HS, NJ 2021
Potok’s durable 6-foot-3 206-pound frame stands out as just a sophomore. Last week at the Summer Preview North, was arguably the top performer on the mound. Up to 88 MPH, Potok pumped in fastballs at knee-level at 86-87 and mixed in a hard, sharp breaker at 74-76 with 11/5 bite.

POTOK VID

 

Hitters

Shane Hickey, SS, Jackson Liberty HS, NJ 2020
Lanky, athletic at 6-foot-1 160-pounds. LHH with quick-twitch actions at the dish. The ball sounds different off Hickey’s bat, and will stand out in his batting practice round. 7.25 runner last fall, Hickey is coming off a successful Junior campaign for Jackson Liberty.

Christopher O’Connor, 3B, Middletown South HS, NJ 2020
Strong, broad shouldered frame at 6-foot 180-pounds. A mainstay in the middle of Midd South’s lineup, O’Connor is a gamer. A small leg lift in an opened stance, creates barrel lag. Gap to gap hitter.

Christopher Sparber, C, Red Bank Catholic HS, NJ 2020
Uncommitted. Lock in on Sparber in I/O and in between innings - this kid has a legit arm. Athletic, durable at 6-foot 200-pounds, Sparber starts in a wide, athletic stance with hands above back shoulder, uses a small foot stride to start swing. Hand load minimal. Line drive hitter.

Jedier Hernandez, C, Trenton Catholic HS, NJ 2021
Hernandez, a relative of the big league catching trio Yadier, Bengi, and Jose Molina, possesses real gap to gap power from the right side. He will be sure to put on an impressive show during batting practice. A participant of this event last year as just a freshman.

Jared Zimbardo, OF, Middlesex HS, NJ 2020
I really like Zimbardo on the mound, and if he’s able to get the chance, he will impress. This kid has put lean muscle within the last year and a half, and for one of the state’s best small schools, has put up great numbers during HS ball. A lean, athletic frame at 5-foot-10 170-pounds, Zimbardo has a 90+ MPH arm from the OF and has been up to 88 on the mound. At the plate, the right hander uses a simple approach with a leg lift and stride. Explosive hips and hands to drive the ball into the gaps.

ZIMBARDO VID

 

- Nick Callano (OF, Ocean Township HS, NJ 2021) and Danilo Perdomo (OF, Hamilton West HS, NJ 2021) have similar games - speedy, athletic and hit for extra bases.

- Andrew Schmid (SS, Rumson-Fair Haven HS, NJ 2021) is going to impress some people - 6-foot-2 170-pound SS with elite speed.

Committed Players

Jay Harry, SS, Metuchen HS, NJ 2020 (Penn State)
Braedin Hunt, RHP, Christian Brothers Academy HS, NJ 2020 (Rutgers)

Shane Panzini, RHP, Red Bank Catholic HS, NJ 2021 (Virginia)
Adam Boucher, RHP, St. Joseph’s Metuchen HS, NJ 2020 (Duke)
Ben Simon, RHP, Hightstown HS, NJ 2020 (Elon)
Patrick Reilly, RHP, Christian Brothers Academy HS, NJ 2020 (Northeastern)
Nick Feretic, RHP, Notre Dame HS, NJ 2020 (Rutgers)
Sebastian Mueller, 1B, St. Joseph’s Metuchen HS, NJ 2020 (Quinnipiac)

 

Northwest Team

Pitchers

Jack Findlay, LHP, Roxbury HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted and a virtual unknown - Findlay is big-game material and a slam-dunk D1 pitcher. He’s 81-83 with clean, effortless and repeatable mechanics. Breaking ball separates himself, a sharp, downer 1/7 hook with swing and miss finish.

Nick Fox, RHP, Hillsborough HS, NJ 2020
Uncommitted - another virtual unknown - but Fox is incredibly intriguing. He’s mostly focused on basketball so far in his high school campaign, but blew up in the winter at the Preseason All State with his lanky 6-foot-4 build and clean arm. He was up to 88 MPH and touched and 86, but sat mostly 82-83 at the event - indicating that with more reps on the bump, the velocity will really jump.

FOX VID

 

Andrew Holmes, RHP, Bernards HS, NJ 2021
Lanky, athletic 6-foot-4 frame - interesting arm to watch as he continues to fill out. Brother was a standout player at Bernards and had a successful freshman campaign for Monmouth University this past spring.

Hitters

Joshua Kuroda-Gauer, SS, Franklin HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted - was one of the most impressive prospects to watch last weekend at the Diamond Nation Super 16 Invitational - and whispers all spring were that Kuroda-Gauer’s bouncy-athleticism in the field is second to none. Just watch him take BP and lock in on him in the field. Oh, and he’s mid 80’s on the bump, too…

Matt Miceli, SS, Somerville HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted - but won’t be for long. This kid is the real deal. His game reminds me of Furman recruit ‘19 Aidan Healy (West Morris Central) - explosive, brings energy and just fun to watch. He’s still lanky and growing into his frame, but his game is polished right now. Impressive to watch last weekend at Super 16.

 


Jimmy Brennan, C, Pope John XXIII HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted - Brennan was outstanding all year long for one of the state’s top teams in Pope John. Won the job in the early part of the spring and never looked back. Hit at a .408 clip. Quiet, compact start to swing with a wide stance and bat that rests on shoulder. Uses leg kick to start swing and hands load up and back. Strong, compact frame at 5-foot-9 155-pounds. Stays low to the ground out of the shoot and ball carries to 2B on throws.

Aidan Kane, OF/1B, Delbarton HS, NJ 2020
Kane had to sit out some games for Delbarton this year due to NJ’s transfer rule - but as soon as he stepped into the lineup, he made an immediate impact. Kane’s smooth left handed swing and knack for finding the barrel put him in the 3-hole in a lineup that included 1st Rounder Anthony Volpe, and continuously came up big in big spots for the Green Wave, including a big double in the Non-Public A Championship game, a win over Don Bosco. Kane is quiet at the plate, and uses a small foot lift and stride to start his swing. His hands are cocked back with minimal load. It’s an effortless swing path that finds the barrel. Easy swing to catch your eye.

Jayden Hylton, 1B/OF, Ridge HS, NJ 2022
Hylton’s imposing 6-foot-5 185-pound build will surely catch a college coach’s eye tomorrow night. A lanky frame, Hylton, similar to his brother Brandon (playing at Stetson) has legit middle of the order power for any team. Coaches should certain keen on Hyton’s game - he’s versatile and the ball sounds different off his bat as just a freshman.

Committed Players

Alex Stone, C, Newton HS, NJ 2020 (Duke)
Luke Chenault, 1B, Pope John XXIII HS, NJ 2020 (Penn State)

Mike Bello, OF, Pope John XXIII HS, NJ 2021 (Auburn)
Chris Markovich, SS/OF, North Hunterdon HS, NJ 2021 (Boston College)


South Team

Pitchers

Chase Petty, RHP, Mainland HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted, but won’t be for long. Petty was injured for a large majority of the spring due to a knee issue on a slide in Preseason - but came back and spun a no-hitter in one of his first starts toward the tail end of the season. He’s a swing and miss machine, every bit of 90-91 touching 92, Petty’s long, wiry limbs at 6-foot-1 175-pounds project him to only add more velocity.

Matt Nunan, LHP, Ocean City HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted. Nunan has a broad shouldered frame at 6-foot-3 180-pounds. Fastball mostly 82-84 and will touch 86 and 87. Breaking ball has some depth at 1/7 and 68-70 MPH.

Jayden Shertel, LHP, St. Joseph’s Hammonton HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted. Shertel is another whippy, clean arm from south jersey. He’s 82-85 and can spin a breaker for strikes, too.

Josh WIllitts, RHP, Seneca HS, NJ 2020
Uncommitted. I have a feeling Willitts will really blow up at this event. He’s strong and broad shouldered at 6-foot-2 192-pounds and his fastball was up to 85 in the winter - with rumors of upper 80s in the spring. The arm action is clean from a high-¾ and showed flashes of brilliance with the breaker at 67-70 with 11/5 shape.

WILLITTS VID

 

Ryan Rumsey, RHP, Paul VI HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted. Rumsey sat 82-85 this past weekend at Super 16. He’s an intriguing arm with a lanky, athletic frame.

 

Hitters

Zach Bernard, OF, Cherokee HS, NJ 2020
Uncommitted. Bernard’s athleticism really stood out this spring for Cherokee. The swing plays up and has a knack for the barrel. 6.91 runner in the winter w/ 93 MPH exit velocity. RHH with whippy hips and torso to create pop.

Justin Szestowicki, SS, Kingsway HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted - just spoke about his performance on the bump in the Sunday Notebook from Super 16, but Szestowicki can really defend and hit. Strong, compact frame at 5-foot-9 165-pounds, starts in an opened stance with hands in line with back shoulder. Uses leg kick to start swing as hands load down and back. Strong, compact bat path and balanced finish. Line drive hitter. Launched four homers during HS campaign.

Nathan Goranson, C, Millville HS, NJ 2020
Uncommitted. Goranson has a strong arm from behind the plate (82 MPH) and the pop is there (89 MPH Exit). Athletic and broad shouldered, expect Goranson to be off the board quickly.

Alejandro Rosado, OF, Pleasantville HS, NJ 2020
Uber-athletic - this kid is going to stand out with his raw power and run-tool

Steven Petrosh, INF, Holy Spirit HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted - scrappy, athletic and knack for finding the barrel.

Committed Players

Charlie Sanzio, RHP/3B, Bishop Eustace HS, NJ 2020 (St. John’s)
Anthony Solometo, LHP, Gloucester Catholic HS, NJ 2021 (North Carolina)

Robert Ready, RHP, St. Augustine Prep HS, NJ 2020 (East Carolina)

 

Northeast Team

Pitchers

Nazier Mule, RHP, Passaic County Tech HS, NJ 2022
Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 2 in NJ’s 2022 class. Lanky 6-foot-1 frame. Fastball up to 88 and sits mostly 86-87 from a true-¾ slot. Breaker is more of a slider at 73-76 with swing and miss action.

Pierce Coppola, LHP, Verona HS, NJ 2021
Uncommitted. 6-foot-6 frame with clean, repeatable mechanics. Up to 87 this past weekend, sits mostly 83-85. Spins a 1/7 breaker for strikes and will flash a split-change that has late, diving action.

 

Angelo Deer, RHP, Bergen Catholic HS, NJ 2020
Uncommitted. Deer is mostly 83-86 touching 87. Has two different breaking balls, more of a top to bottom curveball and a slider with more lateral, late biting action. Lanky, athletic frame with room to fill out.

Zack Oswald, LHP, St. Peter’s Prep HS, NJ 2020
Uncommitted. The pitchability on this kid is through the roof. He’s 82-85 touching 86 occasionally. But the breaker and changeup boast starter profile at the next level.

Hitters

Raymond Ortiz, SS St. Peter’s Prep HS, NJ 2020
Lanky, athletic frame with room to fill out at 6-foot-1 165-pounds. Actions are there in the infield and at the plate. Smooth, rangey defender with plus arm (84 MPH) from SS. Effortless pop at the plate from a quiet, under control stance.

Brian Skettini, C, Ridgewood HS, NJ 2020
kempDurable, athletic frame at 5-foot-11 195-pounds. Possesses one of the strongest arms out of the catchers at this event - and that’s saying a lot from the likes of Sparber, Wolf, and Goranson. Skettini led Ridgewood to the illustrious Bergen County Tournament crown and overall Group 4 State Crown at the plate. Powerful right handed swing with carry into the gaps.

Jimmy Kemp, INF, Hudson Catholic HS, NJ 2020
Kemp’s pure strength into the gaps will surely stand out tomorrow night. Mashed 6 homers in the spring with 7-doubles and 40, yes 4-0 RBIs.

Committed Players

Aries Samek, SS, Teaneck HS, NJ 2021 (Notre Dame)
Lucas Rich, RHP, Newark Academy HS, NJ 2020 (Lehigh)

Jimmy Romano, RHP, St. Joseph’s Montvale HS, NJ 2021 (Duke)
Devin Rivera, RHP, Don Bosco Prep HS, NJ 2020 (Villanova)
Jacob Gomez, LHP, Rutherford HS, NJ 2020 (Old Dominion)