Prep Baseball Report

MOKAN Preseason All-State Analysis: Catchers


Andy Urban
OK/MO/KS Scouting Supervisor

The MOKAN Preseason All-State Showcase took place on Feb. 14th  at the state of the art MacNSeitz  indoor facility in Kansas City, MO. A full event of 120 players including many of the top players from each class (especially the underclassmen) showed out with some eye popping numbers. Today, we start our in-depth analysis of each player at the event with an in-depth look at the catchers from the event. 

Brayden Alexander C / 1B / Blue Valley, KS / 2023

Positional Profile: C/1B

Body: 6-foot, 200 pound large and sturdy frame. 

Hit: RHH.  At the plate shows an upright stance with a quick knee-knock stride.  Has very good rotational acceleration and shows strength at contact.  Lower half can be a little stiff and getting more out of the lower half will continue to develop with more flexibility.  Hands work quick through the zone and hit a lot of line drives in the BP session.

Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  INF-62 mph.  C-60 mph, Low ¾ arm slot with short release.

Defense: In the infield shows developing feet and rhythm.  Has a feel for some glove action and showed soft hands.  Behind the plate he threw pop-times at 2.50 consistently.  Exchange and quickness of release are developing.

Run: 5.01 runner from home to first.

Alex Biondo C / 3B / Ray-Pec, MO / 2022

Positional Profile: C

Body: 6-foot, 185-pound stocky frame.

Hit: RHH.  At the plate shows a slightly open stance with a small knee-knock leg kick.  Hands are set fairly low and quietly gets to separation.  Sits on back leg and likes to rotate off of it.  Level bat path and stays well-balanced throughout the swing.

Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  C-70 mph.  High ¾ release with a shorter arm action.

Defense: Behind the plate shows a good feel for receiving and soft hands.  Stays down in the lower half well on throws to second with pop times ranging from 2.15-2.30.  Exchanges and arm strength are both developing tools.

Run: 5.02 runner from home to first.

Cole Chace C / SS / Blue Springs South, MO / 2023

Positional Profile: C

Body: 6-foot-1, 190 pound well-built and stocky frame.

Hit: RHH.  At the plate shows a slightly open and crouched stance.  Small leg kick that gets back to neutral and mid height hand set.  Strong/whippy swing action with some real strength at contact.  Hit multiple balls very hard in the bp session with a max exit speed of 94 mph on Trackman.  Sits down and rotates off the back leg but does get to extension well.  Line drive approach and good feel for the barrel in the zone.  Projects for future raw power and good overall hit tools.  Long levered swing that he uses well to his advantage.

Power:  83 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH. C-76 mph.  Short ¾ arm action with quick hand speed.

Defense: Behind the plate shows a real feel for how his feet and hands work together.  Gets hips and shoulders turned efficiently and quickly directly towards the bag on throws to second and pop times ranged from 1.94-2.10.  Throws were accurate to the bag and had good carry.  Showed soft hands when receiving and hip flexibility on blocking.

Run: 4.50 runner from home to first.

Victor Christal C / SS / Bishop Miege , KS / 2024

Positional Profile: C/SS/RHP

Body: 6-foot, 175-pound athletic frame with more room to grow and add strength.

Hit: RHH.  At the plate showed a slightly open and athletic stance.  Simple stride that gets back to neutral position.  Keeps hands tight to body and has a middle-out approach with the bat path.  Bat path works down to the ball inducing more low line drives and ground balls.  Hands work quickly through the zone and likes to see the ball deeper into the hitting zone.  Strength at contact is developing and power should project as he adds strength and size to frame.

Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH. C-70 mph, INF-80 mph.  In the infield a low ¾ release with arm working across the body.  Behind the plate a higher ¾ arm slot with a short release on the back end. 

Defense: In the infield showed active feet and good routes to the ball.  Showed good athleticism and range working both to the glove size and backhand side.  Quick release and a feel for glove action out in front of the body.  Behind the plate showed good feet coming out of the crouch.  Very quick exchanges with pop times ranging from 1.87-2.01.  Release point was a little inconsistent on this day but when the release matches the feet and rhythm the throws were on point with good accuracy.

Run: 4.32 runner from home to first.


Delivery: Works exclusively out of the stretch.  Smooth rhythm with lower half and upper half working together nicely.  Gets to a good balance point and explodes down the mound with a very quick arm.  

Arm Action: RH.  High ¾ arm slot with short arm action on the back end.

FB: 83-85 mph, straight action with good riding life at the top of the zone.  Ball explodes out of his hand.

CB: 65-70 mph, big mover with a very high spin rate of 2533 rpm.

SL: 70-73 mph, 9/3 shape with cutting action and high spin rate.

CH: 77-79 mph, heavy fading action with developing command.

Jacob Dickey C / OF / Blue Valley Southwest, KS / 2023

Positional Profile: C/OF

Body: 6-foot-2, 200-pound mature and stout frame. 

Hit: RHH.  At the plate shows a slightly upright stance with hands set at shoulder height.  Uses a smooth two-tap stride with good rhythm and balance.  Rotational hitter that likes to pull the ball.  Showcased good hand speed and showed some strength at contact.  Has some raw tools with the bat in his hand and projects to have some potential power with more development. 

Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH. C-65 mph, OF-77 mph.  High ¾ release point with a very short arm action.

Defense: In the outfield attacks the ball with short and smooth steps.  Has shown a feel for glove action.  Comes up quickly out the stance into a shuffle crow hop.  Behind the plate showed quick feet and accurate throws down to second.  Pop times ranged from 2.26-2.31.  Exchange quickness is in development.  Good blocking technique and showed some flexibility.

Run: 4.41 runner from home to first.

Parker Griffith C / 1B / Lee's Summit West, MO / 2022

Positional Profile: C

Body: 5-foot-11, 195-pound stout and strong frame.

Hit:  RHH. At the plate shows a very upright stance with a very low hand set.  Uses a big leg kick to get weight shifted back entirely on the back leg.  Hands work quickly through the zone with an uphill bat path.  Shows some strength at contact.  Upper body can be a little stiff at times.  Utilizes a pull side approach and likes to make contact out in front of home plate. 

Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  C-69 mph.  High ¾ arm slot with a short arm action.

Defense: Behind the plate showed a soft glove when receiving.  Feet work quickly on throws to second.  Exchange is low across the chest.  Throws were mostly accurate down to second with a pop time high of 2.18.  Pop times and throw’s carry will continue to develop with increased rhythm and added flexibility. 

Run: 4.65 runner from home to first.

Nathan Hall C / OF / Liberty , MO / 2022

Positional Profile: C/OF

Body: 6-foot-2, 165 pound lean frame with room for added strength and size.

Hit: RHH.  At the plate shows an athletic stance with a quiet hand set.  Utilizes a small leg lift stride and gets weight transferred to the backside.  Drifts linearly through the swing with the lower half.  Natural lift to the swing and tries to get the ball in the air.  Finishes with weight on the front foot.  Hands speed is above average and shows some strength at contact.

Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH. OF-91 mph, C-75 mph.  High ¾ arm slot with good hand speed. 

Defense: In the outfield sits on the ball with shorter/choppy steps.  Fields the ball on the glove side leg with the glove leg back behind.  Utilizes a shuffle crow hop and pulls down on the throw hard for good trajectory and carry.  Behind the plate showcased a very quick arm and exchanges.  Receiving can be a little stiff and is in development.  Gets out of the stance quickly with pop times ranging from 1.95 to 2.08.  

Run: 4.26 runner from home to first.

Jackson Harding C / 3B / Leavenworth, KS / 2024

Positional Profile:

Body: 5-foot-9, 151-pound average frame with some room to add strength in the future. 

Hit: RHH.  At the plate shows a slightly open and athletic stance.  Utilizes a leg lift and gets very wide.  Swing is very rotational and starts with a slightly arm-barred hand set.  Upper half is a little stiff throughout the swing.  Does a good job of maintaining balance throughout the swing.  Hand strength and bat speed are in developing tools that will increase with more flexibility and added strength in the future.

Power: 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  C-66 mph.  High ¾ arm slot with short arm action and arm working across the body. 

Defense:  Behind the plate showed quick exchanges out of the glove.  Footwork out of the stance is developing.  Throws had higher trajectory with pop times ranging from 2.18-2.26.  Showed soft hands when receiving and good flexibility.   

Run:4.90 runner from home to first.

Jackson Helberg C / OF / Kearney, MO / 2024

Positional Profile:

Body: 5-foot-10, 182-pound well-built and athletic frame.  

Hit: RHH.  At the plate shows a low-crouched stance with a rhythmic bat waggle.  Utilizes a leg kick stride and gets into good load with the lower half.  Hands work quickly through the zone and shows some above average bat speed.  Has some current strength at contact.  Tilts bat towards plate at start of swing which opens to a more rotational bat path.  Does a good job of matching plane with the pitch and using the whole field. 

Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: C-69 mph.  Over the top arm slot with a very short arm action on the release.

Defense: Behind the plate shows a soft glove and feel for receiving.  Quick feet out of the stance on mostly accurate throws to second with pop times ranging from 2.07-2.19.  Exchanges the ball low on the chest and the quickness is still developing. 

Run: 4.21 runner from home to first.

Hunter Henderson C / 1B / Augusta , KS / 2022

Positional Profile: C/1B

Body: 6-foot, 190-pound mature and well-built frame.

Hit: RHH.  At the plate utilizes a crouched-athletic stance and an above shoulder height hand set.  Has a short two-tap stride with good rhythm and balance.  Level bat path and works his hands hard to the inside part of the ball.  Works lower half linearly through the swing with good weight transfer.  Front hip tends to open up a little early at times.  Has some strength at contact.

Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  INF-70 mph, C-69 mph.  High ¾ arm slot with quick release. 

Defense: In the infield showed active feet and soft hands.  Likes to let the ball come to him and picks it out in front of the body.  Glove action and rhythm are developing.  Behind the plate showed a wide-stance and low hips.  Feet work quickly out of the stance and exchanges are quick and at shoulder height with pop times ranging from 2.15-2.22.  Shorter arm action on release can affect the throws trajectory and carry at times.

Run: 4.46 runner from home to first.

Grant Lincoln C / OF / Free State, KS / 2024

Positional Profile: C/OF

Body: 5-foot-9, 190-pound stocky and well-built frame.

Hit: RHH.  At the plate shows a slightly open stance with a wagging bat rhythm.  Uses a small leg lift stride and rocker weight transfer into back side.  Hands work quickly through the zone with a flat bat path.  Works hands hard to the inside part of the ball.  Measures good rotational acceleration and hit a lot of line drives during the BP session.  

Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  OF-72 mph, C-69 mph.  Over the top arm slot with long and loose arm action.

Defense: In the outfield attacks the ball with short steps and good rhythm.  Fields the ball on the outside of the glove leg and transfers are clean.  Gets a lot of shoulder tilt on the throw to create downward trajectory.  Behind the plate starts higher up out of the crouch on throws to second.  Exchanges are right at the top of the chest.  Feet can get a little ahead of the arm which affects the throw’s trajectory and carry.  Throws were mostly accurate with pop times ranging between 2.26-2.50.

Run: 4.39 runner from home to first.

Andrew Lock C / 1B / Blue Valley , KS / 2022

Positional Profile: C/1B

Body: 6-foot, 160-pound lean and athletic frame. 

Hit: RHH.  At the plate shows a neutral stance with a quiet hand set a shoulder height.  Small load and simple stride that keeps weight even between both feet throughout the swing.  Level bat path and hands like to work away from the body.  Likes to work the ball up in the air.  Bat speed and hand strength are both developing. 

Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH. C-70 mph, INF- 69 mph.  High ¾ arm slot with stiff/short arm action.

Defense: In the infield showed active feet and attacked the ball well.  Showed a developing feel for glove action and rhythm on the exchanges.  Behind the plate showed a quick release from a pre-turned set up on throws to second.  Throws were accurate on the bag with pop times ranging from 2.09-2.19.  Exchanges were quick out of the glove and the carry on the throws are still in development. 

Run: 4.46 runner from home to first.

Anthony Mazza C / 2B / Shawnee Mission East, KS / 2024

Positional Profile: C

Body: 5-foot-11, 160-pound lean and wiry frame with room for added strength. 

Hit: LH.  At the plate shows a slightly-crouched and athletic stance with hand set close to the ear and above shoulder height.  Uses a small rocking leg kick and keeps hands set quietly.  Gets foot down early and into a good hitting position.  Hands work a little stiff and bat speed is still a developing tool.  Does a good job of using the middle of the field and maintains balance throughout the swing. 

Power: 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  C-70 mph.  High ¾ arm slot with short arm action on the back end.  

Defense: Behind the plate shows a low set up with flexibility in the hips.  Gets feet into good throwing position and shoulders turned directly to second.  Exchanges and the throw accuracy are developing.  Pop times ranged 2.26-2.35 down to second.  Showed a feel for blocking technique.

Run: 4.46 runner from home to first.

Sam McAleer C / 3B / Blue Valley, KS / 2022

Positional Profile: C

Body: 6-foot-3, 200-pound athletic and well-built frame. 

Hit: RHH.  At the plate uses a low-crouched athletic stance with hands set at shoulder height.  Uses a small leg kick that strides closed and gets into the lower half well with weight shift.  Has very good bat speed and showed strength at contact with a maximum exit velocity of 96 mph during the bp session.  Does a good job of working the lower half under the ball to help with matching plane. 

Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  C-80 mph.  High ¾ arm slot with very quick release and short arm action.  

Defense:  Behind the plate shows soft hands when receiving and good body control.   Has quick feet out of the crouch and gets the ball out of the glove quickly with pop times ranging between 1.90-2.01.  When the exchange and feet are in rhythm the ball explodes out of the hand with good trajectory.  Has shown good blocking skills and hip flexibility. 

Run: 4.25 runner from home to first.

Connor Payne C / 3B / Olathe East , KS / 2022

Positional Profile: C/3B

Body: 5-foot-10, 170-pound athletic/stocky frame. 

Hit: RHH.  At the plate shows an open stance with a high back elbow and hand set at shoulder height.  Drifts forward onto front side with rhythm into the swing.  Gets a lot of shoulder lean into the swing to create lift in the bat path.  Has some strength at contact and uses a line drive approach.  Heavy-rotator and balance throughout the swing is still developing. 

Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  C-70 mph, INF-70 mph.  Over the top arm slot with short arm action.

Defense: In the infield shows active feet and good rhythm working around the ball.  Fields the ball out in front with some feel for glove action.  Exchanges out of glove are still developing.  Behind the plate shows accurate throws down to second with pop times ranging between 2.15-2.23.  Does a good job of getting feet and shoulders into position for the throw.  Exchange quickness and carry of the throws are in development. 

Run: 4.51 runner from home to first.

Jack Pearson C / OF / Blue Valley West, KS / 2022

Positional Profile: C

Body: 6-foot, 180-pound lean and athletic frame.

Hit: RHH.  At the plate has a slightly open stance with hand set at shoulder height.  Uses a low leg lift and rocking weight shift from backside to front leg.  Lower half works linearly through the swing.  Upper body works rotationally with hands working hard to get inside the ball.  Hand strength and bat speed are both tools still developing and should come with added strength to frame. 

Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH. C-73 mph.  High ¾ arm slot with very short arm action.   

Defense: Behind the plate shows good flexibility and feel for receiving.  Gets hips and shoulders turned quickly with quick exchanges and a pop times ranging between 2.09-2.19.  Tends to cut arm off at times which can affect the throw’s trajectory and carry. 

Run: 4.33 runner from home to first.

Cooper Philbrick OF / RHP / Liberty North, MO / 2023

Positional Profile: C/OF/RHP

Body: 6-foot-2, 180-pound projectable frame with room for added strength and size. 

Hit: LHH.  At the plate starts with an upright stance and quiet hand set and load.  Bat path is a little stiff but uses his long-levers well to his advantage.  Stride length is short and remains fairly upright throughout the swing.  Gets good extension through the ball.  Bat speed is still a developing tool and should increase with added strength. 

Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH. OF-83 mph, C-73 mph.  High ¾ arm slot with arm working across the body.

Defense: In the outfield attacks the ball with short and choppy steps.  Smooth rhythm when attacking the ball.  Fields the ball with two hands outside the glove leg.  Behind the plate shows quick and clean feet and a quick exchange.  Pop times ranged between 2.11-2.18 with accuracy on the bag.  Receiving softly and the throws carry are both developing.

Run: 4.57 runner from home to first.


Delivery: Works exclusively out of the stretch with a slow tempoed and deliberate delivery.  Gets to a good balance point and breaks hands with leg drive consistently.  Upper body can be a little stiff and release point can be pushy at times. 

Arm Action: High ¾ arm slot with long/clean arm action.

FB: 79-81 mph, heavy arm side run with downward fade and sink.

CB: 71-73 mph, very short and early break with 11/5 shape. 

CH: 70-72 mph,  lots of horizontal fade with good hand speed.  His best overall pitch.

Owen Reinert C / 3B / Blue Valley, KS / 2023

Positional Profile: C/3B/RHP 

Body: 5-foot-10, 155-pound developing frame with room to add strength and size.

Hit: RHH.  At the plate shows a slightly upright stance with hand set below shoulder height.  Rhythmic type swing with hand movement and gliding leg lift stride.  Lower half works linearly but keeps weight centered between both feet at contact point.  Makes contact with the ball deep in the zone and works hard to get hands inside the ball.  Swings the bat hard with developing bat speed and hand strength.  

Power: 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  INF-72 mph, C-65 mph.  High ¾ arm slot with short/stiff arm action on release.

Defense: In the infield shows developing rhythm and glove action.  Works well laterally to the glove side.  Behind the plate showed good blocking technique.  Gets shoulders and hips turned in good position on throws to second with pop times ranging between 2.18-2.30.  Exchanges and throws accuracy are both still developing.

Run: 4.96 runner from home to first.


Delivery: Works exclusively out the stretch.  Upright posture and high hand break on high balance point.  Hands break high on the chest and early.  Short load into back side into a shorter stride down the mound.  

Arm Action: high ¾ arm slot with short/quick arm action on the backside. 

FB: 73-74 mph, sinking action.

SL: 63 mph, flat sweeping 9/3 action.

CH: 68-69 mph, heavy arm side fade with good hand speed.

Cooper Schreiber C / SS / Mill Valley , KS / 2024

Positional Profile: C/SS

Body: 6-foot, 160-pound lean and developing frame with room for added strength and size.

Hit: RHH.  At the plate starts with an athletic stance and a low hand set.  Utilizes a short two tap stride with good rhythm.  Very flat bat set up and works it through the zone on the same plane.  Line drive approach and had consistent contact during the BP session.  Hand strength and overall bat speed are developing tools. 

Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: INF-75 mph, C-77 mph.  High ¾ arm slot with short arm action on the back and long on the release.

Defense: In the infield showed a feel for soft hands and some glove action.  Works well laterally to the glove side.  Plays a little upright in the fielding position and routes to the ball are still developing.  Behind the plate showed clean feet and shoulder turn on throws to second with pop times ranging between 2.30-2.40.  Showed good blocking technique and good hip flexibility.  Receiving skills and the throws accuracy are both developing tools. 

Run: 4.40 runner from home to first.

Brek Sloan C / SS / Grain Valley, MO / 2024

Positional Profile: C/RHP

Body: 5-foot-11, 150-pound developing frame with room for added strength and size. 

Hit: RHH.  At the plate starts with an open stance and slightly upright posture with a shoulder high hand set and high back elbow.  Utilizes a short two tap stride with good rhythm and timing.  Likes contact out in front of the plate and prefers the pull side.  Rotates hard off of front leg at contact.  Hand strength and bat speed are developing tools.  

Power:  79 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  C-73 mph.  Over the top arm slot with a clean arm action and quick release. 

Defense:  Behind the plate shows good receiving skills and soft hands.  Very clean exchanges and quick feet out of the crouch on throws to second with pop times ranging between 2.01-2.12.  Good blocking techniques.  Advanced catching skills for his class. 

Run: 4.37 runner from home to first.


Delivery: Works exclusively out of the stretch.  Mid-height balance point with smooth transition down the mound.  High glove front side to create shoulder tilt.  Drives directly down the mound with good balance and feel for the body.   

Arm Action: Over the top arm slot with short arm action on back end to longer release.

FB: 77-81 mph, tilted down with good arm side run and sink. 

CB: 65-66 mph, 11/5 shape with early break and gradual movement to the glove side.

CH: 70-71 mph, flat depth with good arm side fade and good hand speed.

Drew Snyder C / SS / Mill Valley, KS / 2024

Positional Profile: C

Body: 5-foot-8, 150 pound athletic and developing frame. 

Hit: RHH.  At the plate starts with an open stance and athletic set up with rhythmic hand set.  Uses a long leg lift to gather into the backside and kicks out into stride.  Level bat path and developing bat speed and hand strength. 

Power:  mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH. C-70 mph.  Over the top arm slot with short arm action and linear follow through. 

Defense: Behind the plate showed clean feet and quick exchanges.  Comes out of the stance quickly on throws to second with pop times ranging between 2.01-2.20.  Throws were accurate and carry is developing.  Blocking and receiving skills will continue to develop with more flexibility. 

Run: 4.28 runner from home to first.

Hunter Spencer C / OF / Seaman , KS / 2023

Positional Profile: C

Body: 5-foot-11, 170 athletic frame with room for added strength.

Hit: RHH.  At the plate starts with an open stance and athletic posture.  Small leg lift stride that gets back to neutral and hands set at shoulder height.  Flat bat set up and transfers it to a level swing.  Plays the ball deep into the zone and works hands to the inside of the ball well.  Utilizes the whole field. Good balance throughout the swing. 

Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH.  C-72 mph.  Over the top arm slot with hand working across the body at release. 

Defense: Behind the plate shows clean/quick feet coming out of the stance on throws to second.  Exchanges are still in development with pop times ranging between 2.15-2.22.  Throws were accurate with good carry.  

Run: 4.40 runner from home to first.

Christopher Stewart C / 3B / Saint Thomas Aquinas, KS / 2024

Positional Profile: C

Body: 5-foot-7, 145 pound developing frame. 

Hit: RHH.  At the plate starts with a slight sink into the lower half with the a more upright posture with the upper half.  Very quiet set up with the hands just below shoulder height.  Utilizes big leg kick and gets quality separation with the hands.  Short bat path through the zone.  Plays the ball deeper into the zone with an inside out approach.  Level bat path and line drive mentality.

Power:  77 mph exit velocity from the tee. 

Arm: RH. C-72 mph.  Over the top arm slot with good hand speed and whippy finish.

Defense: Behind the plate shows very quick feet out of the stance on throws to second with pop times ranging between 2.09-2.11.  Gets the ball quickly out of the glove.  The body can be moving too quickly at time which cause the throws to go off line.  Has some explosive hand speed.  Showed flexibility and good blocking techniques.

Run: 4.53 runner from home to first.

Morgan Wilkins C / 1B / Summit Christian, MO / 2022

Positional Profile: C
Body: A strong and stout 5-foot-8 180-pound frame with broad shoulders

Hit: RHH. Starts from an open, athletic and back leg heavy set-up with rhythm in his hands. Uses a slight leg lift and long stride before launching his hands on an efficient and flat path to contact with the barrel getting around the ball at times and some natural lift. Middle to pull side and mostly flat approach. 

Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee and 88 mph in BP. 

Arm: Low exchange and short arm stroke coming through a near over the top slot producing pop times of 1.95-1.98 at 76 mph. Some accuracy.  

Defense: Shows flexibility and a big target with some bounce in his hands catching from a modified one knee set-up. Shows low exchanges and consistent and clean footwork on throws down. Well above average blocker. 

Run: 4.58 runner from home to first.

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