Poplarville, MS - Our Top Prospect Games event was held on Tuesday, July 19th at Pearl River CC in Poplarville, MS. This event consisted of top prospects from the 2023-2026 classes. These players went through a pro-style workout and took batting practice using Trackman to record hitting metrics. Pitchers were able to throw in simulated gameplay and were able to get numbers and metrics off of our Trackman unit, such as pitch velocity, spin rate, horizontal & vertical movement & much more. There were some players who showed up and continued to build off of prior performances, but there were also some new names who jumped onto our radar with a strong showing on Tuesday.

Kicking off our post-event coverage for this event, we take a look back at some of the top performers and standouts from the event. Continuing over the course of the next week or so, we will release Statistical Leaderboards for the event then transition into releasing individual scouting reports for each player in attendance.

 

OF Joshua Jones, Desoto Central, 2023

Uncommitted, 6-4, 190 pound, is a very physical right handed hitter outfielder. The rising senior and former Future Games participant used lots of leverage at the plate during his impressive round of BP.  Jones can drive the baseball to both gaps but has solid pull side power and good speed out of the box that should result in plenty of extra base hits including a few that find the other side of the wall. 

INF/RHP Ty Long, Ripley HS, 2024

The 6-0, 170 pound, uber athletic dual prospect showed off a very solid skill set including 6.82 60 time. Long used a line drive approach to spray baseballs all over the field at PRCC with solid exit velocities into the low 90’s. Long also displayed next level hands and range at shortstop with a very strong (89 infield velo, 91 outfield velo) and accurate arm. He wasn’t finished as he then toed the rubber and worked his fastball 85-86 mph (T87) with very solid secondary stuff, including two different breaking balls with depth and quick action. 

3B/RHP Drew Harrison, Germantown HS, 2024

The 6-0, 175 pound infielder from Germantown was very loud at our Top Prospect event this week. At the plate the rising junior gave us a glimpse of his present power with multiple high 90 exit velocities including an event high 100. Harrison then stepped on the mound and registered an event high 88 mph fastball to go along with developing spin. Look for this young man to step up big time for the Mavericks next spring.

RHP Tanner Busby, Picayune, 2024

Our first time seeing the 6-3, 195 pound right handed pitcher and he did not disappoint. Using a very solid and repeatable delivery the 2024 worked the bottom the zone with all pitches. Busby’s fastball sat 85-86 (T87) with solid arm side run and command. His off speed arsenal included a mimicking change up and breaking ball with tight spin and 11/5 shape.

INF Braden Maranto, Amory HS, 2025

Don’t let the smaller stature fool you. The rising sophomore shows tons of consistency both offensively and on defense. Using mostly his pull side, Maranto used a solid line drive approach with exit velocities in the high 80’s with more power coming. He was very sure handed on defense, showing soft hands and range with the ability to play both middle infield positions, though will probably stick at 2B. Definitely a guy pitchers will want playing behind them.