Prep Baseball Report

NC Insider: Updated Class of 2018 Rankings


Brandon Hall
North Carolina Director of Scouting


As most players across the state of North Carolina move into a quiet period, shutting down some of their on-field work, it is time to re-examine the player rankings in each class.  We begin with the 2018 class where the rankings have been expanded from 225 to 300 players. 

Since the last rankings update, PBR held its Top Prospect Games at UNC, several organizations participated in Scout Days with PBR and players completed their fall seasons.  Along with the PBR events, PBR scouts were in Ft Myers, Jupiter, games and competitions across North Carolina, as well as attending high school practices and workouts.  The scouting staff at PBR works to put players grades on as many players as possible, having seen enough of the player to apply an accurate grade.  The players are then listed by their grade, with the PBR staff working through players of similar grades.

The top four on the list does not change with Owen White (RHP, Carson HS) coming in at No. 1.  White continued to impress this fall and took another step forward in Jupiter, FL showing pitch-ability and command while flashing a fastball up to 94.  No. 2 Jordyn Adams (OF, Green Hope HS) spent his fall on the football field.  This will be a common theme for Adams as he is committed to play football and baseball at UNC.  Justin Jarvis (RHP, Mooresville HS) and Brett Kerry (RHP, Wesleyan Christian Academy) solidify the top four slot.  Jarvis is a projectable righty with a big arm.  As he throws more, the stuff seems to tighten and command is increasing.  Kerry is a polished righty with advanced command of his fastball and breaking. 


 

Three new-comers to the top 10 as Jaylen Guy (SS, Southeast Guilford HS) and Holden Laws (LHP, Pro 5 Academy) move up to hold down No. 8 and No. 10 respectively.  At No. 9 is South Carolina commit Xavier Bussey (OF, Garner HS).  Bussey makes his debut in the 2018 rankings as he had been re-classed to the 2019 class over the past year.  During the fall semester, Bussey decided to class back with his original classmates in the 2018 graduate year.  The right-handed hitter catches the eye with his strong build and broad shoulders.  There is quickness and strength in the swing, that is geared toward the pull side slightly.  Bussey is an above average runner but has played more corner outfield this fall. 

Two players making strides in the inside the top 20 are LHP Luke Little (East Meckleburg HS) and Jonah Beamon (SS, Charlotte Christian).  Little, committed to Gardner Webb, threw very well at the end of the summer at the Area Code Games in Long Beach, CA.  A fastball that can run into the upper 80’s and a frame that stands 6-foot-8, 230 pounds.  The velocity can fluctuate, but in short outings, in high profile events, Little has thrown well and he will have pro scouts following his progress this spring. 


 

Jonah Beamon looked to have the bounce back in his step early this fall.  After a year where he battled some hamstring issues, the South Carolina commit, played with energy and a high motor.  The hands and feet are clean and rhythmic on the infield where the arm has plenty of carry to stay on the left side. 

The biggest movers inside the Top 300 may be Brendan Wright (RHP, Holly Springs HS), Jonathan Jagielski (LHP/OF, Charlotte Christian), and Hayden Setzer (LHP/OF, East Rowan HS).  Wright bumped up 47 slots to No. 50 while Jagielski moved to No. 78 and Setzer moved to No. 119, each moving up more than 70 spots. 

Wright shined at the PBR Top Prospect Games at UNC where he touched 88, showing fastball command and a breaking ball that can miss bats.  Shortly after the event, Wright committed to Campbell. 

Jagielski and Setzer each worked out for PBR at the South Charlotte Panther Scout Day.  While their velocity on the mound, in a bullpen setting was not peaked, it was their outfield workout that drew the interest of some scouts.  Each LHP showed carry and arm strength from the outfield where Jagielski touched 89 and Setzer touched 87.  With solid frames there is a project-able future for both on the bump.


 

Updated 2018 Rankings – Top 10

RANK 

NAME

STATE

SCHOOL

CLASS

POS

COMMITMENT

1

Owen White

NC

Jesse C Carson

2018

RHP

South Carolina

2

Jordyn Adams

NC

Green Hope

2018

OF

North Carolina

3

Justin Jarvis

NC

Mooresville

2018

RHP

UNC Wilmington

4

Brett Kerry

NC

Wesleyan Christian Academy

2018

RHP

South Carolina

5

Christian Jayne

NC

Terry Sanford

2018

OF

East Carolina

6

Davis Palermo

NC

Northwood

2018

RHP

North Carolina

7

Logan Whitaker

NC

Ledford Senior

2018

RHP

North Carolina State

8

Jaylen Guy

NC

Southeast Guilford

2018

SS

Liberty

9

Xavier Bussey

NC

Garner

2018

OF

South Carolina

10

Holden Laws

NC

South Granville

2018

LHP

North Carolina State

 

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