Inside the Rankings is a unique look through the eyes of Prep Baseball scouts, allowing players, fans, and coaches to get to know some of the top players in the state of North Carolina.  Rankings in the state are updated almost quarterly, as players are transitioning from one season to another.  Prep Baseball scouts will use the information they gain from Prep Baseball events, Prep Baseball Tournaments, game coverage, workouts, and practices to put grades on as many players in the state as possible.  With over 400 players in each graduating class committing to play college baseball from North Carolina, this is a state with a ton of talent.

Today we highlight two uncommitted LHP's, Bryce Smith and Caleb Cloninger, both throwing in the 80's and feel for secondary pitches. 

Bryce Smith LHP / OF / Voyager Academy , NC / 2025 Rankings  StateRank: 187 / POS: 19 KEY STATS +82(mph) Max Fastball Velocity +1940(rpm) Max Fastball Spin Rate +74(mph) Max Curveball Velocity +2351(rpm) Max Curveball Spin Rate SCOUT NOTES 6'3"-190lb frame, average fastball at 82 mph but has the frame and smooth mechanics to improve with continued growth and maturity. Has feel for secondary pitches with change up being slightly better than the curveball at the moment. Curveball can be more of a slider at times with late life.

Caleb Cloninger LHP / OF / North Gaston, NC / 2025 Rankings  StateRank: 194 / POS: 21 KEY STATS +81.4(mph) Max Fastball Velocity +2080(rpm) Max Fastball Spin Rate +67.6(mph) Max Curveball Velocity +2402(rpm) Max Curveball Spin Rate SCOUT NOTES 6'0"-160lb frame, with average arm at 81.4mph from the left side. Has a short arm action that is whippy at release. Change up is best secondary pitch with late dive and ASR looking like his fastball. Curveball has depth but needs to improve command to really keep hitters off balance.