Each year the month of February in North Carolina is a big one for baseball players.  With the high school spring season coming, and the off-period of November and December, players have had some time to work on their strengths and improve their weaknesses.  They have been in the weight room and in the cages.  As we enter February, Prep Baseball begins its work to continue to identify and update our notes on prospects in North Carolina. 

The Preseason All-State events have become spotlight events in the state.  This year there are 3 opportunities for some of the best players in the state to show-off their off-season gains, while working out with other top talents.  Prep Baseball will be in Greenville, NC on February 3rd, Maiden, NC on February 4th, and Kernersville, NC on February 10th.  The Prep Baseball scouting staff is expecting to see 250 of the top players in North Carolina across these three events.

Below we profile a player that is scheduled to attend a Preseason All-State event.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Prep Baseball preseason events and request your invite if you would like to be a part of any of the Preseason All-State events.

PRESEASON ALL-STATE SPOTLIGHT: ANTHONY SMITH JR

Anthony Smith Jr OF / RHP / Hickory Ridge, NC / 2025 Rankings  StateRank: 135 / POS: 23 KEY STATS +89.1(mph) Max Exit Velocity +85(mph) Outfield Velocity +22.1(mph) Max Hand Speed +81.6(mph) Max Fastball Velocity SCOUT NOTES 6'2"-181lb athletic frame, average runner with quick first step at 1.48sec 10 yard gate. Slightly open stance from the right side, keeps hands close close to his body with a flatter bat before swing, has a balanced stride to the ball with barrel feel. Solid footwork in the outfield with a strong arm at 85mph. 81.6mph top fastball from the mound, smooth mechanics with a long arm swing, commands the zone with fastball and change up, his curveball is best pitch at the moment. 12-6 break on the curveball, 2,540rpm Max Spin Rate, with late break and has the movement to be a put away pitch.