Prep Baseball Report

Preseason All-State: Top Statistical Performances


Brandon Hall
North Carolina Director of Scouting

One hundred of the top players from across North Carolina converged on Pineville, NC and the On Deck Academy to take part in the PBR Preseason All-State event.  In its third year, the Preseason All-State event has become one of the premier events in North Carolina for high caliber high school players. 

Billed as one of the top events in the state, with an incredible roster put together the day did not disappoint.  Personal records, as well as event records were shattered throughout the day.  For the uncommitted seniors in attendance, the event provides good ammunition to fire at college coaches just before the spring season begins.  For the underclass, they were able to connect with college coaches as well as throw their hat in  the ring for future invite only events such as the Super 60, PBR Future Games, and Top Prospect Games.

CLICK HERE to see the full roster from the workout, along with the baseball analytics compiled on each player.
CLICK HERE to see the speed and agility numbers compiled on players in attendance.

As we continue our look at the Preseason All-State, we take a dive into the statistics from the event. We look at each area PBR Scouts collected analytical data to see who were the top performers in each category.

Preseason All-State - By the Numbers:

+ The event soldout in record time, over 20 days prior to the event
+ 95 of the 100 registrants showed up for the workout
+ 26 players in the Senior Class
+ 48 players in the Junior Class
+ 80 players ran a timed 30 yard dash.  Median time of 4.08 with 31 players running a 3.90 or better
+ 44 players worked out on the infield
+ 78 mph was median velocity of infielder’s positional throws.  12 players clocked 81 or higher
+ 28 players worked out in the outfield
+ 86 mph was the median positional throw from the outfield with 2 players above 90 mph.
+ 18 catchers workout behind the dish with 6 players recording a positional velocity of 76 mph or higher
+ 2.08 – 2.18 was the median Pop Time range for catchers
+ 9 catchers registered a best pop time of under 2.10 in the workout format
+ 35 pitchers worked out in the bullpen format
+ 83 mph was the median of the max fastballs from each pitcher
+ 13 arms touched 85 or better with one arm reaching 90 mph

Statistical Leaders

Max Fastball

With a median velocity of 83 mph in the 35 bullpens thrown, 13 arms worked at 85 or higher.  Inside the fastballs at 85 or higher, 11 of the 13 pitchers are 2020 or 2021 graduates.  The high velocity of the day belonged to RHP Seth Keener of East Surry, a 2020 graduate. 

Rank Name State School Class Pos Max FB
1 Seth Keener NC East Surry 2020 RHP 90 mph
2 Reid Dittner NC Apex Friendship 2019 RHP 87 mph
3 Zack Michael NC Apex 2019 OF 86 mph
^ Rhett Lowder NC North Stanly 2020 RHP 86 mph
^ Andrei Beal NC Parkwood 2020 RHP 86 mph
^ Jackson Kirkpatrick NC McMichael 2020 RHP 86 mph
^ Corey Avant NC Sun Valley 2020 OF 86 mph
4 Penn Sealey NC Broughton 2019 RHP 85 mph
^ Ty Cummings NC Corinth Holders 2020 RHP 85 mph
^ Zane Taylor NC PRO5 Academy 2021 RHP 85 mph
^ Cyle Phelan NC Fuquay Varina 2021 LHP 85 mph
^ Daniel Brown NC Needham Broughton 2020 LHP 85 mph
^ Baxley Holshouser NC Sanderson 2020 RHP 85 mph
5 Carson Starnes NC P27 Academy 2021 RHP 84 mph
^ Jacob Carter NC Crest 2019 RHP 84 mph
6 Carson Hinnant NC Heritage 2020 RHP 83 mph
7 Noah Barozzino NC Hough 2020 2B 82 mph
8 Michael Gracer NC Northwest Cabarrus 2021 1B 81 mph
^ Samuel Fleming NC Zebulon Vance 2020 SS 81 mph
^ Matt Heavner NC North Lincoln 2022 SS 81 mph
^ Spencer Calloway NC East Forsyth 2019 RHP 81 mph
^ Clay Stanley NC J. H. Rose 2019 RHP 81 mph
^ Matthew Upchurch NC Lincoln Charter 2019 LHP 81 mph
9 Grant Sutton NC William A. Hough 2021 SS 80 mph
^ Josh Stephens NC East Lincoln 2021 OF 80 mph
^ Matt Poole NC Corinth Holders 2021 RHP 80 mph
10 Carson Swaim NC Oak Grove 2020 RHP 79 mph
^ Will Austin NC Eastern Alamance 2020 RHP 79 mph

Other arms at 85 mph: Daniel Brown (LHP, Broughton HS, 2020), Baxley Holshouser (RHP, Sanderson HS, 2020), Cyle Phelan (LHP, Fuquay-Varina HS, 2021)

Catcher Positional Velocity

Part of the defensive work for the catchers includes taking a positional velocity on throw downs to second base with the catchers working out of their crouch.  2020 Three Hillier led all catchers showing elite arm strength at 81 mph.  Close behind is NC State commit, 2022 Graham Smiley.

Rank Name State School Class Pos C Velo
1 Three Hillier NC Asheville 2020 C 81
2 Graham Smiley NC East Lincoln 2022 C 78
^ Carson Hinnant NC Heritage 2020 RHP 78
3 Michael Groves NC Holly Springs 2020 C 77
^ Peyton Wilkins NC Wayne School of Engineering 2021 C 77
4 Chris Katz NC Heritage 2021 C 76
5 Kenny Leiner NC Pro5 Baseball Academy 2020 C 75
^ Carter Merrill NC Stuart Cramer 2020 C 75
6 Nathan Nygaard NC Sun Valley 2020 C 74
^ Maxwell Doherty NC Lake Norman Charter 2020 C 74
^ Lane Rhodes NC Fuquay Varina 2019 C 74
^ Chet Sikes NC Wesleyan Christian 2020 C 74
7 Matthew Suppa NC Ardrey Kell 2022 C 73
^ Ethan Martin NC Northwest Guilford 2020 C 73
^ Andrew Schuldt NC Hough 2021 C 73
8 Jeb Despard NC Marvin Ridge 2021 C 72
9 Will Austin NC Eastern Alamance 2020 RHP 71
10 Jonathan Villa NC Lumberton 2020 C 68

Other Catchers at 74 mph on positional throws: Lane Rhodes (C, Fuquay-Varina HS, 2019), Chet Sikes (C, Wesleyan Christian Academy, 2020)

Catcher Pop Times

Nine catchers flashed at least one pop time of 2.10 or better.  Chet Sikes led all catchers posting an accurate throw at 1.94.  Smiley and Wake Forest commit, Chris Katz each came in under 2.00 at 1.98.

Rank Name State School Class Pos Pop Time
1 Chet Sikes NC Wesleyan Christian 2020 C 1.94-2.00
2 Graham Smiley NC East Lincoln 2022 C 1.98-2.01
3 Chris Katz NC Heritage 2021 C 1.98-2.07
4 Lane Rhodes NC Fuquay Varina 2019 C 2.00-2.07
5 Michael Groves NC Holly Springs 2020 C 2.00-2.08
6 Three Hillier NC Asheville 2020 C 2.01-2.09
7 Andrew Schuldt NC Hough 2021 C 2.03-2.08
8 Maxwell Doherty NC Lake Norman Charter 2020 C 2.08-2.18
^ Peyton Wilkins NC Wayne School of Engineering 2021 C 2.08-2.18
9 Ethan Martin NC Northwest Guilford 2020 C 2.11-2.18
^ Kenny Leiner NC Pro5 Baseball Academy 2020 C 2.11-2.18
10 Carson Hinnant NC Heritage 2020 RHP 2.15-2.18
^ Nathan Nygaard NC Sun Valley 2020 C 2.15-2.18

Other Catchers at a 2.08 pop time:  Peyton Wilkins (C, Wayne School of Engineering, 2022)

Infielder Positional Velocity

Daniel Stephens followed up a strong workout in November at a PBR Scout Day showcasing advanced carry across the diamond again, posting the top infielder velocity of 87 mph.  Two 2021 graduates showed inside the top 10 with Will Marcy and Michael Gracer.

Rank Name State School Class Pos INF Velo
1 Daniel Stephens NC Pro 5 Academy 2020 SS 87
2 Will Marcy NC PRO5 Academy 2021 SS 85
^ Gavin Mortenson NC Northwest Guilford 2020 SS 85
^ Samuel Walker NC Northwest Cabarrus 2019 SS 85
3 Ty Cummings NC Corinth Holders 2020 RHP 84
4 Colton Stotler NC West Wilkes 2020 3B 83
5 Samuel Fleming NC Zebulon Vance 2020 SS 82
6 Will Hood NC Pro 5 Baseball Academy 2019 2B 81
^ Logan Sylvester NC Wesleyan Christian 2020 3B 81
^ Michael Gracer NC Northwest Cabarrus 2021 1B 81
7 Michael Starrs NC Porter Ridge 2019 2B 80
^ Matt Heavner NC North Lincoln 2022 SS 80
8 Devin Tonkins NC Greensboro Day 2021 OF 79
^ Jermie Greene Jr. NC South Iredell 2019 SS 79
9 Jared Emory NC Cherryville 2019 3B 78
^ Jacob Mabe NC West Stokes 2020 SS 78
^ Grant Sutton NC William A. Hough 2021 SS 78
^ Noah Barozzino NC Hough 2020 2B 78
^ Chet Sikes NC Wesleyan Christian 2020 C 78
10 Nathan Samii NC Charlotte Latin 2021 3B 77
^ Joshua White NC Middle Creek 2019 SS 77
^ Jaxon Masterson NC Sanderson 2021 SS 77
^ Will Austin NC Eastern Alamance 2020 RHP 77
^ Gavin Fragale NC Southlake Christian 2021 SS 77

Outfielder Positional Velocity

Not one, but two players equaled or surpassed the event record on the positional throws from outfielders.  Zane Taylor posted a 92 and Matt Kelley touched 91.  Players were evaluated working through a ground ball, working to show arm strength, carry, and accuracy in their transtion.

Rank Name State School Class Pos OF Velo
1 Zane Taylor NC PRO5 Academy 2021 RHP 92
2 Matt Kelley NC Corinth Holders 2020 OF 91
3 Matthew Walker NC Saint Stephens 2020 OF 89
^ Corey Avant NC Sun Valley 2020 OF 89
4 Andrei Beal NC Parkwood 2020 RHP 88
5 Payton Bloom NC Pro5 Academy 2022 OF 87
^ Archie Dean Herring NC Greensboro Day 2021 OF 87
^ Jordan Thalacker NC Parkwood 2020 OF 87
6 Jack Stevens NC Hibriten 2020 OF 86
^ Dylan Mauldin NC Ashbrook 2019 OF 86
7 Carson Hinnant NC Heritage 2020 RHP 85
^ Lefrederick Wooten NC East Bladen 2021 OF 85
8 Zack Michael NC Apex 2019 OF 84
^ Peyton Wilkins NC Wayne School of Engineering 2021 C 84
^ Michael Groves NC Holly Springs 2020 C 84
9 Lane Rhodes NC Fuquay Varina 2019 C 83
10 Logan Hall NC Myers Park 2021 OF 82
^ Josh Stephens NC East Lincoln 2021 OF 82
^ Matt Poole NC Corinth Holders 2021 RHP 82

Exit Velocity - Offensive

22 hitters posted an exit velocity of at least 90 mph off the barrel.  This was by far the deepest lineup of hitters flashing advanced strength with the barrel.  The median exit velocity of the 80 hitters landed at 86 mph off the barrel.  Two underclass players led the way, each at 96.

Rank Name State School Class Pos Exit Velo
1 Michael Gracer NC Northwest Cabarrus 2021 1B 96
^ Chris Katz NC Heritage 2021 C 96
2 Corey Avant NC Sun Valley 2020 OF 95
^ Dylan Mauldin NC Ashbrook 2019 OF 95
3 Matthew Walker NC Saint Stephens 2020 OF 94
^ Alex D'Agostino NC Middle Creek 2019 1B 94
4 Jared Emory NC Cherryville 2019 3B 93
^ Graham Smiley NC East Lincoln 2022 C 93
5 Will Hood NC Pro 5 Baseball Academy 2019 2B 92
6 Carter Merrill NC Stuart Cramer 2020 C 91
^ Daniel Brown NC Needham Broughton 2020 LHP 91
^ Jeb Despard NC Marvin Ridge 2021 C 91
^ Jermie Greene Jr. NC South Iredell 2019 SS 91
7 Malik Dixon NC North Lenoir 2019 2B 90
^ Jack Stevens NC Hibriten 2020 OF 90
^ Hogan Stallings NC Wake Forest 2020 1B 90
^ Matt Kelley NC Corinth Holders 2020 OF 90
^ Three Hillier NC Asheville 2020 C 90
^ Josh Stephens NC East Lincoln 2021 OF 90
^ Cyle Phelan NC Fuquay Varina 2021 LHP 90
^ Zack Michael NC Apex 2019 OF 90
^ Lane Rhodes NC Fuquay Varina 2019 C 90
8 Joshua White NC Middle Creek 2019 SS 89
^ Logan Sylvester NC Wesleyan Christian 2020 3B 89
^ Archie Dean Herring NC Greensboro Day 2021 OF 89
^ Andrew Schuldt NC Hough 2021 C 89
9 Michael Starrs NC Porter Ridge 2019 2B 88
^ Carson Starnes NC P27 Academy 2021 RHP 88
^ RJ Rhem NC Myers Park 2019 OF 88
^ Samuel Walker NC Northwest Cabarrus 2019 SS 88
^ Jackson Bowman NC Wesleyan Christian 2020 2B 88
10 Nathan Samii NC Charlotte Latin 2021 3B 87
^ Michael Groves NC Holly Springs 2020 C 87
^ Aly Dawood NC Cuthbertson 2019 SS 87
^ Nathan Nygaard NC Sun Valley 2020 C 87
^ Jordan Thalacker NC Parkwood 2020 OF 87
^ Jonathan Villa NC Lumberton 2020 C 87
^ Tanner Sweatt NC Porter Ridge 2020 OF 87

Other hitters touching 91 mph in testing: Jeb Despard (C, Marvin Ridge HS, 2021), Daniel Brown (LHP/1B, Broughton HS, 2020), Jermie Green Jr. (3B, South Iredell HS, 2019)

Top 30 Yard Dash Times

Players had the option to run a laser timed 30 yard dash on the turf surface at On Deck.  With 80 players running, the median time was 4.09 seconds.  Twenty-one players ran sub-4.00 with 2021 Archie Dean Herring tying the event record of 3.71 seconds.

Rank Name School Class Pos 30 Yd Dash
1 Archie Dean Herring Westchester Country Day 2021 OF 3.71
2 Samuel Walker NW Cabarrus 2019 SS 3.81
3 Matt Kelley Corinth Holders 2020 OF 3.84
4 Grant Sutton Hough 2021 SS 3.84
5 Wes Turley Porter Ridge 2020 OF 3.87
6 Zack Michael Apex 2019 OF 3.88
7 Darius Welcome East Wake 2019 OF 3.88
8 Jermie Green Jr. South Iredell 2019 3B 3.90
9 Matthew Walker Saint Stephens 2020 OF 3.90
10 Jordan Thalacker Marvin Ridge 2020 OF 3.91
10 Tommy Hawke South Brunswick 2021 SS 3.91


Top 5-10-5 Agility Times

The 5-10-5 agility test allows players to showcase speed, lateral movement, and quickness.  Players begin in the middle of the testing area, running 5 yards to one side, back ten yards the other way, before finishing with a 5 yard spring through the start/finish line.  Players were hand timed. 68 players ran the 5-10-5 agility test with a median time of 4.62 seconds.  Only one player broke 4.30, with Matthew Walker running a 4.15.

Rank Name School Class Pos 5 - 10 - 5
1 Matthew Walker Saint Stephens 2020 OF 4.15
2 Adam Quintero Piedmont 2021 SS 4.32
3 Gavin Fragale SouthLake Christian 2021 SS 4.34
4 Lane Rhodes Fuquay-Varina 2019 C 4.39
5 Zane Taylor Pro5 Academy 2020 OF 4.43
6 Colton Stotler West Wilkes 2020 3B 4.44
7 Aly Dawood Cuthbertson 2019 SS 4.45
8 Jordan Santos Providence 2022 RHP 4.45
9 Grant Sutton Hough 2021 SS 4.46
10 Daniel Brown Broughton 2020 RHP 4.47

Top Standing Long Jump

67 players tested in the standing long jump.  The median result came in at 8'5".  The power produced in this test shows up in some of the quickness drills and in recorded velocities for many of these players. 

Rank Name School Class Pos Long Jump
1 Samuel Fleming North Mecklenburg 2020 SS 9'10"
2 Archie Dean Herring Westchester Country Day 2021 OF 9'09"
3 Samuel Walker NW Cabarrus 2019 SS 9'07"
4 Jackson Kirkpatrick McMichael 2020 RHP 9'06"
5 Daniel Brown Broughton 2020 LHP 9'05"
6 Zane Taylor Pro5 Academy 2020 OF 9'03"
7 Will Marcy Cardinal Gibbons 2021 SS 9'03"
8 Corey Avant Sun Valley 2020 OF 9'02"
9 Daniel Stephens Pro5 Academy 2020 SS 9'02"