West Texas Scouting Roundup
March 4, 2019
MIDLAND, TX - The 45th Annual Tournament of Champions showcased some of the top teams West Texas has to offer, as well as some of the top committed and uncommitted players in the state. Despite fluctuating weather conditions, three days covering the tournament featured a talented group of young arms that will be an impact in the area for years to come, and also a few of the top ranked players not only in the area, but throughout the state.
The Tournament of Champions and Security Bank Ballpark also hosted the opening of district 2-6A with a couple of in-town rivalries matchups taking place between Midland High and Midland Lee, and Odessa High versus Odessa Permian.
Midland High 3 – Midland Lee 1
A pitching dominated game that ultimately came down to a two-run home run for 2019 SS Tyler Wade (No. 47 in PBR Texas rankings and the No. 10 ranked SS in the 2019 class, committed to Tennessee) in the bottom of the 6th that ultimately secured the victory for the Bulldogs 3-1.
Notable Players:
Tyler Wade, SS, Midland, 2019
Tennessee commit, Wade a confident quick-twitch athlete, with an athletic frame at an estimated 6-foot, 170-pounds. Wade one of the most polished players from this weekend that possesses all the intangibles to be successful at the next level. Offensively has an excellent repeatable rhythm and pace, smooth leg kick, compact swing, with an explosive lower half, great extension that creates lift and power to the pull side.
Randall Blanscett, RHP, Midland, 2019
Uncommitted. Blanscett has a long-limbed, lanky frame at 6-foot-1, 175-pound, wiry strong frame with plenty of room for continued physical development. Arguably one of the top arms from this weekend and one of the top uncommitted arms in the area. The right hander works from a ¾ arm slot with long loose arm stroke, repeatable delivery with more velocity likely to come in the future. Fastball comes out clean, jumping out of his hand and getting on hitters very quickly at 87-89 and touching 90 a handful of times. Pounds the strike zone and locates fastball to both sides of the plate. Curveball possesses a tight rotation with late breaking action at 68-69. Closed things out for Midland collecting two punchouts in his only inning of work, picking up the save and win for Midland.
Kyler Wagaman, RHP, Midland, 2020
Uncommitted. Wagaman has a thick, sturdy frame at an estimated 5-foot-10 180-pounds. The junior right hander works from a high ¾ arm slot with clean, compact arm action, smooth repeatable delivery, maintained and up-tempo pace throughout the entire outing. Fastball sat 81-83, topped at 85, thrown for strikes. Curveball has gradual break, 11-5 shape at 67-70. Wagaman had the most dominant performance from this weekend, with six innings pitched, punching out nine, allowing only two hits, and no earned runs.
Noah Harrison, RHP, Midland Lee, 2019
Uncommitted. Harrison has a projectable, strong, athletic frame at an estimated 6-foot-2, 195-pounds. The RHP works from a high ¾ arm slot with clean, athletic, long easy arm action. Smooth, slow, repeatable delivery, works downhill, with composed presence of the mound. Fastball comes out clean sat mostly 83-85, touching 86 once, the pitch has heavy late life to it. 11-5 shape on curveball with gradual break at 71-71. Harrison was equally as impressive as pitching counterpart Wagaman, Harrison working a complete game for Midland Lee collecting nine strikeouts, allowing three hits, in six innings of work.