The following NM kids all did some great things this past weekend at PG events. I've listed them in no particular order (except the first one). I hope none of their parents mind me highlighting their sons--I thought it would be good to highlight some NM kids who are not talked about on here much, but who are strong players.
1. First and foremost, Ricky Apodaca from Sandia (2018) attended the PG World Showcase this weekend in Florida and was apparently lights out. PG highlighted him as one of the top pitchers at the showcase via Twitter. Not only did he run a 6.7 60, he also was pumping in 87 mph fastballs as a lefty. He also threw 91 from the outfield. Not sure why he isn't discussed much on this board, but it would not surprise me if he commits D-1 before his first game this year. Ricky also made the Top Prospect list for 2018s for the World Showcase, which includes a large number of division 1 signees/commits:
https://www.perfectgame.org/events/Showcases/TopProspectList.aspx?event=6426
2. Gavin Martin from Farmington (senior-2018) attended the PG Uncommitted West Showcase (seniors only) in Phoenix this weekend and he was recognized for his hitting. I don't know much about him, but he did make the top prospect list of 6 players from the showcase, but there were only about 25-30 seniors who attended:
https://www.perfectgame.org/Events/Showcases/TopProspectList.aspx?event=7055
3. Mason Ashcraft, sophomore at St. Pius, is huge. Based upon his age, I think he is supposed to be a junior (turns 17 this June), but he is listed as a sophomore. The kid is 6' 4" and 200+ lbs. At the National Underclass West showcase this weekend, he had one of the highest ball exit velocities from the bat in the country at 93 mph. PG recognized him quite a bit for his hitting and bat strength. Mason also pitched and hit 83 mph. However, he really struggled with his control and gave up several walks. If he gets better control, he'll be one of the top pitchers in 4A in 2019 and 2020. My son played with him and said he is a great kid. Ashcraft also made the top prospect list for the showcase as a 2020:
https://www.perfectgame.org/events/Showcases/TopProspectList.aspx?event=7054
4. Roy Jennings, sophomore at Cleveland, had a real nice showing at the PG Underclass West. Roy was recognized by PG in both of his games for his hitting. Sounds like he had at least 4 hits in his two games and he also had a nice 85 mph ball exit velocity. In addition to excellent hitting, he also ran a quick 7.15 60 yard dash. That may not seem great, but keep in mind at all 60s are timed with gates/lasers--no hand-held stop watch garbage. Believe me, 7.15 60 is well above average for sophomores across the country.
5. Blake Theis, sophomore at Eldorado, also showed extremely well. Blake's main strength is his speed, as he ran a 6.99 60, which ranks him in the top 15% of 2020s in this category. He also threw 82 mph from 1st base and 79 from the outfield. His fastball was at 78 mph.
6. Ryan Curran, a junior at Volcano Vista, had strong numbers all across the board. Ran a 6.8 60, which is crazy fast, was recognized for his hitting at the showcase, pumped 83 for his fast ball and threw 86 from the outfield. All-around great player and one of the anchors on a strong VV team. Ryan made the top prospect list for the showcase as a 2019.
7. Joey Palamara, a sophomore at Hope Christian, didn't have any numbers that were off the charts, but all of his numbers were middle of the road and showed he plays at a high level. I don't know him, but I'm sure he is one of the top players at Hope, which has a really young team this coming year.
8. Cade Malone, a junior at Eldorado, is a real big kid (6' 2" 195 lbs) who hit extremely well this weekend and had a 93 mph exit velocity from the bat. Cade also made the top prospect list for the showcase as a 2019.
9. Ethan Silcox, a sophomore at Rio Rancho, also showed real well in all areas. Ethan ran a 7.1 60, his fastball hit 82 and he showed an above-average bat. I think everyone knows Ethan's older brother, Nick, but Ethan will be a contributor this year on a strong RR team.
10. Braden Gluth, junior RHP at Santa Teresa. He is obviously my son. I'm not going to come on here and say how great of a pitcher he is, but Perfect Game listed him also as one of the top 2019 pitcher prospects at the showcase.
Overall, a lot of NM talent represented really well this past weekend on big stages. Happy for all of them.
