Black Bear Classic - Data Scope

Pitchers:

Reed Gainous, Carolina Prime 17U (2026, RHP)

Reed Gainous brought a power profile to the Black Bear Classic, featuring one of the hardest average fastballs in the tournament at 89.2 MPH, T91.6. His fastball paired velocity with solid vertical break (13.6 IVB) and above-average spin (2192 RPM), setting the tone early in counts. His most effective pitch, however, was a deceptive changeup thrown at 82.7 MPH — just a 6.5 MPH difference from the FB — but with drastically reduced spin (1169 RPM), creating late fade and drawing a 50% CSW rate. Gainous also mixed in a short, firm slider at 81.2 MPH with over 2300 RPM, rounding out a mature three-pitch mix. The combination of velocity, movement, and offspeed deception made Gainous one of the more difficult arms to face at the event.

Blake Bryant, Carolina Prime 17U (2026, RHP)

Blake Bryant featured a complete 3-pitch arsenal at the Black Bear Classic, mixing a high-velocity fastball with a sharp breaking ball that consistently missed bats. His fastball averaged 89.9 MPH, T92.2, placing him among the top velocity arms in the tournament. With  nearly 14 inches of arm-side run, it carried strong ride through the zone. His strikeout pitch was a slider thrown at 78.3 MPH with over 2350 RPM and -10.2 inches of horizontal movement, generating a dominant 55.6% Whiff rate and 44.1% CSW%. Bryant also mixed in a fading changeup with nearly 13 inches of arm-side break. The following shows his movement profile, with the Changup bridging the gap between his FB and SL.

Eric Knowles, CBU 2026 Scout Team Stofsky/McCoy (2026, RHP)

Eric Knowles stood out on the mound with a strong FB/SL mix. His fastball averaged 86.9 MPH, T88.4, with a well-shaped profile — 15.4 inches of IVB and 10.3 inches of arm-side run — making it tough to square up. The pitch earned a solid 41.4% CSW%, showing both command in the zone and the ability to generate swings and misses. His slider, thrown at 73.9 MPH with elite movement (-17.4 HB, -12.3 IVB), was a true swing-and-miss pitch, boasting a 50% CSW% with spin nearing 2400 RPM. 

Max McDougall, CBU 2026 Scout Team Stofsky/McCoy (2026, RHP)

Max McDougall was electric at the Black Bear Classic, showcasing one of the most dominant three-pitch mixes of the event. His fastball averaged 86.6 MPH, T89.7, with a high IVB profile (16.2 IVB) producing a 50% Whiff rate and 46% CSW%. His slider was elite, thrown at 73.6 MPH with an incredible -13.3 inches of horizontal break and over 2590 RPM, generating a 75% Whiff rate. He also flashed a great changeup at 77.8 MPH with a ridiculous 20.8 inches of horizontal break and a 66.7% CSW rate. With exceptional movement on all three offerings and elite swing-and-miss rates across the board, McDougall was one of the most unhittable arms of the weekend.

Eli Millian, USA Prime Scout Team 17U (2026, RHP)

Eli Millian featured a four-pitch mix at the Black Bear Classic, highlighted by an elite high IVB fastball and sharp breaking ball. His fastball averaged 85.6 MPH, T86.5, with standout movement (19.6 inches of IVB), and above-average spin at 2208 RPM, making it a tough pitch to hit. He paired that with a well spun SL thrown at 75.1 MPH with over 2450 RPM and -7.5 inches of horizontal break, yielding a 33.3% CSW%. Millian also showed an advanced feel for his curveball, spinning it at over 2500 RPM with 8.4 inches of vertical depth. Rounding out his arsenal was a heavy fading changeup averaging over 22 inches of arm-side break. The following chart shows Millian's ability to locate his pitches on every corner of the strike zone.

Nathan Malinowski, Indiana Prospects 17U Navy (2026, RHP)

Nathan Malinowski put together one of the more intriguing arsenals at the Black Bear Classic, led by a high-IVB fastball and a devastating offspeed combo. His fastball averaged 80.9 MPH, T82.9, but stood out for its elite vertical profile — generating 20.1 inches of IVB, one of the top marks in the tournament — allowing it to consistently play above barrels. His best secondary was a fading changeup thrown at 68.9 MPH with over 15 inches of arm-side run, earning a 50% Whiff rate and 41.7% CSW%. Malinowski also featured two distinct breaking balls: a sweeping curveball (-13.2 HB, -14.9 IVB) and a slider  (-12.1 HB, -4.7 IVB), giving him a full four-pitch mix. With standout movement and effective separation across his arsenal, Malinowski consistently kept hitters guessing.

William Cutshall, East Cobb Astros 16U (RHP)

William Cutshall showcased a solid three-pitch mix at the Black Bear Classic, highlighted by a fastball with above-average traits and a sweeping slider. His fastball averaged 85.3 MPH, T88.2, and featured over 15.5 inches of IVB with spin north of 2100 RPM — a well-shaped pitch that stayed effective in the zone, generating a 39% CSW%. His slider was a standout in shape, thrown at 70.1 MPH with -21 inches of horizontal break and 2269 RPM, creating sharp glove-side movement. He also mixed in a high-spin curveball at 67.7 MPH with -15.7 inches of both IVB and HB, spinning it at 2325 RPM — a strong foundation for a true vertical breaking ball. With clear separation in movement and velocity across his arsenal, Cutshall brought a well-rounded and analytically impressive profile to the mound.

Todd Gibson, South Charlotte Panthers National (RHP)

Todd Gibson relied on his FF/SS combination and showed impressive metrics on both:

• Fastball: Averaged 83.1 MPH (T85.8) with 11.1" horizontal break and well above average 17.5" induced vertical
• Spun well (2194 RPM) and generated a solid 34% CSW across 38 fastballs
• Slider: Sat 66.2 MPH (T69.2) with an amazing -18.1" sweep and shallow vertical depth (−2.3" IVB). He posted a 50% whiff rate and 25% CSW over 16 pitches.

Rylan Kennedy, East Cobb Astros 16U (2027, RHP)

Rylan Kennedy turned in a strong performance, showing command of a deep arsenal with measurable feel across all offerings. 

• Fastball: Across 73 fastballs, Kennedy sat 85–86 MPH, topping at 88.9. He generated up to 17.3" of induced vertical break and carried spin rates around 2,100–2,220 RPM
• Curveball (CU): His most-used secondary, Kennedy’s curve averaged 72 MPH with -13.4" sweep and -7.9" depth, spinning at 2318 RPM. He used it 26 times and landed a 23% CSW, missing barrels with effective movement separation from the fastball.
• Slider (SL): A sharper option sitting 74 MPH, with -9.4" horizontal break and nearly flat vertical movement, helping it tunnel well with his fastball. Though he only threw it 5 times, it notched an impressive 80% CSW, showing out as an effective putaway pitch in limited usage.
• Changeup (CH): Thrown just twice but flashed intriguing shape with 11" arm-side run, 8.5" IVB, and velocity separation around 80 MPH—a potential weapon to develop.

Hitters:

Hayes Maginnis, East Cobb Astros 16U (2027, RHH)

Hayes Maginnis put together one of the most impressive offensive performances at the Black Bear Classic, joining an elite group of just three hitters to register five batted balls over 90 MPH. He totaled nine batted balls over 80 MPH, including a max exit velocity of 98.5 MPH and a max carry of 312.98 feet. Maginnis filled the box score with a triple and two doubles among his five total hits, consistently impacting the baseball with authority. His power was spread across a variety of pitch types — including fastballs, sliders, and changeups — and he showed the ability to drive the ball to multiple parts of the field.

Notable Batted Balls:

• 98.54 EV, 19.94° LA, 306.84’
• 97.58 EV, 21.57° LA, 303.87’
• 94.61 EV, 15.39° LA, 266.85’
• 93.18 EV, 13.45° LA, 229.78’
• 91.11 EV, 23.37° LA, 312.98’ 

Ryan Rosas, Team California (2026, RHH)

Ryan Rosas was another standout performer at the Black Bear Classic, finishing as another of just three players to log five batted balls over 90 MPH. Rosas consistently generated elite contact quality, highlighted by a max exit velocity of 96.5 MPH and his tournament-best 329.75 feet of carry. Rosas showcased the ability to handle multiple pitch types — including fastballs, sliders, changeups, and cutters — and he did damage to all parts of the field. His most impressive barrels included a pair of batted balls over 325 feet and another three in the 280–310 range, all with exit velocities of at least 91 MPH.

Notable Batted Balls:

• 96.53 EV, 5.34° LA, 63.85’
• 95.71 EV, 23.74° LA, 283.89’
• 94.64 EV, 23.25° LA, 329.75’
• 93.99 EV, 23.70° LA, 325.86’
• 91.69 EV, 26.00° LA, 311.61’

The following spray chart shows Rosas power to every part of the field:

Slade Sweat, Carolina Prime 17U (2026, RHH)

Slade Sweat turned in one of the most consistent offensive performances at the Black Bear Classic, recording five batted balls over 90 MPH and eight total over 85 MPH. Sweat piled up five singles and a double while producing a max exit velocity of 94.47 MPH and max carry just under 295 feet.

Sweat showed strong bat-to-ball skills with the ability to square up fastballs, curveballs, and changeups. His contact profile suggests gap-to-gap strength and an advanced ability to get the barrel to pitches across the zone. He did damage to various pitch types and elevated the baseball well in multiple at-bats, flashing both raw power and barrel control.

Notable Batted Balls:

• 94.47 EV, 7.81° LA, 175.42’
• 93.95 EV, -1.82° LA, 25.48’
• 93.8 EV, 22.03° LA, 294.99’
• 90.82 EV, 7.25° LA, 128.48’
• 90.63 EV, 3.24° LA, 85.62’
  

Reed Sullivan, East Cobb Astros 16U, (2027, RHH)

Reed Sullivan turned heads at the Black Bear Classic with one of the most impressive displays of raw power in the tournament. Sullivan was one of just six hitters to record an exit velocity over 100 MPH, topping out at a tournament-best 105.23 MPH with a carry distance of 345.43 feet. He tallied three batted balls over 90 MPH, another over 85, and two more over 80 MPH, including three singles and two doubles. He crushed both high-launch, high-carry fly balls and lower trajectory line drives, highlighting a powerful swing that produced the loudest contact of any hitter in attendance.

Notable Batted Balls:

• 105.23 EV, 20.75° LA, 345.43’
• 101.61 EV, 2.84° LA, 69.4
• 94.75 EV, 56.58° LA, 253.99’

Connor Fulmino, CBU 2026 Scout Team Stofsky/McCoy (2026, RHH)

Connor Fulmino showed solid power and consistent hard contact throughout the Black Bear Classic. He recorded four batted balls over 90 MPH, including a towering home run that peaked at 98.48 MPH with an impressive carry of 330.29 feet. Overall, Fulmino totalled two singles, one double, and one home run.

Notable Batted Balls:

• 98.48 EV, 38.43° LA, 330.29’ (HR)
• 95.57 EV, 14.40° LA, 265.62’
• 92.00 EV, 59.00° LA
• 90.75 EV, 15.81° LA, 254.11’

Caden Dawson, East Cobb Astros 16U, (2027, RHH)

Caden Dawson demonstrated strong offensive skills, recording four hits over 90 MPH exit velocity and a fifth over 85 MPH. His maximum exit velocity reached 97.93 MPH, with a top carry of 321.07 feet, showing solid power and the ability to drive the ball deep. Dawson compiled three singles, one double, and one triple, showing a versatile hitting profile that combined power and some gap-to-gap speed. 

Carson Bruce, East Cobb Astros 16U, (2027, RHH)

Carson Bruce turned in a productive performance, delivering three batted balls above 90 MPH and six hits over 85 MPH, with a max exit velocity of 94.64 MPH and top carry of 312.52 feet. Bruce collected two singles and a double, he also worked several walks and showed an advanced eye at the plate.

Notable Batted Balls:

• 94.64 EV, 7.04° LA, 157.84’ carry
• 90.18 EV, 14.15° LA, 217.32’ carry
• 89.84 EV, 27.25° LA, 312.52’ carry
• 87.61 EV, 36.51° LA, 303.85’ carry

Dual Threats:

Aidan Pack, East Cobb Astros 16U, (2027, RHH/RHP)

Aidan Pack delivered one of the best two-way performances of the tournament. On the mound, Pack sat 91.1 MPH on his fastball (T92.8) which was best in the tournament, generating a 32% CSW across 47 heaters. His CU averaged 72.8 MPH with sweeping shape (-15” HB) and strong depth (−13.1” IVB). At the plate, Pack produced 6 batted balls over 80 MPH, including 4 over 90 MPH and a max EV of 98.62 MPH, along a max carry of 336 ft. He launched a home run at 93.84 MPH, 32° LA, 334.7 ft, and posted additional blasts at 93.06 MPH (336 ft) and 98.62 MPH (328 ft). 

Tommy Glasspoole, CBU 2026 United Team Wisser (2026, RHP/RHH)

Tommy Glasspoole excelled both on the mound and at the plate. On the mound, the right-hander attacked hitters with a FB, CH, and CU. His FB averaged 85.7 MPH, T88.5, pairing it with a sharp curveball (73–75 MPH, ~2100 rpm) and a great changeup (18.9 HB, 8.3IVB). His fastball had 15 inches of horizontal break and over 19 inches of IVB, making it extremely tough to hit. He generated a 22.9% CSW rate on the heater and added effective pitch mixing with his offspeed arsenal. His curveball drew swings and misses, contributing to a 30% CSW rate.

At the plate, Glasspoole flashed power. He recorded three hits over 80 MPH, including two above 90 MPH, and launched a towering home run at 103.7 MPH with a 353-foot carry, one of the hardest-hit balls of the event. 

Notable Batted Balls:

• 103.71 EV, 29.61° LA, 353.06’ carry (HR)
• 92.16 EV, -6.69° LA, 32.83’ carry
• 80.23 EV, 14.33° LA, 182.13’ carry

The following chart shows Glasspoole's ability to keep his pitches out of the heart of the strike zone, especially working the ball up and in to RHH.

Ayden Romano, USA Prime Scout Team 17U (2026, RHP/RHH)

Ayden “AJ” Romano impressed as a dual threat at the Black Bear Classic. On the mound, Romano worked with a fastball that averaged 88.4 MPH and topped at 89.3 with nearly 18 inches of induced vertical break and a spin rate around 2160 rpm. He paired it with a sharp slider at 78–80 MPH, spinning in the 2400s, and a high-spin curveball (2460 rpm). His 41.7% CSW on the fastball reflected his ability to command the zone and get ahead in counts.

At the plate, Romano showed consistent hard contact, producing five hits over 80 MPH, including two over 90 MPH and a max exit velocity of 92.95 MPH. His batted ball profile included a 292-foot drive and several quality swings throughout the weekend. He collected five singles and consistently squared up fastballs across the zone.