featured – Diamond Prospects

Hilton Head @ Philip Simmons

By: Devin Beckley – April 24, 2025 With the regular season coming to a close, DP Staff made its way to Phillip Simmons High School for a region battle between Phillip Simmons and Hilton Head. Dodging the rain to get this second of a three-game set in, there was ample fireworks for the first time this evaluator would witness these two teams. -Iron… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well. Username Password Remember Me Forgot Password

The Bullpen Show – Forest Acres Recap

April 23, 2025 – The Bullpen Show – Forest Acres Recap, Season III, dp Chat 33 (28:39): DP’s Austin Alexander & Cory Welch take a look back at the 20th Annual Forest Acres Classic: The event, team info, player highlights and some miscellaneous topics discussed / Morlando Goes Yard / POW’s / Player Breakdowns / Team TW Fundraiser / Playoff Chatter…Live Now! Click Here On Deck: SCHSL baseball commissioner Charlie Wentzky explains the playoff format & new transfer rule… Stay tuned to DP! -Coach Tim Wallace GoFundMe-

Abbeville @ Dixie

By: Cory Welch – April 22, 2025 With a region title up for grabs, DP made the trip to Due West, SC, where the Dixie Hornets played host to the Abbeville Panthers in a highly anticipated Tuesday night showdown. The stakes couldn’t be higher—Abbeville entered with a 9-1 region record, while Dixie stood unbeaten at 10-0. A win for the Hornets would gi… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.

Diamond Prospects Players of the Week #6: 4/14 – 4/20

Each week during the High School season DP announces a player, pitcher & team of the week. The selection process is based on players stats, observations/recommendations from our staff and prep coaches who weigh in with a nomination. This week, DP was able to lay eyes on quite a few teams across our state as the regular season is in full swing. We look forward to bringing this to you every week as we highlight these prospects and a team that performs at a high level. As you know, these selections are never easy, but we will give it our best shot! Going forward, coaches who submit a viable candidate certainly helps! -Pitcher of the Week- Stephen Platte – 2025, South Aiken, LHP, Citadel signee: The Citadel signee had a very impressive outing last week to capture a much needed victory for the Thoroughbreds. Platte went the distance where he allowed only one hit, no runs and punched out a dozen batters. The southpaw was also up to 89 MPH on the bump on this particular night. Congratulations to Mr. Platte for being named DP’s Pitcher of the Week! -Honorable Mention- Collin Anderson – 2205, James Island, LHP, Flo-Dar Tech signee: 7 IP, 5 H, 5 K Quinn Clouden – 2026, Catawba Ridge, RHP, Uncommitted: 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K Dalton Dial – 2026, Walhalla, RHP, Uncommitted: 7 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 6 K Mac Duncan – 2026, Green Sea-Floyds, RHP, Uncommitted: 10 IP, 19 K, H, 2 BB Will Fulcher – 2026, Woodmont, RHP, Uncommitted: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 12 K Emory Horton – 2025, Boiling Springs, RHP, North Greenville signee: 5 IP, 0 R, H, 5 K Foster Matthews – 2025, East Clarendon, RHP, Uncommitted: 6.2 IP, 5 H, ER, 9 K Bryce Meil – 2026, Catawba Ridge, RHP, Uncommitted: 7 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 13 K; .500 AVG (5/10), HR, 3 RBI Logan McGarity – 2026, Dorman, RHP, Uncommitted: 7 IP, 2 H, 11 K, 0 R Aiden Smith – 2026, Clover, RHP, Winthrop commit: 7 IP, R, 4 H, 9 K Simon Strother – 2026, RHP, Lancaster, Uncommitted: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 4 K -Previous Award Winners- WeekNameHigh SchoolClassR/LCommitted4/14-4/20Stephen PlatteSouth Aiken2025LHPCitadel4/7-4/12Tanner FinleyClinton2026RHP–3/31-4/6Parker ReavisCarolina Forest2026RHP–3/25-3/30Josh CarlsonJL Mann2026RHP–3/17-3/24Kaden MyersMid-Carolina2025RHPC of C3/10-3/16Cash EppsAirport2027RHP– -Player of the Week- Palmer Hornick – 2026, Dorman, INF, Virginia Tech commit: A busy week at the dish for the table setter for the Cavaliers lineup! He tallied nine hits on the week making his average .750 for the week. He also collected four doubles and mixed in a ball over the wall as well! Congratulations to the Virginia Tech commit for being named DP’s Player of the Week! -Honorable Mention- Braylon Dean, 2026, Dorman, INF, Uncommitted: .625 AVG (5/8), 2B, 5 RBI, 3 R Kade Jones – 2026, Travelers Rest, INF, College of Charleston commit: .625 AVG (5/8), 3B, 4 R, 2 RBI, 2 SB Taj Marchand – 2026, James Island, INF/RHP, Ole Miss commit: .583 AVG (7/12), 3 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R Parker McGee – 2026, Lancaster, INF, South Carolina commit: .571 AVG (4/7), 2 2B, 2 SB 2 R Luke Morrison – 2025, Boiling Springs, 1B, Uncommitted: .721 AVG (8/11), 3 2B, 8 RBI, 2 BB, SB Collin Phillips – 2027, Walhalla, 1B, Uncommitted: .545 (6/11), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R Carson Politsch – 2026, Clover, C, Uncommitted: .500 AVG (4/8), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 BB, SB Ty Simpson – 2026, DW Daniel, INF, Uncommitted: .600 AVG (6/10), 3 HR, 9 RBI, 5 R, 2 SB Aiden Suggs – 2025, Loris, OF/RHP, Francis Marion signee: .571 AVG (4/7), 2B, 3 RBI, 3 R, 3 SB Jayden Williams – 2025, Spring Valley, OF, Citadel signee: .778 AVG (7/9), 4 RBI 4 SB -Previous Award Winners- WeekNameHigh SchoolClassPosCommitted4/14-4/20Palmer HornickDorman2026INF/RHPVirginia Tech4/7-4/12Kaden JonesTravelers Rest2026INFC of C3/31-4/6Trip OstergardJames Island2027INF–3/25-3/31Collin PhillipsWalhalla20271B–3/17-3/24Jacob PettitFort Mill2025OFLenoir-Rhyne3/10-3/16Colton EarnhardtDorman2025INF– -Team of the Week- Hartsville Red Foxes: In the biggest region series of the year, the Red Foxes completed the sweep of South Florence. On Tuesday, they captured a 4-0 win and made a statement on Thursday night with a 16-4, pushing the Red Foxes record to 15-4 overall and a 10-0 region record. -Previous Award Winners- WeekHigh School4/14-4/20Hartsville Red Foxes4/7-4/12Fountain Inn Fury3/31-4/6James Island Trojans3/25-3/31Georgetown Bulldogs3/17-3/24Fort Dorchester Patriots3/10-3/16Riverside Warriors Who will be the top performers for next week? Stay tuned to DP to find out!

The Forest Acres Classic

By: Austin Alexander, Cory Welch & Chipper Johnson – April 14-17, 2025 -Miller repeats at sun splashed FAC, spring break baseball at its finest- When Spring Break rolls around in the Midlands, one event has stood the test of time for over two decades: the Forest Acres Classic. Once again, Falcon Field and the AC Flora grounds were in pristine condition, thanks to the hard work of the baseball staff and Modern Turf, who had the playing surface looking spectacular. As with any outdoor event, the weather plays a big role—and this year, Mother Nature delivered. The 2025 edition enjoyed clear skies and ideal temperatures throughout, with only a touch of midday warmth that was hardly worth a complaint. This year’s field was as competitive as ever, featuring seven in-state programs and one out-of-state powerhouse. Host AC Flora welcomed Cardinal Newman, Airport, River Bluff, Lexington, Lugoff-Elgin, Hammond and The Miller School, a perennial contender out of Virginia. The format featured three days of pool play, followed by a third-place game and a championship matchup on the final day, capped off with an awards ceremony. With so many high-level programs in attendance, there’s no shortage of standout prospects to highlight. As Spring Break tournaments wrap up across the Palmetto State, we now begin shifting focus toward key region battles and the fast-approaching playoffs. But first, let’s shift to the action between the lines! Championship Thursday – Third Place Game: Lexington vs River Bluff Thursday’s morning game served as an appetizer for the Region IV-5A matchup next week, Lexington vs River Bluff; two longtime rivals that also lay claim to the past two 5A state championships. Brayden Studebaker worked 5.2 innings allowing two runs and held the Gators bats at bay long enough for Graham Coleman to drive a triple high off the wall that scored three. Owen Watts worked the final 4 outs to preserve the Wildcat victory. Both teams square off again Tuesday to settle the league title next week. Final Score: Lexington 8 River Bluff 4 Championship Thursday – Title Game: Miller School vs AC Flora AC Flora paraded three arms making their varsity debuts and nearly pulled off a W versus a loaded Miller School squad. Zach Snead’s 2-run bomb to right and Dylan Hernandez’ RBI-double paced a three-run first for the Falcons. The Mustangs quickly answered with a homer from Tennessee-bound Evan Hankins’ solo job to begin chipping away at the Falcon lead. Two Miller runs in the fifth and the go-ahead double in the sixth broke the tie and proved to be enough for the visitors from Virginia who have now repeated as the FAC’s champion. Final: Miller 5 AC Flora 4 Cooperstown at FAC: Once again, The Miller School made an appearance at the Forest Acres Classic—a quality program out of Virginia led by none other than Billy Wagner. Up until recently, Coach Wagner was best known as a household name in Major League Baseball, where he “turned out the lights” in 422 games. This summer he will be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame—an incredibly well-deserved honor for one of the greatest closers of our time, and now, one of the most impactful coaches in the game. This week, we had the opportunity to watch him work with his team and pour into the next generation of players. It was a pleasure watching his program compete, and we wish them all the best this spring. Congratulations, Coach Wagner—you’re truly one of the best in the business! -Fist Bumps- DP Thank You: A big thank-you to AC Flora Head Coach Andy Hallett for the incredible hospitality. Coach Hallett, his staff, and all the Forest Acres Classic volunteers went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed to provide a great platform for the players. We were grateful for the opportunity to post up behind the backstop all week! Web Gem on Steroids: In Opening Day’s Game, River Bluff SS Ab Wilkerson had just entered the contest and pursued a low pop up into shallow leftfield and toward the line. His fully outstretched and totally airborne snag was easily the top play in the FAC and perhaps witnessed this spring. Outstanding effort from the sophomore infielder on a big play in a big situation for his club…In the honorable mention category, you will find AC Flora’s Charlie Scott with a big diving catch to end a Tuesday threat and Brandon Cromer’s patrol of the outfield lawn that include a handful of long running snares in every direction, also a couple banging into the wall. -Prospect Info by Graduation Links- NEW! 2025 NEW! 2026 NEW! 2027 & 2028

Summer Showcase: 2025

On Tuesday & Wednesday, June 3-4, Diamond Prospects will host our 20th Annual Summer Showcase at River Bluff HS. If you are a prospect in the Classes of 2026-2029, you are invited to this ‘open’ event to display your skills in front of college coaches and the DP Staff. Want an invitation to the Palmetto Games? While attending does not ensure a roster spot at the Palmetto Games, hundreds have punched their ticket at this Summer Showcase in years past. Trackman will also be present as we evaluate participants in every aspect of their abilities, ending in a game. The first 150 applications submitted are accepted. Please note that every prior event spanning 19 years has been full before the deadline. Info / Register / Event Alumni

Diamond Prospects Players of the Week #5: 4/7 – 4/12

Each week during the High School season DP announces a player, pitcher & team of the week. The selection process is based on players stats, observations/recommendations from our staff and prep coaches who weigh in with a nomination. This week, DP was able to lay eyes on quite a few teams across our state as the regular season is in full swing. We look forward to bringing this to you every week as we highlight these prospects and a team that performs at a high level. As you know, these selections are never easy, but we will give it our best shot! Going forward, coaches who submit a viable candidate certainly helps! -Pitcher of the Week- Tanner Finley – 2026, Clinton, RHP/INF, Uncommitted: Junior standout Tanner Finley delivered a dominant performance in a key region matchup for the Red Devils. Over six hitless innings, Finley struck out 14 batters and allowed just one walk—the only blemish in an otherwise flawless outing. Congratulations to Tanner Finley on being named DP’s Pitcher of the Week! -Honorable Mention- Jaxson Barbee – 2025, Westside, RHP, Uncommitted: 7 IP, 0 R, 5 K Josh Carlson – 2026, JL Mann, RHP, Uncommitted: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 8 K William Cutshall – 2026, Seneca, RHP/INF, Ole Miss commit: 5 IP, 12 K, Perfect Game Cash Epps – 2027, Airport, RHP, Uncommitted: 7 IP, 2 H, K, BB Connor Jones – 2025, Bridges Prep, RHP, Uncommitted: 4.2 IP, H, 9 K Braiden McAlister – 2025, Pendleton, LHP/OF, Uncommitted: 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 K Brayden Passmore – 2026, Fountain Inn, RHP, Uncommitted: 7 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 8 K Parker Reavis – 2027, Carolina Forest, RHP, Uncommitted: 6.2 IP, W, SV, 3 H, 0 R, BB, 11 K Bradley Runion – 2028, Pendleton, RHP/INF, Uncommitted: 7 IP, ER, 6 K Jarrett Wagner – 2026, Stratford, RHP, Uncommitted: 5 IP, H, 0 R 4 BB, 10 K -Previous Award Winners- Week Name High School Class R/L Committed 4/7-4/12 Tanner Finley Clinton 2026 RHP – 3/31-4/6 Parker Reavis Carolina Forest 2026 RHP – 3/25-3/30 Josh Carlson JL Mann 2026 RHP – 3/17-3/24 Kaden Myers Mid-Carolina 2025 RHP C of C 3/10-3/16 Cash Epps Airport 2027 RHP – -Player of the Week- Kaden Jones – 2026, Travelers Rest, INF, College of Charleston commit: It was quite literally a powerful week for junior infielder Jones from Travelers Rest High School. He launched four home runs, drove in eight runs, scored five times, and drew three walks. His four-homer outburst brings his 2025 season total to nine! Congratulations to the College of Charleston commit on earning Player of the Week honors! -Honorable Mention- Ayden Clay – 2025, Pendleton, OF/RHP, Cleveland CC signee: 4-9 (.556), 2B, HR, 7 RBI Jachin Davis – 2026, Stratford, INF/RHP, Liberty commit (FB): .714 AVG, SB, 1 IP, 0 R Hunter Epps – 2025, Airport, INF/RHP, USC-Union commit: 5-7, 2B, 3 RBI, 3 R, SB Felix Fletcha-Ruiz – 2026, Chapin, OF, Uncommitted: 5-9 (.556), 4 R, 3 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB Tye Miller – 2026, Pendleton, 1B, Uncommitted: 5-11 (.55), 3B, 3 RBI, 4 R Aedan Queen – 2025, Pendleton, C, Uncommitted: 5-8 (.625), 2 RBI, 2 BB Brayden Simpson – 2027, Broome, OF, Uncommitted: 4-8, 2 R, RBI, 3 SB Avery Weaver – 2027, West Florence, INF, Uncommitted: 5-9 (.556), 3 HR, 2 2B, 7 R, 8 RBI, 3 BB Garrett Williams – 2025, Pendleton, OF, Uncommitted: 4-7 (.571), 4 R, 2 RBI, 2 SB James Williams – 2027, Bridges Prep, UTL, Uncommitted: .500 AVG, 2 RBI, 6 R, 4 BB, 6 SB -Previous Award Winners- Week Name High School Class Pos Committed 4/7-4/12 Kaden Jones Travelers Rest 2026 INF C of C 3/31-4/6 Trip Ostergard James Island 2027 INF – 3/25-3/31 Collin Phillips Walhalla 2027 1B – 3/17-3/24 Jacob Pettit Fort Mill 2025 OF Lenoir-Rhyne 3/10-3/16 Colton Earnhardt Dorman 2025 INF – -Team of the Week- Fountain Inn Fury: Following a sweep of their region rival, the Fury has been named DP’s Team of the Week! Fountain Inn picked up three big wins over the Raiders, extending their perfect region record to 10-0. They now hold an impressive overall mark of 18-3. Congratulations to Head Coach Blake Roland and Fountain Inn High School on earning DP’s Team of the Week honors! -Previous Award Winners- Week High School 4/7-4/12 Fountain Inn Fury 3/31-4/6 James Island Trojans 3/25-3/31 Georgetown Bulldogs 3/17-3/24 Fort Dorchester Patriots 3/10-3/16 Riverside Warriors Who will be the top performers for next week? Stay tuned to DP to find out!

The Bullpen Show – Forest Acres Classic

April 10, 2025 – The Bullpen Show – The Forest Acres Classic, Season III, dp Chat 32 (18:09): A panel of high school heavyweights joined DP’s Austin Alexander & Cory Welch for a round table chat of the upcoming 20th Annual Forest Acres Classic. FAC director and AC Flora skipper Andy Hallett took questions along with Mark Bonnette (River Bluff) and Lou Bezjak (The State News) to discuss past tournaments and the one right around the corner, rumor has it a Hall of Famer will be in the house! / History of FAC / 20th Anniversary / Past Highlights / The 2025 Field Preview / Billy Wagner & The Hall / Forecast…Live Now! Click Here On Deck: DP ‘s travels during region play into Spring Break action! Stay tuned to DP!

South Florence @ West Florence

By: Cory Welch – April 11, 2025 On a pleasant Friday night in Florence, DP made the short trip over to West Florence High School for a crosstown rivalry matchup as the Knights hosted the Bruins of South Florence. While this used to be a region clash, realignment has since shifted the Bruins to 4A and bumped the Knights up to 5A. Still, credit to bo… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.

Clover @ Indian Land

By: Austin Alexander – May 9, 2026 .gb-block-image-04e093f7{padding:3px;margin:3px;float:left;}.gb-image-04e093f7{border-radius:33px;width:450px;vertical-align:middle;} Another cool night greeted Diamond Prospects in the Greater Rock Hill area for a key Region III-5A, Game 2 tilt between the host Indian Land Warriors and a visiting Clover Blue Eag… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.