2017 Atlanta Legacy ProspectsMay 23, 2017 by Chez Sievers
What To Watch For At Atlanta Legacy Prospects
What To Watch For At Atlanta Legacy Prospects
From May 27-29, the top 12U teams from Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida, and more will battle for bragging rights in the South at Atlanta Legacy Prospects in Cummins, GA.
There is no 12U tournament you will find in the Southeast that compares to Atlanta Legacy Prospects powered by USA Elite Select.
From May 27-29, the top 12U teams from Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida, and more will battle for bragging rights in the South.
"We are attending this tournament because of the competition," Impact Gold coach James Burgess said. "We believe that to be considered one of the best you have to seek and play the best. This tournament gives our girls that opportunity."
Beverly Bandits head coach Brandon Pannell added, "This tournament should be a great measuring stick to see where the teams need to improve before for the final stretch run to PGF Nationals."
Why: Expect solid pitching and defense to take Georgia Impact far into the Atlanta Legacy Prospects tournament. Emma Langston and Kirsten Fleet are considered the 1-2 punch in the circle mixing fastballs, curves, and drops. Behind every great pitcher is a great catcher. Impact has two of them--Alana Crenshaw and Allie Farrow--who will be gunning runners out this weekend. On offense, they blend speed and power with slapper Taylor Malvin and power lefty Caydra Parker. This group is extremely versatile, so don't be surprised to see players playing multiple positions this weekend.
Why: Winning is in their DNA. This year, they are USSSA state champs. Last year, they finished ninth at PGF Nationals, and before that they won PGF Nationals. Depth and tremendous talent are their greatest strengths, especially in the circle with Kasidi Pickering, Emma Strood, and Savannah Geurin. Expect to see a cohesive offense with triple threats Kennedy Powell, Ashlyn Jones, and power-hitting catcher Maci Bergeron. Their lineup is stacked with an arsenal of weapons of speed, power, and primed situational hitters. When it comes to defense, the Hotshots will make difficult plays look routine. Middle infielders Cecilia Vasquez and Evany Gonzalez possess strong instincts on the field and are gifted with the glove and exceptional range.
Why: Brandon Pannell's Bandits team has been playing together over the last few years and has been playing in national championships since 10U. The Bandits are led on the mound by Ella Whitney and Keagan Rothrock, who both come with big-game experience. One of the most well-rounded players you'll see is Taylor Pannell who has speed on the bases, can hit to all fields, and has the athleticism to play multiple positions. Grace Hollopeter is the general behind the plate. She is fundamentally sound behind the dish blocking and managing the game. Believe it or not, this team is attracting lots of interest from big DI programs.
Why: For these girls, this is their first year in the Impact Gold organization. Last year, they were Diamond Sports Hotshots South. The pitching staff is anchored by Halie Pappion, a big lefty from Lake Charles, Louisiana, who throws in 58-60 mph range with a knee-buckling changeup. Other pitchers include Reanna Nieman, Nana Castereno from San Antonio, and Averi Paden from Mississippi. One of the strengths of the team is the outfield. Gold 12U is among the fastest in the country and features Seleste Compian, Amiah Burgess, and Kayden Henry. All are left-handed hitters, and all are home to first in the 2.6-2.8 range.
Why: Ted Flannery's Bolts were first-place finishers at Turf Wars, and now they are back in action in their first tournament of the summer. This '04 squad has the attention of several of the top teams out of the Southeastern Conference. Expect Alea Johnson and Samantha Roe to light it up this weekend as the battery. The pair along with outfielder Maia Townsend were selected to USA Elite Select first-team All-American. You can always expect a good balance of offense and defense from the Bolts. They won't have their entire roster, but that doesn't mean you should sleep on the Bolts.
Why: The Lady Bombers are one of the strongest teams out of Florida and are as versatile as they come. Playing together since 10U, they merged with another strong team in the area to compete in big tournaments. Their pitching staff is deep with both righties and lefties. Expect lots of movement from pitcher Jordan Sheets, who has embraced her role in the circle. Another great athlete to watch is Jocelyn Wilkes, who is a natural leader on the team and has also earned a spot on the pitching staff. One of the most dynamic players on the field, Alexis Barber has the ability to play multiple positions on the field and has accrued a high softball IQ. The Lady Bombers are sure to make a big splash at Atlanta Legacy Prospects.
"When you get in front of the competition that you see in Atlanta and the bigger tournaments Jason puts on," Clearwater Lady Bombers head coach Angela Barber said.
From May 27-29, the top 12U teams from Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida, and more will battle for bragging rights in the South.
You will see the top teams go to PGF and WFC," Atlanta Legacy tournament director Jason Gusaeff said. "The odds that one of these teams winning PGF are very high.With 70 teams traveling to Atlanta Legacy Prospects, the stage is set for a four-pool double elimination showdown at Central Park in Cummins, GA.
"We are attending this tournament because of the competition," Impact Gold coach James Burgess said. "We believe that to be considered one of the best you have to seek and play the best. This tournament gives our girls that opportunity."
Beverly Bandits head coach Brandon Pannell added, "This tournament should be a great measuring stick to see where the teams need to improve before for the final stretch run to PGF Nationals."
What To Watch For At Atlanta Legacy Prospects
Who: Georgia Impact - Langston
When: See ScheduleWhy: Expect solid pitching and defense to take Georgia Impact far into the Atlanta Legacy Prospects tournament. Emma Langston and Kirsten Fleet are considered the 1-2 punch in the circle mixing fastballs, curves, and drops. Behind every great pitcher is a great catcher. Impact has two of them--Alana Crenshaw and Allie Farrow--who will be gunning runners out this weekend. On offense, they blend speed and power with slapper Taylor Malvin and power lefty Caydra Parker. This group is extremely versatile, so don't be surprised to see players playing multiple positions this weekend.
Who: Diamond Sports Hotshots
When: See ScheduleWhy: Winning is in their DNA. This year, they are USSSA state champs. Last year, they finished ninth at PGF Nationals, and before that they won PGF Nationals. Depth and tremendous talent are their greatest strengths, especially in the circle with Kasidi Pickering, Emma Strood, and Savannah Geurin. Expect to see a cohesive offense with triple threats Kennedy Powell, Ashlyn Jones, and power-hitting catcher Maci Bergeron. Their lineup is stacked with an arsenal of weapons of speed, power, and primed situational hitters. When it comes to defense, the Hotshots will make difficult plays look routine. Middle infielders Cecilia Vasquez and Evany Gonzalez possess strong instincts on the field and are gifted with the glove and exceptional range.
Who: Beverly Bandits Premier - Pannell
When: See ScheduleWhy: Brandon Pannell's Bandits team has been playing together over the last few years and has been playing in national championships since 10U. The Bandits are led on the mound by Ella Whitney and Keagan Rothrock, who both come with big-game experience. One of the most well-rounded players you'll see is Taylor Pannell who has speed on the bases, can hit to all fields, and has the athleticism to play multiple positions. Grace Hollopeter is the general behind the plate. She is fundamentally sound behind the dish blocking and managing the game. Believe it or not, this team is attracting lots of interest from big DI programs.
Who: Impact Gold National - Gold 12U
When: See ScheduleWhy: For these girls, this is their first year in the Impact Gold organization. Last year, they were Diamond Sports Hotshots South. The pitching staff is anchored by Halie Pappion, a big lefty from Lake Charles, Louisiana, who throws in 58-60 mph range with a knee-buckling changeup. Other pitchers include Reanna Nieman, Nana Castereno from San Antonio, and Averi Paden from Mississippi. One of the strengths of the team is the outfield. Gold 12U is among the fastest in the country and features Seleste Compian, Amiah Burgess, and Kayden Henry. All are left-handed hitters, and all are home to first in the 2.6-2.8 range.
Who: Birmingham Thunderbolts - Flannery
When: See ScheduleWhy: Ted Flannery's Bolts were first-place finishers at Turf Wars, and now they are back in action in their first tournament of the summer. This '04 squad has the attention of several of the top teams out of the Southeastern Conference. Expect Alea Johnson and Samantha Roe to light it up this weekend as the battery. The pair along with outfielder Maia Townsend were selected to USA Elite Select first-team All-American. You can always expect a good balance of offense and defense from the Bolts. They won't have their entire roster, but that doesn't mean you should sleep on the Bolts.
Who: Clearwater Lady Bombers - Barber
When: See ScheduleWhy: The Lady Bombers are one of the strongest teams out of Florida and are as versatile as they come. Playing together since 10U, they merged with another strong team in the area to compete in big tournaments. Their pitching staff is deep with both righties and lefties. Expect lots of movement from pitcher Jordan Sheets, who has embraced her role in the circle. Another great athlete to watch is Jocelyn Wilkes, who is a natural leader on the team and has also earned a spot on the pitching staff. One of the most dynamic players on the field, Alexis Barber has the ability to play multiple positions on the field and has accrued a high softball IQ. The Lady Bombers are sure to make a big splash at Atlanta Legacy Prospects.
"When you get in front of the competition that you see in Atlanta and the bigger tournaments Jason puts on," Clearwater Lady Bombers head coach Angela Barber said.
They play like I've never seen them play. They play to that level of competition which is awesome to see.