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As I mentioned when talking about the Fresh 50, the Underclass Premier ran at the same time. This was the class of 2028, and while the 2029s and 2030s impressed, you could immediately see the difference in maturity, growth, and overall polish with the 2028s.
The schedule staggered in a way that allowed each group to watch the other. For the Premier group, it was easy to look back and see where they’d been. For the Fresh 50 players, it was motivating to see what’s ahead. And the 2028s didn’t disappoint at any stage of the weekend.
Like the Fresh 50, the Underclass Premier had talent across the board, in every category: natural hitters, athletes, power bats, arms, and defenders. But where they stood apart was culture. Many of these players have been around before; they know the expectations, and they set the tone. They worked in the cage, they locked in on defense, they adapted to instruction, and they competed with a professionalism beyond their years.
Award Winners
• Most Valuable Player: Kyndall Tausch
• Most Outstanding Pitcher: Jackson Stewart
• Most Outstanding Hitter: Soniel Nivar
ASHMORE: The Award Winners
Offensive Standouts
• Beckett Mulkey, CF/RHP — Aledo High School (TX), Texas Blacksox National 2028
Loud bat, power upside, can flat-out rake.
• Kendall Tausch, CF/RHP — Whitehouse HS (TX), Tyler Spartans
Hard contact on both sides of the ball, with real presence on the mound. On the hill, evoked memories of Taylor Jungmann, a former first-rounder.
• Aaron Castillo, C/RHP — Ray High School (TX), Wildcatters
Left-handed bat with juice; showed two-way potential but projects as a Rowdy Tellez–type power hitter.
• Calan Platt, CF/3B — Paradise Valley HS (Ariz.), GBG Arizona
Two-way ability, likely to find his home in college first, but consistently fun to watch.
• Dallas Tucker, 2B/CF — Skyline HS (Calif.), NorCal U
A little bit of Dee Gordon in him; plus runner, can steal bases, makes hard contact, and covers the whole field.
• Justin Parks, 1B/RF — Central Catholic HS (TX), San Antonio Lobos
Barrel-to-ball skills with impact; loud bat and power ceiling.
• Jesse Smart, SS/1B — Magnolia West HS (TX), Houston Heat 2028
Carried over his summer performance, driving balls all over the yard.
• Jaden Simpson, CF/LHP — St. James Catholic HS (Ont.), HPP Tigers
Speed threat in center field; two-way athlete who calls to mind an Armando Rios or Marvin Benard type now, with strength gains to come.
• Alex Pass, 3B/LF — John Carroll HS (Md.), West Coast Scout/MD Baseball Club
Big-bodied athlete still growing into himself; power already evident. Athleticism suggests the ceiling is high as he learns to sync his body.
• Hutch Campbell, 1B/3B — Bullard HS (TX), Tyler Spartans
Quirky setup, but the bat plays loud and consistently with real juice.
Speed & Versatility
• Easton Lange, CF/LHP — Castroville Medina Valley HS (TX), San Antonio Lobos
• Easton Tuley, LHP/RF — Wylie HS (TX), Texas Angels
Left-handed bats with speed, legitimate middle-of-the-diamond defenders, and pitching upside. Both are high-end Division I talents who carry plus make-up and leadership by example. Hard to believe they aren’t committed yet.
• Jacob Compean, CF/LF — Alexander HS (TX), STX Wildcatters Navy
• Jackson Rouse, CF/RHP — Western Technical Commercial (Ont.), HPP Tigers
• Brady Starr, 3B/RHP — Summer Creek HS (TX), Banditos 2028 Black
All showed running ability and athleticism, adding dynamic elements to their games.
Pitching Impact
• Jackson Stewart, RHP/3B — Del Oro HS (Calif.), NorCal U
Bigger-bodied version of Chris Archer, with present stuff and more on the way.
• Asher Wrenn, LHP/1B — Boerne HS (TX), San Antonio Lobos
Big-bodied right-hander evolving into a dominant force on the mound while keeping his offensive presence.
• Preston Hillis, RHP/C — Las Lomas HS (Calif.), NorCal U
Touched 90 mph; showed elements of Bud Norris and Sonny Gray. Also catching now, but long-term projects as a power arm.
Defensive & All-Around Players
• Soniel Nivar, SS/2B — Boston International HS, BA Hammerheads
Power bat reminiscent of Pablo Sandoval with a better frame — think Rafael Devers with a balanced approach.
• Gunner Carpenter, CF/RF — Comfort HS (TX), San Antonio Lobos
Athletic, can run, can go get it defensively.
• Cayden Einhaus, SS/C — Long Beach HS (Miss.), Wow Factor Gulf Coast
Clean, easy bat path through the zone; produces consistent hard contact.
• Angel Montilla, 2B/SS — Brooke Charter HS (Mass.), Base Astros
Sure-handed defender who can handle both middle infield spots.
• Brady Starr, 3B/RF — Summer Creek HS (TX), Banditos 2028 Black
Athletic, hitterish, with intangibles that play.
• Davis Bartee, 3B/1B — Ridge Point HS (TX), Team Nation
Compact swing and loud contact; a little Craig Monroe vibe despite mostly corner work.
• Lyndon Austin, CF/LF — Boerne HS (TX), San Antonio Lobos
Reliable competitor who always shows up and produces.
• Anderson Sweeney, CF/RHP — O’Bryant HS (Mass.), BAA Hammerheads
Middle-of-the-diamond athlete with a loud bat; also pitches.
• Jackson Hays, 3B/RHP — Chisholm Trail HS (TX), Texas Blacksox
Physical frame continuing to add polish.
• Aden Odubela, CF/RF — Heritage HS (Calif.), NorCal U
Soft hands, range, and natural timing defensively.
• Liam Asher, C/2B — St. Michael’s Catholic (Ont.), HPP Tigers
Throwback catcher with arm strength, bat ability, and athletic upside.
The Bigger Picture
This was a loaded group, and as much as I could keep listing names, the point is clear: this Underclass Premier class was deep, athletic, and prepared. They represent the second step in the Future Stars Series development path, and they delivered in every way.
The fun part now will be seeing them again in the fall at Instructs, at regionals, and in the next stages of the program. As new blood joins the organization, these players will continue to compete, push each other, and raise the bar.
The Fresh 50 showed us the future, but the Underclass Premier reminded us of what’s right around the corner. This group of 2028s set the tone, and they’re only getting started.
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