In terms of local events, Wednesday’s College Coaches Camp featured some of the best talent I’ve seen on one field.
Additionally, the group of 50 players were able to play on St. John’s beautiful Jack Kaiser Field in front of roughly 20 college coaches from a mix of Division-I, Division-II and Division-III schools.
The event began with the players taking batting practice on the field in front of the coaches before transitioning into defensive drills.
The outfielders went first, followed by the catchers, then the infielders.
Following the defensive showcase, a 13-inning game followed. Several players stood out as top performers and showed potential to play at the college level.
Disclaimer: Some pitchers I was not able to watch.
Luke Coats (St. Anthony’s 2026)
Coats has done nothing but excel. Not only is he a dominant pitcher but he won our HR Derby two years ago. He has an excellent frame for a pitcher, and he’s only in 10th grade. He sat in the mid 80s and he has great command. I certainly see him as being a lights-out pitcher at the varsity level and he will be a high-end Division-I starting pitcher.
Max Donecea (Northport 2025)
Uncommitted LHP Max Donecea (Northport 2025) sitting 81-82 MPH Slurve 67 @BCprospects pic.twitter.com/DO1JOVQN4W
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 20, 2023
Donecea comes from a tough arm slot that is death on lefties and with his velocity/command, he’s not much easier on righties. He’s had a lot of success already at the varsity level with two years to go. He was low 80s in his outing, and there’s plenty more in the tank. In fact, I’ve seen him up to 86 in the past. With this pitch ability, he will be a Division-I pitcher and potentially a Division-I starter.
Brady Austin (Smithtown West 2025)
Uncommitted LHP Brady Austin (Smithtown West 2025) 80-82 MPH fastball 72 MPH curveball w/ 12-6 shape @BCprospects pic.twitter.com/Uk2Pz687rL
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 20, 2023
Brady was the ace of the Smithtown West rotation and even threw no-hitter in the playoffs. He has a classic over-the-top arm slot, reminiscent of Blake Snell. Fastball sat in the low 80s, but generates plenty of swings and misses. Breaking ball was 12-6 shape and is a true weapon at the varsity level.
Matt Reiter (Kellenberg 2025)
Reiter had some of the best velocity at the event, as he sat in the mid 80s and topped 86. He also showed command of a devastating slider. He will be a big piece of Kellenberg’s rotation next season. I think he has Division-I upside but would be very effective as a Division-II closer with his current arsenal.
Jayden Gigante (Carey 2026)
OF Jayden Gigante (Carey 2025) with an 83 MPH throw to third. Was All-Conference as an 8th grader @BCprospects @NextLevelBaseba pic.twitter.com/o5xfn6KCAa
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 20, 2023
Gigante is an all-around baseball player. He does everything well, which is why he was not only called up to varsity as an 8th grader but was named All-Conference. He’s a sub 7.0 runner with great instincts, he plays a stout defensive outfield and he can handle the stick – profiling as a perfect leadoff batter.
