Top 10 Standouts from the 2022 FHSAA State Championships (5-7A)
Over the last several days we had the opportunity to watch multiple games for the 5-7A Classes in Fort Myers, FL at the 2022 FHSAA Baseball State Championships. These semifinal and Championship games featured plenty of standout players, big performances, and ultimately for a few the celebration of a State title in the form of a dog pile and lifting the trophy. We congratulate Jesuit (5A Champs) Doral Academy (6A) and Stoneman Douglas (7A) on their Championship wins.
Below are 10 players that were key contributors for their teams over the past few days.
*Note: The matchups covered for the players listed below include: Jesuit vs Naples, Doral Academy vs Sickles, Stoneman Douglas vs Hagerty, Jesuit vs Eau Gallie, and Stoneman Douglas vs Palm Beach Gardens.
2022 RHP/DH Jake Clemente (Stoneman Douglas HS, FL)
Florida commit. Clemente was red-hot all over the field during the Final Four, putting together a complete game pitching performance along with some big hits. Racked up 10 Ks in his semifinal outing, featuring a fastball that sat 92-94 mph, touching 95 a few times (been up to 97 before) with plenty of life. Also mixed in a low 80s changeup and an 82-83 mph hard slider. Fast arm, creates timing issues for the batter with his delivery, and the ball really jumps out of his hand. Offensively he displays above average bat speed from the right side and while he can drive the ball gap-to-gap for extra base hits, he has present power (especially to the pull side) which was seen with a no-doubter home run into the berm in left field. Clemente should be high on MLB Draft boards for this upcoming July, but also has the chance to be a high impact two-way player for the Gators.
2022 LHP/OF Chris Arroyo (Stoneman Douglas HS, FL)
Florida commit. Arroyo had one of the most clutch Championship game performances out of everyone, getting it done on the mound and offensively. On the mound he releases from a quick, deceptive arm angle and hides the ball well. Pitched mostly at 87-90 mph with his fastball, touching 91 several times. Present feel for both his curveball and changeup that pretty much had the opposing lineup guessing, off-balance all throughout his outing. The changeup sat 79-82 mph with fade while the curveball had shape, depth, and generated swings and misses at 74-76 mph. Racked up 7 Ks in five innings of shutout work. Offensively, he creates above average bat speed from the left side with a swing that is a level to uphill path through the zone. Ended the Championship game by blasting a no-doubter three run home run over the right field wall. Another two-way prospect for the Gators that has a real chance to be a difference maker in multiple ways.
2022 OF Roman Anthony (Stoneman Douglas HS, FL)
Ole Miss commit. Anthony continued to show why he’s one of the most highly touted prospects in the country as he’s a must watch every time he steps to the plate. Multiple above average tools to go along with a present feel for the game, instincts. The hands are free and easy from the left side, finding the barrel often and creating loud, hard contact. Sets the tone at the top of the order and can drive the the ball anywhere on the field, allowing him to then use his above average speed to fly around the base paths. A real threat to put the ball over the fence at any time as well. Works the count, takes a smart at-bat, and displays plenty of confidence in the box. Rangy center fielder who takes good routes to the ball with throws that are not only strong and accurate, but have carry. Hard to find a more impactful and premium HS bat in the country right now and expect to hear Anthony’s name early on in July.
2023 LHP/OF Wes Mendes (Jesuit HS, FL)
Vanderbilt commit. Mendes rose to the occasion multiple times in both the semifinal and Championship game, closing out one and tossing a gem in the other. Physical, athletic frame with a quick arm that jumps on the batter. Mostly worked at 89-91 mph his fastball with 2500+ RPM, touching 92 and reaching back when he needed it. Also mixed in an 83-84 mph changeup with fade. Pounded the strike zone and attacked each hitter on his way to 11 Ks in the Championship game, going 6.2 innings strong. The two-way prospect also showed his offensive impact, driving the ball with intent for run scoring hits. Strong, quick hands from the right side with a present feel for the barrel. Very strong two-way follow, one of the top players in his class.
2022 LHP Jamie Arnold (Jesuit HS, FL)
FSU commit. Arnold was dominant on the mound in his outing during the semifinal round, tossing five scoreless and earning the win to send Jesuit to the 5A State Championship game. Struck out seven and scattered three hits while running his fastball up to 92 mph. Consistently pitched at 89-91 with arm side run while mixing in a 72-75 mph curveball with depth that he threw for strikes consistently along with a 79-82 mph changeup. Loose, easy working arm and there’s more in there as he continues to become more physical. Has the ability to go out there and command a game, get big outs when needed. We’ll hear plenty more about Arnold in the future.
2023 C Josh Hines (Jesuit HS, FL)
Uncommitted. Hines really stood out not only for his timely hitting, but defensive impact as well behind the plate. Defensively he receives the ball well, stays in an athletic position, and has a quick release on his throws. Accurate and strong throws to the bag which included a huge out at 3B in the top of the seventh in the semifinals. Shows leadership characteristics and commands the field. Offensively, he stays balanced throughout and trusts his hands through the zone to barrel it up. Had two key run scoring hits in both the semifinal and Championship game that helped propel Jesuit to the State title. All around standout backstop that should be closely followed by plenty of programs heading into the summer.
2024 LHP Talan Bell (Hagerty HS, FL)
FSU commit. Bell turned in a really solid outing against one of the toughest lineups not only in the state, but nationally as well. Works from a deliberate, over the top windup and stays balanced throughout his delivery. Loose, quick arm that featured a fastball mostly at 87-88 mph throughout the night with late run. Also flashed a 75-76 mph sweeping slider that displayed depth, was a tough read for left handed hitters. What really stood out though was his changeup which is already an above average pitch that runs away from right handed hitters with fade at 78-81 mph. Induced multiple off balance swings and misses with it. Showed confidence on the mound and didn’t back down. Very strong follow with above average athleticism.
2023 1B/C Daniel Restrepo (Doral Academy, FL)
Uncommitted. Restrepo was responsible for driving in the winning run during the semifinals, but really he had an overall standout day at the plate. Went 3-for-3 at the plate which also included a two-run double on a ball that was roped deep into the left field corner. Uses the whole field and sits back to drive the ball, showing above average bat speed from the right side. Suited for a spot in the middle of the order where he can drive in multiple runs. Strong follow heading into the summer.
2022 RHP Jake Gorelick (Doral Academy, FL)
Stetson commit. Gorelick turned in a solid outing for the Firebirds, going five innings of work and allowing two runs while striking out three. Featured a fastball that was mostly 87-88 mph, touching 89 with late life, more in the tank. The slider was really the pitch that stood out during his outing though and he threw it often and for lots of strikes, getting plenty of swings and misses with it. Mostly worked at 79-81 mph and at multiple points throughout the game with a 2700+ RPM. Simple windup, above average athleticism. Arm to watch that will continue to make jumps at the next level.
2024 MIF/RHP Jason Bello (Naples HS, FL)
USF commit. Bello shows all of the characteristics of a player who has an above average feel for the game, makes the smart play when it’s needed. Top of the order hitter who went 2-for-4 in the seminal game, taking a smart at-bat and looking to drive the ball back up the middle. Plenty of athleticism, aggressive base runner who looks to get good jumps on the pitcher. Up the middle defensively he has confident hands and makes accurate and on line throws across the diamond. Also ran his fastball up to 86 mph on the mound, mostly sitting 83-85. All around player that can make multiple impacts throughout the lineup. Strong follow.
