Currently, Blake Bartlett is getting his chance to compete against some of the top Iowa high school players as a member of the St. Edmond baseball team.

But later this summer, the Gael freshman-to-be will look to showcase himself against the best players in the U.S. his age.

Bartlett was invited to the Prep Baseball Junior Future Games, which will take place in Atlanta this July for prospects 14-and-under. The catcher and right-handed pitcher will be part of the Team Midwest squad that is composed of players from Iowa and Nebraska.

The event is an invitation-only national showcase that attracts top collegiate recruiters and professional scouts each year.

“I want to thank my dad, Kyle, for all the many hours coaching me and putting in extra work with me,” Bartlett said. “He’s always been there pushing me to be better. I also want to thank my mom, Jana, who’s supported me every step of the way, and my older brother, Landon, who I’ve always looked up to. He helps me break down my game and pushes me to keep improving.”

Bartlett also thanked Chris Porter, a coach with the Fort Dodge Legends program, Nolan Friedrichs and Joel Baxley with the Iowa Sticks.

“Chris and my dad began building my foundation and love for the game with Legends,” Bartlett said. “Coach Friedrichs has been a key mentor and Joel and the Iowa Sticks organization have helped provide me with elite-level training and national exposure.”

Bartlett currently leads St. Edmond in RBI, strikeouts, wins, innings pitched, earned run average and WHIP.