2026 NextGen Spring Championships: A big success for PW & Polk County
⚾ Event Recap: NextGen Spring Championships | April 11–12 | Polk County, Florida
Prospect Wire wrapped up its largest spring event of the season as 50 teams traveled to Polk County, Florida for the NextGen Spring Championships. Teams from across Central Florida, Tampa Bay, Bradenton/Sarasota, Orlando, and the Palm Beach region competed over the two-day event at facilities in Davenport, Winter Haven, and Auburndale.
The tournament featured 30 teams in the 13U division and 20 teams in the 14U division, delivering a weekend filled with competitive matchups and dramatic playoff finishes.
14U Division Recap
Diamond Elite Scout National entered championship Sunday as the #1 seed after an impressive pool play performance, allowing just one run through their opening games. They carried that momentum into the playoffs, navigating a tough bracket before meeting #2 seed CBU United Martin in a tightly contested Gold Bracket Championship.
In the end, Diamond Elite Scout National held off CBU United Martin for a 2–1 victory to secure the 14U Gold Bracket title.
The Silver Bracket championship saw Eagle Eyez Baseball claim the title with an 8–3 win over Wily Mo & Veras Dragons.
13U Division Recap
The 13U bracket delivered one of the weekend’s biggest surprises as the top seeds were knocked out early in the Gold Bracket playoffs. #1 Tampa Bay Freedom, #2 Tampa Xtreme, and #3 Tampa Hawks were all eliminated in the quarterfinal round, leaving #4 Kangaroo Court Tallo as the only top-four seed to advance.
The championship ultimately came down to #7 Space Coast Hawks and Kangaroo Court Tallo, with the Hawks pulling away for a 10–7 victory to capture the 13U Gold Bracket title.
The Silver Bracket championship featured a thrilling matchup as #12 Team Florida Grit edged #11 Canes Taylor 7–6.
In the Bronze Bracket playoffs, #17 Gatorball defeated #19 FL Blaze Baseball in a tight 2–1 contest to claim the championship.
“The NextGen Spring Championships has grown into one of our most competitive events of the spring,” said Nick Susie, National Tournament Director for Prospect Wire. “With 50 teams and strong competition across both age groups, the level of play throughout the weekend was outstanding.”
The event also continues to bring significant travel activity to Polk County.
“Having teams from across Central, Southwest, and South Florida travel to Polk County for this event creates a tremendous atmosphere for the players and families,” said Brian Werner, President of Prospect Wire. “It’s become a great way for teams to close out their spring schedules before shifting focus to the summer season.”
Local partners also recognize the impact of the event.
“Events like the NextGen Spring Championships are exactly why Polk County continues to be a premier destination for youth sports,” said Alex Dry of Visit Central Florida Sports. “We’re proud to work with Prospect Wire to host events that bring teams and families into the community while showcasing our outstanding facilities.”
With another successful spring championship weekend complete, Prospect Wire now turns its attention toward the summer event schedule across Florida and the West Coast.
