It can be tricky when you try to project ninth and 10th grade players down the road, but for Akhil Penkala, it might be a little bit easier.

The fact that he is already 6’2” and still growing might help that evaluation.

This past summer and fall, Penkala dominated the circuit with the Garden State Ducks 2026 National team, picking up an MVP honor from Diamond Nation in New Jersey along the way.

Along with his size, the numbers are there: he hit .333 over the summer, and played all over the field for the Ducks. But he was dominant on the mound, and should be a key player for Old Bridge High School next spring in his sophomore campaign.

In the classroom, Penkala has also dominated, from the time he was in kindergarten until now. He has a 4.38 GPA after his ninth grade year, and that will continue to improve in his sophomore year.

Here is a scouting report on the MVP.

“Right now, it is a lot of projection, because he has to grow into his frame. But he is already 6-2, 190-pounds, so he is going to be getting much stronger over his next couple years: remember, he is only 15-years-old right now. He was the MVP of a Diamond Nation tournament, after he raked for the weekend. Penkala can hit, that’s for sure. He has good velo from his infield position, and probably projects at his size to a RHP/1B.”

“It is going to be interesting to see what he can do over the next few years with the Ducks and Old Bridge.”