2025 Winter Classic Preview
Prospect Wire wraps up its Florida fall and winter circuit this weekend with the Winter Classic in Polk County, Florida. The Winter Classic is traditionally one of the most competitive events on the schedule, and this year is no different, featuring 86 teams from across the state and representing the 14u through 18u divisions. The field is loaded with high-level talent, well-coached teams, and plenty of players looking to make a statement before the new year. Here are a few teams and organizations to keep an eye on throughout the weekend.
Kangaroo Court Roos (Palm Harbor, FL): Kangaroo Court is a nationally recognized travel ball organization and a regular at Prospect Wire events, known for its elite talent and well-coached teams. This week, they’ll be sending two squads in the 13u division to compete in the Winter Classic. Both teams come in poised for a deep run as they look to close out their fall season on a high note.
USA Prime (Florida): USA Prime is a nationally recognized travel ball organization with several different affiliated teams across the state of Florida. Known for fielding elite talent, their teams are always a threat to take home the trophy. This weekend, they’re rolling out for total squads from two different affiliates. The Tampa-area teams will compete in the 14u and 15u divisions, while the Jacksonville-area teams will take the field in the 16u and 18u divisions. All four groups come in looking to make a statement and push for a deep playoff run.
CBU (Florida): CBU is a nationally recognized travel ball organization with several affiliates across the state, known for its top-tier talent and commitment to developing players for the next level. This weekend, CBU is sending two teams to compete in the 14u division – one representing the Plant City area and the other coming from Fort Myers. Both squads have a track record of deep playoff runs throughout the fall and will look to carry that momentum into the Winter Classic.
Ponte Vedra Thunder (Jacksonville, FL): Ponte Vedra Thunder is a well-known travel ball organization on the Florida circuit, recognized for its tough, competitive teams that are well coached and fundamentally sound. This weekend, they’re sending two squads to the Winter Classic – one in the 13u division and another in the 16u division. Both teams come in prepared and poised to make a deep playoff run into Championship Sunday.
SSEA (Port St. Lucie, FL): SSEA is a well-known organization in Florida, recognized for its strong player development and providing kids with competitive opportunities to play at the next level. This weekend, they’re sending four teams to the Winter Classic – one in the 15u division, one in the 16u division, and two in the 18u division. All four squads are prepared and read to make a deep run toward Championship Sunday.
Club 321 2031 (Rockledge, FL): Club 321 2031 has made its mark this season in Prospect Wire events as a well-coached, fundamentally sound team that’s consistently in the playoff mix. This 13u squad captured the Palm Beach Fall Classic earlier in the fall, and they’ll look to add even more hardware to their trophy case this weekend.
Wow Factor Central FL Oviedo (Oviedo, FL): Wow Factor is a nationally recognized travel ball organization known for its elite talent and strong player development, and the Oviedo squad has continued to uphold that reputation. In their three fall events, they’ve been in the mix each time, most recently bringing home the championship at the NextGen Central FL Invitational. They’ll look to ride that momentum into the Winter Classic, aiming to finish the fall season strong and add even more hardware to their trophy case.
Tampa Phenoms (Tampa, FL): The Tampa Phenoms are a well-known force on the Florida travel ball circuit and a familiar contender in Prospect Wire events. This 14u team has built its reputation on high-end talent, disciplined play, and being a tough matchup for anyone they line up against. They’ve been in the mix at every tournament they’ve entered this season and will look to carry that momentum into the Winter Classic.
Vipers Baseball Club (Palm Beach Garden, FL): Vipers Baseball Club is a familiar presence at Prospect Wire events, known for its strong player development and tough, gritty playing style. This weekend, the program is sending four teams to the Winter Classic – one in the 14u division, one in the 16u division, and two in the 18u division. All four squads will look to close out their fall seasons on a high note and make a deep run into the playoffs.