Braves select Basic Academy star Southisene 22nd overall

Southern Nevada has produced another first-round selection in the MLB Draft.

Shortstop Tate Southisene, who led Basic Academy to the state championship last spring, was selected No. 22 overall by the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, joining a prestigious list of local players chosen in the draft’s opening round.

That distinguished group includes: Bryce Harper (No. 1 overall to the Nationals in 2010), Tyler Houston of Valley High (No. 2 overall to the Braves in 1989), Kris Bryant of Bonanza High (No. 2 overall to the Cubs in 2013), Green Valley High’s Chad Hermansen (No. 10 overall to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1995), and Green Valley’s Dave Krynzel (No. 11 overall to the Brewers in 2000).

Most recently, Justin Crawford from Bishop Gorman went No. 17 overall to the Phillies in 2022.

Southisene, the state player of the year, was selected earlier than many mock drafts projected. Listed as the No. 39 prospect on MLB’s top 250 list, he posted impressive numbers for state champion Basic, hitting .495 with nine home runs, 50 runs scored, 33 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound infielder is committed to USC, though most first-round picks forgo their college commitment for multimillion-dollar signing bonuses.

Baseball runs in the Southisene family. Brother Ty was selected by the Cubs in the fourth round last year, brother Tee is a rising sophomore at USC, and another brother, Troy, will be a senior at Basic Academy this fall.