Does the program make the player ?

It is interesting to see the connection between NC's most highly touted players and the state's best and most successful high school baseball programs. A relatively small number of strong programs seem to be producing an inordinate number of high-profile prospects year in and year out. Do strong playoff-caliber programs validate the quality of a prospect in the minds of recruiters and evaluators or is it just the added exposure of the playoff games ?

 

You have it backwards.

The top programs consistently have the best feeder systems. If you want to predict any programs long term success, look at the feeder system, all the way back to T-ball.

The feeder system gives the HS coach the polished player to fit into his program. It's critical for long-term high caliber programs like JH Rose. Greenville has one of the best feeder systems in the state. JH Rose will be a perenial powerhouse.

 

:applause:

 

and the lower end of nchsaa classifications is the likes of Cherryville, what an outstanding feeder program in place there!

 

Henderson County has a good feeder program that is now split over 4 schools. I really look for 2 solid 4A schools in Henderson County one of these days instead of 3-2A's and a 1A.

 

A good feeder system, plus great coaching equals an outstanding program. TC Roberson has both and consistently produces both college and pro propsects. Of course, exposure is key and these type of programs provide that opportunity for their players.

 

Did Thrailkill,Jackson and Maybin all grow up in TC's district ? That woulda been a heckuva T-ball team.
What I'm really driving at is whether the reputation of the HS coach/program has any bearing on which players get scholarships. If a college coach is paid to win, it stands to reason that he would strongly prefer players from winning programs. Also, do you think a team's classification enters into the evaluation of the player ? Do many 1-A players get scholarships ?

 

Winning programs have the advantage, especially when players can transfer to a particular school. Three key parts are a good feeder system from t-ball up, a good coaching staff and the intangibles received from being at a school that truly supports the program from the students, parents and administration.

Soap box time

Asheville has a great feeder system to take advantage of with two very successful Little League programs sending players to our one middle school. The middle school team is very successful. They have won their conference championship for I believe the past five years.

Asheville High has great facilities for baseball.
Funding for the program is not a problem.

Cameron Maybin may be the best player ever from WNC. He played his baseball in the Asheville system and was a standout on the Asheville middle school team. When it came time for High school, he transfered to TC Roberson.
This was his best opportunity to play on a "winning team" in his family's opinion. Can't blame them, but if Asheville had him roaming the outfield this season instead of TC, the cougars would be hard to beat.

Hope this helps answer your question. It may oepn the door for others.

 

Josh, Justin and Cameron did grow up in the district, but after about age 10 began playing AAU ball. The talent has to be there, but playing for a winning program and the level of competition has to come into play when being considered for a scholarship. There are a lot of good 1A players, but I believe it's harder for them to be seen. It's especially important that they attend showcases to get in front of the scouts. Andy Partin / Impact Baseball does a great job of promoting the Carolina players regardless of the school's classification.

 

WNCBB...you are right on with your comments.