Each year the North Carolina Top Underclass Games is a must see for college coaches and pro scouts.  The 2020 event featured close to 50 of the top uncommitted underclass players in the state.  Hosted at the Burlington Royals Stadium in Burlington, NC, players were treated to a 1st class playing surface to compliment the talent on hand.

The day featured a full pro-style workout for position players with a laser timed 60, full offensive and defensive workout, plus an 8 inning controlled scrimmage.  Pitchers threw live to hitters, allowing scouts to gauge stuff and pitch-ability. 

CLICK HERE to see the full roster and stats from the Top Underclass Games.

 

By the Numbers:

• 44 players participated in the full pro-style workout
• 2 players ran sub-7.00 sixties
• 9 players ran sub-7.20 sixties
• 12 hitters posted exit velocities of 90mph or higher off the tee
• 23 hitters were at 85mph or better off the tee
• 5 hitters flashed an exit velocity of 85mph or higher in live BP
• 9 INF or OF showed arm strength of at least 83mph from their position
• 3 catchers threw pop times of under 2.00 in the workout
• 6 catchers flashed at least one pop time under 2.20 in the workout
• 20 pitchers threw live in the game setting
• 8 pitchers worked at 83 or higher
• 87mph was the top bolt of the day

 

Quick Hitters: Position Players

 

 

Colby Vanhook (RHP, JM Robinson HS, 2023) – Physical presence with a clean, loose arm swing.  Fastball tended to play above radar reading, creating swing and miss in the zone and chase.  Up to 81 with arm strength playing above arm speed.  Strike thrower with an attacking presence on the bump.

Harrison Lewis (RHP, West Forsyth HS, 2023) – Length present in a 6-foot-4 frame.  Some strength already available.  Controlled tempo working with solid direction.  Fastball up to 82 with a 8’56” extension.  Strike thrower with slightly above average arm speed.  Carries the arm speed on the change-up.

Ethan Young (RHP, Hickory Ridge HS, 2022) – Strength is present in a 6-foot-1, 195 pound frame.  Delivery is still raw, working for solid direction, but there is arm strength and movement.  Over 11 inches of horizontal break on the fastball, darting late to the arm side, creating several uncomfortable swings.  Worked up to 83 with a spin rate of 1869 rpm.

Henry Mitchell (RHP, Alburquerque Academy (NM), 2022) – Compact, athletic and direct through his delivery.   Arm strength with solid arm speed.  Fastball up to 87.  Strike thrower who attacked the zone and hitter throughout his outing.  Fastball spin up to 2407 rpm.

Carson Morton (RHP, West Stanly HS, 2023) – Broad shoulders.  Arm strength present.  Fastball up to 82 with an induced vertical break of 18.01 inches.  Worked elevated with the fastball.  Solid feel for the breaking ball with -6 inches of horizontal break and -3 inches of induced vertical break.

Chase Arrington (RHP, North Raleigh Christian, 2023) – Attacked hitters and the zone.  Worked with pace.  Fastball has ride through the zone touching 85.  Strike thrower.  Quick arm.

Luke Cannon (RHP, North Lenoir HS, 2023) – Strike thrower with good feel for the glove side.  Fastball peaked at 83.  Above average arm speed with some uphill leverage through his shoulders.  Lanky 6-foot-2, 170 pound frame.

Ethan Suchenski (RHP, Mountain Island Charter, 2023) – Large frame.  Direct line with the delivery.  Arm works to an over-the-top release.  Fastball peaked at 84 with an average induced vertical break of 18.85 inches.  Elevated in the zone, created some swing and miss, as well as soft contact on the fastball.  Peak fastball spin at 2323 rpm.