James McDermott: C/OF, (2024) Westford Academy, MA. 6-foot-1, 200-pound projectable athletic frame. Projectable and confident during batting practice, Mcdermott had a max exit velocity of 91 mph. (68.9 mph bat speed average). (22.0 mph hand speed average). Starts in a balanced athletic stance with a controlled load, then uses a small stride. Bat speed is developing, uses an uphill loose swing plane and good extension on his finish. He barreled up lots of balls with loud contact. Gap to gap aggressive approach. In the infield, his best throw was registered at 83 mph. Behind the plate, his strong arm produced efficient throws to second at velocities up to 79 mph; had athletic consistent footwork, a natural clean transfer, and soft hands. displayed next-level catching ability by boasting a 1.99-2.05 pop time. Clean setup. Showed consistent accuracy to the bag with a loose arm action and a high ¾ slot. 

James McDermott: C/1B, (2024) Westford Academy, MA. 6-foot-1, 195-pound projectable athletic frame. Capable and athletic at the plate, the right-handed hitter clocked an exit velocity of 84 mph. (62.0 mph bat speed average). (19.3 mph hand speed average). Begins in a balanced wide stance with a controlled load, then uses a small stride. Bat speed is developing, exhibits a long swing plane and level finish. He created some loud contact and found some barrels. Gap to gap approach. While catching, he recorded a position velocity of 74 mph during throw downs; showed soft sure hands, a clean natural transfer, and athletic consistent feet. displayed his ability to control the run game with a pop time of 1.97-2.02. Clean calm setup. Had a high ¾ slot and a loose arm action with consistent accuracy to the bag. The athletic recruit showcased his speed with a sub-seven 60 time of 6.81. 

James McDermott: C/3B, (2024) Westford Academy, MA. 6-foot, 190-pound projectable strong build. Projectable and capable in the box, Mcdermott clocked an exit velocity of 88 mph. (66.6 mph bat speed average). (20.1 mph hand speed average). Began in a balanced wide stance with a low load, then used a small stride. Has developing bat speed, long swing plane and level finish. Produced loud contact and found multiple barrels. Line drive approach. Behind the plate, his best position velocity throwing to second was registered at 75 mph; had a clean transfer, developing footwork, and developing soft hands. recorded pop times of 2.04-2.10. Clean setup. Consistent accuracy to the bases, used a high ¾ slot and a loose arm action. In the 60-yard dash, recorded a time of 7.25. 

James McDermott: C/3B, (2024) Westford Academy, MA. 6-foot, 175-pound athletic lean frame. Projectable during batting practice, Mcdermott clocked an exit velocity of 94 mph. (67.9 mph bat speed average). (18.1 mph hand speed average). Began in a balanced open stance with a tight load, then used a small closed stride. Bat speed is above average, uses a loose flat swing plane and good extension on his finish. In his round he found lots of barrels with loud contact. Aggressive approach. Behind the plate, throw downs to second were maxed at 73 mph; had developing athletic footwork, a clean natural transfer, and soft sure hands. produced pop times of 2.00-2.05. Calm athletic setup. Consistent accuracy to the bag, used a loose arm action with a high ¾ slot. 

Scout Evaluation 

James McDermott, Westford Academy, 2024, MA

Position: C/3B

Body: 6-foot, 175-pound athletic lean frame.

Hit: (RHH) Projectable. Starts in a balanced open stance with a tight load, then uses a small closed stride. Above average bat speed. Good extension on his finish, loose flat swing. Aggressive approach. 

Power: 94 mph exit velocity, average 72.6 mph. 67.9 mph bat speed average. 18.1 mph hand speed average.

Defense: (C) 2.00-2.05 pop times. Soft sure hands, developing athletic footwork, clean natural exchange. Projectable athletic. Calm athletic setup. 

Arm: 73 mph catcher velocity. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot, consistent accuracy.