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MD/DE Scout Blog: Catoctin at Liberty

April 13, 2023
Jamie Naill Jr
Maryland Scouting Director

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It was another short trip for me last night, as I was able to get out to see a key Top 25 matchup in the state as #5 Catoctin made the trip to #21 Liberty.     

Liberty gave the ball to their Senior leader in right-handed pitcher Jack Davidson, as Catoctin turned the ball to Senior lefty Peyton Castellow. Both arms pitched clean first innings before Catoctin struck in the 2nd, highlighted by a two RBI double by Freshman Hunter Reed and an RBI single by Sophomore shortstop Bryont Green, as they took a 4-0 lead. Junior catcher DJ Shipton tallied an RBI single in the 3rd, followed by yet another two RBI double by Reed, pushing the Cougars lead to 7-0. As Castellow was cruising along on the bump, Junior Garrett Worth tallied an RBI single in the 5th and Sophomore Jacob Bell chimed in with an RBI sac fly in the 6th, making the score 9-0. The Cougars would add two more in the 7th, winning in convincing fashion over a tough Liberty squad 11-0.

 

 

Liberty

 

Jack Davidson RHP / Liberty, MD / 2023

It wasn't the outing Davidson had hoped for, however I really liked the competitiveness and fight he showed on the bump, especially going up against a potent lineup that Catoctin possesses. It's a shorter, quick side step delivery into a kick out stride down the bump. Utilizes some arm speed through release with shorter arm action out of a higher three-quarter slot, working with quick pace and intent down the bump. The fastball came out of the hand well, especially early on at 82-85 mph, manipulating shapes on the breaking ball at 69-71 mph, while also featuring a low 70's changeup that showed effectiveness when down in the zone. I like the ability to change eye levels with the fastball, which showed to induce weak contact in the first inning that allowed the breaking ball to keep hitters off balance. Finished the game battling through four innings, giving up seven runs (3 earned) and punching four. 

 

Catoctin

 

Peyton Castellow LHP / OF / Catoctin , MD / 2023

Senior Peyton Castellow is truly one of my favorite arms to watch compete on the bump, and he continues to pitch extremely well every time he steps on the mound. The frame is not imposing and the stuff won't "light up" a radar gun, however Castellow knows how to pitch, he knows how to mix speeds, and he knows how to keep hitters off balance with any pitch in any count. Works with controlled pace and intent down the bump with longer, clean arm action from close to an over-the-top slot. The fastball works to all quadrants and he showed a keen ability to work in/out to any and every hitter throughout the lineup with exceptional feel for the bottom portion of the zone. The fastball will live in the low 80's, touching 84 mph on the night with occasional run/sink when he tried to ramp up. The curveball plays extremely well off the fastball, working with big 1/7 shape and the ability to mix in any count in the low 70's. Finished the night working six innings, giving up four hits, no runs and nine strikeouts. 

 

Jacob Bell SS / RHP / Catoctin, MD / 2025

I got the chance to see Bell for the first time last week, and it was certainly impressive to see the pull side strength in the bat. It's a physical frame with quick, whippy barrel action through contact and plenty of athleticism that impacts the game in multiple facets. In this one, I was able to see the whole field approach, as he stayed on a hanging breaking ball in his first AB and lined one through the second baseman for a single, followed by a bullet through the left side for another single. It's a controlled, aggressive approach that I believe will see increased power numbers as more consistent backspin is created. Finished the game 2-for-3 with three runs scored and an RBI.  

 

Bryont Green SS / OF / Catoctin, MD / 2025

Same as Bell, it was another opportunity for me to get eyes on an extremely talented Sophomore middle infielder, and Green once again did not disappoint. The lefty stroke is fluid and consistent, staying middle with the approach with consistent line drive tendencies gap-to-gap. The glove has also been an eye-opener for me and Green showcases the ability to move really well side to side with range and quick feet. He made a few really nice running plays on slow rollers, picking out the big hop and showcasing developing arm strength across the diamond. Finished the game 2-for-5 with an RBI. 

 

Hunter Reed OF / RHP / Catoctin, MD / 2026

One of the bigger surprises on the day, and certainly a player that caught my eye was Freshman outfielder Hunter Reed. In his first two AB's, Reed laced two, two RBI doubles into left-center field with authority, finishing out his day going 2-for-5 with five RBI. The frame is long and strong, creating extension through contact with plenty of uphill action through that produces consistent backspin. It's a more pull side approach for now and the ability to manipulate the hands and barrel have an "advanced" feel to it, as he pulled the hands in on some tough fastballs to get the barrel to it. Certainly a 2026 to keep eyes on as his high school career prolongs.