Prep Baseball Report

MD/DE Scout Blog: Centennial at Glenelg


Jamie Naill Jr
Maryland Scouting Director

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No. 4 Glenelg played host to the Centennial Eagles in a big early season matchup that saw an intriguing pitching matchup between uncommitted Junior Zach LaFountain (Glenelg) and Junior Lehigh commit Cade Ahearn (Centennial)

The pitching dual loved up to the hype, certainly through three innings, as both LaFountain and Ahearn were keeping the opposing batters quiet and off balance. In the 4th, Glenelg finally broke through, as Senior catcher Ben Pearcy leadoff with a double, advanced to third on a wild pitch and came in to score on an RBI groundout off the bat of LaFountain. That was all the run support LaFountain would need, as he worked a clean 5th before giving the ball to Senior Nick Duvall in the 6th, and Senior Jackson Kelley (York) for the save in the 7th. Senior Josh Hull added an insurance run in the 6th with an RBI single down the right field line, and Kelley slammed the door in the 7th, as Glenelg took this one 2-0.

 

 

Centennial

 

Cadeyrn Ahearn RHP / 1B / Centennial , MD / 2024

The Junior Lehigh University commit got the ball for the Eagles and filled up the zone early and often, especially with the fastball. Possessing a physical, imposing 6-foot-4, 210 pound frame, the fastball was on early, sitting 85-87, up to 88 mph in the early innings. Had trouble landing the breaking ball for strikes early, but did show promise later in the outing with tight spin at 73-76 mph. Ahearn did land a few cutters that showed some late action/life at 80-82, but relied on the fastball when needed throughout. It's a slow build up with a higher leg kick, getting over the front side well from a high three-quarter slot. Works with light effort, held velo well and looks to have more in the tank. Worked five innings, giving up just three hits, one earned run and seven strikeouts.

 

Qwynn Ahearn C / Centennial , MD / 2023

One of the more special talents behind the dish, University of Pennsylvania commit Qwynn Ahearn impacts the game in multiple facets. A leader behind the plate, Ahearn possesses one of the strongest and more accurate arms across the state, and he loves to show it off. A physical 6-foot, 185 pound frame has plenty of athletic actions to it and moves well on both sides of the ball. At the plate, it's an athletic setup with fluid, simple actions in the backload. Utilizes quiet hands with explosive actions through, consistently showcasing plenty of strength to the pull side. I really like how accurate the barrel is, as well as how quick the hands work, showcasing the ability to manipulate when needed. Finished the game 1-for-3 with a double.  

 

Jackson Corrao SS / 2B / Centennial, MD / 2023

A lean, athletic middle infielder that impressed me on both sides of the ball. The hands are loose and quick at the plate, showcasing the ability to cover both sides with a strong line drive approach to the middle. Looks to be a high contact player with the ability to handle the stick against top notch pitching. 

 

 

Glenelg

 

Zach Lafountain RHP / Glenelg, MD / 2024

It was a dominating performance on the bump for the uncommitted Junior, raising his stock and solidifying his name as one of the top uncommitted arms in the class. The ability to mix his three pitches in any count for strikes is impressive, and I love the way he can manipulate shapes on the breaking ball. The fastball comes out well at 84-85, touching 86 mph early, and seemed to hold velo pretty well throughout with exceptional feel to the glove side. The breaking ball showed the ability to be spun in any count with fastball arm speed and lived down in the zone at 68-70 mph. LaFountain did mix in a few changeups at 78-79, but it was mostly the FB/BB mix that kept hitters off balance. An ultra-competitor that wants the ball in any moment and doesn't shy away from the bright lights. Not only can the pitchability play at the next level, but the mindset and competitiveness in my eyes is what sets LaFountain apart. Finished the night picking up the win, going five innings, giving up just two hits with nine strikeouts. 

 

Benjamin Pearcy C / 2B / Glenelg , MD / 2023

I am a huge fan of Pearcy, and the ability to slow the game down at the dish is something special. There is plenty of rhythm in the hands, incorporating a smooth, controlled backload with some explosion through contact. Consistently showcases the ability to hit for strength to all fields, and showed the opposite field pop tonight with a backside double and single. Behind the plate, the feet work quick and the arm strength is plus, with shows that are accurate and show carry to the bag. Pearcy threw out two would be base stealers at second base, and nearly threw out a third on a pitch in the dirt. An uncommitted Senior that can absolutely make a difference at the next level. Finished the night 2-for-3 with a run scored. 

 

Jackson Kelley RHP / Glenelg , MD / 2023

When Coach Steve Tiffany calls on his big horse out of the 'pen to close a game out, you can usually start to pack up your stuff and start heading to the truck; at least that's how it has been in recent memory. Nothing was different tonight, as Kelley came in to slam the door in the seventh, and that he did, striking out two on just thirteen pitches. A long 6-foot-7 frame is imposing and the moxie and confidence that Kelley possesses makes him even tougher. The fastball sat 83-84, touching 85 mph in his one inning of work, spinning a tight breaking ball for strikes that playes extremely well off the fastball.