MD/DE Scout Blog: North East at Rising Sun

Grey Willis LHP / Rising Sun, MD / 2024

The University of Maryland commit took the ball for the Tigers and found himself in some trouble early, allowing a solo home run and walking three batters in the first, however, he would collect a clutch strikeout to limit the damage to only one run. Command would be an issue throughout the outing, as Willis allowed a total of nine free passes over his two and two-thirds innings of work. After a rough first inning, feel for the zone would improve in the second with a much quicker inning, before slightly running out of gas in the third as his feel for the zone showed a repeat of the first. Overall, the arsenal looked promising throughout the outing when located well. Fastball was working both halves of the zone, sitting 87-90, touching 91 during the first inning as he collected multiple strikeouts with the FB. Velo then settled in at 85-87 during the third inning. During the first inning, Willis showed a frequent slider, especially early in the count in an attempt to get ahead. Slider was mainly arm side at 70-73, working away from right-handers with some backdoor action. An occasional cutter was flashed during the later part of the first inning which sat in the low to mid-80s. Overall, the senior southpaw has some of the best stuff in the UCBAC, and if he fills up the zone at a more frequent rate, look for him to carry the Tigers into some deep playoff games.

Luke Crowl LHP / Rising Sun, MD / 2025

A standout this winter at our annual SC Bulldogs Scout Day, Crowl came in relief during the third inning with two outs, quickly inducing a ground ball to end the inning. Crowl would then throw into the sixth inning, collecting four strikeouts along the way. He had a decent feel for the zone in the fourth and fifth innings, limiting walks and making hitters earn them; however, as he started to lose stamina in the sixth, his feel for the zone would worsen before being taken out. I continue to love the three-pitch mix he utilizes, being able to throw any pitch in any count with confidence. The fastball sat 85-88, touching 89 during his first inning out of the bullpen, as he liked to change eye levels with it. Consistently working up in the zone, Crowl would start to induce whiffs as he would later with all three pitches effectively. Rounded out the arsenal with a slider and changeup mix, as the slider worked the outer half to RHH’ers. The changeup may have been his best pitch on the day, having that late drop that induced a high whiff rate. Mainly worked arm side with the changeup, however showed he could throw it anywhere at the bottom of the zone and it still be effective. A junior southpaw that I have really liked over the past few months, and I expect him to continue making strides, working his way to the low 90s as the season progresses. One of the top uncommitted southpaw arms in the state.

Ethan Flaugher C / North East, MD / 2024

The Mount St. Mary’s commit really stood out in all facets of the game on Monday, finishing 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs. During Flaugher’s first at-bat, he saw two sliders before demolishing an 88 mph fastball to dead center for a solo home run, coming 96 mph off the bat. He was awarded a free pass in his second at-bat, and then he gave North East the lead during his third at-bat as he golfed a pull-side single into left to drive in another run. Being a switch-hitter, all his at-bats I witnessed came from the right side. However, the actions are as mature on the left side as well. On the defensive side, the Tigers refused to test his arm; however, he showed off his arm strength a as he attempted a plethora of back picks to first. 

Luke Keefer SS / North East, MD / 2024

The University of Maryland commit once again was impressive to watch, especially at the dish yesterday afternoon. During Keefer’s first at-bat, he drew a quick four-pitch walk, before following up with a strong single through the 5-6 hole into left during his second at-bat. Later in the game, Keefer would strike a single back up the middle into center, finishing 3 for 3 with 3 RBIs, along with receiving three free passes. Fluid actions at the plate with an advanced eye, limiting swings and misses and staying patient to get his pitch in the zone, the senior was impressive as always as he continued to find ways on base. 

Evan England OF / North East, MD / 2024

The senior rounded out the big three at the top of the lineup, being the leadoff spark for the Indians. England finished 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs and four runs scored. Got set down swinging in his first AB before later coming up with a massive bolt for a double into the gap to drive in a pair of runs and tie the game up. Loved to swing early in the count, all three base knocks coming on the first or second pitch of the at-bat. Impressive actions with a strong swing as the three-headed monster atop the lineup will continue to create damage across the UCBAC as they’ve done consistently over the last few years.

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