By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

What a difference a year can make.

Last season, Henry Clay finished with a 13-20 record and a first round loss in the 42^nd District Tournament, a product of starting an extremely young lineup in a rebuilding season. 

This season, the Blue Devils have improved their record to 19-18 while winning the 42^nd District Championship with a win over Scott County last evening.  While six additional wins may not sound like all that much, you have to dig deeper into the schedule to know the improvement that represents.

All of the usual Lexington area teams were on the schedule such as Tates Creek (twice), Paul Laurence Dunbar (twice), LCA (twice), Lexington Catholic, Lafayette, Scott County, and Bryan Station.  When you add teams like St. Xavier, Madison Central, Male, Trinity, Mercer County, Eastern, and Ryle to the schedule, it’s easy to see the strides Henry Clay made this season, and junior Aaron McGeorge has been an integral part of that turnaround.

“Aaron is an extremely versatile player who has filled a lot of roles for us this season,” Henry Clay head coach Jordan Tarrence said.  “He usually plays center field when not on the mound, but he has played all three outfield positions, third base, and can play middle infield if needed.  He’s just a super athletic kid.”

Through May 15, McGeorge was hitting a team leading .397 for the season that included seven doubles and one triple while stealing eight bases.  His on base percentage of .481 leads the team as well. 

“Aaron is fast and controls the bat well,” Tarrence said.  “He has the speed to beat out a bunt or infield hit at any time, but he has also shown much more pop this season.  He didn’t have a single extra-base hit as a sophomore, but he has eight this season.”

On the mound, McGeorge has been at or near the top of the rotation for the Blue Devils all season.  As of May 15, he sported a 3-2 record and 2.46 earned run average pitching against some of the tougher opponents on the schedule.  In 31.1 innings, McGeorge has issued 12 walks while striking out 20.

“Aaron has been one of our top two pitchers all season,” Tarrence said.  “He’s been pitching in the 81-84 mph range this spring, and we’ve had him up to 86.  He gets a lot of movement on his fastball from his ¾ arm slot and has a sharp-breaking curveball.  He also has picked off six runners and controls the running game well.”

At 5-foot-11, 150-pounds, Tarrence said the focus for McGeorge in the off-season will be to get stronger.

“Aaron will work to add some bulk to his wiry frame,” Tarrence said.  “Added size and strength will give him a good chance to be a guy pitching consistently in the mid-80’s next spring.  If he can limit his walks and get a little more consistent with his off-speed pitches, he can be a dominant pitcher his senior season.

McGeorge will be playing for the Bluegrass Express 17U team this summer.

CLICK HERE to view McGeorge's profile and video