Junior Future Games Breakdown: Avik Cherry
August 1, 2023
Follow @PBRMaryland
Facebook + Instagram
Tuesday, July 25 marked the beginning of the 2023 Prep Baseball Report Junior Future Games, held in Emerson, Georgia at our LakePoint Sports Complex. For this event the various PBR staffs from around the country form teams from their region to compete in a tournament. Again this year, Team Mid-Atlantic was represented by two 14U teams and a 13U team. Last year, 13U Team Mid-Atlantic won the Tournament Championship.
This year, the teams participated in a workout on Tuesday before the beginning of pool play on Wednesday. Each team was guaranteed four games, three in pool play and then one in bracket or consolation play, which begins on Saturday.
Throughout the next two weeks, our staff will highlight the 14u "Mid-Atlantic 2" roster, comprised of twelve Maryland/Delaware players and three Virginia players. After losing the first pool play game to Team Georgia, Team Mid-Atlantic 2 would rattle off two straight wins over Team Arizona and Team Ohio, finishing their pool play at 2-1 and earning a spot in the "Gold" bracket. After defeating Team Oklahoma in dominating fashion in the first game, Team Mid-Atlantic 2 would squander an early 7-0 lead to eventually lose on a walk-off to Team Nevada.
Over the next few weeks, PBR Maryland Scouting Director, Jamie Naill will highlight all twelve MD/DE players who showcased their skills at this year's PBR Junior Future Games. First up is a wiry two-way who showcased extremely well on both sides of the ball; 2027 MIF/RHP Avik Cherry (Broadneck HS)
 |
Avik Cherry SS / 2B / Broadneck, MD / 2027The slick fielding middle infielder certainly opened a ton of eyes during Team Mid-Atlantic's workout on Tuesday. After turning out the second fastest 60-yard time of any Mid-Atlantic Junior Future Gamer (7.10), Cherry showcased fluid footwork with smooth actions and a strong, accurate arm at the shortstop position, tying for the highest infield velo amongst Mid-Atlantic players at 83 mph across the diamond. During BP, the hands worked quick with gap-to-gap tendencies and the ability to occasionally lift to the pull side, up to a top exit velo of 87.8 mph. Although Cherry's workout and metrics were impressive, in-game actions the next few days may have made a bigger impression. The calmness and quietness of his game was special to watch from such a young player, and the competitiveness and leadership, although not always very vocal made an impression on myself and our staff. A reliable glove up the middle, Cherry showcased range side to side and an internal clock that allowed the arm strength to be on display. At the dish, it's a smooth, quiet operation with feel for the barrel and some quickness in the hands, showcasing more middle to pull side tendencies in game. Although results may not have been up to Cherry's standards in terms of hits, the at-bats were always a battle and seems to fit a top of the order profile. The young two-way also showcased some promise on the bump, mixing a three pitch arsenal that featured a fastball in the upper 70's (up to 80 mph), a shorter shaped, low 70's slider for strikes and a changeup that showed some fade. It's an easy operation on the bump with clean arm action and advanced feel for the zone.
|