Monday, three CCA Patriots signed scholarships to continue their baseball careers at the next level. Pitcher Blake Bryant, shortstop Gray McLean, and catcher Skyler Woods have all put together impressive high school resumes. Even though their career with the Patriots is coming to a close, their days playing baseball are far from over.
For Bryant, one of the best pitchers in the state, the question hasn’t been where he’s going to play in college – it’s if he’s going to make it to college at all. Bryant committed to Clemson early in his high school career. However, he is a big-time draft prospect and the various scouting services have him listed anywhere from a high first-round pick to a third-round selection. He inked his scholarship with Clemson on Monday but that won’t be a done deal until he sees where he lands July’s MLB Draft.
Bryant is 8-0 with a 0.27 ERA in 52 innings. He’s given up just two earned runs and struck out 116 this season. Bryant is also batting .372 with six home runs and 41 RBI.
McLean is headed to Emmanuel University in Franklin Springs. McLean is hitting .473 with four home runs and 31 RBI. He also has 12 doubles, a triple, and 43 hits. McLean is superb defensively and has a .909 fielding percentage this season.
Woods, who will play at Southern Virginia University, is hitting .419 with two home runs and 30 RBI. He also has 31 hits, five doubles, and two triples.
The Patriots face the Thomas Jefferson Christian Academy Jaguars tomorrow at Patriot Field in the semifinals of the state playoffs. Game one begins at 4:30 with the second game starting a half hour after game one ends. Game three, if necessary, will be played Thursday at 2 p.m.
