If focused on D3 only, HF and Showball are both great camps the summer before Senior year. Find a way for the targeted D3 to see you more than once. Find out which specific camps and showcases the targeted D3 will attend. My 2018 was focused on Ivy's, but had a few targeted D3's as backups. The D3 he committed to saw him 4 times (PG WWBA, Chicagoland Showcase, two Showball events). This D3 HC knew my son was seeking Ivy, so he was patient, it was good my son made an effort to get to know the targeted D3 HC's. This paid off when it came to August when the Ivy's weren't quite panning out. (my son is a MIF)
If a position player is focused on D1 high academic schools: the summer and fall of incoming Junior year are critical to be seen. A position player needs more time to get reps and display game actions. If you are focused on a couple of Ivy's, attending their two day camps the summer or fall of Junior year could be helpful. After the individual camp the coaches will have a very good idea of your abilities, and know who you are. Then, if you attend the Junior year Nov HF or Showball Camps a few months later they'll likely seek you out (assuming your abilities are a possible fit). After Nov Junior year you'll know if you're being recruited by an Ivy.
Attending a HF or Showball your incoming summer as a Junior will also compliment, just know that it may be difficult to display your game actions. (How many innings can go by without a ball hit at SS or 2B) If you have a BIG bat you'll get noticed, period. If your club team is not playing tournaments that will draw your targeted schools, do not be uncomfortable about missing a club tourney - go to a HF or Showball.
As a parent it could be helpful if you have an objective assessment of your sons playing ability and measurables. Does his playing ability, measurables, and physical size project to mid D1? Are his academics in line with the expections of admissions for his targeted high academic college? If your son wants to play OF for an Ivy, is he running sub 6.9, does he have a strong bat. Could be a wake up call that he's not ready for a particular camp or showcase. It's better to deploy funds toward improving speed and strength, refine skills, strengthen the bat. Delay attending an incoming Junior HF or Showball until Nov of his Junior year. That 6 months could be valuable in adding speed, strength, and improving the bat. Attending a HF event is $995 plus airfare and lodging - could be $2500 spent.
If you're a PO seeking D1 high academic - Such a tricky thing to keep a healthy arm. Attending a July HF or Showball in July, or waiting for October's AZ Classic, and/or a Nov HF or Showball... Could be better to rest then re-ramp back up in the Fall for Oct and Nov events. It's also a chance to refine mechanics and regain some strength from a long hot summer. Plenty of members here with kids pitching for Ivy's, they can tell you about velocities that are recruited.
Duke Camp: my son also went the Fall of his Soph year. He had a good MIF glove, average bat, solid gamer on the field, 5'6 140lbs wet. It was inexpensive, fun, he got a feel for where he stood. While his glove was complemented, his arm strength, speed and bat were not at the level to stand out among over 150+ kids. Even if you go Junior year, HC Pollard is trying to be a top power 5 baseball team, he's looking for serious stand out talent. Duke will invite players they've identified from previous months tournaments (PG WWBA or Music City Classic). We saw 3-4 players pulled to the side, parents included. I would have preferred to spend the $1500 toward an instructor who could truly strengthen sons bat. This could be a good camp if you really want Duke, but do you have the stuff that Duke wants at the time you attend their camp?
If we were to do this all over again:
Summer Incoming Junior year:
- Attend either July HF or Showball Camp
- One or two Ivy Camps (August)
- Keep up with summer club tournaments to continue facing advanced pitching
- Hopefully the club team is playing a tournament where some of the Ivy's will attend (all Ivy's were at the PG WWBA, as well as a few of the high academic D3's).
Fall Junior year:
- Attend one or two other Ivy camps (Sept - Oct)
- AZ Fall Showcase (Oct)
- November HF or Showball
Incoming Senior summer:
- June HF and July HF or Showball (may miss a club tournament)
Note: Summer before Senior year: few Ivy's and GTown's were still seeking BIG bat corner position players (saw this at July HC Showball event, Georgetown and Columbia)