@NJ2025Dad posted:Yes. He's a late bloomer. He was diagnosed with delayed puberty by an endocrinologist, and didn't have any signs of puberty at all until he was almost 14 years old (He was 4'11 at 14). Needless to say, there was a big difference between him and his teammates at that point, but he competed and kept at it. He's done a lot of growing in the last 2 years (10 inches and 50 pounds worth), but there is a big difference between a 5'9" kid who is fully grown and has a beard, and a 5'9" sophomore who could pass for an eighth grader. The doctor says he has probably has almost two years left of growth and should end up around 6'.
It's also about the athleticism, strength, and coordination that continues to come along with late puberty/end of puberty rather than just his size.
In terms of his summer team, he's on a new team this year. It's not a high level team, but how they place their guys is a conversation I need to have with them. They are doing some local showcase tournaments this summer. In terms of playing varsity this year, it is possible he plays this year (he's been told he has a chance), but it's also possible he ends up on JV, where he was last year.
He's 5'9 and 170lbs at 15. Even if he grows another 3 inches as projected - sounds like he's on good pace to grow an inch or so each year for the next 2-3. Kids typically grow the most between 13-16. Puberty may have been delayed but late bloomer would be more 17/18 year old who grew 5 inches in a summer and started throwing 10mph harder.
Sophomores with full beards are pretty rare. Even if that were the case - you don't want to be the 16 year old with a full beard - he doesn't get bigger and he doesn't get better. It is better to have the baby face and the room to grow into your body - at least in the eyes of college coaches.
The 5'9 jacked 16 year old throwing 87 is the 5'9 22 year old throwing 89. He doesn't project much.
The 5'9 baby face with room to fill out throwing 85 is what coaches envision as the 6'0 205lber throwing 93.
Regardless his game is what matters, not necessarily how much he stacks up to the bearded mini men in his class. If he's a quality player there should be 2 goals for his sophomore season
1. Make varsity
2. Play for the most competitive travel club you can play for. If you're in NJ, I, as long as others, would be happy to point you in the right direction.