Saints9,
It really is not a race. I know it seems that way when you hear about local players getting opportunities your son doesn't have, but it really is okay.
I wouldn't worry about being ahead or behind anyone as long as he's working as hard as he can at the opportunities he does have for competition, conditioning, and skill development.
Obviously, its better to see better competition sooner, but he can overcome not playing travel ball this year.
When my son was a freshman, I didn't know anything about the world of travel ball. I didn't know where East Cobb was, why I'd want to go there, or how to get my son on a team that plays there. As a result, he played Little League seniors and another local league, and spent a lot of time at the gym.
About that time, I started becoming aware of other local players jetting off hither and yon to play in this world championship and that national championship. I assumed all those kids were well on their way to big time success, and I worried that my kid was "behind" them.
I was wrong. Continuous hard work matters more than early opportunities.
As long as your son is ready to put his best foot forward the summer after his junior year, he'll be right on schedule.
Many players find college opportunities even though they don't play travel ball until after their sophomore year or sometimes even later.
Best wishes.
