Showcases vs HS Play

One thing to keep in mind is that awards are a measurement of how well you played that year, in that area.

Showcase ratings are a measurement of the potential they see (in other words how well they expect you to play in the future).

College coaches are not interested in how you played in high school, they are interested in how you will play in college.

There are many variables in the equation.

Some players will receive many high school accolades who will not interest a college coach because they feel they have reached their peak performance and may not do well at the collegiate level.

There are other kids who are "late bloomers" who do not play, or do not play well in high school who finally bloom into the body they have and reach the potential someone saw at a showcase.

Some players attend high school in a high talent area and just being on the team proves they have talent.

What ever your situation they solution is the same. Play your heart out, and don't worry, all that does is take away the energy you need to work hard at your game (easier said that done).

We have found that High School performance is no longer all that important. While recruiters like to see how a player interacts with his team and his leadership qualities that can be observed at a High School game, a lot more exposure comes from good showcases and camps.

It varies by location, I assume, but where does select summer ball [i.e., Connie Mack, Mickey Mantle, etc.] enter into all this?

I have found that coaches are more concerned with what they SEE not what they hear ie Stats from HS. Summer ball has a deep meaning because in many areas the HS school season is done before or at the same time the college season is ending thus spring is a tough time for college coaches to see HS kids in action-- summer and fall ball including showcases is key for them.