Charlotte Observer All Observer Team

You are absolutely correct. However, Jordan Darnell was selected the POY and I was giving my opinion why. I never had the opportunity to see Ijames play, so it was refreshing to see a new name posted on TBR. I would never comment on "who's better? yada, yada..." I thought it was better served to mention why a player may have been selected vs why they may not have been.

 

Braves,

I think that is the problem with Ijames is his lack of "visibility". He played on a good, but not great, 2A team that didn't face stellar opponents and he chooses to not to play on Rowan County's Legion team opting instead for Palamino ball in the summer. Receiving the award from the Salisbury Post was the first major pub for the kid. If he would have been on East Rowan's team this year or if he had played on Rowan's Legion Team the past few summers, he would be a household name.

His natural position is not shortstop, it is outfield. He filled a need at Salisbury and moved from OF to SS and played very good there.

Comparing him to Jordan Darnell and Justin Roland is kind of unfair to all parties, because all three are different players. I think Darnell is the best pitcher, followed by Roland. Both could pitch at the next level, but I don't think Ijames could pitch at a high level. Roland is one of the best shortstops in the state. Maybe the only person that would start over him, in my opinion, is Levi Micheal. He is a natural shortstop. Ijames can really hit and is athletic enough to play wherever and play wherever well. He is a legit DI prospect.

Ijames is good enough and has enough talent around him next year at Salisbury, that they can make a run at the 2A crown. They will have to find a little more pitching, but Ijames may fill that void as well.

I hate arguing over who is better between high school kids, simply because they are kids and probably a few of them and their parents surf these sites. I deleted an earlier post because I thought it might be too critical. All three are good players and deserve whatever accolades come their way.

Kudos to the Charlotte Observer for putting together this list. Very good job.

 

One more thought...

Hard to pick one POY - you are comparing kids in different size leagues with different competition and playing different positions...

BUT...hard not to pick a kid that pitches AND hits as well as Darnell did this year - then on top of that he provides the leadership and determination to win that helps carry a team to the 4A state finals...