Conway steps up his game: Cougar junior named to All-American team
SHENANDOAH JUNCTION – Brandon Conway didn’t step up to the plate very often for Jefferson’s baseball team last year as a sophomore.
He was injured and a sophomore starting for a team that won five Class AAA state championships in the 1990s is somewhat of a rare occurrence. However, the Cougar shortstop has stepped-up his game tremendously during the off-season.
Conway, a 16-year-old junior, was recently named to The 2000 Preseason High School All-American Team by The Baseball Factory, Inc. The Baseball Factory is national organization that works with more than 1,500 of the top high school baseball players throughout the country.
Almost 2,000 players from across the country were nominated for the All-American team and the team consists of 1 38 All-Americans.
The Cougars’ junior attended the three-day Baseball Factory event held in Vero Beach, Fla. on – Jan. 21-23. While there, Conway attended a dinner and medal ceremony on Friday night, and the players were on the baseball field Saturday and Sunday.
“On Saturday, it was all instructional -and we went through stations and had our showcases,” Conway said. “They had us split into teams and take ground balls and throw across the field and then you would hit some, too. There were two games for every team on Sunday.”
Out of the 138 All-Americans, there were 32 shortstops and Conway ranker fourth at his position.
“I was really surprised when I found out I was going,” said Conway “It’s a pretty big accomplishment and it’s just a great experience. I think what started it for me was the Mid-Maryland showcase.”
The Mid-Maryland showcase is where Texas Rangers scout Mark Harris saw Conway. Harris nominated Conway for The Baseball Factory’s 2000 Preseason High School All-American Team.
Jefferson coach John Lowery said Harris focuses on infielders and usually holds a baseball camp each season.
“He’s regarded as one of the outstanding middle-infielder coaches,” Lowery said. “He’s excited about Brandon’s potential and that’s a hefty endorsement.”
Jefferson’s Josh Cenate was named an All-American by Collegiate Baseball Magazine last year and Conway is the first Jefferson player to attend The Baseball Factory’s,/b> weekend camp.
Conway started just 11 games for the Cougars last year. He was spiked by a runner sliding into second base in a game at the Hawaiian Tropic Baseball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C. the injury required eight stitches and he never made it back into the starting lineup.
Conway was used as a defensive specialist at shortstop for the Cougars last year and he only had one at-bat.
“Brandon had all the skills defensively and the injury put him back a little bit, “Lowry said. “He definitely showed the potential that he would be a solid player and he worked hard in the off-season and it’s paid off. We’re hoping he has a breakout-type season for us.”
And Conway has been working on his game during the winter months and hopes to be more than just a defensive specialist for Jefferson this year.
“I just want to break into the lineup as a hitter and work on that this year along with my defense. Said Conway, who hits from the left side of the plate. “Starting on the field and hitting all around is what I want to do.”
Earning All-American,/b> honors has given Conway exposure and opened some opportunities for summer. He’s been asked to play on an 18-and -under team in the USSSA World Series in Lakeland, Fla., on July 23-30. He may also play in Australia and Puerto Rico for the Roberto Clemente All-Stars this summer.
While the trips to Australia and Puerto Rico would be nice, Conway is focused on helping Jefferson follow-up its 32-4 Class AAA state championship season.
“I think we have a great chance of going to states again this year,” he said.
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