Dillon Maples plans to play baseball and football at the University of North Carolina, but a great fastball and a back-breaking curve project him as a high selection during this June's Major League baseball draft.
Dillon Maples.
Photo courtesy of Tim Maples
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior right-hander showcased his dominance last week before 10 professional scouts when he struck out 18 to tie his own school record as Pinecrest (Southern Pines, N.C.) defeated arch rival Scotland County (Memphis, N.C.).
The school record of 17 strikeouts had been held by his father, Tim Maples, who reached Triple-A in the Baltimore Orioles chain after leading Pinecrest to the 1979 Class 4A state title.
Maples gave up his first hit in the seventh inning after throwing 110 pitches and a reliever got the final two outs.
Coach Jeff Hewitt explained, "Records are great, but Dillon has greater things ahead. We always look out for his future."
Dillon Maples.
Photo courtesy of Tim Maples
In 22 innings this year he has struck out 51, walked five and given up just six hits. He has a 3-0 record with a 0.31 ERA. His credentials also include playing in the AFLAC All-American Game and with the USA Under-18 team. When pitching for the USA Under-16 team he threw the first no-hitter in World Wood Bat Association championship-game tournament history. Maples throws 92-94 mph and has touched 97 this year.
He learned his curve from his father, who told MaxPreps, "His curve is better because it's harder. It's as fast (82-84 mph) as the average high school fastball."
Maples also is an exceptional kicker, having booted a 53-yard field goal last fall and reaching 60 yards in practice.
"A kid comes around where we are (Fayetteville area) once in a lifetime," Hewitt said. "The kid is on track to do great things this year."
* Mountain Pointe (Phoenix) senior
Kevin Cron set a state record last week by slamming his 45th career home run. Last year he tied the single-season state record with 22 circuit clouts. The Texas Christian University recruit also carries a 3.92 GPA and is 16th in a class of 600.
* Farragut (Knoxville, Tenn.) senior pitcher
Philip Pfeifer has established a state record with his 43rd career victory. The 6-0 left-hander – a Vanderbilt University recruit - has lost just three times in his career.
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Kevin Kline hit three home runs and drove in a state-record 11 runs as Rancho (Las Vegas) routed Palo Verde (Las Vegas), 19-2.
* Chaminade (West Hills, Calif.) pitcher
Mathew Troupe struck out 14 during a 4-0 victory over Crespi (Encino, Calif.). The University of Arizona signee had a perfect game with one out in the seventh before yielding his lone hit.
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Dereck Rodriguez is batting .430 for Monsignor Pace (Miami). The 6-2, 175-pound senior right fielder, who is the son of Washington Nationals catcher Ivan Rodriguez, has great speed and a cannon for an arm. Junior infielder Reynaldo Ordonez is the son of former Major League shortstop Rey Ordonez.
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