'Dream school' a reality for Bassett-Kennedy

Sam Bassett-Kennedy LHP / 1B / Country Day, MI / 2021

ANN ARBOR - A big jump in velocity has helped a “dream school” become reality for Sam Bassett-Kennedy.

The eighth-ranked sophomore player in the state is headed to play in the Southeastern Conference after making a commitment to Tennessee.

“My velo went up almost 10 miles an hour in the last year,” Bassett-Kennedy said of a fastball that was clocked at 74-76 in 2017. “I’ve also developed a change so now I’m a three-pitch guy instead of two. I’m throwing a heavier dose of offspeed so I’m mixing it up more. My command has improved a lot, too.”

That is just part of what the left-handed pitcher feels has benefitted his game.

“Just growing has helped the velo jump,” the 6-5 170-pounder noted. “I’ve grown three inches and gained 25 pounds. I was 6-2, 145 last year.

“This is also the first year I’ve really been lifting. I’m doing the Driveline program and the med ball throw and I’ve improved my mechanics a lot.”

Tennessee saw the second-rated 2021 left-handed pitcher in Michigan at the 14U WWBA as well as the PBR Junior Future Games.

“Aaron Wilson (PBR Michigan Scouting Director) told me a couple of coaches were coming to the game but I didn’t know who,” Bassett-Kennedy reflected about the PBR event in early August at Grand Park. “When I was going out to the mound I saw them next to the dugout. I was pretty pumped up, getting to 85 which is more than normal.”