Jordan
Hovey

2nd Team All State: The best player on what was the state’s best team for a majority of the season, Hovey hit .382 with 26 extra base hits this spring. He registered 12 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, 32 RBI, and 46 runs scored, while also showing uncommon plate discipline with 30 walks on the year, posting an out of this world .676 on base percentage. He also was a perfect 15-for-15 in stolen bases. In 37 games he made only nine errors from his shortstop position, seven double plays with senior Mitchell Krebs. Hovey will now play his college baseball at Missouri State.

4.14.15 - 6-foot, 175-pound athletic left-handed hitting shortstop ranked No. 61 in Illinois, committed to Wabash Valley JC. Hovey may be heavier than 175-pounds now, he’s put on noticeable muscle, getting stronger in the weight room this winter. Hits from a balanced setup, slight crouch, short stride, little movement in hands, maintains barrel angle in load, fluid path, advanced approach. Impressed hitting to all fields in batting practice. Line shot double to left center on a fastball middle to outer third in first at bat off a 90 mph Chris Holba fastball. 4.25 to first on a groundout to first, went 1-for-3 with two walks. Defensively, Hovey is one of the top defensive shortstops in the state of Illinois. Soft hands, lightning quick transfer from glove to hand fielding, arm strength is above average for the high school level (has been up to 84 mph on the mound), short, quick, high ¾ arm slot. Impressed playing errorless shortstop fielding four chances cleanly, including a huge double play ball in the tenth that took a late, bad hop.

6/19/14 - 6-foot, 175-pound SS/RHP currently ranked No. 54 in Illinois’ class of 2015 impressed with bat and defensive skills at shortstop.  Hits from a left-handed, balanced setup with a short stride, hitting off his backside with a gap-to-gap approach, producing 84 mph exit velocity.  Defensively plays through the baseball with soft hands and average carry across the infield with accuracy up to 82 mph.  Lacks elite side-to-side quickness, but surprised in running a 6.95 60, so does not lack for athleticism.  On the mound, utilizes a slow, deliberate delivery firing fastballs from 81-84 with a long high ¾ arm action.  74-77 mph slider backed up at times, and also showed sweeping action.  74 mph changeup was best secondary offering, with late action and arm side run thrown at fastball arm speed.

6/7/14 - Currently unranked junior shortstop.  6-foot, 175-pound build that hasn’t hit physical maturity yet. Athletic actions in the field, with arm strength from short with good carry and accuracy on throws. Quick arm on mound 80-81 mph fastball, flashed 74 mph change.  Leadoff man hits from a square stance with good balance throughout swing.  Quiet relaxed hands   Up the middle approach, with quality bat speed.  3-for-5 on the day with two line drive singles up the middle, and a double to right. Ran 8.12 on double to second.

6.19.13 - The athletically-built 5-foot-11, 175-pound left handed hitting infielder showed skill in all facets of the showcase. Displayed foot speed running a 7.11 60 and athletic abilities defensively. Showed body control and a quick, clean exchange in the field, flashed quick, fluid feet. Has an athletic arm with loose action throwing 79 mph across the diamond with carry. Offensively, hits from the left side and has a plan at the plate. Sets up in a balanced stance with a smooth load and short stride.  The gap-to-gap hitter showed bat speed and pop off the bat (84 mph exit speed), maintaining balanced throughout the swing.  Makes use of his lower half but could get more. 

Hovey is a 5-foot-9, 145-pound middle fundamentally sound infielder. He had a good approach to the ball with fluid footwork, soft hands and a quick transfer with short arm action on his throws (72 mph).  The left handed hitter showed the ability to barrel up the ball, although his swing got a bit long and uphill at times. Hovey ran a 7.57 60.