That deception, and ball movement, are hallmarks mentioned on an MLB.com draft assessment of Boone.
Though not as high-profile a prospect as his rotation-mate McGreevy, Boone “was still impressing scouts with his ability to dominate opponents,” the MLB assessment said.
While his fastball velocity is below-average, topping out at 90 mph, Boone has shown “an ability to miss bats without premium stuff.”
“He commands the pitch well and isn t afraid to come up in the zone with it to get hitters to chase, and deception in his delivery allows it to play up. … He sells his 77-79 mph changeup, his best pitch, really well with good arm speed.”
RPI: 15.
Ballpark: Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field (1,277)
Postseason history: 22 NCAA Regional appearances, 2 Super Regional appearances, 3 World Series appearances.
Ace of the staff: Kelsey Oh. The senior right-hander had the 2020 season cut short with a foot injury. Oh finished 4-2 with a 2.14 ERA, 51 strikeouts and 16 walks in 32.2 IP.
Impact player: Kenzi Maguire. The graduate senior will be in her sixth season of college softball. Maguire started all 23 games at shortstop in 2020 for the Gamecocks, batting .328 with five doubles, nine RBIs, 14 walks, nine hit by pitches and 22 runs scored.
DII softball: Kutztown head coach Judy Lawes wins game No. 1,000 of her career