COLLEGE BASEBALL: SAYRE'S HUBBARD WILL PLAY COLLEGIATELY AT MONROE CC (2 PHOTOS) (2023-05-31)

Valley Sports Report
SAYRE — Sayre senior Jackson Hubbard has signed on to continue his baseball playing days at Monroe Community College in the fall.

Hubbard said he’s glad to have the recruiting process behind him.

“It was tough, and confusing at first,” he said. (Monroe CC assistant coach Tyler) Smith reached out out, and helped me through the process.

“(Monroe CC) came to me with a great scholarship offer, and knowing coach Smith from helping with my travel team helped make the decision much easier,” added Hubbard.

Hubbard, who cites winning a District 4 title during his sophomore season as a favorite memory at Sayre, said playing for coach Jamie VanDuzer has helped him prepare for playing at the next level.

“It helped pace the way,” said Hubbard. “I improved each year, and played in some big games that allowed me to blossom.”

Hubbard signed his letter-of-intent in a brief ceremony in the high school library. The ceremony also included classmate Zach Garrity’s signing to play at Mansfield University.

VanDuzer spoke on both of his players after the signings.

“I’d like to start by saying how proud I am with both of them for sticking it out during a very different time with our school, when we saw many opt to go to other schools,” he said. “They all had very difficult decisions to make and I for one appreciate the decision they made to stay with us.

“I think both of these guys will make a big impact on their respective teams next year,” noted VanDuzer. “They both possess very strong throwing arms and should be able to play a few different positions on defense.

“They are both tough kids,” added VanDuzer. “They both have a high baseball IQ.”

VanDuzer said both can hit, and that will help them get on the field.

“For both it will likely come down to offense,” he said. “They can both flat out hit; and if you produce offensively the coaches will find a spot on defense for you.

“It’s happening right now with a few of our own in college — Brayden Horton, Kannon VanDuzer and Quinn Hanafin; playing some different positions they may be not accustomed to but because the are raking, they are playing,” noted VanDuzer.  “That’s how it goes at the next level, when you carry a .400-plus batting average.

 “I think these two will have the potential to be the same type players,” added VanDuzer. “They have been solid leaders on the field and have been a joy to coach.”

“I believe Jackson’s best position defensively is third base, but he will be able to help his team elsewhere if needed,” said VanDuzer.

Hubbard, who also considered SUNY Brockport, East Stroudsburg, and Mansfield, is also contemplating playing basketball at Monroe CC.

Hubbard will major in physical education with the goal of becoming a teacher.

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PHOTOS PROVIDED.