I never really timed a pitcher while I was on deck. I was the #5 hitter in high school and summer ball. I would watch her pitch but never swing the bat. I was more focused on how the ball spun and where her pitches went. I had enough confidence in myself that if I could tell what her pitches...
I have been using a 34" 24oz. bat since I was 14 years old. I am now 19. It all came down to me feeling comfortable swinging that size. It took some getting used to but now I use nothing lighter. My advice to young players is use what you are comfortable using. You can always adjust.