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Thursday, April 6, 2017 | BataviasBest.org
Alexander Trojans (GR)
Season Outlook: The 2017 Trojans come equipped with 11 seniors who seem eager to compete for a GR and Sectional Title. Although they are undermanned on the mound, Alexander’s offense should be potent this season – which will give them a chance to win each day.
Key Players: Dane Heberlein (C/SS/P) – Hit .378 last year with 14 RBIs, 7 doubles, and 10 SB; Derrick Busch (CF) – Hit .378 last year with 30 RBI’s, 8 doubles, 2 triples, and 1 HR
Coach’s Quote: “Our biggest challenge to overcome this season will be inexperienced, but talented, pitching,” said Alexander HC Ben Whitmore. “The most important, teachable moment we can take from last year is to continue to work hard and to improve every day.”
Attica Blue Devils (GR)
Season Outlook: Attica finished a disappointing 6-14 a season ago, but with the ace of their staff, and many of their top-hitters from a season ago returning, I would think their record will improve this year.
Key Players: Owen Thompson – Owen will return to the mound as the team’s ace this season, and will also spend time holding down first base during his off-days. With quality velocity on his fastball to go with a slow breaking ball, he will be one of the best pitchers in the GR League this year; Kyle Casey – Kyle returns as the team’s backstop this season, and one of the top-hitters in the Devils’ lineup.
Coach’s Quote: “We are looking to improve on last year’s record,” said Attica head coach Shawn Fromwiller. “A league championship is always the goal for us. We will be strong on the mound with 7 quality pitchers, and our fielding and hitting should be stronger as well. We are looking to have a solid season behind a good blend of seniors, juniors, and underclassmen.”
Batavia Blue Devils (MC)
Season Outlook: The Blue Devils finished last season with a loss in the Class A2 Finals, and lost almost all of their contributors from that team. However, with what they do have coming back, along with a strong list of young players who will make the transition from the JV team, I believe Batavia will find a way to compete in a tough Monroe County League.
Key Players: Jerry Reinhart – Jerry was named 2nd team All-League last year as a junior after posting a .403 batting average (27 hits, 17 RBI). Making the move from third base, Jerry will anchor the infield this year as the everyday shortstop and provide the senior leadership the team needs to get back to the finals, according to his coach Rick Saunders; Casey Radka – Casey returns to the mound for his senior season and will be heavily relied upon during the biggest games on Batavia’s schedule this season. He also will contribute with his bat, for, as a junior he hit .348 (16 hits).
Coach’s Quote: “I think our starting pitching has great depth and we look to be competitive in the league once again,” said 18-year Batavia head coach Rick Saunders. “Our guys have been working extremely hard this offseason in the cages and look to be game ready. Their work ethic has been outstanding and the attention to detail has them in the right place as we head into April.”
Byron-Bergen Bees (GR)
Season Outlook: The Bees really struggled last year, finishing 2-16. Byron-Bergen will look to improve what was a dreadful offense in 2016, as they hit just .183, and have a good chance to do so as they have a few strong players returning.
Key Players: Colin Noeth (P) – Colin is the Bees top-pitcher and will likely be one of the top-hurlers in the GR this season. But if he doesn’t get run support, his talents will not make as big of an impact as they should; Ryan Gonyea (C) – Ryan is the leader of the team and will serve as the team’s backstop this season; Adam Walter (P) – Adam will serve as the Bees #2 starter to begin the year and will be incredibly important, especially with the new pitch count rules; Peyton Armison (SS) – Peyton is growing into his shortstop position, and should improve upon his play in 2017.
Coach’s Quote: “We lost a lot of close games last year, and we cannot allow that to happen this year,” said B-B head coach Kurtis Fannon. “Our (offense was dismal) and much of that falls on me as the coach. We have spent almost all of our time with a bat in our hands, and we look to be competitive with the league this year.”
“A successful season is anything better than last year. If we can continue to get better every year, then we will eventually become a staple of this league. We are an extremely young team, and I think it has been an adjustment for many of the younger players who are making the move from JV or even Modified to Varsity this year. But I think by the end of the year, the kids will really be able to find themselves and we will be able to be competitive this season.”
Cal-Mum Red Raiders (LC)
Season Outlook: Following an 8-13 finish in 2016, the Red Raiders expect a stronger 2017 campaign as their roster continues to gain experience.
Key Players: Kyle Carpino (INF/P) and Ian Lenhardt (OF/P) will lead the C-M offense and pitching staff. Both hit over .320 last year with 14+ RBI.
Coach’s Quote: “We have several returners that gained a lot of experience last season on a team that lost 8 games by two runs or less,” said 12-year Raider’s head coach Todd Walker. “Our success will depend on the leadership of our returners and the growth of our young players. These guys all work hard and are dedicated to our program. LCAA Division II will be competitive as always, and we hope to be in the mix at the county level and at sectional time.”
Holley Hawks (GR)
Season Outlook: The Hawks have been one of the top-teams in the GR the past few years, and will look to continue their spot amongst the league’s elite in 2017.
Key Players: Dylan Hillabush (P) – Dylan will be the ace on the mound for Holley; Sammy Lammes, Patrick Bower, Ryan Andrews, Colin Papaj, and Andrew Cary will all be contributors for the Hawks.
Coach’s Quote: “The GR League will be tough this year,” said Holley coach Jason Cole. “Finding the right time to pitch guys will be huge (with the new pitch count, and) 3-4 games a week.”
Le Roy Oatkan Knights (LC)
Season Outlook: Finishing 12-8 a season ago, the Knights return a strong pitching staff and lineup which should provide them with a good chance of succeeding in 2017.
Key Players: Josh Laurie, Cody Fitzsimmons, and Devyn Kelly will lead the LR pitching staff, while Dom Filio, Nate Flint, and Luke Hogle will also spend time on the mound throughout the year. Gavin Luckey will serve as the team’s backstop, and Stryder Coleman, Reece Tresco, and Cole Biggins will also be contributors for the Knights.
Coach’s Quote: “One of our top-goals for this season is to capture another divisional title,” said LR head coach Ieon Koukides. “Competing for a sectional title is an accomplishment that I place heavily on my shoulders every year. Unconditional effort with a team that believes in their abilities and unifies as the season unfolds can definitely build confidence and the momentum needed to make a run.”
Lyndonville Tigers (GR)
Season Outlook: Lyndonville has won the GR League Division II Title the past three seasons and the Tigers are looking to make it four in a row this year. Although they have lost one of their top-players Eddy Schildt to injury, they should have enough to make a run.
Key Players: Jacob Hoffee, Mike Wells, Dawson Joy, Eric Neace, Corey Hydock, Cody Bentley, Nolan Donald, and Zach Johnson all return to help the Tigers’ chances.
Coach’s Quote: “This year will be an interesting year given the new pitch count rules,” said Lyndonville head coach Shane Price. “Last year we played 13 games in 16 days under the rules this year there is no possibility of that happening.”
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (GR)
Season Outlook: The Irish fell in the Sectional Final last season, and lost a bunch – primarily pitching – from their 2016 runner-up squad. This year, ND will look to many new faces, as well as a few returners, in order to fill the void left by those who departed.
Key Players: Evan Bender (SS/P) – Evan finished last season tied for the team lead in stolen bases, but batted just .239. Expect his average to rise during his senior year; Jake Wetherwax (C) – Jake hit .241 last season and scored 14 runs. If he can become a stronger run-producer for this team, it will really help the Irish in their quest to win the Section V Title.
Coach’s Quote: “Pitching will be a question mark this year,” said ND head coach Mike Rapone, “As we have an inexperienced but deep pitching staff. Due to the strength & depth of last year’s senior pitchers, our current seniors did not see much action in 2016. How successful we will be offensively is also a question mark. We are once again playing a challenging NL schedule featuring Geneseo, Akron, Dansville, Greece Odyssey, and the Rotary Tournament (Batavia, Oakfield, Attica).”
Oakfield/Elba Hornets (GR)
Season Outlook: The first season of Oakfield/Elba Baseball will feature a strong group of young players, along with a solid core of senior leadership. The Hornets reached the Sectional Final game in 2016, and despite losing a bit to graduation, I believe they have what it takes to make a run within their league and sectional classification once again in 2017.
Key Players: Reice Woodward (OF) – Reice will make the move from catcher to outfield, after a junior year which he finished as one of his team’s top offensive players; Austin Kotarski (C) – Kotarski will serve as the Hornets’ backstop this season, and hopes to handle what is expected to be a strong pitching staff; Jake Borkholder (INF) – Like Woodward and Kotarski, Borkholder is one of the OA/E seniors who they will look to in order to provide them with a bit of experience during expected early-season growing pains for what is a growing team.
Coach’s Quote: “I’m excited to start my first year as the varsity coach with this group of guys – most of which I had on modified and JV the past few years,” said first-year Hornets HC Nate Klos. “It’s fun to be back back coaching at the school I went to and played for, and to have the opportunity to continue a to build a strong program. These guys have been working hard each day and are excited to get back to the championship game. “
Pavilion Golden Gophers (LC)
Season Outlook: The Gophers finished last season without a win, but with several of their contributing players returning this season, they hope to become much more competitive as the season progresses.
Key Players: Dylan Cote (INF/P) – A four-year starter, Dylan will be the driving force for the Gophers both on the mound and in the batters box.
Coach’s Quote: “We used last season as a learning experience and the guys kept their heads up and had great attitudes,” said 15-year Gophers head coach Matthew Roth. “I believe everything we learned last year will be used to find success this season.”
Pembroke Dragons (GR)
Season Outlook: Pembroke managed just a 7-10 record last season, falling to state runner-up Avon in Sectionals by a final score of 11-5. Behind 7 returning starters in 2017, expect the Dragons to achieve more success this season.
Key Players: Zach von Kramer earned 7 wins as a sophomore last year, striking out over 100 batters, while also batting .500 at the plate. Jacob Miller, Brandon Kowalski, Reid Miano, Nathan Ganey, Kyle Ludwig, and Andrew Krzanak also return for the Dragons.
Coach’s Quote: “To have so many returners with experiences where they have been challenged at the varsity level without a doubt is an advantage going into the season,” said Pembroke head coach Matt Beach.“Many of the guys on the team are also coming off of a very successful basketball season where they took the number one ranking into the Sectional Tournament. If that taste of success and drive can carry over into baseball season I can’t wait to see what they will be able to accomplish.”
“This team understands that although we are still young, we have the talent to compete with anyone.”
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Tune in all season long to our homepage, as well as on Twitter for updates on the action.
Other articles you may like:
Le Roy Baseball drops season opener to Geneseo
Pavilion Baseball wins opener vs Cal-Mum
Flynn, Wells, and Bentley lead Lyndonville Baseball past non-league opponent CG Finney
Aguglia sparks Attica Baseball to season-opening win over Section VI’s Newfane
Alexander Baseball strikes early, holds on to defeat Perry on opening day
