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Team Previews
Tennessee 9-22
1/3/08 019
The
2008 THS Vikings only return three everyday varsity positional starters
from last season's team. Junior infielder Jon Krebs (.362, 4 hr, 23 rbi's),
senior outfielder Grant Walters (.300, 2 hr, 14 rbi's), and senior
infielder Jerry Skeens (.250, 2 hr, 13 rbi's) will be relied upon heavily
for leadership. Junior transfer shortstop Jarrod Payne (.351, 1 hr,
39 rbi's) should also make an immediate impact in the Viking lineup.
The Vikings return 4 pitchers who threw a majority of innings last
season. Junior Jon Krebs (4-4, 40.2 IP, 38K, 3.27 ERA) along with
seniors Grant Walters (1-6, 37 IP, 26K, 8.51 ERA), Chris Boyd (1-1, 31 IP,
30K, 6.10 ERA), and Will Felty (1-3, 30.1 IP, 30K, 6.23 ERA) should
provide leadership on the mound.
"To be successful this year we will have to rely on
the youth of our program. We have quite a few underclassmen who will
have to step up to the varsity ranks and produce. I am very impressed with
the depth of our program, especially our freshman and sophomore classes.
I believe that THS Viking Baseball will be a contender in the Big 9
conference in the very near future," said Coach Payne.
David Crockett 7-26
2/4/08
66 The Pioneers lost no full-time starters
from last years squad! They will be led by sophomores Clint Freeman (of,
.340) and Jacob Berry (2b,. 409). Both started as freshman in the infield
and outfield respectively. Jamie Copas (jr., of, .319, 5hr)along with
Brandon Massey (jr.,3b, .270, 3hr)look to help carry much of the offensive
load this year. Senior Captain Eric Richardson (ss, .275)will provide
stability and leadership to a youthful but experienced team.
Projected Lineup:
C- Cody Haun (11) (Transfer from Chuckey-Doak)
1B- Barry Vandelinder (12), Zack Wright(11)
2B- Jacob Berry(10), Jon Dillow(11)
SS- Eric Richardson(12)
3B- Brandon Massey(11)
LF- Josh Tester(12)
CF- Jamie Copas(11)
RF- Clint Freeman(10)
OF- Justin Schmuhl(11)
DH- Brad Mitchell(12),Wright, Dillow
The Pioneers return every starting and relief pitcher from a year ago.
Still very young but with more confidence and experience from last year.
Starters:
Clint Freeman(10,LHP)
Barry Vandelinder(12,LHP)
Brandon Massey(11,RHP)
Josh Tester (12,RHP)
Relievers:
Jamie Copas(11,RHP)Closer
Eric Allen(11,LHP)
Cody Street(11,LHP)
Jacob Berry(10,RHP)
"To be successful this year we...must have selective memory concerning
events from last year. We should be very motivated to play with a lot of
attitude and emotion brought about by unfortunate circumstances from a
year ago!! As usual, making the routine plays and getting solid pitching
will be keys in our ultimate success," added Coach Hagy.
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Team Previews
Karns 22-14
12/7/07 008
www.Karnsbaseball.com
The Beavers return a huge portion of the 2007
team. Unfortunately, that team finished a mediocre 22-14 and went
two and out in the District 3 AAA tournament. We return eight
seniors with starting experience. These players were also members of
an '06 team that went deep into the playoffs, and they should remember the
feeling of pride that creates. Coty Pate (.471, 10HR's, Sr., 3B, SS)
should, if he dedicates himself to success, have another good season.
Logan Hammontree (.339, 18SB's, Sr., OF), a three-year starter, will be
another important cog in the wheel this season, as we look to him for both
leadership and good play. Ty Towe, Brandon Vanosdale(.365), Robby
Martin(.383), Phillip Duncan (.339), Cody Stroup(.293), and
Zac Lane, along with some talented underclassmen, will also be fighting
for the right to be line-up regulars.
The Beavers return Mike Besancenez(22.33 IP, 3-1), Brian Fogarty (45.33,
5-1), John Hedley(16.33, 0-2), and Jonathan Prior(44 IP, 5-1), four senior
pitchers who should bear the burden of our schedule. However, we
have a few juniors who must contribute if we desire more than average
success. Since pitching was the weakest aspect of our program last
year, it will most certainly take a herculean effort and commitment to
turn this around. However, if we do, we may be an interesting team
at the end of the season.
"In order to succeed this season, the coaches and players must commit to
this cause. We experienced a season of disfunction last year, for whatever
reason, and have no desire to do that again. To avoid another
debacle, we must get leadership out of at least a few of our seniors.
Also, we will need to focus on the process of becoming a good ball team.
While wins, losses, hits, and strikeouts are all always
fun for players and fans, we must commit to the process by which those
results are achieved, " said Coach Rice.
Knox West HS 20-17
1/14/08
31 The 2008 Rebels return 9 starters from last
years team that finished 3rd in the district. The team has several
key returnees', including catcher Will Coley, P,2B Jake Ryan, P,OF Robby
Hopkins, CF Matt Michalik, 3B Michael Howard, 1B Will Chesney (SO.), SS
Michael Stevens, Of, P Jack Hutcheson, 2B,OF Erik Cole. So. John Cantrell
filled in last year for injured Will Coley and performed well above
expectations. He may be called on again to fill that roll. All
of these players have 2 to 3 years of Varsity experience and know what it
is going ot take to win.
The Rebels pitching staff is led by 3 year starters, Matt Michalik, Jake
Ryan, and Robby Hopkins. We will also be looking for quality innings
from SO. Will Chesney, JR. Justin Kirkpatrick, and Sr. Jack Hutcheson.
"To be successful this year we have to stay healthy and produce better
numbers offensively. The Rebels left entirely too many runners on
base in 2007. We are very fast and aggressive on the bases.
Defen-sively, led by Will Coley, we are fairly sound with all of the
returnee's. West will also need several underclassmen to step up
into big time rolls in big situations and fill in from time to time.
John Cantrell, Billy
Sivyer, Blake Sowell, Fr. Max Valenti, and Nathan Best may need to step in
and perform," added Coach Wright.
Clinton
14-19
1/31/08
51 The Dragons will be trying to build on a 14
win season from last year, in which we upset teams along the way.
Our team has 6 seniors led by infielder, Caleb Nobles (.283 avg, 106 ab's,
22 RBI's, 6 2B's, 9 SB), an Honorable Mention All-District performer.
Two juniors which will be counted on to play major roles in the Dragon's
success are OF/INF
Damon Knipp (95 AB's, 14 runs, 22 hits, 6 SB's, 17 RBI's) and C/P/INF Matt
Marsh (100 AB's, 18 runs, 25 hits, 4 2B's, 12 RBI's, 12 SB's). Key
sophomores looking to battle for playing time are Bryant Sissom, Bo
Prater, Chris Brown, and Darian Stone. Also fighting for varsity slots are
2 incoming freshman Mikey Mullins and Brenden Grayson. We are a team
that does not rely on one guy to put up monster numbers but we rely more
on team execution and situational baseball.
The Dragons return a lot of arms but not a lot of experience.
Seniors
Blake Kidwell (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 save, 28 2/3 IP, 24 K, 5.87 ERA), lefty
Richie Costanzo (20 2/3 IP, 18 K), Tucker Borum, Caleb Nobles, and a
handful of others will be counted on to eat up innings. Juniors Matt
Marsh and Matt Mott will be in the mix to pitch many innings for the team,
as well as sophomores Bo Prater, who is trying to get into the rotation,
and Bryant Sissom, who the Dragons are looking at in relief, will also see
quality innings on the mound. Freshman Mikey Mullins could also end
up on the mound for the Dragon team.
To be successful this year..."we must convince our kids to buy into what
we are trying to teach. If our kids buy into our system and aren't
afraid to get after somebody we will upset some teams along the way.
Our guys have to understand and accept their responsibilities as
individuals inside a team concept in order for us to be successful," added
Coach Taylor.
Knox Central 11-?
2/4/08
61 Top Returning Players
Matthew Harrell Sr. OF/P
Michael Nipper Sr. P
Matthew Hill Sr. IF/P
Chris Barkley Sr. 1B
Tyler Russell Sr. IF
Luke Haun Jr. DH/1B/P
Korey Holbert Jr. IF
Kevin Greene Jr. P
Top Returning Pitchers
Michael Nipper Sr. 3year Letterman
Kevin Greene Jr.
Matthew Hill Sr. 3year Letterman
Matthew Harrell Sr.
"The Bobcats had a down year in 2007. We hope that the experience gained
from last season will help us compete better in 2008," said Coach Sharp.
Campbell County
3-26 2/11/08
68
www.pawpressonline.com
The 2008 Campbell County Cougars are ready to put
last season behind them, pick themselves up and get right to the business
at hand. Seniors John Hatcher, Ben Aiken and Cody Bailey are poised
to lead this years’ team in their rise from the ashes. Catcher/Pitcher Ben
Aiken who batted .386 last season is the anchor of the team. His
commitment to the program is contagious and the younger players will find
strength, direction and purpose through him. Two other seniors John
Hatcher and Cody Bailey haven’t played since their freshman year but are
expected to play vital roles this year. Hatcher is one of three left
handed pitchers on the team and he is a true Division II prospect sporting
a nasty change up and a mean 2 seam fastball. John is a fierce
competitor and could very easily carry our young pitching staff
through some stormy weather. The junior class is expected to solidify the
cougar defense. Junior shortstop Blake Potter put up respectable
numbers last season batting .318 and stealing several bases. He and
2nd baseman Jake Daugherty have great hands and quick feet and are capable
of setting a new school record for double plays in a single season if the
pitching staff co-operates. Trammell Marlow the teams’ utility man
logged only a couple of appearances on the mound as a sophomore but he is
going to toe the rubber quite often this spring. He is a student of
the game that can be a big impact player for us.
Sophomores Justin Willoughby, Chad
McCulla, Ryan Hutson and Brandon Kindred are very talented and will see
substantial playing time on the varsity squad. Willoughby a big lefty will
pitch and play 1st base on a regular basis. Furthermore, his skills will
probably land him a Division II scholarship someday. Back up catcher
Brandon Kindred is working hard to be the team DH and Ryan Hutson is
gaining confi-dence in himself and control of his pitches to help the ’08
Cougars
compete in this tough district.
Two of the districts’ premiere
freshmen will be asked to play like vets when the fire starts flying.
Outfielder Lance Webber is as smooth as they come when chasing down fly
balls and he will most likely begin his career as a Cougar in left field.
Donnie Huddleston, a 6’3” 230 pound RHP brings great promise to our young
pitching staff. He exhibits confidence on the mound and understands
the concept of throwing to contact and forcing batters to hit his pitch.
He will have a huge impact on this team come tournament time.
The one word which best describes our pitching staff is “motivated”.
Blake Potter was (1-6) as a sophomore while throwing 39 innings.
Fellow junior Trammell Marlow threw a total of 6 innings last spring and
that is the extent of our staff experience. Ironically, no one else
has pitched in or won a varsity high school baseball game. However,
this skilled young staff is ready to seize the opportunity to perform on
the mound. John Hatcher, Ben Aiken, Trammell Marlow and Donnie
Huddleston will be listed as starters when season begins. Blake
Potter,
Justin Willoughby, Ryan Hutson, Andrew Dykes, Kelly Mckamey and Billy
Tindle will all be short, long and mid-range relievers.
"To be successful this year we must bring some professionalism to our game
by bringing our best game to the field everyday. To win we have to
keep pressure on our opponents with smart aggressive base running and good
swings at the plate. More importantly, our pitchers must throw to
contact and not away from it so our defense can anticipate better and
adjust pitch by pitch. Remarkably there is only about 12 minutes of
actual action in a 2 hour game and we simply must relax and play the
game," said Coach Nicely.
Oak Ridge 22-14
2/12/08
76 The Oak Ridge Wildcats will be looking
towards building on their 22 win, 14 loss 2007 campaign, which was one of
their most successful seasons in recent history. To achieve more
stellar results, though, the ‘cats will have to find a way to replace 5
senior starters, including district co-MVP Aaron Vargas. Even more
than their fabulous physical ability, Oak Ridge will need to find a way to
replace the former seniors’ tremendous leadership qualities. Team
chemistry and character will
determine the fate of the 2008 baseball ‘cats. With 5 regular
starters returning, ace Cody Williamson and 2006 all-district performer
Jonathan Brent on the mound, the nucleus of a successful team is already
entrenched. However, the departure of a group of seniors who hit a
combined .314 and accounted for 62% of the team’s runs production will
leave a group of relatively unproven players who hit a paltry .221 last
spring. While Oak Ridge feels confident about their pitching and
their ability in the field, there will be concern about whether there will
be enough firepower on offense to score enough to win. Top
returnee's that will be called upon to lead Oak Ridge this spring will be
senior catcher Mason Guymon (Carson Newman signee and .314 BA in ‘07),
junior pitcher Cody Williamson (4-1. 3.04 ERA), sophomore middle
infielders Jordan Woullard and Morgan Guymon, and sophomore third baseman
Steven Monger. Also look for seniors Jonathan Brent, Alex Mullins,
Nick Menefee and Jesse Ross to contribute along with freshman Mickinnon
Guymon. Halls 23-11
2/26/08
80 The 2008 Red Devils return 7 starters from
last years Regional Semi-Final team.Top returnees include a very talented
outfield led by Sr's Tyler Brock (.382), Daniel Dayton (.426), and
Gary Cooper(.420). The top IF's include Austin Noe(.382),Quentin
Bowman(.357), Tyler Clifton (.244), David White (.173), P-John Clarke and
Ethan Long (injuried in 07). Junior's include Catcher J.D. Wallace(.275)
who is recovering from surgery, Tyler Turner (.294) who saw action at 3
positions in 07 could see action as IF/C/P in 08.Other juniors who add
depth are OF's Taylor
Babcock, Chris McGill and IF Hunter Snoderly. A very talented Sophomore
group lead by IF's Paul McConkey, Jared Burton, Josh Hillard, Garret
Gresham, C-Austin Below, OF-Blake Childress and P Mike Weaver. These guys
must be productive to help us win.
The pitching staff will be lead by senior's David White (7-0-2,57 IP 2.88
era), John Clarke(4-5-2,50 IP 4.30 era)Gary Cooper(2-2-2,30 IP 5.36 era)
Sophomores Jared Burton (3-1 19 IP 4.78 era), Josh Hillard(1-1 18 IP 3.50
era). Others who will add depth are senior's Tyler Brock and Daniel
Dayton. Junior Tyler Turner , sophomore's Garret Gresham and Mike Weaver.
This staff need's to be able to pitch deep into games.
To be successful this year we must "have senior leadership and team
chemistry. Finding a role for everyone will be difficult but I hope the
competition for playing time makes us better," said Coach Polston.
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Team Previews
Cherokee 12-16
2/4/08
65
The 2008 Chiefs will look to fill 6 starting positions
that we vacated in 07 by a great group of SR's. The team will be lead by
2b and converted 3b Micheal Godsey. Godsey was third on the team last year
in steals and doubles. He has the ability to lead the group if they will
follow. Ethan Blair SR. pitcher and utility player will anchor the
pitching staff and will play everyday. SR's 1b/P/OF Ezra Helton.355, Jed
Fisher and Timmy Ivey will also look for time on the mound and in the
everyday lineup. SR catcher Gabe Brooks looks to come back after a season
ending shoulder injury and hold down the dish. JR Jacob Fleenor .281 and
SO Brandon Laster .266 will look fill the "up the middle combo" and will
see time on the mound. The outfield will be young, but will have speed. JR
Brian Hake .288 will lead them in CF, with JR Coleman Elliot and Blair,
Ivey and Helton seeing time out in left and right.
The Chiefs pitching staff will be led by SR's Ethan Blair, Ezra Helton,
Jed Fisher , and Timmy Ivey. All these guys have experience in big game
and will get the bulk on starts. JR Jacob Fleenor and SO's Brandon Laster
and Jonathan Short will also see time in relief and may get a few starts
in non-conf games. SR Micheal Godsey will get some time in relief of his
teammates.
"To be successful this year we need to fill the vacated spots and come
together and a group. Our speed will benefit us and long as we drive the
ball hard and not try to hit the ball out of the park. We have big shoes
to fill, but I think these kids have what it takes to get the job
done," Head coach Kevin Helton said.
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Team Previews
Bearden 24-14
12/4/07 003
www.eteamz.com/beardenbulldogs
The top returning
position players to the lineup will be Sen/C/Jonathan Byrd, Sen/OF/Dawson
Halliday, Sen/3b/Bryant Walker, and Ju/OF/Garrett Copeland. These
four players have had productive high school careers and will be looked
upon to lead us at the plate and
defensively. Others who will be asked to produce in the field and at
the plate will be Sen/OF/1B/Taylor Gouffon, Sen/2b/Dylan Highsmith, Sen/2b/Kamryn
Roach, Ju/SS/Ryan Ford,Sen/OF/Matthew Scruggs and Sen/1B/Hunter Daniel.
Several other players will look to get in this mix also, Andy Fennell,
Sean Greenway, Jonathan Elmore, Raheel
Mansoor, Ryan Potter, Mark Lail, Jacob Edwards, and Patrick Dalton.
This group has some question marks, which need to be answered in the
preseason, however I feel this group has enough talent to put a good unit
on the field.
The experience and depth of our pitching staff this year
will be the
strength of our team. We have 5 pitchers who have all had 40 plus innings
of varsity action. This group is very talented and will be asked to lead
our team.
Andy Fennell/Sr/RHP/6'2/180
Hunter Daniel/Sr/LHP/6'3/190
Taylor Gouffon/Sr/RHP/6'4/185
Josh Hullett/Sr/LHP/5'11/175
Garrett Copeland/Jr/6'1/180
Ryan Potter and Raheel Mansoor will add more depth to the staff. "To
be successful this year we will have to develop a good team
chemistry, find an offensive identity, and improve the infield play,"
added Coach Buckner.
Maryville 17-14
2/12/08
77
The 2008 Rebels will be led at the plate by Senior Caleb
Clement(of) who hit .380 with 4 HR'S and 21 rbi and 10 sb .Senior, Jonny
Weigand (ss/p) returns after a strong finish where he hit .296 with 3HR'S
and 17 rbi. The Rebels are looking for improved hitting from CF Reid
Walker (jr. .240 avg.) who started last year as a sophomore. Other
starters should include Broughton Greene (sr,1b),Mark Strong (sr,3b),
Chris Jordan (jr,2b/of). The other positions are up for grabs.
The 2008 Rebel pitching staff holds the key to our success this season.
Gone are the #1 and #2 starters from a year ago. Returning are 3 Seniors
that will carry the pitching load for the Rebels. Jonny Wei-gand, 2-0-0,,
2.13 era. Caleb West 4-2-0 record 2.79 era. Broughton Greene, 3-2-0, 4.01
era. Drew Tinker (jr) and Kaleb Moore (so) should also see plenty of
action.
"To be successful this year our returning pitchers must be able to pitch
well against the districts' best teams. We should have a solid defense and
adequate offense to compete. Our pitching staff will determine if we are
in the district hunt against teams like Farragut, South Doyle, William
Blount and Bearden, said Coach Gaylor.
Farragut
28-11
2/26/08
83
The 2008 Admirals return all their pitchers and 7 of
their position players from last season. This team will be trying to
rebound from an early exit in the district tournament last year. The
strength of this team is strong senior leadership and chemistry. If
we improve throughout the season we should be competitive by post-season
play.
Top returners include pitchers:
Matt Ramsey: RHP (sr)
Hunter Newby: RHP (sr)
Shane Glarrow: RHP (sr)
Mack Thoreson: RHP (jr)
Jordan Cooper: LHP (jr)
Chris Hatfield: RHP (sr)
Ryan Burnette: RHP (sr)
Top returning position players:
Matt Ramsey: CF
Michael Williams: C (sr)
Joey Delmonico: DH/1B (sr)
Cade Stallings: 3B (jr)
Curt Powell: SS (jr)
Mack Thoreson: 1B/OF (jr)
Matt Sayers: OF (sr)
Top newcomers:
Philip Pfeifer: LHP (9)
Nicky Delmonico: 2B (9)
"To be successful this year we need to focus on improving daily," said
Coach Pharr.
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