By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
“Last year was shaping up to be interesting even before the pandemic cancelled the season,” Schaffitzel said. “We only returned two starters and no pitchers who had thrown an inning of varsity baseball. I feel for the seniors, really for everyone, because everyone lost out last year.”
Hillcrest’s senior graduates included Austin Bonham, Chase Griesemer, Dean Phillips, Cooper Ryan and Garrett Cates.
With a lack of returning experience, the Hornets will lean heavily on senior outfielder/pitcher Avery Grant this season.
Grant, a Jefferson College signee, will move to center field this season after playing shortstop in his first two varsity seasons.
“Avery would be a four-year starter if not for Covid,” Schaffitzel said. “He is one of the most talented players I’ve had as head coach at Hillcrest and one of the hardest workers. His baseball IQ is off the charts and has been helpful this offseason teaching all he can to our younger players. I expect very big things from Avery this year. As he goes, so will our team.”
Grant will be joined by a trio of returning classmates in shortstop/pitcher Landon Clark, outfielder/catcher/pitcher Andrew Wood and pitcher Gavin Davis.
Junior third baseman/pitcher Jackson Herrman also returns for the Hornets.
While Schaffitzel is thankful to have had a summer development session, he believes his team will need to develop quickly into its new roles this season.
“We got to play a little summer ball last season so the players who did that at least got a chance to play and improve their skills, but we have several players who don’t play summer baseball so their progress and improvement was definitely slowed,” Schaffitzel said. “The good news is we have several great senior leaders. Some have been thrust into a role they’re not used to because the last time they played they were sophomores on the JV.”
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Newcomers to the varsity roster include outfielder Colby Baker (SR), infielder/pitcher Ethan Cates (JR), catcher/pitcher Kannon Brayfield (JR), infielder/pitcher London Hayes (SO), infielder/pitcher Isaac Hann (SO), outfielder Gunnar Brooks (SR), outfielder Aaron Blackwell (JR), outfielder Cage Merchant (JR), infielder Deonte Ray (JR), infielder Shane Stafford (JR), outfielder Braxton Baker (SO), utility Cole Griesemer (SO) and utility Cooper Huett (SO).
Heading into the season, Schaffitzel believes his the early portion will likely be a work in progress and require some time for his lineup and pitching staff to develop.
“I feel like most coaches probably do,” Schaffitzel said. “None of us are really sure what we have this year. With only a couple of players with varsity experience the outlook is hazy. We have some guys who performed well at the lower levels two springs ago but are unproven on the varsity level.”
Without a proven ace on the mound, the Hornets will rely on location and consistent team defense this season.
“We don’t have many strikeout pitchers so we will have to throw a lot of strikes and keep the ball out of the middle of the plate,” Schaffitzel said. “Since we play a majority of our games on our turf field, we will ask our pitchers to let hitters get themselves out by making soft contact. We will have to have a great defense to be a good team this year. We will get many chances to field the ball and it will come down to whether we make plays or not.”
At the plate, the Hornets will be aggressive and opportunistic on the basepaths.
“Offensively we have some pop in the middle of our order but it will be up to the guys in front of them to get on and be aggressive,” Schaffitzel said. “We have to be an aggressive baserunning team and will focus a lot on that part of the game in practice. We will also need to be opportunistic with our scoring chances by making productive outs that move runners up and take extra bases on balls in the dirt.”
For Hillcrest to be successful this season, Schaffitzel believes his team simply has to focus on consistency within its routine, day-to-day plays.
“I am looking forward to the season, especially after the way last year ended,” Schaffitzel said. “We will preach to our guys to be good at normal. We don’t have to strike out 12 a night, or make sparkling defensive plays, or knock down the wall on offense. Our success will be determined by whether or not we do the routine normal things every time we get the chance. In high school baseball, more often than not, games are lost and not won. Meaning whoever executes, makes the fewest mistakes, and doesn’t give up free bases usually wins the game.”
Following a March 12 jamboree, Hillcrest opens its season March 19 at home against Poplar Bluff.
