By Chris Parker
Macks Creek baseball is looking to bounce back from a one-win season in 2022 with seven starters returning.
A trio of juniors in Dakota Willis, Kyler Gabriel and Josh Botta will be the team’s leaders.
Willis will be the team’s No. 1 pitcher and third baseman.
“Dakota is without a doubt our go to guy,” Macks Creek head coach Luke Overton said. “He is who I want on the mound or up to bat when the going gets tough. He is dedicated to baseball and constantly working throughout the year to try to improve. I can rely on him to compete every game. I have high hopes for Dakota this year.”
Gabriel will pitch and play shortstop.
“Kyler Gabriel (is a) strong leader that works extremely hard,” Overton said. “(He) plays multiple sports and is seen as a great athlete. He is short in stature, but he has a large presence on the field. (He is a) hard-throwing pitcher, reliable, throws strikes; quick and hard hitter.”
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Botta will pitch and play centerfield.
“Josh Botta (is a) strong leader that works hard, holds himself to high standard,” Overton said. “(He is) always willing to do whatever it takes to help his teammates succeed on or off the field. (He) has great all-around character.”
Sean Green (freshman) will play catcher. Sophomores Julian Norman (second base) and Paxten Breshears (first base) will round out the infield.
Botta will be joined in the outfield by Nick Hicks (sophomore).
Both Breshears and Hicks have shown great improvement on the field.
“Paxten Breshears has had the most improvement. He struggled after not playing baseball before, but by the end of the year he was a solid and hard hitter while also fielding incredibly well at first,” Overton said. “Nick Hicks also showed much improvement from last year to now. He has gained lots of confidence fielding and hitting.”
Macks Creek will be a young team with no seniors on the roster.
“Our strengths will definitely be our youth and returners,” Overton said. “We have seven guys who all saw large amounts of varsity time back. We had a growing season last year, but we have our returners. We will also have zero graduates this year meaning we have more growth.”
Macks Creek opens the season on Mar. 21 at Tuscumbia.
“Our identity is going to be rooted in our ‘Pirate Mentality’. We will be focusing on doing the right thing every time no matter what. No matter how small or big it may seem. No matter how hard it is we will always strive to do the right thing the right way,” Overton said. “My expectations are high for our growth. We still need to grow and learn, but I believe we can compete this year in almost every game we play.”
