By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
New Covenant Academy got back to the winning side of things in 2023.
The Warriors went 17-9-1 and fell to Marionville in the district championship. It marked the program’s first district finals appearance since 2019. With experience aplenty coming back, New Covenant is poised to take the next step as it returns eight starters.
At the top of the list is senior Connor McCarley (shortstop/pitcher). McCarley totaled 42 hits last season en route to hitting .477 with 36 RBI while posting a 5-0 record on the mound with a 1.95 ERA.
“Connor had a fantastic year for us last year,” Warriors coach David Anderlik said. “He led us in most offensive and pitching categories and is a true team leader on the field. We will lean heavily on his bat and arm this year.”
Other returning seniors include Elijah Dauber (first baseman), Braden Blake (center fielder/pitcher), Gavin Berry (starting pitcher) and Lane Richardson (catcher). Blake batted .346 with 21 stolen bases and 18 driven in, while Dauber posted a .292 clip with two home runs and 22 RBI.
On the mound, Berry sported a 5-0 record with a 2.97 ERA. Richardson hit .208 with 17 RBI.
“Elijah got off to a slow start but erupted midway through the season,” Anderlik said. “He led our team in home runs and we are looking for him to continue the power surge going into his senior year. Braden plays a great center field for us and developed into an excellent leadoff hitter. We will be counting on continued improvement at the plate and an expanded role on the mound.
“Lane was our full-time catcher last year and does a great job working with pitchers and calling games. He led our team in hit by pitches (13) and was a huge asset offensively with an on-base percentage of .494. Gavin emerged as a top starter for us. He threw a gem in the district championship game and we are counting on him to continue to be a top guy for us this year.”
Nate Martin (second baseman), Nick Ingle (designated hitter) and Braden Keener (outfielder) make up the returning juniors. Sam Dauber (third baseman) and Easton Gifford (outfielder) comprise the returning sophomores.
Martin registered a .370 batting average with 25 thefts and 14 RBI last season, while Ingle hit .300 with 13 driven in and Dauber batted .333 with 18 RBI.
“Nate earned the starting second base spot as a sophomore and locked down the 2-hole in our lineup,” Anderlik said. “He brings consistent contact and great speed. We are looking for a bump in production as he gets older. Nick was a regular DH for us as a sophomore. He made consistent contact and helped lengthen out our lineup. We are looking to see continued improvement from him.
“Sam started mostly every game at third for us as a freshman. He hit the ball well all year and played very well defensively. He will shift to the middle infield this year and will see an increased role offensively. Easton came on strong for us last year, gaining more starts and showing increased production at the plate. We see an increased role for him in the future.”
New Covenant’s top newcomers include juniors Luke Burlingame (second baseman) and Braden Keener (outfielder) as well as freshmen Landon Link (infielder), Kaden Frost (outfielder) and Brighton Guisinger (infielder).
“Luke will be competing for an infield role this year,” Anderlik said. “He is a smooth defender with an improving bat. Braden will be competing for an outfield spot. He has a lot of speed but needs to gain experience. Landon is part of a very talented freshman class we have this year. He is a versatile infielder and throws well off the mound. He will get plenty of opportunities at the varsity level.
“Kaden is an athletic outfielder who may see time at the varsity level. He will add to our pitching depth as well. Brighton is a talented infielder who may see some time behind the plate as well. He throws well and will see some time at the varsity level on the mound.”
As for the outlook for the season, Anderlik has high aspirations with this group.
“Though we lost a lot of team speed with our senior graduates, we will still rely on our speed to carry our offense,” the coach said. “A few of our newcomers and players who will have expanded roles will help replace the speed we lost and we will have a deep and productive lineup overall. We should have a deeper pitching staff than last year as guys develop on the mound. Some key freshmen additions will help the end of our depth and a few guys will step into bigger roles this year. We are hopeful they are ready to take the next steps to make us more competitive day in and day out.”
The Warriors will not compete in a jamboree this year. New Covenant opens the season with a twinbill at Raytown South and will also face St. Michael the Archangel on March 15.
