By Chris Neyenhouse
It will be a bit of a rebuilding season for Laquey as they return four regular starters from last season’s 5-20 squad. The program has not had double-digit wins since at least 2008, but came close with nine as recently as 2021. The team needs to replace five seniors, three of whom started key positions at catcher, third base and shortstop. Mark Farley slides over from the assistant coach position to take the reins as head coach this year.
On the bright side, about half the starting lineup returns with four regular starters and two spot starters returning from last year’s team. Sophomore utility player Rhyder Martin returns to his leadoff spot where he batted .400 last year. Junior Jesse Tanner, senior Connor Harrison, and sophomore Izeyah Boggs will also be back to power the offense. Harrison led the team in home runs and is also one of the best left-handed pitchers in the area.
Speaking of the pitching staff, Harrison will anchor the staff after leading the team in strikeouts and being named all-conference a year ago. Martin and Tanner will also figure into the rotation plans as the team looks develop other starters and relievers around them.
Boggs will play first base while Kayden Hendrix will man second base. Senior Karson Godfrey will join Harrison in the outfield. Several players are in battles for the remaining spots. Hunter Cote, Aiden Elmore, Noah Francisco, Karson Godfrey, Noah Horner, Tyler Rich, Masyn Shockley, Landun Godfrey, Cillian Adams, Reese Adams, and Kaden Sapp all figure in the mix for playing time.
“Our strengths will be top of the order and returning starters,” said Farley. “Our first three starting pitchers in the rotations are solid. Returning players will have to carry the load for a young team.”
Laquey hosts Summersville to start the season March 15, something coach Farley is very much looking forward to.
“We practically have a brand-new ballfield this year,” he said. “Through fundraising, grants, and donations from area businesses and organizations, coupled with volunteer labor, we have a completely new infield, new dugouts, back stop, and fencing around the entire field. We are very thankful to all that made it possible and are very excited to play our first home game there.”
