By Chris Parker
Gary Lile enters his first season as head coach of the Skyline Tigers. It is his first stint as a head coach after spending nine seasons as an assistant coach.
Six starters and seven lettermen return for Skyline from last season’s 14-12 team.
Seniors Zack Kelley and Cohen Mashburn will be team leaders according to Lile.
That duo along with Dakota Carlise (junior), Jayden Moppin (junior) and Paxton Foster (sophomore) will be the key pitchers this season.
Foster will be the team’s top catcher. The rest of the lineup around the infield will feature Landen Hodges (freshman first base), Moppin (second base), Mashburn (third base) and Kelley (shortstop).
Brigham Willis (left field) and Carlise (junior centerfield) will be in the outfield.
“We are deep and hope to put pressure on the defense,” Lile said. “We just need to become a student of the game a little more.”
Skyline opens the season Mar. 16-20 at the Stockton Tournament.
“Our schedule is absolutely stacked, so our focus isn’t on wins and loses season, we are focused on the short season the playoffs,” Lile said.
