As the new season approaches, the Riverbend High School baseball team is gearing up for what they hope will be a successful year. With a strong core of returning players and some promising new additions, Coach James Labrusciano is looking to lead his team to victory and build on their strengths while addressing any weaknesses.
One of the top returning players from last season is senior Caleb Rist. Coach Labrusciano credits his impact on the team since joining mid-season last year and believes he will only continue to improve this year. Another standout is left-handed pitcher Tyson Brewster, who is expected to make a significant contribution on the mound. With a group of experienced seniors leading the way, Coach Labrusciano believes their leadership will be crucial to the team's success.
In terms of new players, there are several names to watch out for. Luke Alexander, Dylan Benfield, Logan Clark, Ben Neal, Brady Campbell, Ethan Wyatt, Jordan Higgins, and Aiden Zovak are all expected to make an immediate impact on the team. This group of seniors has put in a lot of hard work and training, and Coach Labrusciano believes they have the potential to be special this year.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Labrusciano has a unique philosophy. He does not believe in having designated captains, instead, he wants all players to be leaders on and off the field. He believes in creating a culture of accountability and responsibility among all team members, which he believes leads to a successful team dynamic. However, Caleb Rist and Tyson Brewster are two players who are expected to step up as leaders this season.
Building team chemistry and camaraderie is a crucial aspect of any successful team. For the Riverbend High School baseball team, this is achieved through team meals and outings. These activities help the team bond and create a strong sense of family among the players. Coach Labrusciano believes that these memories and relationships are more important than any wins or losses.
The biggest challenge in preparing for this season has been the unpredictable weather, making it difficult to establish a regular routine for training. However, the coaching staff has done an excellent job of keeping the players motivated and accountable both on and off the field. They take on a parental role and truly care about the players' success and well-being.
The team's schedule for this season includes a tough non-conference lineup, with 7 out of 8 opponents having gone to regions or states last year. While some may say that this schedule is crazy, Coach Labrusciano believes it prepares the team for conference play and allows them to identify the players they can depend on in big games. It also serves as a test for the coaching staff to see what areas need improvement.
When it comes to his coaching philosophy, Coach Labrusciano believes in constantly adapting and evolving based on the players he has. While the core principles remain the same, the training and preparation are tailored to the team's strengths and weaknesses each year. This year, the focus has been on improving hitting, with a dedicated lifting program to help players become stronger and more confident at the plate.
The mental aspect of the game is also crucial for the Riverbend High School team. Coach Labrusciano understands that high school players can sometimes struggle with this aspect, and he works to build their mental toughness and mindset. He believes that a strong mental game can make all the difference in a close game or a high-pressure situation.
In terms of changes or improvements to the team's training and conditioning program, Coach Labrusciano emphasizes the importance of consistency and dedication. He believes that a year-round training program is crucial for high school players, and it can be tough to get them to buy into it. However, he has seen the benefits in his players' strength and performance on the field.
As for the team's strengths and weaknesses, Coach Labrusciano believes that their pitching and defense are their main strengths. With eight seniors, most of whom are starters, he expects the team to be solid in these areas. However, the question mark remains their hitting. This is an area that they have focused on in the offseason, along with their strength and conditioning, to improve their performance at the plate.
In conclusion, the Riverbend High School baseball team is poised for a successful season with a strong core of returning players and some promising newcomers. With a focus on leadership, team chemistry, mental toughness, and training, Coach Labrusciano is confident in his team's abilities and is looking forward to seeing their hard work pay off on the field.
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