As we approach the start of the high school baseball season, all eyes are on the Mississinewa High School team and their new head coach, Josh Stearns. With a strong focus on building a positive team culture and mastering the fundamentals of the game, Coach Stearns has high hopes for this year's team.
One of the key factors in the team's success will be the top returning players from last season. According to Coach Stearns, Leyton Stearns (no relation) and Lio Matemorous are expected to be anchors on the infield and in the lineup. Leyton, a left-handed hitter, has been playing since his sophomore year and had a productive summer, while Lio has been a solid defender in the middle infield. These two players have the experience and skill to lead the team on the field.
In addition to the returning players, Coach Stearns is also excited about the new players who are expected to make an immediate impact. Kavion Martin, a left-handed pitcher, made an impressive varsity debut as a freshman, striking out 11 of the 12 batters he faced. Kenny Ayala, a senior, will also play a key role on the mound as both a reliever and weekend starter. With these talented players joining the team, Coach Stearns sees a lot of potential for a strong pitching rotation.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Stearns looks for players who prioritize others and embody the concept of servant leadership. These individuals are willing to take on tasks that may not be glamorous, but ultimately help the team function better. With a large number of seniors graduating last year, Coach Stearns believes that anyone who makes the starting lineup this year will have an important role to play.
Building team chemistry and camaraderie is a top priority for Coach Stearns. The team will participate in a variety of activities throughout the season, including team dinners, a Father-Son practice, and a Mother's Day event. These events will provide time for the players to get to know each other off the field and build strong relationships. Coach Stearns believes that when players genuinely care about each other, it translates to a more cohesive and successful team on the field.
Motivating players to push themselves to their full potential can be a challenge for any coach, but Coach Stearns has a plan in place. Before practices, players will be paired up to share about their day or answer get-to-know-you questions. This will give players the opportunity to connect with each other on a personal level and build a sense of camaraderie. Additionally, the team will participate in community service opportunities, emphasizing the importance of giving back and being a positive member of the community.
One of the biggest challenges in preparing for this season has been changing the mindset of some players who were used to a more laid-back coaching style. Coach Stearns believes in a more regimented and pressure-oriented approach, where practices include an element of pressure to prepare players for game situations. This change in coaching style may take some time for the players to adjust to, but it will ultimately benefit them in the long run.
The team's schedule for this season includes 28 games, with the first game taking place on April 7th. Coach Stearns believes that the team will face some tough opponents, which will help prepare them for the state tournament at the end of May. The team will also have a full schedule this year, with a mix of doubleheaders and midweek games to reach the maximum number of games allowed in Indiana.
The mental aspect of the game is crucial for the team's success, and Coach Stearns knows this. He plans to incorporate an element of pressure into practices to prepare players for high-stress situations in games. By creating a practice environment that simulates game situations, players will be better equipped to handle pressure and perform at their full potential.
In terms of strengths and weaknesses, Coach Stearns believes that the team has a strong pitching rotation and defense, but their inexperience may be a challenge. With nine seniors graduating and an entirely new coaching staff, there are many unknowns. However, Coach Stearns is confident that as the team grows together, they will overcome any challenges that come their way.
Overall, Coach Stearns' coaching philosophy centers around building a strong team culture, mastering the fundamentals, and prioritizing the mental aspect of the game. By emphasizing these key areas, he hopes to lead the Mississinewa High School team to success on and off the field. With a mix of experienced and new players, as well as a dedicated coaching staff, the team has the potential to achieve great things this season. Fans and supporters of Mississinewa High School baseball have much to look forward to as this team takes the field.
 and Lio Matemorous are expected to be anchors on the infield and in the lineup. Leyton, a left-handed hitter, has been playing since his sophomore year and had a productive summer, while Lio has been a solid defender in the middle infield. These two players have the experience and skill to lead the team on the field.
In addition to the returning players, Coach Stearns is also excited about the new players who are expected to make an immediate impact. Kavion Martin, a left-handed pitcher, made an impressive varsity debut as a freshman, striking out 11 of the 12 batters he faced. Kenny Ayala, a senior, will also play a key role on the mound as both a reliever and weekend starter. With these talented players joining the team, Coach Stearns sees a lot of potential for a strong pitching rotation.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Stearns looks for players who prioritize others and embody the concept of servant leadership. These individuals are willing to take on tasks that may not be glamorous, but ultimately help the team function better. With a large number of seniors graduating last year, Coach Stearns believes that anyone who makes the starting lineup this year will have an important role to play.
Building team chemistry and camaraderie is a top priority for Coach Stearns. The team will participate in a variety of activities throughout the season, including team dinners, a Father-Son practice, and a Mother's Day event. These events will provide time for the players to get to know each other off the field and build strong relationships. Coach Stearns believes that when players genuinely care about each other, it translates to a more cohesive and successful team on the field.
Motivating players to push themselves to their full potential can be a challenge for any coach, but Coach Stearns has a plan in place. Before practices, players will be paired up to share about their day or answer get-to-know-you questions. This will give players the opportunity to connect with each other on a personal level and build a sense of camaraderie. Additionally, the team will participate in community service opportunities, emphasizing the importance of giving back and being a positive member of the community.
One of the biggest challenges in preparing for this season has been changing the mindset of some players who were used to a more laid-back coaching style. Coach Stearns believes in a more regimented and pressure-oriented approach, where practices include an element of pressure to prepare players for game situations. This change in coaching style may take some time for the players to adjust to, but it will ultimately benefit them in the long run.
The team's schedule for this season includes 28 games, with the first game taking place on April 7th. Coach Stearns believes that the team will face some tough opponents, which will help prepare them for the state tournament at the end of May. The team will also have a full schedule this year, with a mix of doubleheaders and midweek games to reach the maximum number of games allowed in Indiana.
The mental aspect of the game is crucial for the team's success, and Coach Stearns knows this. He plans to incorporate an element of pressure into practices to prepare players for high-stress situations in games. By creating a practice environment that simulates game situations, players will be better equipped to handle pressure and perform at their full potential.
In terms of strengths and weaknesses, Coach Stearns believes that the team has a strong pitching rotation and defense, but their inexperience may be a challenge. With nine seniors graduating and an entirely new coaching staff, there are many unknowns. However, Coach Stearns is confident that as the team grows together, they will overcome any challenges that come their way.
Overall, Coach Stearns' coaching philosophy centers around building a strong team culture, mastering the fundamentals, and prioritizing the mental aspect of the game. By emphasizing these key areas, he hopes to lead the Mississinewa High School team to success on and off the field. With a mix of experienced and new players, as well as a dedicated coaching staff, the team has the potential to achieve great things this season. Fans and supporters of Mississinewa High School baseball have much to look forward to as this team takes the field.){kind=logo}
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