Basehor-Linwood High School Baseball Season Preview

It's an exciting time for the Basehor-Linwood High School baseball team as they gear up for their upcoming season. Coach Zach Livingston is heading into his third year as the head coach and is looking to continue the upward trend of improvement that the team has seen over the past few years. With several returning players and some talented newcomers, the team has high hopes of making a strong run to the state tournament. One of the key factors in the team's success this season will be their top returning players from last season. With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and up-and-coming underclassmen, this team has a good balance of leadership and talent. Seniors Nash McCarty, Brody Torkelson, and Brady VanDonge will bring their experience and skills to the field. McCarty, a KCKCC commit, has been a starter at first base since his sophomore year and is known for his contact hitting and exceptional defense. Torkelson, a Colby CC commit, is a savvy player on the mound who uses his defense well. VanDonge, returning as the center fielder, has great range and makes solid contact at the plate. Junior brothers Will Howard and Trey West will also be key players this season as they enter their third year as starters. Howard, a talented catcher, is a tough out at the plate and a hard worker and leader for the team. West anchors down shortstop with his strong arm and is a great presence in the lineup. Junior Garrett Pierce, who boasts multiple offensive and defensive accolades from last season, will continue to be a backbone for the team. And sophomore Nate Martin, who started in the outfield last season, is ready to take on a bigger role after impressing with his batting and outfield skills. With a solid group of returning players, Coach Livingston is confident in his team's chemistry and camaraderie. He states, "We preach to our kids that we want them to bring great energy, battle adversity, and play for each other." He believes that this will ultimately lead to strong team chemistry and a winning mentality. But how does Coach Livingston motivate his players to push themselves to their full potential? He says that it all starts with building a strong culture and work ethic within the team. "Each year our culture has improved and we are working to make this season the best yet," he comments.