Coach Scott Holycross has high expectations for the Covington High School baseball team this year. After a successful season last year, the team is looking to continue their winning ways and reach even greater heights. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising new players, the team is poised for success. In this preview article, we take a closer look at the top returning players, new impact players, team captains, coaching style, training and conditioning program, and the team's strengths and weaknesses.
The Covington High School baseball team has a strong core of returning players from last season. One of the standout players is Cian Moore, who was First Team All-State and All-Conference as a junior. Moore is a versatile player who can play center field, leadoff hitter, and has an impressive batting average of .475. His 37 runs scored last season were the most in the conference and he also had 24 stolen bases. His speed and hitting ability make him a valuable asset to the team.
Another returning player is Kyven Hill, who was All-Conference as a sophomore last year. Hill is a reliable player both on the mound and at shortstop, with a record of 32 innings pitched and 46 strikeouts. He also had an impressive batting average of .253 with 17 RBIs. Creux Rieman, who was All-Conference Honorable Mention as a freshman, also returns this year as a left-handed pitcher and first baseman.
He had a batting average of .319 and an ERA of 4.57 last season. Kaden Smith, an All-Conference Honorable Mention as a freshman, returns as a utility player who can play multiple positions on the field. He had a batting average of .329 and 13 RBIs last season.
The Covington High School baseball team also has some promising new players who are expected to make an immediate impact. Kyler Zarn, a sophomore from Illinois, shows great potential in the middle infield and at the plate. Davyn Green, a freshman, has already shown his skills in the outfield, third base, and catcher positions. AJ Asbury, a sophomore who started a few games last season, brings his speed and athleticism to the team.
Coach Holycross and his coaching staff have a strong emphasis on selecting the right team captains. This year, seniors Cian Moore and Carson Schaeffer, along with junior Nash Martin, are considered leaders by their teammates. They possess qualities such as strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic. However, there are other players who are also vying for the role, creating a sense of unity and accountability among the team.
To build strong team chemistry and camaraderie, the Covington High School baseball team holds regular team functions such as dinners, competitions, and fun games unrelated to baseball. Coach Holycross also emphasizes the importance of discipline and adhering to the team's core values. This includes holding players accountable for their actions both on and off the field. The team's motto of "picking each other up when you're down" reinforces the idea of a family bond among the players.
Coach Holycross and his coaching staff have a strong focus on the mental aspect of the game. They believe that overcoming adversity and staying mentally strong are crucial for success on the field. The team's schedule, which includes tough opponents from different divisions, also serves as motivation for the players to push themselves to their full potential.
One of the biggest challenges for the team this year has been finding indoor gym space for winter workouts. Despite this obstacle, the team has found ways to prepare for the upcoming season and continue to improve.
Coach Holycross's coaching style has remained consistent over the years, but he also adapts to the team's needs and strengths. The team's schedule, which includes playing against tough opponents, helps in preparing the players for conference and sectional games.
This year, the team has made a significant change by bringing on a strength and conditioning coach. This has already shown improvements in the players' physical abilities. The team's training strategy remains the same, but the addition of a professional coach has helped the players become bigger, faster, and stronger.
Coach Holycross believes that the team's seasoned players will be a major strength this year. With their experience in big games, the players know what it takes to win. However, the team's only weakness could be player fatigue with a busy schedule of 4-5 games per week. Staying healthy will be crucial for the team's success.
In conclusion, the Covington High School baseball team is looking to build upon their success from last season and reach their goals of being in the top 10 in 1A, winning the conference, and potentially winning sectionals. With a strong mix of experienced players and promising new talent, along with a dedicated coaching staff, the team is poised for a successful season. The players' strong work ethic, unity, and mental toughness will be key factors in achieving their goals.
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