Coach Collin Bice and the DeKalb High School baseball team have high expectations for the upcoming season. With nine returning starters and a deep pitching staff, they are poised to compete at a high level and achieve their ultimate goal of winning a conference and sectional championship. Let's take a closer look at the team and their preparations for the season.
The top returning players from last season are crucial to the team's success this year. Ashten Tuttle, committed to Saint Francis, is a versatile infielder with an impressive batting average of .396 and 26 RBIs. He was also selected for the 2024 IHSBCA Future's Game, showcasing his talent on a state-wide level. Bryson Gadson, committed to Bethel University, is a top pitcher with a 2.33 ERA and 36 strikeouts last season.
He also contributed offensively with a .321 batting average and 13 RBIs. Brady Vince, an outstanding freshman last season, led the team in multiple categories and is a key player on both offense and defense. Miles Brockhouse, a strong contributor on the mound, and Drake Hall, an emerging outfielder, round out the list of top returning players. Additionally, Brendan Vance brings reliability to the pitching staff with a 2.52 ERA and three complete games last season.
For potential team captains, the coaching staff looks for players who possess strong leadership qualities such as athleticism, instincts, and a positive attitude. Sophomores Dalton Cox and Malachi Webb are expected to make an immediate impact this season. Cox, a starting shortstop, is known for his elite defensive skills, while Webb is a two-way prospect with power and athleticism. The team does not have official captains as they believe in collective leadership, but the upperclassmen and younger players have stepped up to hold their teammates accountable and drive the team towards success.
The team's chemistry and camaraderie are vital to their success, and the coaching staff has made it a focus this season. They have encouraged players to embrace the concept of "mudita," genuine happiness for the success of others, and to support and lift each other up. The team has also bonded through shared experiences, such as working at a summer baseball camp and training together in the fall and off-season. The players are united, hungry, and ready to make a big impact this season.
One of the biggest challenges in preparing for this season has been turning the page from last year. After a successful 2023 season, the team was much younger last year, and it took time for the younger players to find their rhythm. However, with more experience and depth this season, the team is confident and ready to compete at a high level.
The coaching staff motivates the players by challenging them every day, pushing them to reach their full potential, and holding them to a high standard. The team's schedule includes tough opponents, such as Forest Park and New Prairie, giving them a solid gauge of where they stand early in the season. The focus for the rest of the season will be on their conference games in May.
The team's coaching style remains the same, with a focus on pushing the players to be their best and holding them accountable. They have also placed an increased emphasis on mental toughness and staying focused on the task at hand. The team's strengths lie in their experience, pitching depth, and offensive efficiency. They have also worked on improving their consistency and execution in high-leverage situations.
The team's training and conditioning program has also been a significant focus, with an emphasis on the weight room and velocity development for pitchers. They are also working on being versatile and dynamic offensively, ensuring they can execute in any situation. The coaching philosophy is to play hard, put pressure on opposing defenses, and shut down their offenses. The team's goal is to be known for playing DeKalb Baron baseball, and with their determination and hard work, they are well on their way to achieving it.
In conclusion, Coach Collin Bice and the DeKalb High School baseball team have high expectations for the upcoming season. With a talented and experienced group of players, a strong emphasis on team chemistry and camaraderie, and a focus on physical and mental toughness, the team is ready to compete at a high level and make a run for a conference and sectional championship. Fans and opponents alike should keep an eye on this team, as they are sure to leave their mark on the field this season.
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