As the new season approaches, the Lake Norman High School baseball team is gearing up for a successful year. With Coach Samuel Fontanez at the helm, the team has set ambitious goals of winning their conference, the conference tournament, and making a deep run in the state playoffs. In order to achieve these goals, the team will have to focus on key areas such as pounding the zone with multiple pitches, making routine plays, and being aggressive on the base paths by playing small balls.
The team has a strong core of returning players from last season who will be instrumental in achieving these goals. Among them are seniors Mike Busa, Nick Mavroudis, Eric Jacobsen, and Caden Beaver. These players not only bring valuable experience and leadership to the team but also have a strong presence on the field. They are key contributors in both the batting lineup and on the pitching mound, making them essential players to watch this season.
When asked about potential team captains, Coach Fontanez mentioned freshmen Southpaw Morgan McGuire, as well as Noah Jacobsen and Carson Beaver. These players stand out for their work ethic, defensive abilities, and leadership qualities. Their dedication to the team and their commitment to improving their skills make them strong contenders for the role of team captain.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial factors in a successful baseball team, and Coach Fontanez has a plan to implement these values this season. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and staying even-keeled, not getting too high with the highs and too low with the lows. The team will also focus on giving their best effort and energy, regardless of the situation, to foster a strong sense of unity and teamwork.
Motivating players to push themselves to their full potential is a challenge that Coach Fontanez tackles head-on. He believes in the power of team bonding and organizes team pasta dinners as a way to bring the players together and build camaraderie. This, coupled with his coaching style of hands-on involvement and constant reminders of their goals, helps keep the team motivated to give their best on and off the field.
The team has faced some challenges in preparing for this season, including not having access to a field for practice over the fall. However, Coach Fontanez has used this as an opportunity to establish a gritty, tough culture within the team. By focusing on the small details and setting high expectations for practice, he hopes to instill a culture of excellence and hard work that will translate into success in the field.
The team's schedule for this season includes tough opponents and exciting matchups that the players are looking forward to. Coach Fontanez notes that Hough, a talented team, will be a challenging opponent, but he is confident in his team's abilities. He also looks forward to the rivalry game against Mooresville, and the team is excited to compete in the Greater Metro 4a conference, known for its high level of competition.
Coach Fontanez's coaching style may differ from previous seasons, but he is determined to continue the team's success. His dedication and hands-on approach have already shown results, with the team defeating Hough for the first time in eight years. He also believes in the importance of mental toughness, and the team works hard to cultivate a strong mindset to handle the ups and downs of the game.
In addition to practicing on-field skills, the team also focuses on training and conditioning. Coach Fontanez has implemented 6 am lifts three days a week, as well as mental challenge days and plenty of conditioning. He understands that baseball is a game of failure, and the team's ability to handle failure and bounce back will determine their success.
As with any team, the Lake Norman High School baseball team has its strengths and weaknesses. Coach Fontanez acknowledges that the team's pitching is outstanding, with 26 out of 28 innings played so far being scoreless. However, he also notes that the team needs to work on their hitting and be more patient at the plate. With time and more in-game experience, he is confident that the team will improve in these areas and achieve success.
Overall, Coach Fontanez's coaching philosophy revolves around hard work, dedication, and a focus on the little things. He believes that success is built on consistency and a strong work ethic, both on and off the field. With his guidance and the determination of the players, the Lake Norman High School baseball team is poised for a successful season. Fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive team that embodies the true spirit of the game.
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