As the new season approaches, all eyes are on the Manton High School baseball team. After years of building the program and focusing on individual development, Coach Justin Lewis believes that this is the year for his team to take the next step and learn how to win. With a strong group of returning players and promising new additions, the team is ready to compete and make a name for themselves in the competitive Highland Conference.
The top returning players from last season are the key to the team's success. Coach Lewis highlights the importance of offensive execution and consistent pitching in securing victories. Leading the way are senior Gage Schaub, who brings both a strong left-handed bat and pitching skills, and junior George Coffel, a dynamic player who was All-Conference and All-Area in his first two seasons. Their experience and talent will be crucial in leading the team to success.
But it's not just the returning players who will make an impact this season. Coach Lewis is also excited about the new players who will join the team. Freshman Blake Helsel will be essential in stabilizing the middle infield and controlling the tempo of the defense. Sophomore Cooper Chittle has shown significant improvement and will be an anchor behind the plate. And junior Jaiden Carstens, a rock at first base, will also make a major contribution on the mound.
When it comes to team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Lewis emphasizes the importance of leadership. He looks for players who put in the work even when no one is watching and are committed to getting stronger in the weight room. Senior George Coffel is the ultimate lead-by-example player, while junior Blake Helsel is the vocal leader who isn't afraid to put in extra time after school. Together, they set the tone for the team and motivate their teammates to push themselves to their full potential.
The team's schedule for this season is tough, but Coach Lewis and his players are ready for the challenge. They will face strong opponents such as Marion, who won 26 games last season, and Kingsley, a perennial powerhouse. The Highland Conference is also full of talented teams, and the non-conference opponents have college-level talent, which will only help the team prepare for the postseason.
One of the biggest challenges for the team this season has been reintroducing a JV team for the first time in 6-7 years. This move is crucial in building depth and ensuring long-term success for the program. Coach Lewis believes that this year's team is the most experienced and athletic group he's had at Manton, and his coaching approach reflects that. With fewer positional battles and a set pitching rotation, the focus will be on refining the team's game rather than starting from scratch.
To address the team's weaknesses, Coach Lewis has been prioritizing live reps in practice, particularly when it comes to hitting. He believes that if the team can make the same progress offensively as they have with their pitching, they will be a formidable opponent for any team in the conference.
When it comes to his coaching philosophy, Coach Lewis prioritizes velocity development. He has seen a significant improvement in his players' pitching speed since he first arrived at Manton, and he believes this has been a game-changer for the team. Not only does it help on the mound, but it also makes it more challenging for opponents to steal bases and take extra bags on hits to the outfield.
As the Manton High School baseball team gears up for the season, there is a sense of excitement and determination in the air. With a strong foundation, talented players, and a dedicated coaching staff, this team is ready to take on their opponents and compete for the top spot in the conference. And with a focus on learning how to win, the sky's the limit for this promising group of players.
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