1 Tae McKinnis (JR) OF/1B                    2017 All District, All Region, Super Sophomore in TN , 3 year start

2 Justin Riley  (JR) LHP/OF                    2017 All District, 3 year starter

3 Gage Barham (SOPH) SS/RHP           Athletic, Lead-off hitter. Poised for a big season

4 Austin Whitaker (SR) 1B/RHP             4- year starter

5 Hunter Crowder (SOPH) LHP/OF       LHP poised for big season on the mound

6 Peyton Lane (SR) RHP/UTL                RHP, versatile player who big time speed. Plays CF and SS.

 

2018 TEAM OUTLOOK:

Offense: We have a number of guys who are very athletic in this years squad. We are a fast team this year and we plan to use that to our benefit. We will rely heavy on small ball and stealing bases. Sophomore Gage Barham will lead off with Justin Riley following. We will rely heavily on Tae McKinnis, Austin Whitaker and Cade Palmer to drive in runs for us this season.

Defense: Junior Matthew Chalk and Senior Cade Palmer will lead the Tigers behind the plate this season. Sophomore Gage Barham is poised for a break out campaign at shortstop next to senior combo Peyton Lane and Carson Palmer at second base. 4 year starter Austin Whitaker is the leader of the defense at 1st base. 3rd base will be represented by a combo of Junior Seth Byrd and Senior Anterrius McKinnis. The outfield will be our strongest unit as a whole highlighted by 3 year starters Justin Riley in CF and Tae McKinnis in RF. LF will be by committee with sophomore Hunter Crowder, junior Jordan Bonds and senior Blake Maynard.

Pitching: We have four guys that we will expect big innings from this season. Junior Justin Riley (LHP) will led the pitching staff in his 3rd year of starting. Senior RHP Peyton Lane will be in the mix for the top of the staff. Sophomores Gage Barham (RHP) and Hunter Crowder (LHP) will be two young guys that will pitch big innings for us this season. They are hungry and we expect them to gain valuable experience this season. Seniors Austin Whitaker (RHP), Carson Palmer (RHP), Blake Maynard (LHP) and junior RHP Seth Byrd will provide depth and complete the staff for 2018.

Overall outlook: We look forward to the start of the 2018 season. We lost 6 starters to graduation from last years team which gives the opportunity to a number of young guys. We will be a young team but I am optimistic regarding our team speed and athleticism. Like any year, we will need guys to step up and play their role for this team to be successful. We are excited for the opportunity for our young guys and particularly this senior class to play well and improve throughout the season.