Opening the season against a big rival could leave a team shaky – unless the team is from Clarkston.
Now spring break has passed the boys varsity baseball team is ready to start the season against Lake Orion.
Coach Phil Price admitted it is tough to go against a big rival and league opponent in the first game, but has seen the talent he has on the diamond.
‘Our kids are giving good effort and I have high expectations for this year,? he said.
The Wolves? strength is in the core of players – a mix of seniors, juniors and one sophomore ready to compete.
‘We have a lot of good players,? Price added. ‘We have a deep pitching staff. I don’t know if we have anybody who is a lights-out-upper-80s-lower-90s-pitcher but we have a lot of very good high school pitchers.?
He has six pitchers, Matt Miller, Jarett Coy, Vince Siwicki, Andrew Fairse, Alex Topham and Matt Rodgers. All, he said, are capable of beating anybody.
The team has two standouts for hitting – seniors Chris Mocerino and Tyler Scarlett, both three-year starters for the Wolves.
‘With Chris, he is a short stop and a returning short stop, which is one of the key positions,? said Price. ‘To have him is a big asset for us.?
As for Scarlett, his experience and athleticism helps the team.
‘Tyler has been through battles in the football season and the basketball season. He knows how to win,? Price pointed out.
‘It is nice to have someone with such experience who is a leader.?
Catching this season is the youngest on the team – sophomore Dylan Peck, he was also last year’s catcher.
‘He is going to help us quite a bit,? said Price.
But the player to watch for the season is centerfielder Chase Toth.
‘He is really going to blossom for us this year,? said Price. ‘He has got some ability. He has the tools – he can run, he can hit above average and he can play defense. He can really change the game by himself.?
The boys play Lake Orion at home on Wednesday and head to Rochester Adams on Friday. Both games are single games beginning at 4:30 p.m.
The boys host Avondale on Monday night in a double header. The first game is at 4:30 p.m., the second is at 6:30 p.m.