Trojans reloaded following regional semifinal run
Replacing four multiyear varsity starters is never easy at the Class 2A level but Windthorst head coach Scott Belcher this year’s Trojan team can do just that.
“I feel really good,” Belcher said. “We’ve got some bright spots. We’ve just got to be a lot more consistent.”
Despite suffering huge graduation hits the last two years, the Trojans expectations won’t change: they still expect to contend in a highly competitive region and be right in the running for a berth in the state tournament in June.
“We’ve always got high expectations,” the Trojans skipper explained. “We’re young in experience but we’re not necessarily young age-wise. That’s what these early tournaments are for. We’re playing some good people. We don’t want to be playing our best ball in early March. We’re looking to hit our stride at the end of April and early May.”
After winning fourstraight district championships, the Trojans should once again be the front runner in what should be a highly competitive league.
“Petrolia’s got the Watson kid and anytime he’s on the mound, he’s got the ability to keep them in games. Coach Maxwell always does a great job. Archer is athletic and they can scare you a little bit. We’ve got a bunch of athletic teams running around. They can give you trouble if you’re off. You’re going to have to pitch and play good defense in this district to get in the slots you want.”
Much like Holliday, the biggest question mark for the Trojans is on the bump. Replacing, in this sports writer’s opinion, the best pitcher in the state last year in Cy Belcher along with Kyle Wolf is a tall-task. Last year’s No. 3 starter, Cooper Wolf, is expected to move to the front of the rotation, followed by Zeke Mayo and Haven Vieth.
“Cooper, Zeke and Haven Vieth are expected to be the top three guys as far as innings are concerned. I feel comfortable with all three of those guys, especially with their mindset. They’re all really good competitors and they have the stuff to compete. We’ve got to get arms in shape and that’s the main thing right now.”
A pleasant bright spot on last year’s squad was Mayo behind the plate. In 39 games, the now junior hit .284 with a homer, seven doubles and 28 RBI. Defensively he threw out 13 base runners trying to steal for a .220 caught stealing percentage.
“He’s built for the job. He’s got a good quick release. He just got better and better and better and his confidence went through the roof. He’s up in the middle of the order now. He’s got to keep progressing but we expect him to.”
Belcher plans to play a platoon at first base early in the season with a large portion of the infield combinations dependent on who toes the rubber.
“We’ve got to be a lot more flexible this year. Last year our 1-2 was Cy and Kyle and they both played shortstop or middle infield. We’ve got to be a little more flexible with that now. For the first time in a while, we’ll have true utility guys that we use. We’ve got a couple of those. We’ll have to see who has got the hot hand. We’re not going to strike out 25 guys, we’re going to have to get after it.”
Zane Hackley is expected to rotate in the middle infield along with Wolf when he’s not pitching. Wolf makes the move from center to shortstop and will fill in there when not on the mound.
“When Zeke is on the mound, Zane will be at second and when Cooper’s on the mound Zane will be at shortstop. We’ve got a couple other guys platooning in that second spot and trying to give someone a chance to win it.”
Vieth mans the hot corner for the Trojans. After bullying linebackers in the fall, he’s expected to fill in at third with Kolby Teakell seeing some time there as well.
“Haven is at third. He’s done really well despite never doing it before. He’s getting better and better. The great thing about him is he’s a big team guy; he has no problem taking a ball off the chest. He’s not fearful. He’s going to keep working. When Haven’s on the mound, Kolby Teakell has filled in there and done a good job so far.”
Camden Vieth returns as an everyday starter in left. He saw only four at-bats at the plate but is expected to contribute on the offense this season.
“Camden is a returner in left field and he’s done a fine job.”
Landon McLemore makes the move from right field to center. He drove in 13 runs and scored 22 times last season.
“Landon’s got great speed and has gotten better and better as an outfielder.”
In right field, Brayden Berend fills in for McLemore.
“He tracks the ball really well. He hasn’t played this much in his whole life.”
With dependable players at every spot, Scott Belcher’s squad appears to be reloaded.
