The ball flies through the air as the outfielders attempt the catch. The hitter sprinted to and around the bases with grace. His eyes are fully set on the home base, sliding towards the base as he slams onto the hard, rocky sand. Shocking the entire field with what would turn out to be a home run. Baseball games present a particular challenge for both offense and defense. Junior Dillon Long explains what baseball workouts entail.

“Usually do some warm-ups and throwing to start,” Long said. “Then usually goes into fielding, then hitting and pitching to end the last hour or so of practice.”

Senior Jaycee Emitt adds more on workouts that typically comprise.

“We’re usually in the hitting room doing about 6 or 7 more stations and getting better every day with those and then we go outside and do some field work,” Emit said.

It can be hard to tell what the future has in store, but Junior Brock Kintner seems confident and shares his takes on where the team stands and how far they can go together.

“We can improve on our work ethic and mental capacity. At times last year, it felt like the leaders were more focused on their performances and not the team. I think we could be better by not letting the last play control our emotions, and just move on to the next play,” Kintner said.

“I expect our team to be solid all around. I think we have a chance to be good if we focus on the little things and not get ahead of ourselves. I see us as a contender to win sectionals and maybe even more. I think we will be an over a .500 win percentage team too.”

Long shares his thoughts relating to how far they can go through the postseason.

“I think we are gonna be pretty good, we have a strong pitching staff, but just need good batting, and I think we will be in a good spot,” Long said. “I think we will have a positive record and I hope we can get through sectionals but our sectional is pretty hard.”

As last season ended, the post-season began. As players train in the field with baseballs bolting left to right, Kintner reflects on what can better prepare him for an upcoming game.

“I try to focus on all the little aspects like footwork and rhythm because in a game you get caught up in the moment and when you have those movements memorized and trained, it makes it a lot easier to perform,” Kintner said.

Long explains what he needs to work on before the start of the season.

“The main thing for me is pitching, Long said. “We work up slowly and get game-ready throughout the pre-season.”