It should be a good mix of solid upperclassmen and a talented sophomore class that should lead the way this season for the Tecumseh baseball team, as they are hoping to build off a strong finish last year. The Arrows, who opened the season this week, will be competing in what coach Chad Hale calls the best conference in the Miami Valley, and knows they have to be ready to compete every night.

“We are excited about the season, we finished strong at the end of last year with a win over Butler, then losing 2-1 to Northmont in sectional finals,” Hale said. “We feel we can compete with the best of them. We have lots of kids back, and we have a lot to prove.”

“The kids will have to work hard, and even though we have some talent, the talent has to produce for us to win.”

So far in the preseason, the Arrows will use their mix of experience and youth to blend together to be successful.

“We have some young talent mixed with older guys they will be pretty solid,” Hale said. “We will know some more when we get to play scrimmages, but we have a good sophomore group that has been successful.”

Leading the way will be five seniors looking to finish their careers strong this season.

Hunter Henlsey is a four-year starter and the ace on the mound for the Arrows.

“He was really solid last year,” Hale said. “He also led us in hitting, average and is a high caliber kid who knows how to get it done.” Hale added that Hensley will play some shortstop.

Reid Hale also returns, and will be expected to raise his game as he moves up in the pitching rotation.

“We are expecting big things on mound from Reid,” said Hale, the father of both Reid and sophomore Blais Hale. “Reid was out number three pitcher last year and was successful, now has moved up to number two. He will also play some first base for us and some outfield.”

Senior Logan Stryker missed last season with an ACL injury and is hoping to recover to produce.

“We are planning for him to be a catcher for us,” Hale said. “Hopefully that will settle things down behind the plate, we have some question marks there.”

Senior Evan Maxwell will play both infield and outfield for the Arrows, while Kyle McDonald looks to DH and hit of the bench for Tecumseh, while also providing some relief out of the bullpen.

“These seniors have been through the bad times, but never wavered their commitment,” Hale said. “At the end of last year they saw some success, and they are ready to lead us. Hopefully we have a good season. They won’t out-talent everyone but they work really hard and hopefully.”

Three juniors are also on the Arrows roster this year, including Nick Yeary.

“We hope that he will pitch well for us and play some centerfield,” Hale said. “He can run, and will hit near the top of the lineup. I expect him to get on base a lot.”

Keaton Mohler also returns to play an outfield spot hitting in the middle of the lineup, while Jaden McFarland is new to the Arrows baseball team, and Hale says he is a strong kid who may do some pitching and provide power at the plate.”

Eight sophomores are on the Tecumseh roster this year, including three who return as solid leaders.

Blais Hale was an all-league player as a freshman, and will move into the infield for the Arrows, while Will Sowder hopes to help the Arrows on the mound. He can also help in the infield.

Davey Berner has looked good so far for the Arrows in the preseason, and will provide some power according to Hale.

The remainder of the sophomore class that hopes to contribute are infielder Brett Garrett, catcher Brandon Henn, outfielder Ethan Adams, catcher Hunter Minton, and Gavin Wasson is on the roster but will miss the year due to injury.

“I think it can be a good year for us,” Hale said. “The CBC is one of best conference in area, it is competitive every year.”

“I am not sure who will be the front runner, but I would stack them up against anyone including the GWOC. I think baseball is the CBC’s best sport, year after year.”

The Arrows are scheduled to be at Fairborn tonight, and host Fairmont tomorrow, before traveling to Piqua on Saturday.

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