LEBANON
Cody Compton’s squad was simply dominant last season.
A 25-game win streak culminated with a 7-0 decision over the Auburn Eagles in the finals of the VHSL Class 1 tournament. It was the second state title in three years for the Pioneers.
That’s pretty impressive considering it was Compton’s first season as head coach.
The task for Compton this season is to find new starters at first base, shortstop, centerfield and catcher.
Junior Nathan Phillips is the player to watch. The powerful Mount Saint Mary’s University signee added the icing to last year’s title game by striking out 11 en route to a no-hitter against Auburn.
Phillips finished with a 10-1 record, 1.02 ERA and 100 strikeouts against just 17 walks. He also hit .300.
Dagan Barton (7-0, 0.71 ERA, 67 strikeouts) is another stopper. He hit .369 last season.
The list of proven standouts also includes Chance Parker (.345, four home runs), Eli Breeding (.342) and Luke Garrett (.372).
Booker Steffey is also in the mix.
“It’s not possible to replace the production that Zach Hertig and Seth Buchanan produced at the top of our lineup. They scored 92 runs and had 70 stolen bases, last season,” Compton said. “And we are really going to miss Jacob Crabtree, who was one of the best defensive catchers in the area.
“We have a bunch of your guys that will be forced into key positions, so we will have to grow up fast. We still have a long way to go to improve our hitting.”
The Pioneers are currently 3-4, but each loss has been against a quality foe.