Cv, U-Hi Thin On Experience, Flush With Hope

GSL baseball

Two baseball teams that were senior-dominated playoff qualifiers last year are in many ways starting over this spring.

University, which placed third in league and qualified for the Region IV tournament, had 12 seniors on its roster, starting eight.

Central Valley, fourth in league and a district tourney participant, graduated nine seniors who played.

“We’re not going to be like last year,” said Titan coach Don Ressa, who lost veteran pitching and power hitting. “Realistically, I see us in kind of a rebuilding year.”

CV coach Ed Garcia isn’t sure, however, that much will change when the two Valley schools make their annual run at post-season play.

“The kids feel good about themselves,” he said. “I’d be very disappointed if we’re not a contender.”

The Titans made their 12th straight district tournament last year and CV was there for the 14th time in two decades.

Except for Mt. Spokane and a couple other schools, GSL teams were generally in the same senior-oriented boat.

Both coaches pick Ferris as the league favorite and North Central and Mead among other contenders.

“Everybody’s tough,” said Ressa. “It will be a struggle every day. I like that challenge.”

Titans go with baker’s dozen

When U-Hi began its run of playoff success, Ressa rostered just 13 baseball players. That’s all he’s carrying this year.

He wants this year’s group of 13 to be a top-six league finisher for the 13th straight year.

“We’re going to find a way,” he said. “We’ll take on anyone and see what happens.”

Only two starters return, first baseman Jon Spear and pitcher-outfielder Chris Barth.

Josh Thompson started at shortstop at season’s end when Josh Sheffield sprained an ankle.

“I think Josh is as good as there is in town,” said Ressa.

Other varsity veterans are pitcher-outfielder Mike Johnson, catcher Conor Jordan and outfielder Joe Paolino.

Barth goes from No. 3 pitcher to No. 1. Johnson, a summer mound discovery, will be No. 2. Other pitching prospects are juniors Yoshio Packard, John Madsen and Tyler White.

“Those five have to get it done for us,” said Ressa.

Madsen will start in centerfield. White is in left with Paolino. Junior Garrett Renz is another outfielder.

Two infield spots, third and second base, will be filled by junior Jared Vlahovich or sophomores Keith Christensen or Tommy Owen.

Ressa’s biggest concern is how well the lineup will produce runs, particularly absent power hitting.

“We’re a different team,” he said “We’ve got some speed, we’ll bunt and hit and run. We’re going to be exciting.”

New Bears have depth, defense

Just six players are back from last year’s CV baseball team. But it could be one with better pitching depth and defense.

“The pitching staff is as deep as I’ve had, and we have the best catcher in league,” said Garcia. “We’re strong up the middle and we’re better all around defensively.”

Justin Folkins is in his third year behind the plate, although he was injured part of last season. He’s backed by sophomore Jeremy Nichols.

Pitching ace Kris White is one of seven capable hurlers. They include senior returnees, Jeff Crouch and Rob McGlothin, juniors Derek Wohlers, Kevin Reed and Kyle Boast from the junior varsity, and sophomore Seth Gemar.

White, who left the team in early season last year, will likely start at first base, joined there by Wohlers and Boast. Crouch and Reed are at third and McGlothin at shortstop, joined by senior Dustin Boast.

The Boasts can also play in the outfield.

Completing the infield are senior second basemen Bobby Gosney, a varsity veteran, and Anthony Somday.

Junior Tyson Fitterer will play centerfield. Senior returnee Brad Moss is in right field. Senior Tom McGaugh is in left.

“The returning kids had success last year and in the summer,” said Garcia. “I’d be goofy if I didn’t feel good about this team.”