Preseason Interview - Pinecrest Baseball

Preseason article - Pinecrest Patriot Baseball

Last season the Patriots finished 23-5 and 10-2 in the Sandhills Athletic Conference. Looking to make another trip to the State Championship, the Patriots were knocked out of last year’s playoffs by Corinth holders in the third round.

“We have had a great fall and winter and are excited to start the 24’ Season,” said coach Jeff Hewitt. “We averaged 45 Baseball Players in out offseason workouts.”

The Patriots have a large senior class on the team this season, with nine seniors returning and leading the team. “We hope to get better as the season progresses with us playing our best baseball during our playoff stretch,” said Hewitt."

Having many seniors gives the Patriots depth in certain positions. “We have depth on the mound. We are excited about the middle of the batting order and hope to see them puts some runs on the board,” said Hewitt.

“Good teams have great player leadership. When you have great player leaders, you have a good locker room and dugout, which in turn can win,” said Hewitt. A couple of players stand out early on to coach Hewitt as leaders of his ball club. “Bryant Kimbrell is back as last year’s Position Player of the year in the Sandhills Athletic Conference. Starting Catcher Connor Teppati will lead our defense from behind the plate and hit in the middle of the order. JC Woolard will move to Centerfield after starting in Leftfield for us his freshman and Sophomore years,” said Hewitt.

The Patriots season opener is Tuesday at home against Harnett Central, first pitch is 7 p.m.

Patriots Varsity schedule:

2/27 vs Harnett Central 7:00pm

3/1 @ Topsail 5:00pm

3/2 @ Laney 1:00pm

3/5 vs Terry Sanford 7:00pm

3/6 vs Oak Grove 6:00pm

3/8 @ Myers Park 5:00pm

3/12 @ Richmond* 7:00pm

3/13 @ Harnett Central 7:00pm

3/15 vs Richmond* 7:00pm

3/19 vs Southern Lee* 7:00pm

3/22 @ Southern Lee* 7:00pm

3/28 @ Lee County* 7:00pm

3/30 @ Opponent TBA

4/1 @ Opponent TBA

4/2 @ Opponent TBA

4/5 @ Heritage 5:00pm

4/9 @ Scotland* 7:00pm

4/10 vs Northwood 5:00pm

4/12 vs Scotland* 7:00pm

4/16 vs Hoke County* 7:00pm

4/18 vs West Stanly 7:00pm

4/19 @ Hoke County* 7:00pm

4/22 @ Wakefield 7:00pm

4/23 @ Union Pines* 7:00pm

4/25 vs Union Pines* 7:00pm

Roster:

1 Josh Slade Sr. OF, LHP

2 John Carre Jr. OF, LHP

3 Mason Konen Sr. RHP

4 Nate Lowry Jr. INF

5 Liam Dutton So. C, OF

6 JC Woolard Jr. OF, RHP

7 Dylan Floyd Sr. INF

8 Carter Bean Jr. OF

9 Bohdi Robertosn So. LHP, OF

10 Mitch Baek Jr. INF, DH

11 Addison Roth Sr. INF, RHP

12 Eythan Reynolds Jr. INF, RHP

14 Logan Besterman Sr. OF

15 Brantley Hunt Jr. OF

16 Tyler Skizenta Jr. INF

17 Grayson Hudgins Sr. INF, DH

18 Bryant Kimbrell Sr. RHP, INF

20 Andrew Vandevander Sr. OF

21 James Vandevander Sr. OF, LHP

22 Connor Tepatti Sr. C, RHP