Charles Prince

The North Jefferson News



HAYDEN — If the Hayden Wildcats are to reach the postseason this year, some young pitchers will have to play a prominent role.

“We’ve got some good young arms, who need to develop for us if we’re going to be a solid club,” Hayden head coach Jeremy Penny said. “I think we’ve got more pitching depth than we’ve had in while, but it’s very, very young.”

Penny will have a couple of seniors on the mound this year as Trent Baker and Matt Suddeth are expected to take their turns on the hill. One of the young pitchers Penny is expecting play a prominent role in the Wildcat’s rotation is Cameron Cooper.

At the plate, the Wildcats will again feature one of the state’s best 5A hitters in catcher T.J. Rock. Rock returns for his senior season, after hitting .550 last year with 10 home runs. Rock was named the North Jefferson Player of the Year after driving in 53 runs in 37 games.

Also returning are designated hitter Terrell Parker, first baseman Owen Hargett, left fielder Suddeth, infielder Baker, second baseman Michael Robinson and outfielder Rusty Thigpen. Sophomore Skylar Powell is also expected to play the outfield.

“We’ve got good 3-4-5 hitters,” Penny said. “We need to find the top two guys in the lineup to get things started and get on base for us.”

Penny said the 2008 Wildcats have more speed than last year’s club and he’s planning on using a more aggressive base running style this year.