Hurricanes hope senior leadership translates to success

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

James Island - The baseball program at First Baptist has evolved from a doormat to a competitive team under the leadership and commitment from head coach Alex Snider.

As he enters his seventh season at the helm of the program, Snider feels a veteran team with solid senior leadership can propel the Hurricanes into region title contention this spring. As Snider realizes, his team will have to contend with perennial champion Pinewood Prep, as well as area rival Porter-Gaud.

“Pinewood has been the class of the region the past couple years. We finally took a game from them last year,” the coach said. “This year, with our pitching, it is possible to take that series. But Pinewood is a state contender for sure.

“Porter-Gaud is always sneaky for us. It has been a close battle for second-place with them the past couple years. Northwood improved drastically last year and could have easily taken the series from us. Palmetto Chrisian is in their first year in the region. Just not sure they will have the arms to keep them in games. I honestly think we can contend for the region this year.”

As Snider, and every other baseball coach in the state, knows, pitching is the key to a successful season. When the hitting struggles, consistent, solid pitching can keep a team in games. First Baptist should be more than competitive on the mound this spring.

Anchoring the staff is senior Walker Traxler. Seniors Chase Mitchell and Ethan Larson will be key arms, along with junior Chase Mitchell and freshman Bennett Bollinger.

“The pitching and solid defense should carry us,” Snider says. “Walker Traxler can lead with his bat and arm. He has been unhittable when healthy on the mound and the kid has some pop in that bat for not being a big guy.”

Cline is returning at shortstop and hits in the leadoff spot. Snider calls him a team leader with great attitude.

Mitchell will start at third when not on the mound while Larson will be the starter at first base.

Junior Avin Harrison is a leader behind the plate and is a complete player as a hitter and defensive performer. He will hit in the cleanup spot.

Freshman Thomas Martin is starting at second base. The outfield consists of starters junior Grant Huffman in center, senior Luke Lempesis in left, and senior Lawson Luther in right.

Senior Brendan Gilbert is a backup at the infield positions while senior Jackson Glenn is a backup outfielder. Traxler will sub defensively as needed, depending on who is pitching.