Baseball & Fastpitch 2013
John Pomeroy & Mack Gaul Small-Town Boys, Big-Time Arms — Pages 8-9
2 • Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013
The Chronicle 2013 Prep Baseball/Fastpitch Table of Contents SWW 1A League Baseball page 2-3 Central 2B League Baseball page 4-5 Evergreen 2A Conf. Baseball page 6-7 Fastball Friendship: Mack & JP page 8-9 Evergreen 2A Conf. Fastpitch page 10-11 SWW 1A League Fastpitch page 12-13 Central 2B League Fastpitch page 14-15 2002 Dodge Durango SLT/4WD
WSU-Bound Bruner Makes Montesano a Frontrunner By The Chronicle
The frontrunner in the SWW 1A League Evergreen Division is a familiar one. Montesano, led by lanky lefthanded Washington State University signee Layne Bruner, is the odds-on favorite to repeat as the league’s regular season champions, with Hoquiam, Tenino, Rochester and Elma also expected to contend. “I think the top four or five teams in our league could kind of go either way,” Rochester coach Jerry Striegel said. “It’ll be just kind of who can get it done.” Bruner was an All-League first-
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Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013 • 3
SWW 1A LEAGUE BASEBALL
Tenino Beavers Coach: Jesse Elam (sixth) 2012: 17-6; second in 1A Evergreen, lost in districts Returning Starters: Devante Harris, Zack Chamberlain, Zeb Chamberlain, Gabe Egge, Dustin Hammond Pitchers: Zack Chamberlain, Zeb Chamberlain, Kolton McKitrick, Kaleb Strawn pick, hit .438 last year, stole 26 bases and will once again bat leadoff, while junior Zack Chamberlain (.459, 17 RBIs last season) will provide power in the middle of the lineup and pitch and catch. Shortstop Dustin Hammond, second baseball Zeb Chamberlain and outfielder Gabe Egge also return to the starting lineup, and the Beavers will get a boost from transfer Mac Shaw, who was an All-League second-teamer for Rainier last season. Cody Cleeves, Dakota Bellrose and Kolton McKitrick will move into larger roles this season, and left-handed freshman Kaleb Strawn will provide pitching depth. Rochester, meanwhile, has plenty of experience in the infield and on the pitcher’s mound. “I don’t think we have kids that are going to hit for power like we had in the last few years, so we’re going to have to manufacture runs and make things happen on the bases,” Striegel said. “And that’s more the kind of club we have.” Dom Angwood, a left-handed pitcher and outfielder, hit .350 last year, when he was a second-team selection. Dustin Wilson returns as the Warrriors’ starting catcher, after hitting over .300 last year, and Dylan Fosnacht and Lucas Eastman return to start in the middle of the infield. Angwood, Wilson and Jordan Colombo will anchor the pitching staff.
TRICO DIVISION
Toledo-Winlock Warhawks Coach: Brian Demarest (third) 2012: 15-6; third in Trico; lost in districts Returning Starters: Mack Gaul, Jacob Givens, Enrique Hernandez, Cody Meier Pitchers: Mack Gaul, Joel Martin, Connor Vermilyea Brandon Hansen / bhansen@chronline.com
Jacob Givens returns as Toledo-Winlock’s starting catcher this season. Givens hit .389 last year for the Warhawks.
The Chinooks have plenty of experience in catcher Tanner Vossen, Aubie Lien and Austin Vaughn, and will play under first-year head coach Darren Gardner. Kalama put up a whopping 51 runs in two games against Ilwaco to open the season. The Warhawks, playing as a combination squad for the third year, are led by University of Washington signee Mack Gaul, along with returning starters Jacob Givens (catcher, .389 average), Enrique Hernandez (infielder, .476 average) and Cody Meier (infielder, .341 average). A host of young pitchers, including Joel Martin and Connor Vermilyea, will provide company for Gaul in the pitching rotation. La Center will be led by lefty hurler Isaiah Block, who went 6-0 on the mound last season as a sophomore, and Woodland has dropped down from the 2A ranks and has a first-year coach in Steve Shorts. Stevenson will led by junkball pitcher Chris Penner and infielder Brandon Van Pelt, Castle Rock returns pitchers Nate Williamson and Kole Beckers, and former Onalaska baseball and football coach John Hallead has taken the reins in White Salmon.
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Five-team defending SWW 1A League Trico Division champion Kalama will try to fight off Toledo-Winlock, La Center and Woodland to win its sixth-straight league crown in 2013.
Rochester Warriors Coach: Jerry Striegel (seventh) 2012: 9-10; missed playoffs Returning Starters: Dom Angwood, Jordan Colombo, Dustin Wilson, Dylan Fosnacht, Lucas Eastman Pitchers: Dom Angwood, Dustin Wilson, Jordan Colombo
LEAGUE PROJECTIONS SWW 1A Evergreen 1. Montesano 2. Hoquiam 3. Tenino 4. Rochester 5. Elma 6. Rainier 7. Forks SWW 1A Trico 1. Kalama 2. Woodland 3. Toledo-Winlock 4. La Center 5. Castle Rock 6. Stevenson 7. White Salmon 8. Ilwaco
4 • Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013
CENTRAL 2B LEAGUE BASEBALL
Vikings in the Market for a Threepeat By The Chronicle
Brandon Hansen / bhansen@chronline.com
Mossyrock’s Shaun Stephens receives the baseball in an effort to catch Napavine’s Layne Hellen stealing during their Central 2B matchup last Friday in Mossyrock.
The Vikings, with long arm of John Pomeroy leading the way, are the favorite to win a third-straight Central 2B League championship. "The Pomeroy kid's kind of the big dog of the bunch," Adna coach Bryan Zurfluh said of the 6-foot-5 righthander. "Obviously he's a big kid. His velocity has always been good, he throws awful hard, and he's also developed a pretty good curveball. He's kind of grown into himself." Pomeroy, though, isn't the only threat Mossyrock brings to the table. Cody Shriver, Lucas Allen, Ryley Stanley, All-League first-team shortstop Kyler Hazen, Logan Gootgeld and Nick Couch all return to the starting lineup. Pomeroy, who hit .373 last year and posted a 2.46 ERA, will anchor the pitching staff, with Shriver, Allen and 6-foot-2 right-hander Shaun Stephens working from the mound.
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Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013 • 5
CENTRAL 2B LEAGUE BASEBALL
The Chronicle / File Photo
Adna’s Brenden Webster takes a swing during a Central 2B League game against Pe Ell in Adna last season. Webster, a senior, returns to the starting lineup and will pitch for the Pirates in 2013.
Toutle Lake, last year's District 4 champion, returns arguably the top hitter in the C2BL in Ryan Olver, and is picked to finish second in the league. Morton-White Pass graduated pitcher Kyle Kelly but returns the remainder of its starting lineup, highlighted by pitcher/infielder Rylon Kolb — who most recently went 6 for 7 with four doubles in a rain-shortened twin-
please see C2BL, page 16
Napavine Tigers Coach: Bryan Bullock (11th) 2012: 10-10; lost in districts Returning Starters: Jensen Lindsay, David Grace, Layne Hellem, Jorden Hartley, JT Kaut, Cole Doughty, Brady Woodrum Pitchers: David Grace, Jensen Lindsay, Cole Doughty
Morton-White Pass T-Wolves Coach: Keith Coleman (first) 2012: 11-9; lost in districts Returning Starters: Kylon Gillispie, Kraig Lind, Dustin Matchett, Austin Coleman, Rylon Kolb, Brian Reynolds, Zach Hanson, Zach Counts Pitchers: Rylon Kolb, Zach Counts, Zach Hanson
Onalaska Loggers Coach: Kyle Smaciarz (second) 2012: 3-16 (SWW 1A League) Returning Starters: Travis McMillion, Jacob Mager, Wyatt Smeall, Trevor Lawrence, Gabe Hall, Jared Wilson Pitchers: Travis McMillion, Jacob Mager, Wyatt Smeall, Trevor Lawrence
Mossyrock Vikings Coach: Cole Kanyer (fourth) 2012: 20-7; first in C2BL, third in District 4, third in state Returning Starters: John Pomeroy, Cody Shriver, Lucas Allen, Ryley Stanley, Kyler Hazen, Logan Gootgeld, Nick Couch Pitchers: John Pomeroy, Cody Shriver, Shaun Stephens, Lucas Allen
Pe Ell Trojans Coach: Hal Arrington (second) 2012: 3-15 Returning Starters: Andy Pickens, Devin Toepelt, Quincy Skeen, Austin Smith, Nick Bailey, Derick Justice, Austin Arrington Pitchers: Austin Arrington, Derick Justice, Devin Toepelt
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LEAGUE PROJECTIONS Central 2B League 1. Mossyrock 2. Toutle Lake 3. Morton-WP 4. Adna 5. Napavine 6. Onalaska 7. Pe Ell 8. Wahkiakum
bill against Naches Valley's JV squad. Zach Counts and Zach Hanson will fill out the pitching rotation for the Timberwolves, with Brian Reynolds — an All-League first-team pick last year — again starting behind the plate. Kraig Lind, Dustin Matchett, Austin Coleman and Kylon Gillispie also return for MWP, which will be coached by firstyear man Keith Coleman. Adna returns a strong senior contingent, led by All-League first-teamer Cooper Zurfluh, who hit .417 last year. Zurfluh and classmates Brenden Webster and Lane Wasson will handle the pitching duties for coach Bryan Zurfluh, who assisted former head coach Rex Ashmore for the past 15 seasons. "We should be right there in that middle tier of teams," Zurfluh said. "It just kind of depends on how the breaks go, and if we step up and improve. If we keep getting better, our core group of kids is enough to be competitive, but we're not going to overpower anybody." Second-baseman Mike Smith and outfielder Austin McCloskey also return for Adna, which finished second in last year's district tournament. Napavine will be led by pitcher/infielder David Grace, a first-team pick last season when he hit .413. Jensen
Adna Pirates Coach: Bryan Zurfluh (first) 2012: 14-7; second in District 4, lost in regionals Returning Starters: Cooper Zurfluh, Lane Wasson, Brenden Webster, Austin McCloskey, Mike Smith Pitchers: Lane Wasson, Cooper Zurfluh, Brenden Webster
6 • Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013
Evergreen 2A Conference Baseball
Experienced Bobcats the EvCo Favorite By The Chronicle
There's new faces in the dugouts of both Twin Cities clubs this year, but the personnel they'll be employing hasn't changed a lot since last year. Tommy Elder has stepped into the role of head coach and takes over a Bearcat squad trying to defend its Evergreen 2A Conference title, while Rex Ashmore has returned to his alma mater and will try to push Centralia into prominence. The biggest thing both teams have going at this point in the season is pitching. W.F. West returns All-EvCo first-team selection Brady Calkins, the right-handed ace of this year's staff, while Centralia brings back veteran left-handers Derek Putman and Brandon Conradi. The team with the most pitching prowess, though, is league favorite Aberdeen. The Bobcats will be led by
6-foot-5 flame-throwing lefty Collin Nord, with Charlie Dietrich and Reilly Fairchild — both of whom have seen plenty of varsity innings — rounding out the starting rotation. Catcher Ashton Williamson, Nord (designated hitter) and Fairchild (infield) were each All-League second-team picks a year ago. The Bearcats are picked to finish second, buoyed by returning AllLeague first-team designated hitter and Tacoma Community College signee Keylen Steen (catcher) and secondteamer Toby Johnson (second base). Johnson's brother Elijah, a freshman, will pitch and play in the infield, while Lower Columbia College-bound Michael Forgione will again start at shortstop and senior Dugan Shirer provides spark in his return to center field. Tumwater, picked to finish second, returns All-League second-team in-
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Brandon Conradi (above) and fellow lefthander Derek Putman will anchor the Tigers’ pitching staff under first-year head coach Rex Ashmore.
fielders Justin Graham and Anthony Correia and first-team outfielder Garrett Terrell. The Tigers should be solid defensively and on the mound, and will fill the heart of their order with standouts from the 2011 Babe Ruth 15-year-old all-star team. Joe Blaser, Ty Housden, Pat Neely and Chuck McKeever hit in the middle of the order, Zach Wood will play in the outfield and Putman will share the lion's share of pitching duties with Conradi.
River Ridge returns a handful of starters from a team that missed the district tournament, highlighted by three-sport standout Brad Wallace. Black Hills returns starters Adam Meyer, Austin Heyland, Austin Lee and Brendan Herd, all of whom earned AllLeague distinctions last year. Last year's District 4 champion, North Thurston, moved up to the 3A ranks this year, replaced by drop-down Capital.
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Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013 • 7
Evergreen 2A Conference Baseball
LEAGUE PROJECTIONS
Evergreen 2A Conference 1. Aberdeen 2. W.F. West 3. Tumwater 4. Centralia 5. River Ridge 6. Black Hills 7. Capital
Brandon Hansen / bhansen@chronline.com
W.F. West seniors Keylen Steen (left) and Dugan Shirer (right) are key returning starters at catcher and center field, respectively, for the defending Evergreen 2A Conference champions.
W.F. West Bearcats Coach: Tommy Elder (first) 2012: 21-3; first in EvCo, second in District 4, lost to Lynden in regionals Returning Starters: Brady Calkins, Keylen Steen, Toby Johnson, Dugan Shirer, Michael Forgione Top Pitchers: Brady Calkins, Logan James
Centralia Tigers Coach: Rex Ashmore (first) 2012: 12-10; fourth in EvCo; fourth in District 4 Returning Starters: Michael Stuart, Brandon Conradi, Derek Putman, Ty Housden Top Pitchers: Derek Putman, Brandon Conradi
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8 • Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013
Cover Story
The Fastball Friendship Viking John Pomeroy and Warhawk Mack Gaul are Longtime Pals — and Two of the Best Pitchers in Southwest Washington By Aaron VanTuyl avantuyl@chronline.com
Mack Gaul's first real memory of John Pomeroy dates back to when the boys, both in the fourth grade, were on the same baseball team. "He's up to bat, and no one can find him," Gaul recalled, barely getting the story out through his own laughter. "Coach was like, 'Where's John?' We had to take an out. He's in the bathroom!" The boys have formed a pitcher's bromance over the eight years since Pomeroy cost his Little League team an out. They've played on several teams together since then — most recently with Mudville Pinnacle over the summer — Gaul, a right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitter, and Pomeroy, a lefty hitter and righty pitcher. Gaul, ace of the Toledo-Winlock staff, is headed for the University of Washington next year. Pomeroy, the monster arm in
Mossyrock red, has committed to Oregon State. Gaul has grown into a crafty, cerebral pitcher. Pomeroy has grown so big he couldn't get lost between innings if he tried.
Big JP
The figure on how fast, exactly, John Pomeroy can throw a baseball depends on who you ask. Mossyrock coach Cole Kanyer, hasn't put a radar gun on him this season. "It wouldn't serve much purpose," Kanyer said, citing the weather and early point in the season among his reasons. "But definitely in the upper 80s, for sure. Maybe around 90 a little bit." Kanyer's conservative in his estimation. Gaul, offhand, threw out 95 or 96 miles an hour as an estimate of the 6-foot-5 hurler's fastball. On one hand, that's a number coming from a friend; on the other, it's coming from a fellow
Courtesy Photo / Julia Gaul
Mack Gaul, left, and John Pomeroy, right, played together for the Mudville Pinnacle 18U select baseball team out of Seattle last year.
pitcher and accomplished hitter. "Since his junior year to summer ball, it moved up probably like 7 miles per hour," Gaul offered. Pomeroy was in no hurry to answer the question, but settled on 94 miles per hour as a responsible answer — a figure that has pro scouts searching Map-
quest for Mossyrock. Three arrived at the Vikings' field for a rained-out game against Rochester in early March. "I'm really, really excited," he said of the big-league attention. "I'm a little nervous sometimes, but there's a lot to look forward to this season. I'll just kind of go with it."
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Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013 • 9
John Pomeroy, Mossyrock 6-foot-5 RHP 2012 Statistics 9-3; 2.46 ERA; 113 Ks; 66 ⅔ inn. .373 average, 22 RBIs Gaul saw Pomeroy pitch against Woodland at Castle Rock's preseason jamboree, during which Pomeroy bounced a fastball of a Beaver hitter's elbow. "I felt so bad for that kid," Gaul said. "No one could even hit him. They were all hitting it off the handle, and the ball was going right back to him." Pomeroy, in his first outing of the year, struck out 11 and allowed one hit in an 11-0, five-inning win over Napavine, and the stage has been set for a big senior year out of the big guy. "It's going to be interesting having pro scouts at our games," Kanyer said. "He's such a great kid, and a great person to be around. He's got a great family behind him, and it's going to be a great year for him. We're definitely going to miss him down the road."
Mack
And it's all coming from the left side, which leaves coaches drooling and hitters befuddled. Kanyer, who coached the pair on the Lewis County Merchants American Legion team in the 2010 and 2011 summers, called Gaul a mental pitcher. "He knows what pitches to throw at what count," Kanyer said, "and he can throw three pitches across at any count." Pomeroy, naturally, heard all about Gaul's first outing this season, in which he struck out 18 over nine innings against Stevenson and allowed one hit. He wasn't surprised. He was at a Mudville game over the summer in which Gaul held the opposition hitless through seven innings. One of the opposing batters was Jack Meggs, the son of University of Washington baseball coach Lindsay Meggs — with whom Gaul has since signed to play next year. "It was an unbelievable performance," Pomeroy said. "He no-hit them through seven and had a ton of strikeouts. No performance would surprise me from Mack." How would the big guy — a .373 hitter last year — do against Mack? "I would like to say that I would do pretty well," Pomeroy said. "But I'm not sure. He's an excellent pitcher, and I'm not sure what would happen." Gaul managed to one-up himself after the Stevenson incident, tossing a five-inning perfect game with 12 strikeouts against Ilwaco in his second
outing. "He's going to be very successful this year," Pomeroy said, "and I'm very proud of him."
Senior Seasons
Gaul and the Warhawks will try to escape the always-tough District 4 1A tournament this season, and make the state playoffs for the first time since 2006, when Toledo lost a regional contest to Bellevue Christian. La Center and Woodland, Gaul said, are the early frontrunners in the SWW 1A League Trico Division, and defending league champ Kalama hits the ball well. "I think we'll be right up there with the rest of the teams," he said. "We'll all be in the hunt." Pomeroy and the Vikings, mean-
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while, won't be happy with merely making the Final Four state tournament. Mossyrock finished fourth in 2010 and third last year, losing to DeSales in the semifinals. "I think we're going to be at the top of the league, but that's just my confidence in my team," Pomeroy said. The pressure from scouts shouldn't be an issue for a pitcher who threw in the Area Code games — a national exhibition series for 250 of the top prospects in the country — over the summer, though Gaul offered his friend a bit of advice. "I told him to tell 'em, go 20 miles west, go south a little bit, and find me," Gaul joked. Given how well he's started his senior year, though, the scouts won't need any help finding him.
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Pomeroy calls Gaul an outstanding pitcher and one of the most deceptive hurlers he's ever seen. "There's about, I'd say, 16 to 18 miles per hour in his split, from his fastball to his curve," Pomeroy said. "And his fastball, when it comes in, it looks — this is gonna sound weird — but it looks slower than it does when it leaves his hand." Gaul’s pitches also tail off, he added. "I've played catch with him a lot, and he's got an unbelievable amount of tail on his fastball," Pomeroy said. "He's got great sweep."
Courtesy Photo
John Pomeroy (back row, far right) and Mack Gaul (front row, second from right) first played baseball together in the fourth grade.
Mack Gaul, Toledo-Winlock 6-foot-1 LHP 2012 Statistics 7-2; 0.41 ERA, 89 Ks; 51 inn. .490 average, 22 RBIs
10 • Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013
Evergreen 2A Conference Fastpitch
Bearcats Defending State Champs, but Tigers the Evergreen 2A Favorite By The Chronicle
The Evergreen 2A Conference crown this season will go through Chehalis — though the Bearcats aren't even the defending league champions. W.F. West finished second in the league last spring, but once EvCo play was finished blasted the Bearcats blasted their way to seven straight postseason wins and scored a record 15 runs in the state title game — against EvCo champion Tumwater. The Bearcats may have a target on their back from last season, but rival Centralia is the preseason favorite to win the EvCo. Centralia lost a loserout, winner-to-state game to Aberdeen in the District 4 tournament and returns the bulk of its roster, including Arkansas-bound shortstop Parker Pocklington (.508 batting average, five home runs), all-league honorable mention pitcher Mackenzie Wasson and All-Area third baseman Erika Brower (.333 average, five home runs). A handful of freshmen, including Pocklington's sister Payton at second base, have moved into the lineup and given the Tigers a potent mix of experience and youth. The Bearcats, meanwhile, return five starters, but graduated the left side of their infield. Amongst those starters are center fielder Marissa Reynolds,
Brandon Hansen / bhansen@chronline.com
Centralia’s Erika Brower (left) and Parker Pocklington (right), shown here during a nonleague win over Hoquiam, will anchor the left side of the infield and the heart of the lineup for the Tigers this season.
a Princeton signee who hit five home runs last year and batted .455, and pitcher Ali Graham, a sophomore who went 3-0 in the postseason last year. Tumwater, the defending league
champion, will have a few holes to fill with key cogs from last year's state runner-up team now playing college ball. Aberdeen, picked to finish fourth, will be led by veteran starting pitcher Mo
Donovan. Capital, a league newcomer, is expected to join River Ridge and Black Hills in the lower half of the league standings.
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Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013 • 11
Evergreen 2A Conference Fastpitch
Centralia Tigers Coach: Candy Hallom (second) 2012: 11-11; fourth in EvCo, fourth in District 4 Returning Starters: Parker Pocklington, Erika Brower, Sy Braaten, Tucker McAuley, Mackenzie Wasson Pitcher: Mackenzie Wasson W.F. West Bearcats Coach: Mike Keen (11th) 2012: 22-3; second in EvCo, first in District 4; State 2A champions Returning Starters: Chloe Lewis, Kenna Tornow, Kaitlin Moore, Marissa Reynolds, Ali Graham Pitchers: Ali Graham, Mattie Boucher
LEAGUE PROJECTIONS
Pete Caster / pcaster@chronline.com
Princeton-bound slugger Marissa Reynolds, shown here batting during the District 4 tournament last May, will provide the pop in the middle of the defending State 2A-champion Bearcats’ lineup.
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12 • Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013
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The Bulldogs are the favorites in the SWW 1A League Evergreen Division. Montesano, the defending league champion and runner-up at last year’s District 4 tournament, brings back a stable of talent, including All-League first-teamers Megan Choate (infield) and Bobbi Fry (outfield). Second-teamers Courtney Swan, LeeAnn Rhoden and Staci Schneider are also back for the Bulldogs. “They’re solid defensively, and fundamentally sound,” Rochester coach Jared Lancaster said. “They don’t make mistakes.” Elma, with all-around standout Brook Goldsmith pitching and Regan Wollen behind the plate — both of whom were All-League first-team picks last year — is also expected to contend for a title, while Rochester has plans to make the District 4 tournament. “Every one of my players has been
successful in select fastpitch,” Lancaster said. “I don’t know if many teams in Rochester have been able to say that in the past. When you have those type of programs feeding your program, you can’t go wrong.” Jessica Glacken, an All-League first-team pick last year as a freshman, returns to the Warriors’ lineup, along with second-team utility pick Kami McElwain, who will handle a lot of the pitching this season. Second-teamer Sierra Seymour will return behind the plate, and Lancaster’s daughters — freshmen twins Joni and Jaelin — are expected to make an impact. “We could be right up there,” the coach said of his young team. “They’re a hard-working bunch, they’re fun, and they’re used to winning and enjoy winning.” Tenino will try to improve on last year’s campaign, with first-year head coach Angie Christensen leading the way. Freshmen Merissa Richardson and
Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013 • 13
SWW 1A LEAGUE FASTPITCH
Rochester Warriors
Tenino Beavers Coach: Angie Christensen (first) 2012: 0-16; eighth in 1A Evergreen Returning Starters: Shanowa Bond, Kelli Hammond, Kara Hanson, Arianna Richardson Pitchers: Morgan Masters, Merissa Richardson, Shanowa Bond
Coach: Jared Lancaster (third) 2012: 9-9; fifth in 1A Evergreen Returning Starters: Jessica Glacken, Sierra Seymour, Kami McElwain Pitchers: Kami McElwain, Jaelin Lancaster Morgan Masters will be spending plenty of time in the circle for the Beavers. “After getting their feet wet this year, (they) will be two to watch in the next four years,” Christensen said. Left-hander Shanowa Bond pitched last season and returns to the lineup, as do Kelli Hammond, Kara Hanson and Arianna Richardson.
a coaching staff is making up a game with some small ball and moving players around the bags.” Castle Rock, last year’s league champion, returns Trico MVP Tierney Uhlenkott and should be among the top teams in the league, and Woodland has dropped down from the 2A ranks — and returns 2012 Greater St. Helens 2A League MVP Makayla Lefever and Defensive Player of the Year Emily Tesdale.
TRICO DIVISION Toledo-Winlock has just one returning senior and a new head coach leading it into the 2013 SWW 1A League Trico Division softball season. Kailyn Whipp returns to her spot in center field for the Lady Warhawks. “She’s our staple in centerfield. She’s got ownership and pride out there,” first-year coach Ryan Arnold said. The Warhawks will look for big things out of pitchers Shelby Davidson and Nikki Smith, and returning starters Karlee Coverdale, Taylor Thomas and Kennedy Collins. Collins, a sophomore who started last year, played a lot of offseason ball and has proven her ability to get on
Toledo-Winlock Warhawks Coach: Ryan Arnold (first) 2012: 9-5 league; 0-2 at District 4 tournament Returning Starters: Kailyn Whipp, Karlee Coverdale, Taylor Thomas, Kennedi Collins Pitchers: Shelby Davidson, Nikki Smith
Brandon Hansen / bhansen@chronline.com
Winlock/Toledo sophomore Sarah Subjeck rounds third base after an overthrow during nonconference softball action against Ilwaco on Monday.
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LEAGUE PROJECTIONS SWW 1A Evergreen 1. Montesano 2. Elma 3. Rochester 4. Hoquiam 5. Rainier 6. Tenino 7. Forks SWW 1A Trico 1. Woodland 2. Castle Rock 3. Toledo-Winlock 4. Kalama 5. La Center 6. Ilwaco 7. White Salmon 8. Stevenson
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base, Arnold said. “Last year we relied on a lot of power hitters,” Arnold said. “Our effort as
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14 • Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013
CENTRAL 2B LEAGUE FASTPITCH
C2BL Sports Three Returning Champions By The Chronicle
Napavine's the defending league champion. Toutle Lake's the defending district champion. Pe Ell's the defending state champion. Throw in perennial power Adna, newcomer Onalaska and a MortonWhite Pass team with something to prove, and the Central 2B League should be just as strong as ever. Napavine, the team with what's expected to be the best pitching staff in the league, is projected to finish in first place again. The Tigers, for the third year in a row, will rely on the arms of Alexa Peters and Mackenzie Olson, and return a trio of All-League first-teamers in Peters (.427 average), Olson (.525) and Demi Sahlinger (third base, .475) and second-teamers Brittany Mitchell (designated hitter, .371) and Teryn Pannette (second base, .442). Toutle Lake, which upset eventual state champion Pe Ell in the first round, returns first-team pitcher Paige Deffenbaugh and slugging first-team catcher Joelle Iverson. "Toutle Lake is very athletic," Adna coach Mike Raschke said. "And they play small-ball with you. They're going to be tough." Pe Ell will have a new pitching staff, with the graduation of four-year starter and two-time C2BL MVP Amanda Woods, but shouldn't miss a beat as far as hitting is concerned with first-team infielders Kayla Capps and Kayla Hoke back in the batting order. Brittany Kaech has taken over for her dad, John Woods, as the head
The Chronicle / File Photos
Napavine’s Alexa Peters (left) and Pe Ell’s Lexie Brooks (right) will both handle a share of the pitching duties for their respective teams this season.
coach, and will rely on slugging from Capps (.439 average) and Hoke (.559) to power the offense. Mattie Miller, who logged innings in relief of Woods last year, and Lexi Brooks will anchor the pitching staff. Morton-White Pass returns AllLeague first-team infielder Ashley Kel-
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ly, who hit .528 last year, at shortstop, along with a slew of other starters and pitchers Madison McCoy and Taylor Brooks, with a solid crop of freshmen filling in the lineup, including Kylie Allen. Adna, which finished third in the league standings last year, returns starting catcher Emma Brattain (.391 batting average), third-baseman Alexa Bond (.397), first-baseman Cheyenne Gilbertson (.429) and second-baseman Rachel Diaz De Leon (.333) to the starting lineup. The Pirates will have to revamp their pitching staff, but bring in freshmen Sam Rolfe, Savannah Massingham and Tabitha Dowell to split time in the circle. "We'll be able to throw all three of them, and no one's going to be able to see the same pitcher," Raschke said. "It's going to be nice to be able to mix it up, and they definitely have great work ethic."
LEAGUE PROJECTIONS Central 2B League 1. Napavine 2. Toutle Lake 3. Pe Ell 4. Adna 5. Morton-WP 6. Onalaska 7. Mossyrock 8. Wahkiakum
Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013 • 15
CENTRAL 2B LEAGUE FASTPITCH
Adna Pirates Coach: Mike Raschke (sixth) 2012: 21-7; third in C2BL, second in District 4, third in state Returning Starters: Emma Brattain, Alexa Bond, Rachel Diaz De Leon, Cheyenne Gilbertson Pitchers: Sam Rolfe, Savannah Massingham, Tabitha Dowell Pe Ell Trojans Coach: Brittany Kaech (first) 2012: 23-4; second in C2BL; fourth in District 4; first in state Returning Starters: Taylor Ratkie, Mattie Miller, Kayla Capps, Bailey Lusk, Kayla Hoke Pitchers: Mattie Miller, Lexi Brooks
Underclassmen Shanay Dotson, Kendra Stajduhar, Riley Wellander and Haley Minkoff will also see a lot of field time for the Pirates. Onalaska, after a successful sevenyear stint under Billy Barnes at the 1A level, will join the Central 2B League with Ken Ulery as head coach. The team brings back starters Autumn Durand and Jessica Paxton in the infield, and after missing her junior year with a knee injury Karlee Hutchison returns for her senior campaign.
Morton-White Pass T-Wolves Coach: Darin Allen (second) 2012: 11-11; fifth in C2BL; lost in District 4 tournament Returning Starters: Ashley Kelly, Darian Atkinson, Christina Robbins, Kayla Reynolds, Sharon Hazen Pitchers: Madison McCoy, Taylor Brooks
Brandon Hansen / bhansen@chronline.com
Savannah Massingham delivers a pitch for Adna during the Pirates’ jamboree matchup against Rochester on March 9.
Onalaska Loggers Coach: Ken Ulery 2012: 21-7 (1A); first in District 4; fourth in state Returning Starters: Autumn Durand, Jessi Paxton, Karlee Hutchison Pitchers: Gabby Wright, Colee Masciola, Tommy Hoyt "We're trying to get better as we get closer to districts," Ulery said. "We're not a power-hitting team. We're going to try to produce runs, and take advantage of mistakes." Mossyrock, which went 1-2 in the district tournament last season, returns a slew of starters, including All-League shortstop Autumn Durand, and will try to improve on last year's sixth-place league finish.
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Mossyrock Vikings Coach: Marci Bower (fifth) 2012: 2-13; sixth in C2BL, lost in District 4 tournament Returning Starters: Autumn Moorcroft, Kelsey Moorcroft, Kylie Blackburn, Jenny Quinlan, Shayne Fried, Tori Nelson, Jocelyn Stanley, Sara Smith, Alejandro Mendoza, Calli Hensch Pitchers: Calli Hensch
Napavine Tigers Coach: Kurt Olson (second) 2012: 23-7; first in C2BL, third in District 4, fourth in state Returning Starters: Alexa Peters, Teryn Pannette, Demi Sahlinger, Brittany Mitchell, Ratanna Griffith, Mackenzie Olson, Taylor White, Sage Atkins, Brittany Dickinson Pitchers: Alexa Peters, Mackenzie Olson
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16 • Prep Baseball / Fastpitch • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Saturday, March 23, 2013
C2BL Continued from Sports 5
Lindsay (.268 average), Layne Hellem (.395 average, 21 RBIs), JT Kaut, Cole Doughty and Brady Woodrum also return to the lineup, and Jorden Hartley — who played JV last season after transferring from Chehalis — will start in the outfield. "I believe that our league is the best, top to bottom, that I have seen in quite a while," Tiger coach Bryan Bullock said. "Every team has experienced, quality baseball players. We are going to have to compete at a high level every night to qualify for the postseason." Onalaska, the newcomer to the league after playing in the 1A ranks last year, returns nearly everyone but standout pitcher Kyle Shepherd from last year's squad. Travis McMillion will star for the Loggers, starting at shortstop when he's not pitching, with righthanders Jacob Mager and Wyatt Smeall and lefty Trevor Lawrence filling in the pitching staff.
Brandon Hansen / bhansen@chronline.com
Pe Ell’s Austin Speck (left) and Napavine’s David Grace pitch in early-season games for their respective teams this season.
"We're new to the league, so there are lots of question marks," Onalaska coach Kyle Smaciarz said. "Hopefully the challenges we faced last year will lead to growth and improved success this year."
Pe Ell returns six starters, led by hard-hitting catcher Andy Pickens and Austin Arrington. Arrington, the team's top pitcher, hit .330 last season. Quincy Skeen, Austin Smith, Nick Bailey and Devin Toepelt return in the
outfield, with Derrick Justice coming back to the infield. Wahkiakum will rely on big things from do-it-all athlete Lars Blix to make the playoffs.
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