Indians rely on starting rotation while Warriors rebuild theirs
By MATT KING/Daily Journal Sports Writer
Mar 19, 2005 - 23:48:25 CST
BISMARCK - Several years have passed since Bismarck last won a conference title in baseball, but if pitching truly fuels success on the diamond, then the Indians could be serious contenders in 2005.
The Indians underachieved last season throughout MAAA Small-School play with a record of 2-8, but lost several close games along the way. Four seniors are gone from that squad which finished second in districts behind league rival Valley, but a capable collection of firepower returns for coach Rod Denman, who begins his 11th season at the helm for Bismarck.
Seniors Sam Fisher and Ralph Scherffius form the most proven and experienced pitching tandem in the league. Fisher will anchor the infield at shortstop when not on the hill, while Scherffius gives Bismarck a solid defensive catcher with the ability to cut down potential base-stealers.
The corners of the infield are also steady with power-hitting junior Kevin Randazzo at first, and Tyler Henson at third. Henson is the likely No. 3 pitcher, and should expect to receive several RBI opportunities following Fisher and Randazzo to the plate.
The Indians must establish a speedy and productive lead-off hitter to set the table for the middle of the lineup. Possible candidates for that role are sophomore infielders Mike Franklin and Tim Lincoln. Back-up catcher Keith Hefner is a dangerous bunter who also runs well.
Team defense and offensive production from the bottom of the order are key question marks for Bismarck. The entire outfield must be replaced, and will likely consist of players with little or no varsity experience.
If error totals are limited, then the Indians should pose a challenge to conference and district front-runners, West County and Arcadia Valley. Perhaps, Bismarck will finish on the favorable side of close games more often.
VALLE
STE. GENEVIEVE - No baseball team in the MAAA Small-School division suffered more personnel losses over the off-season than the Valle Warriors, but by no means is the cupboard bare in Ste. Genevieve.
Valle went 5-5 in conference action and 13-13 overall despite boasting seven seniors last season. However, with a high number of underclassmen joining the program and vying for playing time, Judd Neager's club should remain dangerous for seasons to come.
The Warriors will be forced to rely on a young pitching staff with the graduation of top hurlers Phil Stoll and Travis Uding. Junior Kellen Basler has assumed the No. 1 spot in the rotation as the only current pitcher with varsity experience. Basler has also been a starting infielder since the latter part of his freshman season.
Good things are also expected from sophomore Nathan Grass not only on the mound, but also in the heart of the batting order. Junior Sean Odneal played golf last spring, but switched back to baseball at an opportune time. Odneal is also the quarterback of the Valle football team, so arm strength will not be an issue when he takes the ball.
Included on the list of key returning players for the Warriors is right fielder and contact hitter, senior Todd Jokerst. With Colby Schilly taking over in center, the Valle outfield can cover ground quickly, which should help reduce extra-base hits for opposing lineups.
Junior Josh Wipfler may hit near the top of the order and can be inserted anywhere along the infield, but will likely start at third base, inheriting that position from his brother, Zach. Senior Steve Bahr and sophomore Adam Hermann are also contending for starting roles.
Solid defense and a high on-base percentage is a known recipe for success, but that combination is especially imperative for Valle to relieve some of the pressure from a pitching staff which is still in the process of maturing.
Copyright ©
Pulitzer Missouri Newspapers. All rights reserved.
http://www.dailyjournalonline.com/articles/2005/03/20/sports/sports2.txt
The Indians underachieved last season throughout MAAA Small-School play with a record of 2-8, but lost several close games along the way. Four seniors are gone from that squad which finished second in districts behind league rival Valley, but a capable collection of firepower returns for coach Rod Denman, who begins his 11th season at the helm for Bismarck.
Seniors Sam Fisher and Ralph Scherffius form the most proven and experienced pitching tandem in the league. Fisher will anchor the infield at shortstop when not on the hill, while Scherffius gives Bismarck a solid defensive catcher with the ability to cut down potential base-stealers.
The corners of the infield are also steady with power-hitting junior Kevin Randazzo at first, and Tyler Henson at third. Henson is the likely No. 3 pitcher, and should expect to receive several RBI opportunities following Fisher and Randazzo to the plate.
The Indians must establish a speedy and productive lead-off hitter to set the table for the middle of the lineup. Possible candidates for that role are sophomore infielders Mike Franklin and Tim Lincoln. Back-up catcher Keith Hefner is a dangerous bunter who also runs well.
Team defense and offensive production from the bottom of the order are key question marks for Bismarck. The entire outfield must be replaced, and will likely consist of players with little or no varsity experience.
If error totals are limited, then the Indians should pose a challenge to conference and district front-runners, West County and Arcadia Valley. Perhaps, Bismarck will finish on the favorable side of close games more often.
VALLE
STE. GENEVIEVE - No baseball team in the MAAA Small-School division suffered more personnel losses over the off-season than the Valle Warriors, but by no means is the cupboard bare in Ste. Genevieve.
Valle went 5-5 in conference action and 13-13 overall despite boasting seven seniors last season. However, with a high number of underclassmen joining the program and vying for playing time, Judd Neager's club should remain dangerous for seasons to come.
The Warriors will be forced to rely on a young pitching staff with the graduation of top hurlers Phil Stoll and Travis Uding. Junior Kellen Basler has assumed the No. 1 spot in the rotation as the only current pitcher with varsity experience. Basler has also been a starting infielder since the latter part of his freshman season.
Good things are also expected from sophomore Nathan Grass not only on the mound, but also in the heart of the batting order. Junior Sean Odneal played golf last spring, but switched back to baseball at an opportune time. Odneal is also the quarterback of the Valle football team, so arm strength will not be an issue when he takes the ball.
Included on the list of key returning players for the Warriors is right fielder and contact hitter, senior Todd Jokerst. With Colby Schilly taking over in center, the Valle outfield can cover ground quickly, which should help reduce extra-base hits for opposing lineups.
Junior Josh Wipfler may hit near the top of the order and can be inserted anywhere along the infield, but will likely start at third base, inheriting that position from his brother, Zach. Senior Steve Bahr and sophomore Adam Hermann are also contending for starting roles.
Solid defense and a high on-base percentage is a known recipe for success, but that combination is especially imperative for Valle to relieve some of the pressure from a pitching staff which is still in the process of maturing.