New Year, New Faces, New Plans

PRESCOTT -- The WP Tigers baseball season is in full swing with 28 players making their bid for some diamond action.

The Tigers' season may look to be an unpredictable one, but head coach Dustin Snedigar isn't worried that he has only five returning players and only three who have seen major varsity innings.

"We lost a lot of seniors in core positions, "said Snedigar. " But we've some younger players up from junior high and some surprises coming in from Jubilee. I think we'll be sitting pretty good."

Returning starters for the Tigers are senior pitcher and short stop Zach Bartlow, senior outfielder Justin Zuger and junior pitcher and short stop Dalton Estes.

Bartlow was the primary opener for the Tigers and has the stamina to go the distance and keep those fast balls coming down to the wire. His bat speed and stealthy base running is definitely an asset to the core of this year's team.

Zuger is an all-out outfielder whose range and dedication to making the play will make it hard for any opponent to blast one over his head if they dare try. His speed and determination around the bags will prove to light the board all year long.

Estes is also another pitcher for the Tigers who is definitely a thinker on the mound and on the field. His versatility on the mound will give the Tigers the option of him kicking off the night cap of a doubleheader or cleaning up after he's turned double plays and knocked down ground balls all day long. He'll turn tricks in any scenario he's put in around the bags and will keep his competitors on their toes as he steals his way home.

Junior Tucker Alleman will be the beast who suits up behind the plate for the Tigers to take over for graduated Tre Brannock. Although "Tuck" didn't see much varsity action last year, his show-no-fear style and ability to jump out of his crouch and throw down to Estes will stop any man who tries to steal second. He's got a line drive that will knock some teeth out when he connects and will be one to watch throughout his high school career.

Sophomore Kyle Dozier may be the little guy on the field, but this kid's heart is as big as a lion's and his love of the game will keep you smiling. He saw some action in right field last year and did his best rattling the bat. His strike zone will definitely keep the competition on their toes and his determination will keep him on the field.

Newcomers to this year's roster include seven freshmen who were the striking force on their junior high team last year.

Devin Acevedo's poise and natural athleticism has landed him a starting position on third. His skills on the mound will add to the Tigers bullpen as well. He's an all-around player who has the ability to put some heat on the ball at the plate, mark this young man as one to watch during the next 4 years.

Zuger's wingmen in the outfield will be Jubilee senior Chris Manzano in left and junior David Herzog in right. Both of these young men have shown range and a good glove and combined with Zuger will be a force to be reckoned with.

Herzog is also a surprise on the mound this year to the Tigers.

"He's the real deal," said Snedigar. "He's definitely going to be a surprise to everyone in the league."

Another addition to the mound is lefty Bryce Paxton who will also be the Tigers' starting first baseman. With Bartlow, Estes, Herzog, Paxton, Acevedo, Luke Alexanko and Alex Breland, the Tigers' bullpen is full of options and depth this year and that makes Snedigar one happy coach.

"We may have a lot of new faces this year, but there's a lot of talent behind them," said Snedigar. "People may be skeptical thinking it's a rebuilding year, but I think they're going to be surprised."

As usual, DeSales is picked to be one of those teams the Tigers will need to beat. Asotin's program is also a tough competitor, but Snedigar says not to over look Tekoa this year.

"They could bite someone this year," he said.