By Laurence Hilliard
Choctaw Plaindealer
Choctaw County has a veteran baseball team with a deep pitching staff, but the Chargers will be competing in a strong region.
“We're going to be the most veteran team I have ever had,” said coach Andy Young.
Choctaw County was 14-8 last year and finished first in MHSAA Region 5-3A with a 7-1 record. The Chargers swept Crystal Springs 13-5 and 13-1 in the opening round of the playoffs before losing two close games to East Marion 6-3 and 5-4.
Choctaw County has been moved to Region 4-3A this year, which is a lot stronger, according to Young.
“We're in the North now and the North really knows how to play baseball,” he said. “It's going to be a dogfight every Tuesday and Friday just to make the playoffs.”
The region includes Houston, Nettleton, Hatley, South Pontotoc and Aberdeen.
The Chargers will be led by senior Austin Telano, who will pitch and play shortstop. Last year, he batted .385. Pitching in relief, he was 2-2 with an 0.94 ERA and six saves. Telano will be a starter this year.
“He has that 'IT' factor,” Young said. “He knows every aspect of the game inside and out. Those kind of kids come along once, maybe twice, in a coach's lifetime.”
Other key players will include:
Senior Austin Fulgham, who will bat leadoff and play centerfield. He batted .288 last year.
Junior Braden Hines, third baseman and relief pitcher, who batted .303 and had two saves. “He's going to be my stopper,” Young said.
Senior Eric Jones, pitcher, infielder and outfielder, who will play shortstop when Telano is on the mound.
Senior outfielder Adam Threadgill, coming off a season when he hit .355.
Senior Brice Utley, second baseman and reliever. He had a 2.10 ERA and one save a year ago.
Senior first baseman Tanner Threadgill. “He didn't play much last year, but I look for him to do a lot this year,” Young said.
Sophomore Landon Wells will also see some time on the mound.
“I have a team full of pitchers,” Young said. “When I started coaching I said I was going to get as many as I could who could pitch.”
Keys for success will be finding a catcher and offense. “We're going to have to hit it like we have never hit it before,” Young said.
The season begins with a Jamboree Feb. 17 at West Point.
