Diamond Canes Set for New Baseball Season

The 2021 Jasper County-Monticello High School varsity baseball has the necessary elements for a successful season.

Just how the new campaign works out will depend on numerous factors, coach Brady McMichael said, including the team’s work ethic and dedication.

“The players have been working hard for multiple weeks,” McMichael said. “They are focused on what needs to be done.”

The Diamond Canes have had 20 players at preseason practice. Additional players will join the team once the wrestling and basketball seasons conclude.

The Canes are set to compete in Region 3-AA and with all indication pointing to a tough battle for one of the top four spots. With 11 seniors, McMichael said he believes his team can be in the chase for the postseason.

The coach said he expects Bleckley County, Dodge County, Lamar County, Washington County and Jasper County-Monticello to be in the mix although he said the Diamond Canes would be mistaken to overlook any opponent.

“If we want to win region then I think we have to get by Bleckley County,” McMichael said.

One area which will need improving for the 2021 team will be to cut down on strikeouts at the plate.

“Last year we struck out too many times,” McMichael said. “We struck out almost 90 times in our 10 games. We need to do a better job of moving runners over when they reach base. That is something we have been working on in preseason practice. We have to do the little things right.”

Seniors for this year’s team include Mac Barton, Baylor Edge, Cole Hays, Trent Maddox, Justyn Fields, Austin Cumbess, Graeme Williams, Tristian Humphreys, Michael Vandervoet, Jayleen Peete and Tevin Digby.

Juniors are Jackson Taylor, Myles Proctor, Ethan Lynch and Timber Edge with sophomores J.C. Blackmon, Levi Shaw, Gabe Evans and Caden Mitchell.

Cayden Banks, Tom Schilling, Chevy Sands, Hunter Hays and Austin Greninger are freshmen.

The team does have to find a new catcher.

“Probably our biggest strength is that several of our seniors have been with us since they were freshmen,” McMichael said.

The coach said the team does have pitching depth, which will be a key once the region schedule begins.

The Diamond Canes open the new season Tuesday, Feb. 16 against Mount de Sales at home with first pitch at 5:30 p.m. The team will then host Newton County High School on Wednesday, Feb. 17 for a 6 p.m. contest.