Hampton hopes to take next step in 2023
Published 8:33 am Tuesday, March 28, 2023
- Star Photo/Larry N. Souders 2023 Hampton Bulldogs Varsity Baseball
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STAR CORRESPONDENT
The 2022 Hampton Bulldogs baseball squad made it to the substate before their season came to an end. The ‘Dogs plan is to push past that this season with a senior laden pitching staff and solid hitting and defense.
The Bulldogs finished 24-13 and won the district with an 8-2 win over North Greene and beat Washburn 13-2 in the region 1A semifinals. The pitchers that will carry the ‘Dogs hopes this season start with Josh Whitson, Johnathan Greenwell and Brody Hicks.
“Some of the positions will change depending on who is pitching,” Bulldogs head coach Nicholas Perkins said. “That’s high school baseball, but I think we have good position players everywhere. When Whitson isn’t pitching he will be at shortstop. Otherwise, Chance Point will man that spot.”
Across the infield at first base will be Noah Nichols and Jamie Turbyfill. Second base will have Tuff Robinson and Maddux Wilson. Third base will see Greenwell and Point sharing the spot.
The outfield will consist of Elisha Henson, Josh Kiehn, and Jaden Hensley. Kiehn will also see playing time at catcher along with Jayden Kuhn.
Others in play at various spots are Gabriel Lyons in the outfield and pinch runner, James Strickhorn and Wilson.
Senior pitcher Whitson spoke about what the team’s expectations are for this season and he said, “Our expectations are high. We just want to go out and win a lot of games and if we get back to substate to get a win this time.”
Perkins had high praise for his ace hurler saying, “If we are in a big game, I want the ball in his hands. He got us a huge win at North Greene in the district and I have a lot of confidence in him.”
Thus far the Bulldogs are 2-4 on the season with a doubleheader sweep of Bethel Christian and have district games coming up against University High on March 28, Hampton lost to UH on Monday night. On April 3 and 4, the ‘Dogs will take on North Greene in home and away games and Unaka on April 10 and 11 in home and away games.
