By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The high school baseball preview for the Mogadore Wildcats’ 2023 season:

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Matt Dillon, 2nd year, 14-5 career record.

Coaching Staff: Austin Williams, Chris Williams.

2022 Record: 14-5 overall record, 8-2 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Lettermen (9): Mason Williams, sr.; Bo Lanham, jr.; Austin Constantine, jr.; Javon Spicer, jr.; Chad Westfall, jr.; Ronnie Skye, jr.; Devin Graham, jr.; Will Baskey, soph.; Cole Reese, soph.

Lettermen Lost (3): Garret Penix, John Dasco, Gavin Schrock.

Team Captains: Mason Williams.

Underclassmen to Watch: Cole Reese, soph.; Will Baskey, soph.; Ryan Woitas, soph.; Aaron Rumschlag, soph.; Tyler Youngblood, soph.; Demitri Blagojevic, soph.

2022 STATISTICAL LEADERS

Average: Mason Williams, .422; Bo Lanham, .412; Devin Graham, .400;  Austin Constantine, .370.

Hits: Mason Williams, 19; Austin Constantine, 17; Devin Graham, 16.

RBI: Bo Lanham, 20.

Runs: Mason Williams, 16; Bo Lanham, 14.

Stolen Bases: Mason Williams, 10.

Wins: Ronnie Skye, 7.

Strikeouts: Ronnie Skye, 32.

ERA: Ronnie Skye, 1.40.

Innings Pitched: Ronnie Skye, 50.0.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Second-year head coach Matt Dillon, along with assistants Chris Williams and Austin Williams are anxious for the start of the 2023 season.

Though, the staff knows it has some holes to fill.

“We are replacing several important seniors from last year’s team, which is going to be very difficult,” Dillon said. “Those players were tremendous leaders and played valuable roles on the field.

“The coaching staff is hopeful that some younger players can develop as the season progresses,” Dillon added.

A couple of those are sophomores Cole Reese and Will Baskey.

INFIELD

While specific spots have not been sorted out yet, Dillon lists a bevy of players that are all pushing for playing time across the infield, including Mason Williams, Bo Lanahm, Tanner Buso, Austin Constantine, Ronnie Skye, Travis Hummel, Ryan Woitas, Tyler Youngblood, Will Basket, Cole Reese and Demitri Blagojevic.

Furthermore, Dillon said there are “several freshmen that are also competing for spots.”

OUTFIELD

The outfield will be a combination of Javon Spicer, Chad Westfall, Devin Graham, Tanner Buso, Aaron Rumschlag, along with another core group of freshmen.

CATCHING

The Wildcats have the luxury of having depth at the backstop.

Dillon indicated that depending on who is pitching, will determine who is catching.

Williams, Reese, Constantine, Hummel and Tyler Pendergast all will see time.

PITCHING

The rotation will be filled out by Lanham, Williams, Skye, Constantine, Youngblood, Reese, Basket and Blagojevic.

Some freshmen arms may be thrown into the mix as well, according to Dillon.

REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC

“We have a lot of players that play with enthusiasm,” Dillon said. “They do what the coaching staff asks and they have a desire to improve.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Whenever you lose important seniors, you are concerned until the next group of players prove they can produce,” Dillon said. “The coaching staff is hoping that we see that production on the field.”

SCHEDULE

March 28: at Streetsboro

March 30: at Jackson-Milton

April 1: at Crestwood

April 3: vs. Garfield

April 6: at CVCA

April 10: vs. Warren JFK

April 11: vs. Warren JFK

April 14: at Field

April 17: at Southeast

April 18: vs. Southeast

April 20: vs. Manchester

April 22: vs. Dalton at Kent State University

April 24: vs. Rootstown

April 25: at Roostown

April 27: vs. Springfield

May 1: vs. St. Thomas Aquinas

May 2: at St. Thomas Aquinas

May 4: at Coventry

May 8: vs. Lake Center Christian

May 9: at Lake Center Christian

May 11: at Ravenna