MOORE — Southmoore looking to make run at state championship
Coming off a strong run to the postseason last year, Southmoore came into 2013 with high expectations. At times, it has shown it is ready to exceed those expectations, but they are still learning.
“I feel that it has been kind of a roller coaster type season,” Southmoore coach Craig Troxell said. “Anytime you have young players and a small senior class, there will be some inconsistent play. Overall, I feel that we have made some progress and we are finding out who can play at a high level.”
The SaberCats have come into Spring Break with a 7-4 record and are ranked No. 4 in the state. It’s coming off a 12-6 loss to No. 1 Carl Albert (5A) March 12. Three of the Cats four defeats have come against teams ranked in the top-10.
“We are looking good,” senior Tre Edwards said. “We show times where we can be one of the state contenders, we are a young team with a lot of talent. I think you will see a more consistent team after this break is over.”
According to Troxell, Edwards has been one of Southmoore’s most consistent players this year. The University of Arkansas signee is batting .541, with 14 doubles, one triple, and 20 RBIs.
“I just want to have fun, enjoy the season and win the state tournament,” Edwards said. “If we don’t accomplish that I know I’ve had a blast the last four years in high school. My goals are to all-state and be a high school all-American.”
Edwards is one of six seniors on the team. That also includes pitcher Nick Ward, who has signed to play football and baseball at Wofford College. But it’s been two others players who have really surprised the coaching staff with their play so far this season.
“Well, I have to mention Garrett Degelos,” Troxell said. “He has improved a ton in the outfield and has had some big hits for us so far. Also, senior pitcher Tyler MacDonald has really improved on the mound. He has also improved his body and mental makeup. He has pitched well in all of his outings so far. The good thing about it, he has a lot of improving still to do.”
Southmoore will not return to action until March 28 when it travel to No. 5 Edmond North (5-1) in the first of a home and home series. It then has two games with Norman North (5-2).
“We are just really trying to win another district championship,” Troxell said. “So the Norman North games are definitely big. We always have good games with them. They are well coached and have good kids. Edmond North is a very important non district game. We want to win every game.”
With the postseason more than a month away, the SaberCats still have time to become the team they want to be.
“We knew we had a good nucleus of players coming back and some very talented young ones,” Troxell said. “We knew it was going to be a team that was gonna have to improve week by week. In the end we will be a much stronger and potent team. Hopefully, we can peak at the right time and reach our goals.”
Michael Kinney Follow me @eyeamtruth mkinney@mooreamerican.com
