Pitching, offense expected strong for the Green Wave
For Daily Times Leader
Two strong-armed starting pitchers, a deep bullpen and an offense tough to slow down have the West Point High School Green Wave ready to make waves in Class 5A, Region 2 action this season.
The Green Wave return starting pitchers Elijah Young and Tyrese Johnson for their senior seasons as West Point looks to improve from its 12-14 season in 2022. It was a season in which the Green Wave made the playoffs under first-year head coach Mitch Bohon.
Young, a left-hander, has signed to play with East Mississippi Community College, while the right-handed Johnson has signed on with Pearl River Community College, with plenty of Division I interest, according to Bohon.
"We've got two very good starting pitchers," Bohon said. "I expect us to be competitive this year. I expect us to be in a three-way dogfight with Saltillo and New Hope for the district title."
Senior right- hander Kamden Tyler gives West Point depth in the starting rotation. Tyler features a slider, off- speed curve and sneaky fastball.
Returning to the Green Wave this season is senior right-hander Cole Ellis, who missed the 2022 campaign with a shoulder injury. Ellis and his down-under throwing style will be joined in the bullpen by a host of West Point hurlers, including senior right-handers Corbin Hendricks, Jeremiah Carter and Ahmari Cox, junior lefthander Jamarcus Richardson and sophomore right-hander Evan Palmer.
"Jeremiah can be an innings eater for us, but he has got to throw strikes,” Bohon said. “Corbin has good stuff. He gives us depth in the bullpen. Ahmari is a big bullpen arm. He's got a good fastball and a very good breaking ball. We're going to be strong out of the bullpen this season."
Hendricks will be the team's starting catcher after signing a letter of intent to play for William Carey University next year.
When Hendricks is called on to pitch, catching duties will be taken over by sophomore Walker Ward.
The infield will include Young at first base. When Young pitches, junior Coledan Carter or Richardson will man first base.
Jaylen Davis, a recent signee with Stillman College will play second base. Tyrese Johnson will anchor the shortstop position, while Evan Palmer and Coldan Carter will share time at third base.
The starting outfield will consist of Cortlin Carter in left field, Cox in center and freshman Bradley Cohen in right field.
The Green Wave's offense is expected to shine this sea