Coach: Young players are a plus for Nemo Vista

Nemo Vista was a game shy of .500 last year. This year, a lot of firstyear players will start. Coach Logan Williams, who is in his fourth year coaching, said that is a fun prospect because he can watch the team improve each week. Williams has two seniors who have started for him for three years. That type of leadership is a great asset to such a young team, the coach said. Youth on the Red Hawks is something that gives them a chance to succeed each week of the season, as well as each year. “I expect [seniors John Riley and Jacob Blankenship] to lead this team both physically and emotionally,” Williams said. “It does not always work out that your leaders are experienced seniors, but it is always a good thing when it does.” Blankenship sports the squad’s best batting average, and Riley is the team’s go-to power hitter, the coach said. Those two will have to be a presence on and off the field that keeps the young players focused, he said. “We will have a lot of young first-year players this year,” Williams said. “Having young talent can be exciting because you can expect them to improve with every game.” In the offseason, the Red Hawks focused on catching at a high level. Williams said it’s the root of all defensive play. Nemo Vista will not take any game for granted, the coach said. The Red Hawks see every opponent as a rival. Williams said young players will be key. “The biggest challenge is going to be our youth,” Williams said. “Our season will hinge on how well our young guys develop and learn throughout the season.”