Siary sees talent with 2023 Raiders
For Daily Times Leader
With first-year head coach John Siary leading the way, the versatile and talented Oak Hill Academy Raiders look to go far in the MAIS Class 2A, District 2 race to state this season.
Siary takes the Raiders' head job after helping to lead Starkville Academy as an assistant coach to a 30-8 mark and a showing in the second round of the district playoffs last season.
"We have a lot of talent," Siary said. "From Jackson, Madison to around here, we feel we can compete with anyone."
Siary enters his second season in the Mississippi private school scene after a spell in the South Carolina public school picture. Siary believes the Raiders have the goods to go far in the postseason in 2023.
"We have a lot of versatility on this team," Siary said. "Players can move around and play different spots.
"I think we can make it to state. A lot of things have to go right, but the talent base is there. We've got to be humble and hungry. That's going to be our key."
The Raiders feature a pitching staff that features nine seniors. Siary said the group will mostly pitch to contact to help the hurlers limit the number of offerings thrown.
Leading the way will be senior righthander Ty Hardin. The hard-throwing Hardin features a solid fastball and curve. His season got off to a solid start, as did the Raiders', when he fired four scoreless innings, allowing one hit and three walks while striking out seven in a 6-0 victory over Heritage Academy on Monday night.
"He's got a good fastball, a slider and a really good curveball," Siary said of Hardin.
Hardin is followed in the rotation by senior righthander Gunter Reed. Reed features low-80s speed on his fastball while also offering a curve and changeup.
"He'll pitch in the low 80s, and like the rest of us, he'll pitch to contact,” Siary said.
The third starter is John Ross Craven, another senior righthander. Craven will be the exception to the rule for the Raiders. He fires a mid80s fastball to go with a strong curve and slider.
"He's in the zone," Siary said of Craven. "He's a power pitcher who's going to get a lot of strikeouts."
Middle relievers include senior lefthander Ethan Gazaway. The southpaw tossed two hitless innings, surrendering just a walk in Monday's win.
He is joined in the middle relief role by senior righthander John Lewis.
Siary said Lewis features a low- to- middle 80s fastball, slider, changeup and 6- to- 12 curve. In Monday night's win, Lewis allowed no hits while walking one and striking out one in one frame of work.
Colin Boyd, another senior righthander, features a lowto-middle 80s fastball to go with a slider, changeup and curve. When he isn't pitching, Boyd will see time at shortstop or third base.
Senior righthander Brian Buchanan also shows a fastball, slider, changeup and curve. He will be the Raiders' starting at centerfield as well.
Senior righthander Smith Chaney will fill the strike zone with his low-80s fastball and curve. Siary referred to Chaney as an innings eater. He also doubles as the Raiders' starting first baseman.
Sophomore righthander Chip Ballard features a low- 80s fastball, curve and slider. Siary called the 6- foot- 5 Ballard a "presence on the mound."
The Raiders' infield defense starts with senior catcher Jacob Mobley.
"He's our coaching catcher," Siary said. "He's a presence on the field. Nothing shakes him. His work ethic in practice is second to none."
Gazaway and Chaney will share time at first base. Siary said the two bring confidence to their fellow infielders with their ability to stay behind throws and scoop low throws.
John Lewis, an East Central Community College commit, will start at second base for the Raiders. Boyd, an East Mississippi Community College commit, will split time at second base and shortstop.
Hardin and Reed will see time at third base.
The outfield will include Craven in left field, Buchanan in center and junior Tanner Flynt in right.
The Raiders' starting offensive starting lineup will have Buchanan as the leadoff hitter. Siary said Buchanan will show a package of speed and power.
He will be followed in the lineup by Flynt, Lewis, Boyd, Craven, Hardin, Chaney, Mobley and Reed.
Siary said his team's offense will be gap-to-gap with plenty of power. In their win over Heritage Academy pounded out 10 hits and a home run.
"We're going to play hard every game," Siary said. "Once you break through, the world is yours."
Siary also thanked assistant coaches Ken Tew and Jaden Craven for the hard work they bring to the team on a daily basis.
"I don't know where I would be without them," Siary said. "I couldn't do this without them."