Veteran players, improving program has Eagles thinking big

Like most of the sports the school fields, Oakwood Christian Academy’s baseball program has continued to grow and improve over the last few years.

Now in his eighth season as head coach, Kraig Givens believes his Eagles are primed to take that next step this spring.

“Last year we did a great job of really just coming together as a team and playing well together, so I expect it would be more of the same this year,” he said. “Every indication so far shows that that’s going to be the case. The guys love each other and they’ve been having fun.

“We’ve grown a lot, physically, just in one year, so we’re re a lot stronger. We lost just two seniors from last year. We’ve had some new guys come in and everyone else has just gotten bigger and stronger, so I expect bigger and better things this year.”

Those expectations include an overall winning record and Givens said his team is shooting for double-digit victories.

The Eagles’ four seniors are all returning veterans.

JJ Lanham has already signed with Bryan College. He will split time between left field and second base when he’s not on the mound. D.J. Terry is the team’s top returning pitcher has developed extra velocity on his fastball and Givens is hoping for another big year from him.

John Jacob McSpadden can catch and pitch, but will most likely see the bulk of his playing time at shortstop this season, while second-year player Clay Jones will spend most of his time in the outfield or at first base.

A strong junior class includes third baseman Phillip Davis, who will also see some innings on the mound, and Cory Taylor, who will play at the corners this season. Jacob Wellwood can play at second base or shortstop.

The two new faces belong to outfielder Jacob Jones, who is in his first year with the OCA program, and Joseph Mauk. Mock attends Calvary Christian, but plays for Oakwood as Calvary does not field a baseball team. He will be a utility player for the Eagles and may also work in behind the dish.

Andrew Phillips will play at first base and see some time in the outfield, while the rest of the sophomore class includes middle infielder Chase Lanham and middle infielder outfielder Sonny Rayburn.

As for the freshmen, Caleb Epperson could see time at first or third base, while Jared Haney will also be working in at first. Zac Moore is vying for playing time at shortstop, while Simon Jones will be in the mix in the outfield.

Givens will be assisted by Wayne McDonough and Allen Taylor.

“Defense and pitching have always been the keys for us,” Givens explained. “D.J. was a surprise this past year with just how consistent he was. We knew he was going to have a good season, but he went above and beyond what we expected. As long as he continues to pitch well and the other guys that we have to pitch continue to fill in and get the job done, then we should be strong there.

“The defense, though, is always going to be our key. We’ve been working a lot on our offense, but if our defense isn’t working, then we’re not winning.”