LAFAYETTE RAMBLERS

Last Year: 9-20 overall, 3-13 in 6-AAA Head Coach: Chris Base (6th season) Assistant Coaches: Greg Neal, Drew Pence

Lafayette’s last state playoff appearance came back in 2009 and resulted in a very close opening-round series loss to St. Pius X. However, the return of some experienced veterans has the Orangeand-black optimistic that the drought ends this spring.

How do you think the region will shape up with the loss of some teams and the addition of new ones?

Base: “I think our region will be tougher this year than in years past. Adding Bremen and Gordon Lee will make you have to bring your ‘A game’ every single game. I think we can compete with the better teams in our region for a playoff spot.”

What is the strength of this year’s team, or what do you think it will be by the time the race for the playoffs really starts to heat up?

Base: “I think the strength of this year’s team will be our offensive versatility, as well as our leadership. We’ll have a lot of young guys in our lineup with five seniors. We’ll have to lean on our leadership to help us push for a playoff spot.”

What is the key or keys to the season for your team?

Base: “The keys to our season will be our ability to throw strikes, make the routine plays and put the ball in play. These are things we’ve tried to improve upon this offseason, relative to last season. If we can get better at those three things, we should be able to compete with the better teams in our region.”

Seniors: Nick Adams (P/C), Jayden Dixon (P/2B), Jathan Harding (1B/2B), Kadin Smith (OF), Zain Smith (P/C/SS)