Warriors swing into 2020 season
Magnet senior Josh Dixon slides into second in the 2019 playoff game against the Newnan High School Cougars. Despite impressive plays from the entire team, the Warriors, unfortunately, got knocked out of playoffs after this first game, however, this year the Warriors plan on improving all aspects and coming back with vengeance. “I actually don’t think we had major weaknesses or strengths. We were generally good in all areas, but when it comes to our regions and Georgia baseball in general, ‘generally good’ is only going to get you so far,” Assistant Coach Micheal Turchan said.
January 26, 2020
With the 2020 NC Varsity baseball season just around the corner, players prepare by relentlessly conditioning, tryouts and reflecting on the past season. In the 2019 season, the Warriors achieved an admirable record of 21-7. Players credit this record to the impressive offense, the bond within the team and admirable pitching. However, many skills remain for the team to improve upon, specifically defense.
“Overall we played well, but our defense could definitely use improvement, especially the middle infield. I think our defense really cost us the playoffs, but this year we’re going to come back stronger and really exceed [in playoffs,]” Magnet junior Harry Ford said.
Last year, the NC Varsity Warriors excelled in the majority of their region play, making it all the way to the playoffs against Newnan High School. However, the team unfortunately lost in the second day of playoffs due to defense errors and unexpected skillful gameplay from Newnan.
This year, coaches will ensure that does not happen by constantly running the boys through drills, conditioning, and team-building. Despite losing the 2019 playoffs in the first round, coaches already plan to succeed in the 2020 season and hopefully move further in playoffs.
“We are taking every aspect of the game and trying to move from ‘generally good’ to great. If we get to develop and improve in all areas. I think this gives us a much better shot and going deeper in the playoffs,” Assistant Coach Micheal Turchan said.
While training for the 2020 season, the team looks forward to their first game on Friday, February 7th against the Sprayberry Yellow Jackets, with a record of 6-20 from the 2019 season. Senior players also look forward to stepping up as leaders within the team for their final year.
“This year the seniors will play a huge role as we don’t have as many players. The leadership is key to help a lot of the juniors and sophomores feel comfortable and confident. As a whole, we play great together and have a good shot at winning the region and winning our first game against Woodstock,” Magnet senior Andrew Martinez said.
