2023 Baseball Magazine Preview | Page 29

The Riverside Rebels split evenly last season finishing 14-14 , but made a strong run at the end losing in the state quarterfinals to eventual 2A champion Woodlawn . Coach Ben Hoggard hopes a youthful Rebel bunch can make a similar run at the end this season . Coach Hoggard likes his pitching depth but is looking for ways to generate runs at the plate . Brady Robertson will be a key for the Riverside offense . Over the last two seasons , Robertson hit . 224 with an on base percentage of . 790 . The outfielder hopes to provide some power in the middle of the lineup . First baseman Madix Blake will also hit in the middle of the lineup . Blake had 19 RBIs a season ago and looks to drive in runs for the Rebels . Kaleb Thacker leads a group of two-way players who are expected to perform on the mound and at the plate . Thacker hit . 270 at the top of the lineup and will look to get on base to score some runs . On the mound , Thacker had 41 strikeouts in 40 innings pitched and an ERA of 2.95 . Brayeson Timms had an ERA of 3.91 in 34 innings with 19 strikeouts showing good control . Timms , also a shortstop , will use his contact hitting and speed at the top of the lineup to get on base as well . Cash Gillis has good velocity on the bump striking out 32 in 18 innings of work last season . At the plate , the All-State Tournament infielder hit . 322 with an on base percentage of . 904 and 28 RBIs . Sophomore Thatcher Durham will patrol centerfield and use his high on base percentage at the top of the lineup . Thatcher has good control while pitching and will add depth to the bullpen . A trio of newcomers could make an impact this season . Zain McClure , Jackson Mann , and Tucker Emery all could see innings this season . Mann is a very solid catcher , while McClure and Emery can help with the pitching depth or play multiple positions in the field if needed . Coach Hoggard believes for his team to be competitive at the end of the season , they will need to develop some guys at the top of the rotation , play good defense , and find ways to generate runs . NEA Sports predicts Riverside will be in the mix in the 2A-3 , make the regional tournament , and look to have another postseason run .

The Riverside Lady Rebels finished strong a season ago with a regional tournament berth and a trip to the state tournament . With several returning starters and some key newcomers , the Lady Rebels are looking to return to the postseason and possibly go further . Katie Ridge returns to the pitching rubber this season after carrying much of the load last season . Ridge throws hard and also plays some first base and has a very good bat . Klaire Womack also came on strong towards the end of the season last year and will look to help out in the circle . Womack throws hard with good movement and plays in the outfield when she ’ s not pitching . Brooklyn Berry could play infield and catch , showing her versatility . Kaylee Cox returns at shortstop but could also play multiple positions . Gracie Doty will be at first and add a solid bat to the lineup , and senior Paris McGee is a solid defender in the outfield . Analee Qualls is an athletic player who will bat in the middle of the lineup and play in the outfield . Senior third baseman Mackenzie Thomas is a leader and a very good player for the Lady Rebels . Malorie Booth and senior Holland Davis are solid , dependable players looking to expand their roles this upcoming season . A group of newcomers hope to add to the Riverside lineup this season . Freshman Ryley Eakins , Carly Jo Womack , and Bennett Durham , and Kadyn Servadio all look to make an impact this season . Eakins has good speed and is a solid defender that can be moved around the diamond . Womack and Durham are lefty bats that have good speed and athleticism on the base paths and in the field . Kadyn Servadio is a very solid player who can play the infield and catch some for the Lady Rebels . Coach Eakins likes the added depth to help his returners , “ This team has a lot of talent and experience playing softball . They are good players who really enjoy playing the game . Defensively we should be very solid . This will be one of the most complete all-around teams I ' ve had the privilege to coach . Health is always a concern , but we should have added depth this year .” Look for the Riverside Lady Rebels to be in the hunt for a 2A-3 Conference crown , return to the regional tournament and state tournament with a chance to go deeper this season .