MOUNT BAKER

MOUNTAINEERS

Coach: Quinn LeSage

Last year: Finished tied for eighth in the NWC (5-8). Did not advance to the postseason with an 8-11 record overall.

Players to watch: Nick Larson (sr. IF/P), Andrew Zender (jr. IF/P), Kaleb Brownfield (sr. Util/P)

Outlook: Though the Mountaineers did not make the playoffs last year, they made some giant strides under a first-year coach. Their eight wins matched their total from the last two seasons combined. "For us, last year was a good start in what needs to be a culture," LeSage said in a phone interview. "We have several juniors and seniors that were part of that, and they bring some maturity with them this year. The next step is for us to be consistently competitive." LeSage said the five seniors on Mount Baker's roster will play a big role in making sure that happens, as many of them not only played a role last spring, but also during successful football, basketball and wrestling seasons. The Mountaineers are in a position to be strong on the mound, with Larson, Brownfield, Zender and junior Cody Larson leading the way. While reducing the number of defensive mistakes is a must, LeSage said, improving on offense could be equally as vital. "Last year we struck out way too much," LeSage said. "We've got to be tough outs, hit in the situation and understand the count."

2013 ROSTER

No. Player Yr. Pos.

1 Titus Balvanz Sr. OF

4 Kaleb Brownfield Sr. Util/P

5 Colton Ranson So. Util/P

6 Balyn Jacoby Fr. Util/P

7 Tyrel Cronk Sr. C

9 Jacob Marr Jr. Util/P

10 Chase Toctocan Sr. IF/OF

12 Seth Bass Jr. OF

14 Cody Larson Jr. IF/P

15 Kyle Silves Jr. OF

21 Nick Larson Sr. IF/P

22 Andrew Zender Jr. IF/P

2013 SCHEDULE

March 14 at Nooksack Valley 4:30 p.m.

March 15 at Squalicum 4:30 p.m.

March 19 Ferndale 4:30 p.m.

March 20 Blaine 4:30 p.m.

March 25 Lynden Christian 4:30 p.m.

March 27 at Bellingham* 4:30 p.m.

March 29 at Ferndale* 4 p.m.

April 1 at Cascade 1 p.m.

April 1 Cashmere (at Cascade) 3 p.m.

April 8 at Lynden Christian* 4:30 p.m.

April 10 Nooksack Valley* 4:30 p.m.

April 12 Sehome* 4:30 p.m.

April 15 Lynden* 4:30 p.m.

April 17 at Burlington-Edison* 4 p.m.

April 19 Sedro-Woolley* 4:30 p.m.

April 20 Friday Harbor 1 p.m.

April 22 at Blaine* 4:30 p.m.

April 24 at Squalicum*+ 3:30 p.m.

April 26 Anacortes* 4:30 p.m.

April 29 Meridian* 4:30 p.m.

*NWC game; Game at Joe Martin Field

Reach DAVID RASBACH at david.rasbach@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2271.