By Kevin Doucette

For the Review

With the surge of late winter weather recently, it certainly does not feel like baseball season, but yes, it is here.

“It was snowing while we were taking grounders and fly balls (Tuesday),” said head baseball coach David Smart.

Last season the Spartans finished with a record near .500, but finished in fifth place and didn’t make it to the playoffs.

Smart said last season his team had a chance to make it to the postseason, but had some missed opportunities.

Though the Spartans lost some of their pitchers from last season, senior pitcher Steven Wellbrook looks to be the ace of the staff this year.

Junior Spencer Hogger, who was one of the team’s leading hitters last season is as returning as the starting third baseman.

Smart also said senior Cody Haskin, and juniors Zander Silverman and catcher Paimon Jaberi will be big impact players this season.

“A lot of these guys play year-round and are focused and dedicated to playing ball,” said Smart.

Smart added that because the team lost a lot of players from last year, some of the younger guys will have to step it up this season. But both Smart and Hogger agree this year’s team has great team chemistry.

“We are a strong group and it will help us get to the next level,” Hogger said.

Practice just began for the Spartans, but the opening game for the Spartans is just around as they face off against Central Kitsap on March 12 at home.

“The biggest thing we need to do this season is play against the game,” said Wellbrock. “If we execute the little things better than our opponent, take it inning by inning, I am confident we will be successful.”