WILDCAT BASEBALL PREVIEW
Whitehouse coach predicts competitive district for Cats

Seniors on the 2007 varsity baseball team are (top, left to right) Banks Brandon, Blake Turman, Kyndel Mangrum, Chase West, (bottom) Evan Beaton, Caleb Toole and Ryan Miner.

With an impressive 7-3 preseason record and a six-game winning streak, the Wildcats are poised to open district play against Kilgore on March 13.

Second-year head coach Danny Robey is looking forward to an exciting year and the opportunity to improve on last year's 7-13 season.

"We will be aggressive and make things happen," said Robey. "I feel like our district will be pretty equal and competitive. Playoffs will probably be determined during the last week."

Whitehouse lost two key players from last year's 3-7 district team: third baseman Derek Lusk and f i r s t b a s e m a n R a y m o n d Hunter.

Although half of his team is new to the varsity playing field, Robey has plenty of senior leadership and some good young talent.

In addition to winning the Whitehouse Classic, Robey's team boasts tournament MVP Seth Cashion, just a sophomore, and all tournament choice Grant Brandon, a junior.

Robey's seniors include Ryan Miner, a first-team All District outfielder in 2006; he also does duty on the mound. Other top senior returnees are catcher Evan Beaton and outfielders Chase West and Banks Brandon.

With preseason ending, Robey was impressed with his team's hard work in practices and noted a willingness to improve. He said a key to the team's success will be playing solid defense; it looks as if the offense is on track, with the Cats outscoring their Classic opponents 43-15.

Assisting Robey are Scott McFadden, Neil Koenig and Matt Barrickman.