Jr Lions looking strong

KEITH READY
The Cannon Courier

The future of Cannon County Jr. High Baseball looks strong as the team is loaded with 6th and 7th graders. They'll be counted on to produce results as only two 8th graders are on the roster.

Head Coach Michael Bryson stated "We held open practice most every Sunday when the weather wasn't bad during the early winter so kids could come out and get familiar with us. Tryouts were held first of January and 15 kids came out."

All 15 ended up making the team. Most everyone on the team has good experience especially most of the 7th graders according to coach Bryson played travel ball in years past. The 8th graders on the team will be counted on to provide leadership and stability on the team.

The infield will be mainly of a 7th grade flavor. Although the team still has things to iron out in the starting lineup, fans will most likely see Brady Bryson at first base, Bryson could also see time at short stop.

Braxton Alexander, a 6th grader, will probably be the second baseman and also play in the infield at first base. Zack Basham, has been practicing at third base most of the preseason, he will also play short stop. Hunter Hudson another 7th grader will spend most of his time with the catching duties behind home plate while 7th grader Jack Davis will be on the mound as the number one pitcher on the team. The outfield will be manned by 8th grader center fielder Wade Love, he will have 6th grade teammates Jordan Timmons in right field and Daylon Dearry in left.

The head coach is Michael Bryson. Although this is his first year to manage the Jr. Lions, he has plenty of coaching experience at the Little League level.

"I sat in the shadows and watched and learned last year," Coach Bryson states.

Helping as assistant coaches are Jonathan Bryson who also is an assistant coach with the Lions High School baseball team. Bryson will be working with the catchers primarily. Richie Davis is an assistant and is the pitching and batting coach. Working with the young outfielders this season will be Brian Alexander.

The schedule is filled with home games. Out of 13 games on the regular schedule, 8 of them are on the Cannon County High School field located at the Fairgrounds. In fact Cannon will play their first 6 games at home consecutively and not see their first road game until March 24th when they travel to nearby McMinnville.

"We didn't sanction with anybody this year. That way we could choose where, who and when we play," said coach Bryson.