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By SETH STASKEY
Times Leader Sports Editor
BARNESVILLE -- It was certainly a season to remember in Western Belmont County.
The Shamrocks posted an impressive 25-8 season that culminated with a trip to the Division III state tournament in Akron where they fell to eventual state champion Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy.
As D.J. Butler begins his 15th season as the Shamrocks' skipper, he welcomes back a club that returns eight starters. However, the departed were key cogs in the season.
"We must avoid complacency," Butler stressed. "Last year, we were able to surprise teams early and gain confidence as they were gaining experience. Our opponents will not take us lightly, so we have to play our best every game. We have high expectations and if we stay focused, we have the potential to win many games and compete with anyone on our schedule."
First and foremost, ace pitcher Ayden Hannahs, who also hit .427 with 21 RBIs and 17 stolen bases, has graduated. He posted a 1.79 ERA in almost 58 innings of work.
Jake Edwards, who hit .395 and had a 6-1 record on the bump with 44 strikeouts, and Brady Wildes, who had a 4-3 record and a 2.21 ERA, are also gone.
The Shamrocks' roster features 32 players and of those 21 are either freshmen or sophomores.
"Depth is a strength," Butler said. "We not only return a large portion of last year's lineup, but we also have some good, younger players who will see significant time and contribute in a lot of ways."
The list of returning starters includes outfielder Spencer Bliss, who hit .339; third baseman/pitcher Gavin Carpenter who hit .358 and was 5-1 on the mound with three saves. He actually picked up the win in relief in the regional final.
Centerfielder Colton Hines -- a senior -- is back and healthy. He was plagued by an injury that limited his at bats last spring. Infielder Jeremy Hunkler returns after hitting .308 and posting a .910 fielding percentage at shortstop.
Catcher Kyvan Johnson returns after driving in 17 runs. Kason Powell, who was strong out of the Rocks bullpen, is back. He had 25 hits and 15 RBIs.
Logan Shepherd, who drove in the game-winning run in the 12th inning of the regional tournament, is also back. C.J. Hannahs will once again roam in the outfield after hitting .284 and scoring 16 runs last spring.
According to Butler, he expects Noah Strauss, who lettered last season, to take on a bigger role as well as Corbin Wise, Duke Castello, Aydon VanHorn and Jaxon Wiley, all of whom lettered last year. Expect Skyler King, Taison Starr and Reese Stephen to see more action as well.
"We think our offense should be solid with several guys who have above-average speed and some guys with gap-to-gap power," Butler said. "Our defense last year was as good as any team I've had since I've been coaching. Our question mark is our pitching. We feel good about Gavin and Kason, but the guys behind them don't have a lot of varsity experience. They do have the potential to be really good pitchers and we know they'll throw strikes."
The balance of the Shamrocks roster includes: junior Logan Anderson (1B/P), sophomore Ben Holskey (OF), Johnny Huntsman (2B/P), Colevin Robb (C/1B); freshmen Aydon Andrews (OF), Camden Carpenter (P/U); Casey Carpenter (1B/P); Kole Carpenter (2B/P); Ayden King (SS/P); Austin Leek (C/3B/P); Bradey McIntire (OF); Marshall Meade (C/3B/P); Caleb Powell (P/U); Caden Sellers (OF); Keegan Wells (OF) and Braedan Willis (SS/2B/P).
Butler's coaching staff includes: Bryce Allen, Zan Hutsman, Jeff Miller and Tony Starr. Joel Atkinson returns as statistician.