Cement Baseball Looks to Reload with Young Talent
By Brad Heath
When head coach JJ Williams studied his lineup coming into the 2021 season, he knew to repeat what his team did in the spring, it would take some new talent and a renew focus on the little things that when done well, can equal wins.
“This upcoming fall season will be a season of just working to improve each day and each game. Losing seven starters off a 2021 spring district championship team will be the year of underclassman off that team stepping up to fill roles. It will be a time of ups and downs and helping the underclassman transition to their roles. This season six of nine starters will be a sophomore or freshman,” said Williams.
The district championship was only the second in school history. The first came in 1987.
One player to watch is senior Aldon Cogburn. Cogburn is currently the only senior on the team and will likely see time at pitcher, catcher, and infield. Coach Williams has three sophomores with limited experience from last season who are expected to contribute this season.
“The one most experienced is Taylor Wynn (3B/P) who has really developed his command and increased velocity. He along with senior Aldon Cogburn will be expected to lead a young pitching staff made up of four sophomores and one freshman,” said Williams.
The bench is young as well and not too deep. Coach Williams said only 11 high school players came out for fall baseball.
Their first big test will come on the second day of the season when they face Mulhall-Orlando, a team they lost to in early March.
“Mulhall-Orlando is well coached and a team that was ranked last spring and won a district losing only three starters and have a chance to make a run in Class B. Good test early for Cement to see how the underclassman respond,” said Williams.
Coach Williams said the fans can expect to see a determined Bulldog team that will compete in every game and not back down from a challenge.
“Taylor Wynn is the emotional leader and one who will be everyone looks to on and off the field. Only a sophomore, he already has proven to be the one who isn’t afraid to lead by example and pick up his teammates,” said Williams.
This is the third season at Cement High School for Williams. His success will hopefully have more players come out for baseball this fall or in the spring.
