Berkeley Springs High School baseball preview

A year ago Berkeley Springs High School had its first winning baseball season since 1997. It was quite an accomplishment and second-year coach Trey Barcus is intent on maintaining the momentum. "We have to remember what this program accomplished last year," Barcus said. "We need to build from there and keep moving forward. Our goal is to reach Charleston (that is where the state tournament is held)."

In order to accomplish their goals, Berkeley Springs will have to find a replacement for second-team All-state catcher Jeff Keefer along with special mention All-state performers John Freels and Brad Rich. Two other graduates, who started and played major roles in 2006, Jeremy Brock and Cameron Clark, will also be missed.

Though the Indians lost five starters from a year ago, they return eight lettermen, including seniors Joey Berens, Nate Sirbaugh and Jonathan Nichols, juniors Nick Campanelli, JT Thomas, Jake Freels and Jeremy Michael, along with sophomore Mark Carter. Russell Smith also returns, but did not letter in 2006.

Seniors Sean Diehl and Jacob Waugh lead a group of newcomers that also include junior L.J. Wright, sophomores Matt Griffith and Michael Twigg, along with freshman Lucas Redick.

Barcus likes the quality depth he has and is once more focused on playing "small ball." "Our focus, in order, is pitching, defense, speed and power," Barcus said. "It starts with pitching. You're only as good as your pitching. Then you have to make the routine plays on defense. You can't afford to give teams extra outs. Our defense improved as the year went along and we will emphasize the importance of defense. We also want our players hustling, playing smart and running the bases intelligently. Everybody will have a role and they must understand what it is and what they are capable of doing. You're only going to be as good as the