Name: La Center High School
City and State: La Center, WA
Head Coach
Hunter Weiss
Assistant Coaches
Scott Dehlbom, Jason Grotte, Tim Bethje
Who are some key returning players for the team and what do you hope to see from each of them this year?
Justin Fuller (Sophomore: OF/RHP), Tyler Normine (Junior: LHP/OF), Caden Taylor (Sophomore: SS), Smith Stimmel (Junior: 1B/RHP) were WSBCA 1A All State Players last year and will all return in 2023. Fuller looks to get on the mound more this spring after only throwing 14 innings in 2022. He will also patrol centerfield and be a spark plug at the top of the lineup with his speed and ability to get on base. We will look to Normine to be a reliable starting pitcher, as our only left handed arm, and a middle of the lineup hitter who can handle the bat and create instant offense. He has worked hard this off-season on his strength and arm care as well. Taylor looks to be a solid defender and hitter in the middle of the infield, with a great ability to make plays and find barrels. He will continue to grow as a leader, and has made some big strides in the weight room to improve his physical abilities. Stimmel will be a mainstay at 1B with his 6’4 215lb frame, and hopefully be an RBI producer similar to last year. He has also been working diligently over the winter on pitching and will see some innings on the mound spring.
Some other key players to watch are Junior Alex Mora (RHP/OF) who is a dominant force on the mound and can swing the bat well, Junior Garrett Maunu (RHP/INF) who is a walking web gem, and has a great arsenal of pitches and Junior Wyatt Bethje (C/DH) who caught the majority of our innings last season, and commands the staff well.
Who are some key underclassmen that are moving up in the program and can make an impact? What do you hope to see from each of them this year?
Sophomore’s Austin Aseph (RHP/INF), Houston Coyle (INF/OF/RHP), and Wyatt Eiesland (C/1B/RHP) are looking to move up to the Varsity Team and will compete for innings with our returners. Aseph saw limited action last year as both a Starting and Relief Pitcher, and was also one of our best baserunners often coming in to courtesy or pinch run. Coyle and Eiesland are both multi-sport athletes and great baseball players who will add athleticism and power to our lineup.
What areas will you be focusing on early in the season?
Pitching depth is definitely one of our strong suits, so we will rely on our staff early to carry the team while our offense gets going. Defense is going to be a point of emphasis as well; taking care of the baseball, making good reads, backing up every play, and helping our pitchers out.
What are the expectations and goals for the team in 2023?
Besides playing hard, having fun, and making memories, we want to compete for a 1A TriCo League Title, Defend our District 4 Championship, and make a run at State.