HTHS seniors look for strong finish

Jacob Bishop watched Hewitt-Trussville High School earn its first state baseball title in 2016. Then a freshman looking to rise to the varsity program in a short time, he celebrated with his classmates, soaking it all in.

“I remember sitting in the stands with a lot of other students, taking in the moment and knowing I wanted to feel this,” he said.

He nearly did just that last spring. Bishop was the everyday left fielder for the Huskies and played every inning of every game. Hewitt-Trussville got back to Montgomery for the Class 7A championship series against Auburn, the team the Huskies knocked off two seasons prior. But there was no celebration this time around, as Auburn swept the series and claimed the title. 

Despite a great season and postseason run that included playoff series victories over James Clemens, Bob Jones and defending champ Hoover, Bishop and the other six seniors on this year’s team felt like they let an opportunity slip away.

For this year’s senior class, the word “finish” has become a call to action.

“We are confident that we’re going to get there again,” said center fielder Zach Defnall, “but this time we’re going to get there and we’re going to finish it.”

Bishop and Defnall can be considered two of the team’s leaders, but so can several of the other seniors. There doesn’t seem to be an alpha in the locker room, but the Huskies see that as a positive.

“I wouldn’t say we have a vocal senior group,” said head coach Jeff Mauldin. “They more or less just go do their jobs and lead by example, in how they practice, how they get after it in the weight room, stuff like that.”

For example, Bishop and Defnall play next to each other in the outfield and have complete trust in the other’s capabilities. It alleviates the pressure of feeling the need to always make the big play. 

“We rely on each other,” Bishop said. “Different people step up in different situations. Not one person is going to carry us the whole way. I think it’s good to have a lot of different spots where that could come up.”

Mauldin lauded Bishop and Defnall for being unique in their ability to steal bases even as middle-of-the-order hitters. They have both been staples in the Huskies outfield for two years. 

Creed Parker has signed a football scholarship at the University of North Alabama and is a great utility player for the baseball team. He has played shortstop, third base and has pitched some. Julian Sauger has caught nearly every game behind the plate for the Huskies this season. Jared Waites, Baylor Hancock and Grant Waid are also seniors.

“Any night any player can get the big hit, make the play in the field, make the pitch,” Mauldin said. “I think that’s what makes us dangerous. You can’t really say, ‘Don’t let this guy beat you,’ because at some point, all nine can beat you.”

Hewitt-Trussville plays in one of the toughest areas in the state, competing with Mountain Brook, Spain Park and Vestavia Hills for a pair of 7A playoff spots. All four have been in or around the top 10 much of the season.

“We’ve got to stay focused,” Defnall said.

The seniors have played against or with each other since elementary school. Bishop said the realization that the road is coming to an end is met with “mixed emotions” and is “bittersweet.” 

But he hopes the team saves its best baseball for last. 

“We’ve just got to keep believing in each other and trusting what our coaches tell us to do,” Bishop said. “If we keep doing that and keep getting better every day, we’re going to be good.”