Huskies excited to be back, pushing for big spring

This spring will feel a little bit different than normal, but that’s more than fine with Hewitt-Trussville High School baseball coach Jeff Mauldin.

After dealing with a shortened 2020 season, simply being back on the field again is enough. Guidelines, restrictions and other measures in place due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 will add another element to baseball teams dealing with adversity this spring.

“The teams and programs that handle that the best will be the most successful,” Mauldin said.

Tyler Mauldin, Kerrigan Edmonson, Keith Lanum, Michael Fowler, Kahlin Drake and Owen Boren were unable to finish their Huskies’ careers last spring and all of them made significant contributions to the program throughout their varsity tenure.

With those guys now on to their next chapters in life, Mauldin still believes his Hewitt-Trussville team is set up for big things in 2021.

“We really like our team,” he said.

The Huskies have a handful of seniors that have been in the proverbial fire and know what it takes to compete at a high level. There are plenty of juniors on the roster — some with good experience — and some sophomores pushing for varsity spots. Mauldin called it a “good mixture.”

From what he has seen in the preseason, Mauldin believes this year’s team will boast a balanced offense, capable of winning games in a variety of ways.

“It’s a good mix of guys that are athletic, can handle the bat, can run, and some guys in the middle of our lineup that can be wall-bangers and drive in runs,” he said.

Despite losing Fowler, the pitching staff’s ace, the Huskies will be deep on the mound this spring. Skylar Jones, a senior, looks prepared to step up and shoulder the load of being the unquestioned leader.

“We’ve got a lot of pitchers that can contribute and get innings, we’ve just got to figure out who we can trust the most once the area games get going,” Mauldin said.

Defensively, there are a few spots to replace from last year’s group, including second base, third base and a couple outfield positions. But the talent is in the program, according to Mauldin, to successfully have new players step into those roles.

“I don’t think we’re ever rebuilding,” he said. “It’s more next man up.”

The Huskies have more than a handful of seniors this season looking to go out on a high note. Hudson Boren will be in his third season manning the shortstop position for the Huskies. Gavin Ellison is back as the team’s starting catcher, providing stability for Jones and Jackson Holland behind the plate. Trey Burrell is a center fielder looking to take the next step in his game. Benjamin Lamons and Aiden Rhodes will contribute to the team’s pitching staff, while Dylan Overby will look to make an impact with his bat.

Jones has been around for a couple seasons, emerging as a sophomore. He throws three pitches for strikes and his fastball sits in the low 90s (miles per hour) now.

“Last year he took the reins for us and was really, really good,” Mauldin said.

Holland has been a factor for the Huskies for multiple years as well and will be asked to do even more this season. He plays first base and provides pop in the lineup and may be given more responsibility as one of Hewitt-Trussville’s top starting pitchers. He is accustomed to playing dual roles, as he spent the past two years splitting time between quarterback and safety for the school’s football team.

“He’s a winner,” Mauldin said.

Another pitcher that has come on strong recently is Riley Quick, a hurler with plenty of upside. Mauldin said the more experience he gets on the mound in games, the better he will get.

“He’s a guy that we’re excited about and could be a big part of our team,” Mauldin said.

Among the juniors, Matt Miller will likely find himself in the middle of the lineup and be a key player for the Huskies. Baker Green catches and pitches, while Logan Phillips and Austin King are also pitchers.

Among the other guys pushing for spots, Kurt Kizer, Ethan Duhon, Brooks McRae, Jack Ollis, Jackson Kendrick, Jackson Cole and others give the Huskies plenty of solid depth.

“This is the first time in a few years we’ve had good competition in some spots, and it’s going to be fun to watch guys competing for playing time,” Mauldin said.

Hewitt-Trussville plays in Class 7A, Area 6, which boasts Spain Park and Vestavia Hills along with Gadsden City. Only two of those teams will make it to the playoffs and the Huskies are aiming to be one of those two.

“It’s exciting. I love it. Our kids love it. You know if you can make the playoffs coming out of this area, you’ve got a shot to make the state championship,” Mauldin said.