“Our roster remains young,” Davis says, “We started three freshman, two sophomores and a junior last year .. and they are all returning. We’ll be right around 25 players so we’ll have a full JV team as well.”

The Tigers finished 7-12 last season, including 6-9 in the NTL and a 4-6 mark in the Large School Division. 

Lone senior starter Derek Litzelman (.388 BA, .446 OBP, 19 H, 15 R) returns, along with fellow seniors Bobby Lewis and Peyton Gunderson.

“Derek will be our only returning senior starter this year and we’ll rely on him for leadership and to produce in the top of the lineup,” Davis says. “ Bobby Lewis and Peyton Gunderson are returning seniors that will look to contribute. Bobby is an exceptional team guy who is a joy to have around and Peyton has battled injuries the last couple years but has a very strong arm and is solid in the outfield.”

Karson Dominick (.396 BA, .455 OBP, 19 H, 18 R), Cody Hermansen and Cade Kurzejewski are returning juniors who will all be counted on to contribute.  

“Karson was solid on the mound last year for us and produced well in the four hole,” Davis says, “and Cody and Cade look to become everyday players this year. Both have good pop in their bats and will be counted on to produce in the middle of the lineup.”

Sophomores Cooper Shaw (.325 BA, .404 OBP, 13 H, 13 RBI), Easton Pequignot (.276 BA, .344 OBP, 7 R) and Alex Davis (.438 BA, .509 OBP, 21 H, 10 2B, 17 R, 24 RBI) are returning freshman starters.  

“All three were able to produce as freshman for us last year,” Coach Davis says, “We’re looking forward to watching their growth moving forward.”

The Tigers will look to replace at least three starters in their lineup, and Davis will have a large group of newcomers and JV returners to look to do that with.

“Kohen Lehman is back out for his senior year,” Davis says. “He hasn’t played since Legion Ball his sophomore year, but he’s a very good athlete with good hand eye coordination and we’re hoping he can step in and contribute immediately.”

“Sophomores Riley Oakes and Liam Shaut have been working hard and putting extra time in to earn at-bats and innings,” says Davis. “Riley will be counted on to help with the catching duties and Liam is a young aggressive hitter. Andy Hermansen and Jason Harer are two freshmen who will look to contribute. Andy is a natural athlete and Jason has a big athletic frame.”

 

At the top of Davis’ to-do list is to replace graduated senior catcher Cam Fabian.

“Easton Pequignot and Riley Oakes will have the opportunity to replace Cameron Fabian behind the plate,” Davis says. “If they’re able to be solid back there, we should be able to take a step forward.”

North Penn-Mansfield is scheduled to open their season at home Friday against Hughesville.

“The NTL will be tough again this season,” Davis says, “with Athens getting Sayre’s best player and with Wyalusing’s two good pitchers .. we have another challenging schedule this year and start out with South Williamsport and Hughesville right off the bat.”

Davis and the Tigers have realistic goals for the season.

“We want to compete night in and night out and earn a spot in the district tournament,” Coach Davis says.  “We have a solid team this year .. we should win our fair share of games.”

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