Panthers excited about upcoming season

February 24, 2009
Filed under Baseball, Sports

The Lufkin Panthers baseball hopes to do something that hasn’t been done around here since 2004: win a district championship.

“We hope to win district and get deep in the playoffs,” head coach Clay Berry said.

Winning the District 14-5A district championship will be a tall order for the Panthers, especially with state powerhouse The Woodlands in the same district. Last season, the Panthers finished third in district play and made it into the second round of the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Returning players who will play a big role in attaining the goals this season include pitcher Chase Greening, catcher Zac Marberry, shortstop Tin Enriquez, outfielder Seth Thompson, pitcher J.P. Clifton, and pitcher Trent Collins. As a junior last season Greening went 5-2 with a 2.59 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings along with three complete games.

“This year I would like to bring good speed and help or pitching staff and become better than in the past,” Greening said.

Players expectations are high.

“My expectations this year are to win district and continue to work hard and try our best to make a long run in the playoffs,” said Greening.

As a junior last season, Thompson hit .295 with 1 homerun and 14 RBI along with 12 stolen bases and 19 runs.

“My role to bring speed to steal more bases and commit no errors as well as work hard and have determination,” Thompson said. “My expectations for the team this year are to win district because the polls have us ranked No. 2 under The Woodlands so we think we can be No. 1 in district and the playoffs.”

The Panters begin the season on Feb. 26 against Montgomery in the Bryan/College Station Tournament.