Semoball

Young Lion baseball players have potential to roar in 2023

Senath-Hornersville freshman pitcher Chayse Laden throws a pitch during the MSHSAA Class 2 District 1 Tournament this past season against Bernie at Meatte Park in Portageville.
Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com

The 2022 MSHSAA baseball season wrapped up last week, but for the fans of Senath-Hornersville High, the 2023 seasons (plural) can’t get here quickly enough.

The Lions won just seven of their 21 games this season, but if you look closer at what the program achieved, given its experience, it’s clear that the Lions will be roaring next fall AND spring.

Senath-Hornersville nearly beat a 17-win Bernie team in the Class 2 District 1 tournament, who nearly beat Portageville, which won 31 games and finished second in the state.

What makes it all the more amazing what the Lions did this spring, was the fact that five of their nine starters were freshmen or sophomores, and a sixth will be back for his senior season next year.

“That is what we’ve got,” Senath-Hornersville coach Chris McClain said following the 2-0 loss to Bernie, in which freshman starting pitcher Chayse Laden limited the Mules to just four hits.

“I think that we’ve got a couple of kids coming up next year that are really going to fit nicely,” McClain said. “So, mix those guys in, with these (young) guys, and we’ll have two seniors next year.”

No one was more impressive in the District game against Bernie than Laden.

He contained a Mule offense that averaged seven runs per game this spring.

“Chayse has good stuff,” McClain said. “He competes hard, and he’s been our number one all year.”

And he isn’t alone in being a young arm for McClain.

Freshmen Noah Rhodes and Spencer Goff are also able to throw, and McClain said he’ll add another freshman next year who has talent.

“We’ve got three good arms in that freshman class that are going to be really good for us,” McClain said. “By the time they are juniors and seniors, and Chayse is showing it early.”

Jesus Mendoza caught this spring as a sophomore for the Lions, while Christian Garza was a sophomore shortstop.

Michael Weldon will be a senior and played left field for Senath-Hornersville.

The Senath-Hornersville players can work on their continued development this summer, and then in the fall, due to the Lions not playing football, McClain’s kids can play a dozen-plus games, as well.

The Lions’ offense was held to just one hit against Bernie, and McClain said that is the focus heading into 2023.

“I think if we can put it together offensively,” McClain said, “we’ll be able to compete a lot better.”

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