After a 2-1 win against Harker Heights in the first round of playoffs, the varsity baseball team advanced to the area round of playoffs, where they’ll start the series against Sasche High School on May 9. Head coach, Kyle Mickles, has the team motivated and ready to compete for the second round.
“The season can be a long grind full of stress, worry and anxiety but at this point it’s a sprint and the guys are being carried by adrenaline and excitement,” Coach Mickles said. “I think we proved last week that it ain’t over till it’s over.”
After a demoralizing blowout to Rockwall-Heath in the second round of last year’s playoffs, this team is ready to prove themselves this year. Practices during playoff season consist of skill-oriented training to ensure they focus on their fundamental skills.
“This is a historically strong program and these guys know it’s their time to leave their mark,” Coach Mickles said.
Starting 3-7 in tournament play, the team continued to stay motivated and created a successful season, winning 17 of the last 22 games. Coach Mickles said believes the team is strong defensively and creates pressure against their opponents.
“We have talented players, and they want to win,” Coach Mickles said. “When we lose it feels like the end of the world and I kind of like that because I want losses to hurt.”
Freshman Jake Jenkins pitched seven innings with over 100 pitches, leading the team to a 3-2 win and advancement to the second round. He hopes the team continues to succeed and focuses on playing together.
“I just hope to make it as far as we can,” Jenkins said. “I’m just going to do my job and hopefully help however I can.”
Jenkins said self-lessness carried the Broncos through the back half of the season, as they began to play stronger as a team. Despite the rough beginning of the season, determination to win and play for each other led the team to where they are now, he said.
“We’ve been more of a team throughout the year and we’ve played better because of it,” Jenkins said. “Individual stats aren’t what’s important anymore.”
Teams find themselves and their identity throughout the year. The players become comfortable in their roles, and coaches learn how to accommodate their coaching to their players. The Broncos have come together, even bleaching their hair together showing unification between them. Coach Mickles said he believes that with confidence instilled in the players and coaches, the team is set and ready to win. Game two is at 7 p.m. May 10 at Legacy. Game three location will be determined if needed.
“At this point, there are no secrets,” Coach Mickels said. “We know who we are and it’s just about being ready to play and playing well.”
