Purple Eagles eye rebound diamond season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 March 2022 at 9:55 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s veteran quartet of Javon Jones, Mason Bennett, Tyler Gibson and Amari Jones.

A quartet of returning veterans anchors the lineup for Albion which is looking to rebound from a rare sub .500 (3-9) Niagara-Orleans League baseball season.

That foursome includes seniors Tyler Gibson (pitcher/infield) and Mason Bennett (outfield) along with juniors Amari Jones (pitcher/shortstop) and Javon Jones (infield/pitcher/catcher). Gibson and Javon Jones both earned second team N-O All-League honors last spring.

“That group will make us go,” said Coach Bruce Blanchard.

The Purple Eagles roster also includes seniors Cade Wolcott (infield/pitcher) and Brendan LeBaron (outfield) along with juniors Jacob Hughson (outfield), Caleb Fox (first base/pitcher), Dallas Ecker (outfield), Chris Sacco (outfield), Caden Uderitz (catcher/infield), Vince Molisani (infield) and Jason Conn (outfield).

“We’ve got a good group up from the JVs,” said Blanchard. “The key will be our pitching and getting in some more preseason work in. I think having a real short preseason last year hurt us so having more time helps. I think we do have some good pitching. I think we’ll be competitive.”

Albion’s graduation losses included N-O Honorable Mention selections Alex Gibson and Bailey Blanchard along with Damion Lattimer, Kyle Woolston, Shawn Pellegrino and Austin Aman.

The Purple Eagles face a very busy first week of N-O competition visiting Barker on April 4 and Akron on April 8 and hosting Akron on April 6.