KINGWOOD — Every player returns for the Preston baseball team — the Knights did not graduate a senior from last year’s team and they remain young and hungry heading into 2024.
“We’re still really young,” head coach Glen McNew said. “We’ve started one senior, one junior and the rest have been sophomores and freshmen in our two scrimmages. “If our youth can grow up quickly, we have a good chance to be pretty good.”
Senior Brady McNew leads the way for Preston. The pitcher and first baseman was an All-State selection in 2023 and has committed to play baseball at Penn State Greater Allegheny next year.
Junior Caleb Wharton is also one of the team’s best pitchers and plays third base.
Sophomore Slaton Manko has also taken a step forward and remains the team’s starting shortstop and could also see time in center field.
Other sophomores Wyatt Moyer, Robbie Lowe and Aydan Ward are also being counted on to make an impact this season.
Freshmen Tanner Thomas and Brycen McNew have been thrown into the fire right away and have embraced playing varsity baseball.
“I think they’re ready to adjust,” Coach McNew said. “They’re all kids who have come up in some pretty reputable travel programs, so they’ve seen a higher level of baseball.”
The Knights won seven games last season, including an opening-day 14-11 victory over Elkins. Starting off hot again will be key for the team.
“I’d say we look better now than we had at any point in time last season,” Coach McNew said. “We’re still experimenting and moving guys around.”
Pitching and defense are strengths for Preston for their four top pitchers all reaching the 80s and slick-fielding gloves behind them.
“They’re throwing strikes,” Coach McNew said. “The pitchers were lights-out in our two scrimmages. The pitching and defense have been phenomenal.”
BY MATTHEW PEASLEE
TWEET @DomPostSports
