It’s all about team on the diamond this spring at Clarkdale-Jerome School.
Although eighth-graders Fletch Fangman and Colton Sorenson have transitioned into starting roles as pitching ace and third baseman, they were far from the only factors behind a 14-0 thrashing of Verde Valley League opponent Mayer Elementary School on Thursday, March 26.
“Just a team effort,” new head coach Jeremy Peters said. “The games we’ve played, we’ve gotten better.
“They’re competitive, they’re growing, they’re learning.”
It is because of what the team has learned from its three losses, in fact, that makes Peters feel the Mingus Rams will be in the running for the Verde Valley League title by the end of the season at Mayer, who Clarkdale has already swept this spring.
“I know we’ve got 16 guys, but it doesn’t mean we’re deep in terms of skill,” Peters said. “We’ve got a pretty balanced squad in terms of age, but really, it’s relatively new.”
Fangman, Sorenson and center fielder Mason Pacheco return to their roles from last season.
“Mason’s probably the best athlete on our team,” said Peters, a one-time assistant basketball coach at Mingus Union High School who volunteered to coach this spring. “Great hitter. Everybody looks to him and Fletch for leadership.”
Peters will also be pitching sixth-graders Andrew Nahar and his son Treyson.
“They’ve given us some solid innings,” Peters said. “They’re moving up.”
Peters’ son will also share shortstop duties with seventh-grader Anthony Godina, commanding a solid defensive unit in the infield.
For the full story, please see the Wednesday, April 1, issue of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
