Diamond Doggs to face tough schedule

Seven returning players will look to help the Diamond Doggs return to the postseason, including players such as Max Pentecost, Taylor Keinant, Dylan Ivey, Grayson Ivey, Clayton Eames, Ryan Brown and Austin Meyer.

“They have already taken on the roles of being leaders,” Smith said. “They are also helping us build team chemistry.”

The Region 8-AAAA lineup does not begin until March 16 against Heritage but before then Smith’s team will face the likes of Eastside, Lakeside, South Effingham, Dacula and Buford.

“From what I understand, 8-AAAA will be one of the top regions in the state again,” Smith said. “Several players have already committed early.”

The goal for the Diamond Doggs this spring is simple: get to the postseason and finish playing their best baseball at the end of the season.

“This is the toughest non-region schedule we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Smith said. “Even though we might have some hard times early, I think it will help us once we get into the grueling region schedule we are going to face day in and day out.”

In Saturday’s scrimmage against Grayson, Smith wants to see several players in game-type situations.

“Last year they threw several good pitchers at us,” the WBHS coach said. “We will split the pitching duties up. We want to get our pitchers ready for the year.”

The regular season begins Tuesday at Eastside High School in Covington at 5:30 p.m. The game is a non-region contest.