Coach: Ron Lepper
Home Field: Mount Baker High School
Last Season: 18-9 (7-5 Conference)
Key Losses: Anya Zender (.292 AVG, .440 OBP, 15 R, 2 2B, 2 HR, 16 RBI), Hannah Pelan (.239 AVG, .378 OBP, 22 R, 2 2B, 1 HR, 14 RBI), Grace Davis (.260 AVG, .345 OBP, 29 R, 4 2B, 11 RBI), Christeena Smith-Hall (.233 AVG, .349 OBP, 13 R, 3 2B, 10 RBI).
Top Returnees: P/SS Tyler Miles, P/3B Kennedy West, C/SS Ashlynn Cloninger, OF/C Kenzie Ross, P/IF/OF Kaitlyn Rosenburg, OF Kerianna Cronk, 1B Ripley Reardon.
Pitchers and Catchers: While most teams are hoping to have an ace in the circle, and hopefully a backup pitcher, the Mountaineers can rely on three arms that can definitely get the job done. Senior Tyler Miles struck out 83 batters in 76 innings last season and posted a 3.05 ERA last season, and fellow senior Kennedy West struck out 52 in 23 innings of work, and had a 2.38 ERA. West suffered a knee injury last season, and might not be able to pitch this season, but the Mounties also have sophomore Kaitlyn Rosenburg who led her team with eight victories last season, while striking out 65 in 58 innings. Switch hitting sophomore Ashlynn Cloninger was the catcher last season, and she scored a team-high 31 runs. batted .380 and knocked in 15 runs. She might play short stop when Miles pitches, which could allow Kenzie Ross to catch. Ross hit .299 last year, including six doubles, two home runs and 19 runs batted in.
Infield: West and Miles anchor the left side of the infield, and are four year starters. West hit .308 last season with 14 RBI’s before her season was cut short, and Miles led her team with eight doubles, 27 runs batted in and a .513 batting average. Junior Ripley Reardon returns at first base, and second base could be filled by a newcomer. Freshmen Madison Barter and Hayley Jimmie are both being considered to fill the spot.
Outfield: With players at new positions, the outfield could be completely revamped from the 2019 season. Ross has started in left field since halfway through her sophomore year, and could see more time out there when she isn’t behind the plate. Sophomore Kerianna Cronk has a strong bat, and should see playing time in the outfield. Rosenburg batted .286, and her patience at the plate gave her a .458 on-base percentage. She could be all over the field whether it be at pitcher, third base, or in the outfield.
Final Analysis: Mount Baker returns a lot of talent from last year’s state tournament team. If key players can learn new positions quickly, it should be another strong season for Coach Lepper’s group.
