BY MASON SMITH

The Truman baseball team has officially finished their first week of practice and has high hopes for this upcoming season. The Patriots are coming off a very successful season that included finishing over .500, winning a conference title, and a fantastic victory over Lees Summit North in the first round of district play.  Head coach Corey Lathrom said, “Last year really raised the bar when it came to the level of expectations of Truman baseball. I think this year’s group is ready for the challenge. Our experience on the mound is our strength, which is always a good thing for high school baseball.”

The Patriots start their season off on Saturday, March 14th with a Jamboree at Grain Valley High School. They play their two games against the Lees Summit West Titans and the Grain Valley Eagles. The majority of the team last season was seniors and now that they are graduated the upperclassmen this year are trying to replicate the leadership to build off the extremely successful season. Senior Brayden Branson said, “ Last year the seniors led by example and did a great job of keeping everyone accountable anywhere from academics to athletics. They offered rides and help to all levels of players in order to grow the program. We have to increase the intensity this season to continue to be successful”.