With some of its top arms and hitters returning from a successful 2023 campaign, the Pinewood Prep Baseball team is back in action.
The Panthers lost four seniors only from a team that set a new school record for wins this past spring. Three who graduated were pitchers, so one point of interest is replacing their contributions on the hill, especially the work they provided in relief.
Pinewood entered the new season with high expectations, having gone 9-0 in region games in 2023 and advancing to the semifinal round of the state playoffs. Its 23-5 record will be a tough act to follow, but with the nucleus of their team returning, the Panthers should be up to the task.
“Our first five hitters during last year’s playoff run were freshmen and sophomores,” said Pinewood coach Jay Buddin. They should have more confidence now, so our offense should be solid. With Dalton Bisbano anchoring our pitching staff, I’m also excited about our defense.”
Bisbano, a College of Charleston commit, garnered Region Player of the Year honors in 2023. The junior southpaw pitcher and outfielder was 8-0 on the mound this past season with a 2.85 ERA and 76 strikeouts. He also hit .448 and anchored the outfield.
Others also return with varsity pitching experience. The Panthers will rely on as many as 12 pitchers this season.
Senior right-hander Zack Tyler is back after going 4-1 on the hill with a save and 56 strikeouts in 42 innings this past season. Senior righties James Peterson, an Alabama State commit, and Zach Marasco have also returned to battle for starting roles.
Junior Christopher Kabine and sophomores Will Watson, Max Poulakis and Jayden Alexander will challenge for meaningful innings on the bump as well. Buddin says freshman Camden Abernathy has grown considerably since this past season and will develop into a good arm for the Panthers as he logs some varsity innings.
Abernathy and Poulakis are the only new faces in the varsity dugout. Senior Corley Watson took his junior year off for football recruiting but has now returned to the diamond and will challenge for playing time in the outfield and at first base.
Marasco, junior Drew Hartig and sophomore Carson Good are vying for time at catcher.
Junior Finley Taylor and sophomore Grady Fuller return after making every start at shortstop and second base this past year. Poulakis and Good will also spend time in the hot corner. At the same time, Peterson, Tyler and senior Tyler Backman will combine with Corley Watson to handle first-base duties.
The Panthers lost their starting left fielder, but there are some good options to fill the role. Corley Watson, Bisbano and Marasco are all veteran outfielders, and Peterson’s speed makes him a good option on the grass.
Will Watson, who had a .473 batting average this past season, is expected to fuel the Pinewood offense again. Sophomore Grady Fuller (.372) and junior Finley Taylor (.315) will be the table setters. At the same time, Bisbano, Josh Peterson (.343), Hartig (.343) and Carson Good (.293) will also provide juice.
Buddin is in his 10th year as the team’s leader. He is assisted by Mickey Dugan, Jimmy Harrell and Sammy Casey.
