2010 SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW:Youthful look to diamond Tribe

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Despite the loss of eight seniors-three currently involved in athletics at the collegiate level-Du Quoin High School baseball coach Tim Craft (4th year, 59-26) is taking a wait-and-see attitude about the approaching season.

The Indians, 22-8 and Class 2A Sweet 16 qualifiers last spring, open 2010 Friday against Sciota West Prairie.

"We do have a young team this year with only three seniors," Craft admitted. "We have some question marks in our line-up. but I think we have several players who are capable of stepping up and contributing. Several of our returning players got some valuable experience last year, especially during the post season."

With eight overall letter winners returning, the Indians build around four returning full or part-time starters.

River-to-River Conference, All-Mississippi Division infielders J.C. Davis (SS, jr.) and Brandon George (3B, jr.) head the list of returnees and will join classmate Trent Bigham (CF) as anchors of the pitching staff.

Tyler Shelton (sr.) moves into the starting catching role after back-up duties last season.

Kyle Kelley (sr.) and junior Jake Stanhouse are Craft's lone two lefty hurlers. Kelley (1B) and Stanhouse (OF) will also play everyday.

Sam Gossett (OF) and Keegan Robbins (2B)-a pair of talented sophomores-complete the staff along with junior Sam Kuhnert (1B-OF).

"Pitching wise we have guys that saw significant time for us on the mound last year (Davis, Bigham and George)," said Craft. "Kyle Kelley will be expected to have an increased role along with Gossett and Robbins."

Seth Baxter (jr., IF-OF), Cory Campanella (jr., C), Drew Bennett (jr., IF) and Andrew Riley (sr., IF) round out the varsity roster.

A talented pool of freshmen-who won the state middle school championship in 2009 for Craft-will start their DHS careers at the junior varsity level.