BASEBALL TAB -- Faith Christian feature

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on March 15, 2014 11:12 PM

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astevens@newsargus.com

Time hasn't been on Justin Smith's side.

For the second straight year, Faith Christian advanced deep into the N.C. Christian Schools Association Class 2-A basketball playoffs, which limited Smith chances of getting some preseason workouts done.

Baseball practice isn't allowed to start until hoops season is over.

The recent inclement weather and a school ski trip have further delayed the Conquerors' practice time on the diamond.

"We've had about one or two days to officially have everyone together," said Smith, whose team finished 4-10 overall last season and reached the NCCSA playoffs.

"I think what I'm stressing about right now is we started off last season with a conference game before we had any non-conference games to see what we had. We're in the same situation this year. All we're doing at practice is trying to find the right people at the right position. We can't afford to lose three or four games trying to find out who fits where."

One senior graduated off of last year's team.

Smith hopes the remaining players have learned from their growing pains.

"Last year in some ways was disappointing," Smith said. "We knew we would be regrouping. I think the good thing from last year was beating Greenville Christian in a playoff game. We got 10-run ruled by them twice. I think after that the guys realized how much potential we had."

Smith returns three reliable arms to his pitching staff.

Junior Levi Wise is expected to be the team's No. 1 starter. Eighth-grader Jack Casbarro was the team's most valuable player last season. Seventh-grader Landon Ginn should be the third starter.

Without having spent much time on the diamond together, Faith's lineup remains a work in progress. Wise is expected be the Conquerors' lead-off hitter and play shortstop when he's not on the mound.

Casbarro should bat second and can play either shortstop or catch.

Smith expects to pencil Landon Ginn into the No. 3 hole and use Ginn at either third base or on the mound. Noah Welch possesses some power in the clean-up spot, and could play either the hot corner or in the outfield.

Sophomore Christian Mills adds a left-handed bat to the order. Mills can play first base, the outfield and pitch.

The final four spots in Faith's lineup remain up for grabs. Junior Carter Hudson and sophomore Zach Dawson are competing for the starting center field spot. Senior Andrew Parrish and freshman Dylan Downey are battling it out to start in right field.

"I've had to tell some guys that there may be someone else competing for your spot and your glove may be just as good as theirs, but if their bat is a little bit better then I'm going to give the other guy the spot," Smith said. "I think we're going to be aggressive on the basepaths. Small ball is always a key and moving runners over. We may not out hit the other team power wise, but I expect us to be productive."