BASEBALL TAB: Eastern Wayne outlook

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on March 11, 2016 1:48 PM

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jhayes@newsargus.com

On a Friday afternoon in late February, Eastern Wayne varsity skipper Jabo Fulghum folds uniform pants in the east campus gym annex at New Hope.

The air is spring sports frigid, and a hint of country radio -- Aldean, a slice of the new Eric Church, Parmalee -- fills the air and contrasts the well-worn, archaic locker room behind him.

He doesn't look up very often.

"Collin Nix was on the mound last year," he says. "And you got Tanner Wells, he's a returning guy. Brock Johnson was on the mound last year. He's really looked good so far."

Another box of gear is opened -- more pants -- but there's no change in Fulghum's gaze or word economy. The eyes are hawkish and his delivery is a fastball -- singular and to the point.

In fact, everything about him, and this place, and his 2015-2016 Warrior roster, seems that way. All business.

Non-negotiable.

Old school chic.

The way it used to be, frankly, when simplicity equaled fundamentals and fundamentals were the rule -- not the exception.

And these Warriors -- well versed in the ways and means of their coach, are eager to co-author his 28th campaign between the lines.

"Our kids know the system," Fulghum noted, "this year's bunch, they're hungry -- and on a mission."

And the mission -- to peak as a unit in late May - begins its winding, labryinthian course on the pitcher's mound.

In addition to the legal firm of Nix, Wells, and Johnson, the Warriors will also send senior Zack Smith to the hill. Over 11 appearances last season, the righty was simply sensational, authoring a 5-2 record with a .79 earned run average -- raw data not lost on his coach.

"He (Smith) was our dominant pitcher... has a good fastball and a good changeup. I'd love to bring him (on) in relief if we can, but he'll do whatever we ask him to."

Filling out the rotation will be junior Carlisle Smith, a versatile performer who contributed at numerous spots for the Warriors during his sophomore season.

"Smith's got a good arm," Fulghum said. "Those five guys will tow it for us."

Offensively, the Warriors must outgrow inconsistency.

Fulghum's roster will seek to stabilize an attack that scored 81 runs over the span of last year's 12 wins -- and just 19 in eight losses. A year after leading the club with 15 RBI, Smith will again be tasked with leading the charge.

But he won't be alone.

He'll receive ample help from fellow senior Lee Daniels, who batted .388 a year ago with 26 hits and 11 RBI. Michael Wiggins, Devonte Corum, Ryan Warren and KK Best will also populate lineup cards for Fulghum.

"We're an older team, got a lot of older guys... (who have) been there. The core's intact, and I'm tickled at our work habits -- I can tell you that."

And the nucleus -- a roster of 15 upperclassmen -- is undoubtedly anxious to avenge last May's opening round, 3-2 loss to Wilson Fike in the N.C. High School Athletic Association's Class 3-A playoffs.

All that remains is to pair the Warrior Way against opportunity -- or, in this case -- their upcoming spring business schedule.