AL HS Team Preview: Wilson Warriors
February 4, 2020
High School: Wilson Warriors
2019 Record: 17-14-1
Head Coach: Warren Fowler
AHSAA Classification: 4A
AHSAA Area: Area 16
2019 Area Finish: 1st
2019 Playoff Run: Lost in the 2nd round
RETURNING STARTERS:
’20 OF/RHP Payton Graham
’20 RHP Luke Elliott
’20 2B Chris Silva
UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH:
’23 INF/RHP Jamison Smith
’23 SS/RHP Jackson Davis
TEAM STRENGTHS:
Pitching Quality and Depth, Defense, Senior Leadership (13 Seniors) , Speed, Schedule Strength - Lots of big game and big stage experience returns. Have won 86 games and 3 area championships in the past 4 years.
OUTLOOK:
The 2019 version of the Wilson Warriors enter the season with high expectations as many of the returning players have enjoyed a ton of success over the last few years. Coach Warren Fowler’s club lost to Hokes Bluff a year ago in the second round of the state playoffs but look to advance deeper in the playoffs this year. The pitching depth and defensive ability of the team should stand out but the Warriors will be looking to add some power to the offensive lineup. One senior that will be looked on to contribute as a pitcher and position player is ’20 RHP/3B Luke Daniel. The 6’3 215 lb. senior has a future on the mound after going 7-1 with a 0.59 ERA in 2019. He also accumulated 84 K’s in 47 2/3 innings pitched. The scary thing is that Daniel may be pitching during the 2020 season for the first time at full health. Offensively he also hit .359 with seven 2B’s, one 3B, two HR’s and had 30 RBI’s. Another two way senior for the Warriors is UNA signee Brycen Parrish. Much like Daniel, Parrish’s future is on the mound as he was 6-3 with a 0.51 ERA in 2019. He struck out 83 hitters and only walked 16 in 55 innings pitched. The 6’5 220 pounder also hit .286 with eight 2B’s and 22 RBI’s. 2020 OF Jackson Thompson is a speedy outfielder that hit .408 with an on base percentage of .550 out of the leadoff spot in 2019. The three year starter in centerfield had eight 2B’s, three 3B’s and one HR. He was hit by pitch thirteen times and was 23/24 on stolen bases. OF/RHP Payton Graham is another senior that returns after hitting .369 out of the two hole in 2019 and was 18/20 in stolen base attempts a year ago. 2021 C Owen Roberson is a guy that can really limit opposing teams on the bases as he shows very consistent catch and throw skills and handles the Warriors pitching staff very well. Roberson hit .251 as a sophomore but is destined for a breakout season with the bat this year. RHP/OF Will Humphries is a newcomer to the program and will add quality depth on the mound while also playing the outfield this season. Senior RHP’s Austin Hills and Luke Elliott return and will see extensive time on the mound this season for the Warriors and will provide two additional quality arms. Senior 2B Chris Silva is a superb athlete and returns to start for the third year. The three sport athlete is a solid defender and is hoping to improve his numbers from a year ago, after hitting .400 as a sophomore. Two freshmen to keep an eye on this season and in the future are INF/RHP Jamison Smith and SS/RHP Jackson Davis. The Wildcats have the makings of a big year ahead in 2020.
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