Post 109: better than ever

Photo by LARRY HILLIARD Former Gaffney High standout Bobby Wilkins pitches batting practice during a recent Post 109 workout. Post 109 opens the season today at Rock Hill. Post 109 will make its home debut on Monday, May 29, against Inman. Post 109 coach Jeff Osment isn't holding his feelings back.

"I feel good about this team," said Osment, whose team debuts today in a non-League 6 game at Rock Hill. "But we have to catch some breaks along the way. But I feel like we have as good a shot as anybody. And I'm eager to get started."

And how can you blame him?

Post 109 returns most of the players from a team that finished 21-5 and reached the state tournament last year. Yet, there is no question Osment will miss several integral parts of last year's team, including Evans Harris, Travis Botts, Travis Adair, Zach Clary and Ben Dollar.

"Everything fell into place last year," Osment said. "Everybody got along and played for a common goal."

That goal is the same this year advancing to the state tournament. A watered-down League 6, which features just four teams, including Union, Inman and Spartanburg, should make Post 109's quest for another postseason berth even easier.

"Offensively, we should be better this year from top to bottom," Osment said.

Osment is excited about the return of former Broome star Dusty Mabry, who led Post 109 in most offensive categories two years ago before sitting out last season. Another Broome product, Aaron Epps, also brings a smile to Osment.

"He swings the bat real well," Osment said.

Despite the offensive additions, pitching will be a team strength. Gaffney's Justin Sarratt was a perfect 8-0 last year.

"He's our ace," Osment said.

Lefty Bobby Wilkins has stuff good enough to be another ace.

"His whole presence has changed," Osment said. "He looks so much more comfortable. He was a good player before but now he's even better."

Chesnee product Matt Painter is another starter.

Brock White and Preston Byars filled important roles last year as spot starters and long relievers, while Justin Garrett is back as the closer.

"They were the glue that held us together last year," Osment said.

Broome's Josh Biershenk is also in the mix as a reliever.

The infield is another bright spot, with Treven Taber, Byars and John Lewis Floyd at third, Stephen Kaemmerlen, Jordan Propst and Epps at first, Justin Phillips and Drew Gregg at second and Sarratt and White at shortstop.

"Defensively, we should be as good as we've been," Osment said.

Former Gaffney standout Davie Smoak is back behind the plate.

"He's a terrific leader and our anchor on defense," Osment said.

Broome sophomore Brian Parsons will serve as Smoak's backup.

Epps, Floyd, Mabry, Painter and Wilkins will man the outfield slots.

Although the batting order is still in flux, Floyd and Sarratt will likely be at the top of the order, with Mabry and Taber batting third and cleanup.

Epps, Smoak, Kaemmerlen, Drew Gregg and Phillips will likely round out the explosive order.

"Everybody in the lineup is capable of driving in runs," Osment said. "We are good from one to nine in the lineup."

Post 109 will make its home debut on Monday against Inman.

All games will begin at 7 p.m.