GHS hosts Cougars in tournament
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com

Gaffney High baseball coach Tom Owens has high hopes for his team this year.

No wonder - the Indians, who host York today at 5:30 to open the Frank Roach preseason tournament, return six talented starters and have been bolstered with several impact newcomers, including hard-throwing Tyler Wilson, a transfer from Hartsville High.

Several of those starters have shined during recent scrimmages.

Owens said Dylan Jolley, Bobby Jackson, John Michaels and Josh Moss looked sharp during their appearances on the mound.

The Indians posted a 2-0-1 mark in three scrimmages, including a 15-5 win over Woodruff.

"We had three pretty good performances," Owens said. "We started off slow but we ended up great."

This year's staff will have more depth with the likes of former jayvee stars Matt Lester, Moss, Bradley Ruppe and Cameron Culp.

Add Wilson, who throws in the upper 80s, to the mix and the Indians have the makings of a deep and talented pitching staff.

"We definitely have some arms," Owens said. "But they have to do it in a game. I'm not scared to put any of the guys in."

Bubba Wright and Joe Ben Frye return at first, with Michael Hughey at shortstop and Jackson, Culp, Michaels and Wilson at third. Second base is a question mark with the graduation of Shane Mills.

The outfielder is solid with McCrae Norton at center, Jolley at right and Thomas Goode and Bo Davidson in left. Nick Mabry also can play the outfield.

The Frank Roach tournament continues tomorrow with the Indians traveling to Nations Ford before returning home to play Clover on Wednesday.