New district provides tough road for Mixon
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S 2007 VARSITY baseball squad includes, front row, left to right, Travis Reagan, Justin Parsons,Aaron Stephenson, Ryan Ellis, John Bradley, Matt Daniel, Blake Weller-Alexander, Malcolm Bronson Back row, left to right, Taylor Hart, Robert Shellhammer, Fermin Gonzales, Cord Yates, Garrett Harrell, Chantz Pryor, Jaylon Clotiaux.

Baseball season gets into full swing this week and varsity head coach Shawn Mixon is making no predictions about his team's prospects in the new district alignment.

"Six of the eight teams in the district made the playoffs last year," Mixon said. "Of those six, five won- Bridge City, Hardin- Jefferson, Kirbyville, Hamshire-Fannett, and Jasper."

Jasper advanced to the Area round last year before losing to Huffman in a threegame series.

"Five or six teams in our district will be tough," Mixon said. "Bridge City and Silsbee's strength is pitching. Both have a real good pair of pitchers. Hardin-Jefferson, Hamshire- Fannett, and Kirbyville are all well coached and fundamentally sound along with the other two."

Mixon said that in the old days it was easy to predict whom to beat, but in this district, everyone is capable of winning.

"This is one of the strongest districts in the state if not the strongest," he said. "Nobody will 10-run rule another team. Every game will be like a playoff and at the end of district play, there will be very good teams who stay home. If you don't show up to play, you're going to get beat."

One advantage Golden Triangle teams have is the number of high caliber select teams in the area, and many of their athletes take advantage. Playing with these clubs gives them extra playing time and an opportunity to go up against good teams before they ever get to UIL competition in the spring.

Still, Jasper has a good chance of success because this is a seasoned team of juniors and seniors most of whom already have two and three years of varsity experience.

Here is a look at the lineup with comments from head coach Shawn Mixon.

Jaylon Clotiaux, senior - This will be Jaylon's second year to play varsity baseball. An all-district performer on the Bulldog football team, Jaylon brings speed to the diamond that will be used in the outfield and on the base paths, according to Mixon.

Ryan Ellis, senior - An alldistrict player as a sophomore and a junior, Ryan begins his senior year as a pre-season all-state infielder. "He is a solid, consistent player in every phase of the game," Mixon said. The Bulldogs are counting on Ryan's leadership and strong performances again this season.

Fermin Gonzalez, senior - This is Fermin's first year as a varsity player. He should add depth to the infield at first and third base, as well as help out in a pinch-hitting role.

Chantz Pryor, senior - Chantz has served as a utility player for the Bulldogs in the past. He now takes over at first base. "Chantz has a great glove and should save us a lot of outs at first base. He should also help out in the middle of the batting order and give us some pitching depth," Mixon said.

Travis Reagan, senior - Travis starts his third year as a starter on the varsity team. He was all-district as a sophomore and injured his junior year. "Travis could be a difference-maker for the Bulldogs this season, both on the mound and at the plate," Mixon said.

Robert Shellhammer, senior - Robert moves from behind the plate to the mound and the outfield. "Robert will be counted on to drive in runs this year, play the outfield and pitch," Mixon said. He was an alldistrict player as a sophomore.

Blake Weller-Alexander, senior - Blake makes the move from the outfield last season to catcher this year. Mixon said Blake is a solid performer no matter where we put him and he will do a fine job for us behind the plate. An improved hitter, Blake should hit in the middle of the order and drive in some runs.

John Bradley, junior - "John will be a very important part of the team because he can play so many places," Mixon said. This is his first year as a varsity player. He will be counted on to play the outfield and second and third base.

Malcolm Bronson, junior - This is Malcolm's second year on the varsity team. Malcolm will compete for a spot in the line-up as a designated hitter and also help us by running bases.

Matt Daniel, junior - This is Matt's first year as a varsity player. Mixon said he "will give us depth in the outfield and help us running bases."

Garrett Harrell, junior - Garrett has a lot of power and a lot of potential as a hitter. This is his first year as a varsity player, and he has a chance to hit in the middle of the order and drive in a lot of runs.

Taylor Hart, junior - Taylor has started on the varsity since he was a freshman. Mixon said, "he is a talented player who will move from shortstop back to the outfield this season." The Bulldogs will also count on Hart at the top of the batting order to hit, get on base and steal bases.

Aaron Stephenson, junior - He is a tough, hardnosed player who starts his first full-year as a varsity player. He will be counted on to play third base and pitch. He has improved a lot on the mound and may end up throwing a lot of innings for us.

Justin Parsons, junior - Justin has been a starter since he was a freshman. He will be back on the mound, play outfield and hit in the top of the order. He is a solid, consistent, all-around performer.

Jasper played Lufkin Central last night. They will be in the Hudson tournament Feb. 22-24 and will be at home Feb. 27 against Hudson. Varsity game begins at 7 p.m.