BEST CLASS 3A TEAM EVER?
Mixture of players challenge area

In some circles, they are being called the best Class 3A team in Southeast Texas.

With a mixure of youngsters and seniors, the Jasper Bulldogs entered the season looking for the right mix.

As they entered District 21-3A play, the Bulldogs knew the district would provide a level of competition that would prepare almost any team for the postseason.

t Jaylon Clotiaux, senior - This will be Clotiaux's second year to play varsity baseball. An all-district performer on the Bulldog football team, Clotiaux brings speed to the diamond that will be used in the outfield and on the base paths, according to Mixon.

t Ryan Ellis, senior - An all-district player as a sophomore and a junior, Ryan begins his senior year as a pre-season allstate 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.

t Fermin Gonzalez, senior - This is Gonzalez' 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.

t Chantz Pryor, senior - Pryor 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.

t Travis Reagan, senior - Reagan 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.

t Robert Shellhammer, senior - Shellhammer 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 all-district player as a sophomore.

t Blake Weller-Alexander, senior - Weller-Alexander makes the move from the outfield last season to catcher this year. Mixon said Weller-Alexander 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, Weller-Alexander should hit in the middle of the order and drive in some runs.

t 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.

t Malcolm Bronson, junior - This is Bronson's second year on the varsity team. Bronson will compete for a spot in the line-up as a designated hitter and also help by running bases.

t Matt Daniel, junior - This is Daniel's first year as a varsity player. Mixon said he "will give us depth in the outfield and help us running bases."

t Garrett Harrell, junior - Harrell 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.

t Taylor Hart, junior - Hart 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.

t Aaron Stephenson, junior - He is a tough, hard-nosed 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.

t Justin Parsons, junior - Parsons 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.