HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL JUSTIN HALL

The Gilbert High School started Region 5-3A play Tuesday against Swansea with a 4-1 record.

The Indians opened the season by holding the Sandlapper Shootout. It featured 7 other Palmetto State teams and the Indians went 2-1 on the weekend.

The lone loss came against Rock Hill on the final day. This past Thursday, the Indians upended Airport 8-1 on the road.

This season, Gilbert is looking to bounce back after falling in the Class 3A District playoffs to eventual state champion Bishop England.

Head Coach Ashley Burnett has won 3 state championships at Gilbert, the last coming in 2012. He believes this year’s team has the makings of one that can compete in the region. The Indians at times started 4 freshman on the varsity team in 2018, so the 2019 team has plenty of reasons for high expectations.

Some key losses from 2018 include shortstop Joseph Mims and outfielder Brandon Hoover, who are now assisting both Gilbert’s junior varsity and B-teams. The key returning players for the Indians squad will be sophomore pitcher/3rd baseman Joey Parker, junior shortstop Travis Elliott, sophomore outfielder Wells Sykes and sophomore catcher Ashby Vining.

According to assistant coach Robbie Hardy, the 2019 Gilbert Indians will “rely on solid defense and timely hitting in hopes of winning the region and making a strong push in the playoffs.”

Burnett always fields teams that excel in both the physical category as well as the mental side of the game of baseball.

They’ll bring plenty of experience back to the field, however, with 7 of last season’s starting 9 returning, and head coach April Farr says the seniors are still motivated and hungry for more success.