Bryan Manoukian
When Carson High takes the field for its baseball opener against Fallon, there will be a lot of new faces on the 20-man roster — 12, to be exact.
The Senators will be without several players who provided key leadership for coach Bryan Manoukian the past few years, and that could be the team’s biggest concern after posting a 16-16 record last season.
First and foremost are infielder Jace Keema (.320, 17 RBI) and standout pitcher Bryce Moyle, who pitched three-plus varsity seasons (.388 average, 5-3, 2.24). Don’t forget guys like Trevor Edis (.288, 16 RBI) and Jesse Lopez (.337, 10 RBI). Not only was the quartet solid offensively, they also provided leadership.
“They were all multi-year varsity players,” Manoukian said. “The biggest thing is the next group of guys that haven’t been in the leadership roles. It’s an area we need to work on.”
More than likely third baseman Abel Carter (.404, 33 RBI) and outfielder Landon Truesdale (.299, 13 RBI) will be the new leaders, though Carter is more of a leader by example. It will be interesting to see if anybody else steps up and embraces that role.
Moyle, who is now at Washington State, was one of the best hurlers in the region. Jared Barnard (3-2, 4.88) takes over as the ace of the staff. Manoukian said he has 11 players who can throw, a couple of more arms than he’s had in the past.
That list includes returnees Kyle Glanzmann (1-2, 1.88), Colby Zemp (0-1, 7.45), and Ben Nelson (3-1, 3.03). Kahle Good, a junior, made one appearance last season. Newcomers to the staff are Avery Powell, Max Fontaine, Josh Ingram, lefty Vernon Painter, a transfer from Coleville, Quinn Overland, Zach Glanzmann and Hayden Hudson.
Look for Barnard and Nelson at the top of the rotation. Barnard isn’t an overpowering pitcher, but he can be very effective when he can locate his breaking ball.
“Jared is as good a big game pitcher as we’ve had,” Manoukian said. “We have 11 guys looking to get outs. In the past, we’ve had eight or nine. Avery (Powell, from Stockton) has a good opportunity. He has a phenomenal fastball and a good curve. Colby also looks good.”
Much will be expected again from Carter, who figures to play every inning at third base. He led the team in average (.404), hits (38), runs (30) and RBI (33).
At first will be Good (.268, 9 RBI), Zemp (.282, 7 RBI) and Painter. Good had some bright moments during the summer.
“Kahle will play some first, second and short (when Barnard pitches),” Manoukian said. “He’s matured offensively in terms of his approach. Colby is swinging good.”
Glanzmann (.136, 3 RBI), Delsin Roberts, Kobe Morgan and Kenny Aydelott are in the mix at second along with Good. Morgan, son of assistant coach Matt Morgan, is the only freshman on the team. Barnard (.295, 16 RBI) starts at short when he’s not pitching.
Truesdale, who had off-season shoulder surgery, mans centerfield. He’ll be flanked by Joe Tonino (.062, 3 RBI) in left and right field is a battle between Zemp, Buchan and Glanzmann with Ingram, Morgan and Aydelott providing some depth.
Tonino was a bright spot over the summer at the plate.
