With a veteran roster in place, Hammond hopes to make a serious run at the SCISA Class 3A championship this spring.

“This is the most experienced team I’ve ever had,” said Skyhawks coach Ray Derrick, who is 174-46 in eaight seasons at the Skyhawks helm. “I have five players who have started for three seasons and one who has started for five. We should have a good chance to be there at the end if we stay away from injuries and I don’t mess it up.”

Seniors Brooks Borders (SS), catcher Roo Daniels, Grant Hensley (3B-P), Jae Roberts (OF-P), Sam Ulmer (OF-P) and Jake Nidiffer (OF-P) comprise the veteran foundation of the team.

Senior William Love (OF), juniors Donald Fawcett (1B-P), Fred Wadsworth (2B-3B), Harrison Long (3B-P), David White (1B-P) and Kaleb Woody (OF), sophomore Cantey Heath (OF-P) and freshman Robert Byrd (INF) are contributed to last season’s varsity team that went 19-7 and lost to Northwood Academy in a Class 3A semifinal series.