Shires hoping to reach postseason

Losing six seniors from last year’s squad, four who were three-year starters, may seem overwhelming to many coaches. But, Houlton coach Shawn Graham isn’t daunted by that fact.     “I’d like to think we are in a building mode,” he said.
But, he can’t really sell that either, as he has eight seniors on this year’s team. The one thing he knows for sure, no matter how many upperclassmen or seasoned veterans he has, the team has work to do to make the postseason.
“I believe this team is very capable and therefore that will be my expectation, as well as a team goal,” Graham said. “We’ve got a number of newcomers who will try to fill the void in some of the core infield areas along with this year’s pitching rotation.”
What may be an attribute to this year’s team are the players coming out of the junior varsity program.
“For the last three years, we’ve established a quality j.v. program,” Graham explained. “They have had lots of success and this year, I am in hopes to see some of the benefits.”
With the junior varsity program in place, young ball players are now coming onto the varsity squad ready to contribute.
Returning starters include seniors, Hunter Caron, Parker Brown, Ryan Hill, Ben Austin, Sebastian Berry and first-year players Landon York, Matt Bouvier and Mike Flewelling.
Caron, who had elbow surgery a year ago, will primarily play center field while Brown will make the switch to shortstop after playing the last two seasons in the outfield.
“Parker has indicated his desire to do whatever it takes to help the team win ball games,” said Graham. “I think he may be our best fit for now.”
Hill, along with junior Porter Gervais, will split their time on the mound and at third base. While Austin and Berry (also a designated hitter) will be playing outfield positions. Newcomers York has been primarily used as a designated hitter, while Flewelling will be at second base and Bouvier will be in the outfield.
Juniors Levi Prosser and Patrick Longstaff will be at first base and second base/outfield, respectively.
The only returning sophomore, Corey Woodworth, is the team’s starting catcher after playing back up during his freshman season. Sophomores Jordan Bragan will be up the middle at shortstop or second base, while Josh Harvey will play outfield and back up catcher.
“Jordan and Josh are sure to get some quality innings,” said Graham.
But, with any spring sports program, pitching is a concern.
“Ryan and Porter are the only two starters who have logged in varsity innings,” Graham said. “Hunter, in my opinion, could be as dominant as any pitcher in all of Class C. However, after minor elbow surgery a year ago in February, he is still a bit unsure of himself, and therefore has chosen not to pitch for us this spring.”
In last week’s action, the Shiretowners overtook visiting PVHS on Monday, 6-4 behind suicide squeeze bunts by Caron and Brown. The Howlers had led the game 4-1 until the Shiretowners tied the score in the bottom of the fifth, setting up Caron and Brown’s heroics.
Brown also singled twice and Porter Gervais hit a run-scoring double for the winners.
Last Friday, the Shiretowners were blanked 7-0 by Stearns in Millinocket. Jared Manzo threw a three-hitter, striking out 11 and walking none.
Levi Prosser, Brown and Josh Harvey all singled for Houlton.
The Shires also suffered a 10-6 loss to host Caribou last Wednesday. Houlton led 4-0 until the top of the fourth when the Vikes scored two runs and then rallied for a four-run fifth, followed by three more runs in the sixth to spread the score.
Gervais paced Houlton’s offense with two singles for two RBIs. Caron tripled, singled and brought in a run, while Ryan Hill doubled and singled.
Tonight, the Shires will travel to Presque Isle to take on the Wildcats at 7 p.m. Their next game is Monday, May 19 in Calais.