Eagles hoping to reach playoffs

The Greater Houlton Christian Academy reached their first-ever playoff game in basketball this winter, and now,  Eagles coach John Walker is hoping they can do the same on the diamond.
“I hope for that same desire and effort,” Walker said. “The team is blessed with a veteran presence.”
The Eagles graduated three starters a year ago, and another returning player struggles with a lingering elbow injury.
“That leaves some big holes to fill,” Walker said.
But, the Eagles will rely on their senior leaders to set the tone for a playoff bid.
The Eagle seniors Chad Duff will catch, pitch or play wherever he is needed; Ted Bowers will be in the outfield or at third base; Ethan Brady will play second, catch, pitch or the outfield; Jeff Campbell will pitch or play outfield and Jaron Gray will be in the outfield, first base or pitching.
Junior starter Ryan Campbell will anchor third, catch or play shortstop, while sophomores Josh Cousin will be in the outfield; Adam Little shortstop/pitcher; Brandon Gove, outfield and freshman Isaiah Straubel, first base or pitching.
Rounding out the Eagles team are newcomers; junior Ren Sharai, outfield; sophomores Jacob Long, outfield; Ethan Holmes, outfield and infield; eighth-graders Josh Winslow, second base/catcher/pitcher, Deyrell Vargas SS/second/pitcher and Aaron Holmes, second/first base.
Holmes and senior Zach Straubel are battling injury, as Holmes underwent finger surgery and Straubel (DH/catcher) is trying to play with an elbow strain.
Even though the Eagles are veteran laden, Walker is working with his pitcher to throw strikes, while developing a strong defense behind them.
“There are many very good baseball programs in the area, many with longstanding winning traditions, making the road to the playoffs challenging,” said Walker. “With the cutback in the number of teams making the playoffs (50 percent), the challenge is even greater, as some big wins against some excellent teams will be necessary. Therein lies the success of our season.”
Adding more depth to the coaching staff are assistants Mark Morin and Steve Gray, along with former player Brandon LeBlond and junior high basketball coach Brian Bishop. Student managers for the team are seniors, Selena Michaud, returning for her third season and Myra Barnes.
In only their fifth season as a team, GHCA may have home games for the first time on the Bob Ruth Field, if the field is available. For now, the team has been practicing in the parking lot of the Millar Civic Center or at Weston’s Field on Drakes Hill, as well as Community Park when the Bob Ruth Field is open.
“The boys are very focused and working hard on their skills,” said Walker.
The Eagles will play 14 games, with two against Central Aroostook, Hodgdon, East Grand, Washburn, Wisdom, and Shead; and single games with Southern Aroostook and Van Buren.