Warriors look to pick up where they left off
BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

PLUMSTED - In only its fifth year as a recognized varsity program, the New Egypt High School baseball team has made its fair share of noise in Group I.

Last year, the Warriors finished with a 19-10 mark, including a heartbreaking 9-8 loss to Pennsville in the sectional semifinal. In addition, New Egypt placed second in the Freedom Division of the Burlington County Interscholastic Athletic League with a 10-2 record.

With most of its key players returning, New Egypt is poised to make another run at a Group I championship.

"We had a very strong season last year," New Egypt coach Rich Carroll said. "But the way it ended with the loss to Pennsville has left us hungry to do even better this season. That loss left a bitter taste in the mouths of the kids. I think this year they are prepared to take the next step."

New Egypt loses just three starters to graduation. Gone are catcher Mike Wendel, pitcher/outfielder Marcus Heredia and first baseman Rick Fennel.

Leading the Warriors into the season, which opens April 1 against Riverside, is senior pitcher Bonny Bunce. At 5-foot-9, Bunce's diminutive size leaves many batters shaking their heads.

"For not being a great big kid, he throws awfully hard," Carroll said. "He has an above-average high school fastball, and has worked really hard on perfecting his change-up.

"I think he is more of a pitcher this year. For the past couple of years, he was primarily a thrower. He is using his head more now and setting guys up. When he is right, he can be a handful for the best of teams to hit."

Bunce posted six victories last year, and is always on the hill for the big games, Carroll said.

"He is our workhorse," Carroll said. "He goes right after teams. He has pitched every big game we've had in the last couple of years."

In addition, Bunce is the team's lead-off batter. Last year, he batted .410 and can make things happen when he gets on base.

"He's got excellent speed and base running ability," Carroll said.

"He puts defenses on their heels."

The Warriors' staff is deep and talented. Senior Tom Partyka was 8-2 in 2005 with an 3.82 ERA. Senior Andrew Weingart will see some innings when he is not playing centerfield. T.J. Smith tossed five innings and looked real sharp in a scrimmage against Monsignor Donovan last week.

"I feel real comfortable with our pitching situation," Carroll said.

"We've got a number of good arms with experience. I feel real confident with any of those guys out there for us."

Senior shortstop Scott Stiles and junior second baseman Rick Mackesy return for another year to anchor the infield, along with first baseman Bob Miranda and third baseman Justin Perrine.

"We've looked very good in the infield so far in the scrimmages," Carroll said. "We've got experience and the kids are making plays. We've turned three or four double plays in the preseason. We only turned three or four all of last year."

Other returners include outfielder Matt O'Connell and catcher Dylan Rowley, who has done an outstanding job of replacing Wendel.

"He has stepped into that catching position nicely," Carroll said. "At first, I had some concerns. But now, I feel real comfortable with him. He's done a good job of throwing out runners and blocking balls in the dirt."

Newcomers Dan Knott and Austin Bell, both juniors, and sophomore Dan Leutwyler provide the Warriors with depth in the infield.