With the entire pitching rotation along with nearly eighty-percent of last years offensive production returning to the diamond, head coach Ray Swisher has reason to believe that 2010 could be the year that Ripley High brings home a third coveted Class AAA state baseball championship.

Two seasons ago, the Vikings downed Parkersburg in the first round of sectionals only to fall in the next round to Parkersburg South.

Last season, the Vikes overcame their sectional foes to defeat both the Big Reds and Patriots to claim the sectional crown, falling to Class AAA runner- up Nitro in the regionals. This year Ripley will look to take that next step and reach the state tournament for the first time since their title run in 2004.

On the mound, Swisher could be returning one of the most elite pitching rotations in this year’s MSAC. Senior Blake Barnette will return to help spearhead the Viking hurlers coming off a great 2009 season leading the team with a 1.74 ERA, fanning a team-high 48 batters in a team-second 47 innings of duty.

Behind him will be seniors Jared Taylor and Devin Mahan, both southpaws. Taylor stepped up his game last season on the hill, helping the Vikes sail past Parkersburg South for the sectional crown earning a 2-0 postseason record to bolster his season ending mark of 6-3. Taylor pitched a team-high 55 innings, while holding a 2.8 ERA and firing 47 strikeouts. Mahan, will be the other go-to-guy, as he finished his season with a 5-1 record in 40 pitched innings to hold a 3.32 ERA and 31 K’s.

Perhaps even more formidable than the pitching staff will be the lineup Swisher will unveil for 2010.

Losing a player like Waybright who carried a .477 batting average and led the team in most offensive categories, including hits (41), RBI’s (38), and homeruns (5) is irreplaceable, however the skipper will return at least 13 players from last year that can more than make up the difference.

B. Barnette and Taylor will be the duel-threat tandem this season operating from the mound and at the plate as the top two returning sluggers. Barnette comes in carrying a .355 average, 33 hits, 23 runs, 29 RBI’s and two homeruns from last year. Fleet-footed Taylor, the projected leadoff, swatted for a .376 average, scored 27 runs on 32 hits, with 11 RBI’s and drew a team-high 28 walks.

Junior Nick Barnette, Senior Heath Swisher, and Junior Derek Mullins complete the top of last seasons returning lineup.

N. Barnette comes in with a .380 BA, to go with his 29 runs, 30 hits, 23 RBI’s, and two jacks. Swisher, honed a .306 average with 26 runs, 30 hits, 25 RBI’s, a homer, and team-second extra base hits with 11 doubles.

Mullins returns a .315 average, 22 runs scored, 28 hits, 18 RBI’s, and a team-second 24 walks.
Adding some extra zip to the order will be senior Kyle Mullins, sophomore Jamin Jones, along with junior Tony Casto, who each stepped up their play following a few key injuries to the Vikes early last year.

Also returning will be seniors Scotty Ullom and Tommy Shamblin who were very limited in action last season due to injuries. Ullom, another speedster gives the Viking an extra depth at the plate, as does Shamblin who has the potential to be a true power hitter.

Ripley will begin play March 15 with a scrimmage at Ravenswood at 5 p.m. The official regular season kicks off March 23 as boys travel to Capital for 6 p.m. showdown. They will continue play on March 25 hosting Hurricane at 6 p.m. and then will turnaround the following day (3/26) to host Riverside at 5:30 p.m.

CURRENT ROSTER- Seniors- Blake Barnette, Devin Mahan, Kyle Mullins, Andy Scaggs, Tommy Shamblin, Heath Swisher, Jared Taylor, and Scotty Ullom.

Juniors- Chris Braden, Nick Barnette, Tony Casto, and Derek Mullins.

Sophomores- Heath Barnette, Tyler Casto, Ben Dewees, Seth Johnson, Jamin Jones, Alex Karst, Jesse McComas, Jared Mullins, Ryan Newhouse, Vince Toler, and Logan Welling.

Freshman- Preston Baldwin, Justin Collins, Quaseem Fields, Tyler Pittenger, Cody Stowers, and Jordan Ullom.