Pirates, Mustangs wrap up summer seasons

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Lakewood Ranch senior Andrew McNett learned early on that the best players in the area are those who commit themselves to practicing year-round.

In the past three years, the Mustangs’ catcher has taken that message to heart, having played 10 seasons with Lakewood — starting the summer before his freshman year.

“You can play different positions and see how you do,” McNett said. “I started pitching this summer, and now I’m getting (innings) in to get better.”

Lakewood assistant coach Rob Moates agreed.

“(Andrew) McNett started playing the summer following his eighth-grade year and it’s really helped him,” Moates said. “He’s at an advantage in terms of knowledge and understanding and (is able to) play every position.”

Lakewood held tryouts for its summer baseball team at the end of May and began tournament play the first week of June. The Mustangs played 12 games and five tournaments throughout the summer season. Lakewood concluded its summer season July 14 at Braden River.

“We lost a bunch of games that we shouldn’t have,” junior Connor Lewellen said. “We should’ve won a lot more, but (summer baseball) gives the coaches a chance to look at you and see how you play.”

During the season, the Mustangs faced teams from across the area, including Venice and Manatee. Lakewood also saw teams from Tampa and as far south as Miami, which allowed the Mustangs to see how they measured up against other talented teams.

“Our goal is to remain competitive in our area,” Moates said. “There are a lot of great baseball teams in the area that produce a lot of great players, so you have to play year-round. If we take six months off, then when its time to roll out in the spring, we’ll be way behind. It’s that game experience that helps them develop.”

Across town, the Braden River baseball team has also spent the past two months out on the diamond. The Pirates also began their summer baseball season the first week of June and played their final game July 21.
The Pirates played about 25 games throughout the season, which gave the players, particularly the incoming freshmen and junior varsity players, additional game experience.

“I think the guys having played together has helped them develop that camaraderie with their teammates and coaches, especially those who are new to the program,” Braden River coach Ryan Hilton said. “We’re building toward the spring season and this is kind of our foundation.”

In addition to playing games, the players also spent a couple hours four days a week, depending on tournaments and the weather, doing field work and working out in the weight room.

“You can see it on those really hot days — it’s a bit of a grind, so we kept it light,” Hilton said.

With the summer season officially behind them, the Pirates will now prepare for the fall, when the players will work on strength, conditioning, speed and agility. Additionally, Braden River likely will play in two or three tournaments throughout the fall to prepare for the spring season.

“It’s a building process,” Hilton said. “We’re building toward next spring and hopefully that’ll translate into success in the spring.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].