It seems like every season, there is one baseball team in the area that steps up and becomes the ‘surprise’ team of the year. In 2022, Christian County caught everyone’s eye with a sizzling start and went on to win the 2nd Region tournament. The question in 2023 for University Heights is whether or not this is their year to be ‘that’ team, and early indications are that they could well fill that role.
Last season, the Blazers finished 12-16, losing to Hopkinsville in the opening round of the 8th District tournament. UHA picked up some solid wins early in the season but appeared to wear down a bit as the year went on, losing ten of their last 15 games. The Blazers will look to a talented core of senior leadership to make big strides this year.
There are a couple of key spots for the Blazers to fill. Gone are John Dearmond and Eston Glover, who saw significant action for UHA in 2022. Glover was the team’s second-leading hitter.
Names to watch for this season on offense are Jaiden Miles, Ben Stone, Jackson Flynn, Ty Hunt, and Ian Tyler. Hunt, Stone, and Tyler are seniors, while Flynn and Miles are talented freshmen who should have a big impact on the Blazers’ season. All five can hit for average and give the Blazers some run-scoring potential.
Also, keep an eye on Ryan Luckey, Nic Luckey, and Josh Pace to make some big strides over the course of the season.
On the mound, Ian Tyler looks to anchor a rotation that appears to be ready to ascend to new heights. Tyler and Jaiden Miles figure to be #1 and #2, and when they are on can lock down an opponent’s lineup. Expect to see Jackson Flynn, Josh Pace, Bryson Turner, and Nic Luckey get their innings in as well.
In addition to contending in the 8th District, look for the Blazers to make a run at the All A regional championship this season.
UHA appears to have the right combination of talent and experience to make 2023 to be the year where they can be ‘that’ team that early on in the season positions itself to be a force to be dealt with in the 8th District and 2nd Region.
