Scots Optimistic About Return to Diamond
With a roster containing plenty of talent and experience, it’s not a bad year for Highland Park to make the jump to Class 6A.
The Scots suffered a devastating loss to Prosper in the third round of the 4A playoffs a year ago, but return several key contributors from that squad, including shortstop Jon Skidmore and pitcher Layne Looney, who already have signed with Baylor and Richmond, respectively.
The Scots will open the season today against host Round Rock in the Rock Hardball Classic tournament.
Head coach Travis Yoder hopes that a roster heavy on seniors can help HP counter the improved depth of their opponents at the 6A level and allow the Scots to improve their postseason outlook.
“We’ve got a lot of team leadership,” Yoder said. “They all seem to pick each other up and they’ve all been playing baseball since they were in elementary school.”
Looney was undefeated on the mound last season and was among the Dallas-area leaders in strikeouts and earned-run average. The lineup will feature several returning starters, including Matthew White and Cooper Chaltas.
“We can learn from last year. They’ve been where they want to be, but they still want to go further,” Yoder said. “Once they figure out their roles, this is going to be a good team.”
The Scots won’t play their first home game until March 12 against Grapevine, and will start District 10-6A play on March 17 at North Mesquite.
