2024 CIC Baseball Preview

Shelbyville(24-7)(12-2)

This team ran the table last year, dominating every conference opponent. Although they had 2 conference losses last year, these were to St.Teresa and Sullivan who are no longer in the conference. This team has lost a lot though to graduation most notably star Ty Brachbill. They've also lost Drake McDonald, Nate Trimble, Kade Allen, and Jude Beals who were all major contributors. Senior Drew Nohren is the only notable player left, and while he is good, I don't know if he can do everything himself. Shelbyville will need some players to step up if they want to see continued success and not get surpassed by our next team. I think they can do it but it may be a closer race for the conference title this year.

Warrensburg(20-9)(9-4)

Warrensburg also had a lot of success last year. Like Shelbyville they are losing a stud, Aidan Taylor, but unlike Shelbyville that's really all they are losing. They could pull off an upset this year on Shelbyville and I think it'll be close, but just like the boys basketball conference tournament this year, I don't think they can get it done. They had good pitching last year from some young talent. They are led by senior John Hall, and the aforementioned young talent, Evan Gottman and Kristopher Lawson. Warrensburg could impress this year if one of these 3 could step up into the star role.

Clinton(11-11)(7-7)

Clinton started last year 1-4 and climbed all the way back up to 9-8, most notably getting a close win against Warrensburg. Clinton is losing almost nobody, and are led by their star junior class. This includes Mason Walker and Brooks Cluver, they are getting help from Mason’s younger brother Colton, Josh and Noah Bass, and Jack Manning. Now they are losing longtime coach John Hickman, and replacing him with Nate Ennis, we’ll see what he can do with this team. This team's biggest problem is fielding issues, too many errors have dragged this team down. Solid hitting doesn't fully make up for their errors but helps. Clinton could have a solid year if they clean this up and Mason Walker continues to be a good pitcher.

Meridian(10-13)(6-8)

Meridian’s 2023 season was middling to say the least, they were led by Jaxon Amenda and Dylan Daugherty. Honestly, I don't know much about this team. I expect another middle of the pack year from Meridian. They are exactly who they’re record says they are, they beat bad teams and lose to good teams.

Central A&M(5-21)(2-11)

As I dont go down to the Macon, Moweaqua, and Assumption area much, I also don’t know much about this team. I did go and see one game and just like they’re record shows, they struggled. Granted they did play a very good St.Teresa team. Don’t expect much from them.

Tuscola(3-23)(1-13)

Last year was an abysmal year to say the least for Tuscola. Their only conference win came against fellow bottom feeder CAM. The low point of the season was an 18 game losing streak going from March 25th to May 4th without a win. This failure is only highlighted because it’s Tuscola, every other one of their sports is amazing, and then there’s baseball. This isn’t just a failing program, they had a winning season 2 years ago and were 30-3 4 years ago. They are also losing their best player Colton Musgrave, who was an absolute stud over his 4 years at Tuscola, and the team failed to give him any help. Now they need to find a way to get better without him. This starts with seniors Austin Cummings and Nate Thomason as they are what Tuscola has left, and their pitchers may not have been good last year, but they were very young and have time to grow. Musgrave was the only player they are losing so Tuscola should be able to improve off of this. There’s nowhere to go but up.

My Predictions:

1. Shelbyville

2. Warrensburg

3. Clinton

4. Meridian

5. Tuscola

6. Central A&M