North Duplin pitcher Erik Rosas, left, gets a quick hand shake from head coach Colton Chrisman during a game last season. The Rebels launch their 2023 season at home today against Lejeune. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
CALYPSO — Six seniors might have graduated, but North Duplin anticipates living as the “hunted” during its 2023 baseball campaign.
Six players who made significant contributions return for the Rebels, who claimed the Carolina 1A regular-season and tournament championships last spring with first-year head coach Colton Chrisman.
“I think we look young on paper, but we have more experience compared to younger people playing at other schools,” Chrisman said. “We’ve been working hard since we were able to get back on the field last November, and have been grinding to get the young guys ready.
“Tyler [Johnsey] and Erik [Rosas] are letting the younger players know this is what we do. Seniors who were juniors last year had a little taste of success.”
They want more.
North Duplin earned the program’s first league crown since 2013 and just its third overall, according to archives available through the NC High School Athletic Association. The Rebels’ season ended with a third-round playoff loss at nemesis Bear Grass Charter.
Three of four sophomores — Austin Duff, Hunt Pate and Wesley Holmes — played in all 22 games last year. The trio appeared in the heart of the batting order.
Pate emerged the team leader in batting average (.415), hits (27), runs scored (33) and stolen bases (20). Duff drove in a team-high 27 runs. He and Johnsey collected 16 stolen bases apiece.
“They had to grow up quick,” Chrisman said.
Rosas is expected to command the mound.
The right-hander, who has committed to the University of Mount Olive, kept opposing batters guessing with a mixture of pitches. His earned run average (ERA) hovered around 2.00.
Joining Rosas in the bullpen is senior transfer Richard Noble.
A starter for Southern Wayne last season, Noble was the No. 2 hurler in the rotation. The right-hander posted a 3.08 ERA and retired 56 opposing batters on strikeouts in 50 innings of work.
“Coming in, Richard has to get accustomed to what we do here at North Duplin,” Chrisman said. “He is back playing with the boys he grew up with and it’s like he never left. I’m looking for him to be a big piece as well.”
While Rosas and Noble will hurl the pearl on the rubber, they should get some offensive production behind them. Chrisman said his team must handle the bat well and capitalize on timely hitting, which includes staying alert and smart while on base.
Speed is the Rebels’ best asset.
North Duplin stole a program-best 123 bases in 2022.
“I don’t think we’re going to miss a beat much,” Chrisman said. “They’re extremely fun to be around, never a dull moment with these guys. They’re just a blast. It’s like I’m a big brother with having 17 little brothers out there at one time.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun coaching baseball.”
The Rebels launch their season at home Monday against Lejeune.
First pitch is 5 p.m.
