On the mound the Cavaliers will look to newcomers Patrick Ballew, Garrett Jones, and Jonathon Madera. Ballew, a NCAA-Division I transfer from Savannah State University will bring solid foundation to the pitching staff. With a fastball that tops at 92mph, good command of the zone, and 3 pitches he will look to anchor the staff. Jones (Kishwaukee C.C.) will add to the staff as a strong lefty with 5 pitches, although he will reach the upper 80’s on his fastball his strength will be in his movement and his multiple breaking pitches. Madera joins the team from Santiago, Dominican Republic. Madera will bring multiple pitches to help compliment his 86-88 mph fastball. The top returner to the staff will be John Shannon (Waynesville, NC). As a junior, Shannon has gained the attention of many MLB scouts as he has a great frame and works his fastball in the 89-92 mph range. Other returning pitchers that will be looked to will be, Brian Greene (Shelby, NC), Aaron Hughes (Murphy, NC), and Steven Hoyle (Cherryville, NC).
Behind the plate looks to be the strongest position on the field for the Cavaliers. Jesse Wise (Benson, NC) will return from a great 2007 season where he threw out over 50% of baserunners and hit .412 on the year. This season he will get help from junior transfer Justin Cockrell (Hill C.C.). Cockrell brings great leadership qualities, a great frame, and strong skills behind the plate. As Cockrell has drawn much attention from professional scouts and Wise a retuning captain with experience, the Cavalier pitching staff looks to be in good hands.
The strength of the outfield this season will be the depth. To help out returning senior Brent Ashbaugh (Tara, Ontario) will be the addition of two All-American junior transfers. Tristan Hollar and Chad Dawkins come to Montreat after stellar junior college careers. Hollar (Blue Ridge C.C.) was the teams MVP, Conference Player of the Year, and an All-American. To take the centerfield spot Chad Dawkins (Lenoir C.C.) will look to anchor the Cavalier outfield. Dawkins comes to Montreat after a sophomore season (2006), where he hit .454, stole 64 bases, and took All-American honors. To add to the strength of the outfield will be sophomore transfer Cam Duckworth. Another Division I transfer from UNC-Asheville and local prep standout, Duckworth brings great power, strength, and athleticism to the Cavaliers. Duckworth will also see time at first base and designated hitter.
This year’s infield will be anchored by senior third baseman Dane Phillips (Charlotte, NC). Retuning for his final season at Montreat, Dane brings good power, a great arm, and a strong presence on the field. As a sophomore, Phillips led the Appalachian Athletic Conference in homeruns. On the other corner will be Steven Hoyle (Cherryville, NC) to hold down first base. Hoyle had a great summer with the Cherryville Legion program as he helped lead them to a State Championship and third place in the Regional tournament. En route to the title Hoyle broke the State record in RBI’s with 87 while hitting .497, and hitting 14 homeruns. The middle infield will see two new faces in Chayane (Steven) Collado, and Chris Allen. Collado comes to Montreat from Santiago, Dominican Republic. With good hands and 6.55/60 speed Steven will take over the duties at shortstop. His partner will be redshirt freshman Chris Allen (Murphy, NC) at second base. Allen is a strong young player with great promise as he possesses great hands and feet on defense and overall great athleticism.
“This year’s team is very exciting and I am anxious to get to see what they can do,” says Coach Little, “They really have bonded well as a family and they all have great backgrounds and understand the team concept. We really hope this is our year to move on from regional power to the College World Series.”