Cougars eager to start season

Monday, March 19, 2007
Brook Miller

BAINBRIDGE -- North Putnam will look to duplicate its success from a year ago, as they start their defense of the sectional championship tomorrow on the road against Bethesda Christian. but coach George Pearson is putting no pressure on his current team.

"This team isn't defending the sectional championship, that was last year's team," Pearson commented, "We haven't won a game.

"I don't put any pressure on them but they know we want it again." he said.

As with any season, losses due to graduation will play a key part in the rebuilding process, but Pearson believes that new players will be able to fill those spots.

"We lost three seniors that started for us," he said. "I think we'll be able to fit some kids in to take over the positions they played."

"Everybody else is back a year older, stronger, and bigger -- with more experience. I think we could be as good as we have been."

Two players Pearson is expecting to continue to make a big impact are seniors Chelsea Greene and Brook Miller. Greene will be starting at shortstop and Miller will be on the mound.

"She'll probably throw every game for us," Pearson responded about Miller. "There's nothing the kid can't do."

Pearson sees his team as a blend of finesse and power but thinks something that might set his team apart is speed.

"Chelsea's a speed demon. She can put the ball on the ground and run it out," he said. "I like to run. We don't just sit back and wait for the ball to go out of the park; we're gonna score some runs."

When tackling the issue of team leadership, Pearson threw his focus solely on one group of players -- his seniors.

"I always put that on my seniors," Pearson replied. "I always say we'll never be any better than our seniors. The more seniors you have, the better off you'll be."

The one aspect of the team Pearson believes should be addressed is the team's youth.

"They've played a lot of softball but not at this level," Pearson said. "We need to bring the younger kids up to speed."

With inexperience being an issue, North Putnam is optimistic the season ahead of them will be a successful one.

"We're pretty optimistic. I think this team is capable of being better than last years," Pearson said.

North Putnam starts the season tomorrow on the road against Bethesda at 5 p.m.

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