SEASON PREVIEW - HUDSON BASEBALL

Greg Dedrick
ccSCOOP Sports Editor

04-03-09 - Although the Patroon Conference often gets little respect from their Section II compatriots in most sports, the league has staked its claim as an elite-level conference in at least one sport: baseball. Last season, the league had a number of strong teams scattered throughout four classifications. Rensselaer was solid in Class C, Maple Hill was very good in Class CC, Cairo-Durham and Catskill fell one game shy of sectional bids in Class B, and Coxsackie-Athens made it into the first round of the post-season. The four Columbia County teams represented the league well. Although Taconic Hills was a bit down, both Hudson and Chatham were very good in Class B. Chatham was so good, in fact, that they captured the Section II crown and made a run to the State Finals, while Ichabod Crane shocked many as they captured their second straight Section II Class A title. After speaking with some coaches and players from our four Patroon Conference Columbia County teams, we’ll take a look at what they expect from this upcoming season.

HUDSON
Hudson has consistently been one of the better teams in the Patroon Conference for a long time now, and this season would seem to be no different. The team features a deep roster of sixteen players, including six guys who are listed as having pitching capabilities. Although it’s early, Hudson senior pitcher Justin Brantley likes what he sees from his teammates. "Everyone is working hard in practice, getting ready for the upcoming season."

"It’s early but our kids have good work ethics," says Hudson coach Kevin Bowes via email. "I believe our pitching will be our strength with five capable starters." One of those starters, Brantley recently signed a Division I scholarship to pitch at Siena next year. "I’m going into the season with an open mind," said Brantley.

Bowes sees a number of players who will be crucial to his Bluehawks this year, including Brantley, along with fellow seniors Mike Rigos and Brandon Williams and junior Alex Ebel. "We have a lot of juniors who will need to step it up for this team to be successful," Bowes added.

Looking over the league, Bowes sees a number of quality opponents and players. "I expect the Patroon Conference to be competitive again as always. Key players from other teams include Brian Gauthier (Chatham), Josh Ingham and Derick Horn (ICC), and Jaime Schultz (Maple Hill). Every year there are numerous possibilities to win the conference, and this year should be no different.”

"My hopes are to compete on the top of the league like last year and make a deep run in sectionals," Brantley added. Hudson will travel to Catskill on Friday in their season opener.