Hawks move up to 4A with new head coach

Coach: Bryant Farley (first year at Danville)

Marquee games (nonarea): West Point, Colbert County, Elkmont

Area: Class 4A Area 13

Area opponents: East Lawrence, Good Hope, West Morgan

2024 record/finish: 9-16

Returning starters: Cody Barber, Eli Coker, Reece Cowart, Noah Dry, Sawyer Tapscott

Newcomers: Blake Huckaba, Don Walker

Storylines: How does year one under new head coach Bryant Farley look? How do the Hawks adapt to stepping up to 4A? Can the senior class lead the Hawks to the playoffs?

Who do you expect to have a big year? I believe that it will be our senior class. We have eight seniors who have played a lot of innings and bring experience to the field. They’ve stepped up as leaders, setting the standard with their hard work and dedication.

Quoting coach: “I am excited for this upcoming season. We have a large senior class that will be leading us throughout the season. As a first-year head coach, these seniors have all stepped up and been leaders to our underclassman and have taken charge throughout practices and workouts. Just as it has been for all our sports this year, moving up to 4A will be a new step but one that I feel our guys are ready to take on.”

What do the Hawks need to do to be successful?

We need to build off our preseason training and focus on one bat, one play and one game at a time. We can’t look past anyone on our schedule.

Area outlook: I feel it will be a competitive area that all four teams can have a chance to win and compete well in. I know West Morgan will be a strong team that will be very competitive. Good Hope will come in with a new coach this year and I feel it will be a competitive team. East Lawrence will also be a game just like the rest that will be a competitive battle. I feel as if every team in this area can compete with one another, and you will have to go out and play your best in every area series.