BASEBALL TAB -- Southern Wayne preview

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on March 15, 2014 11:12 PM

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DUDLEY -- Southern Wayne's baseball program transitioned into new management last spring.

The change hasn't bothered the Saints.

First-year head coach Jackson Massey, who has been around the diamond most of his life, took over after Trae McKee resigned. Before his arrival, though, Massey turned a once-dormant Goldsboro High program into a competitive team in just two seasons.

He expects to experience success at Southern Wayne.

"The main thing I had to do to prepare us for the spring was to get them to buy into my system," Massey said. "We've had a very smooth transition (and) are all on the same page now. I told them this whole first year is going to be a learning process for me and for them.

"I don't know how I'm going to react in certain situations and I want to see how they react in certain situations."

Southern Wayne returns several starters off of last year's team that finished 12-11 and toward the bottom tier of the Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference.

Although they're four games into the 2014 season, Massey is still searching for answers with a team that has finally healed from some crucial offseason injuries. Nathan Barwick tore an ACL during football season and is penciled in as the designated hitter until he can step into a position on the field.

Jackson Hayes injured his pitching arm during the Area I East Senior Legion playoffs last summer. The right-hander strained his elbow and was cleared by his doctor in December.

"The main thing is he's got a little bit of flexibility and we've been cautious with his weight program," Massey said. "We need him to be flexible and limber, so we changed his workout routine and he bought into it. He honestly looks like he hasn't skipped a beat."

Jacob Hollingsworth suffered an injury during the Saints' football season. He damaged the bicep in his throwing arm, but didn't require surgery.

They're joined in the bullpen by Josh Jernigan, who needs to time to adjust to the varsity level, Garrad Whitfield, DJ Skinner, Cody Davis and Matt Holland. Massey anticipates Whitfield stepping into a closer role.

"But if we can keep Garrad at shortstop during the game, that means we're in a good situation because we don't have to use him," Massey said. "We've got some guys who can throw strikes."

Hunter Barwick returns behind the dish, while Davis will take over at first base, which was manned by current UNC Wilmington freshman Jacob Sasser for several seasons. Skinner, Chase Horton and Chris Reedy are battling at second base.

Holland, Whitfield, Drake Shaw, Dallas Graham and Clay Downes have worked to nail down starting spots in the outfield.

"One thing I've learned about this team is that we have a bunch of grinders, a bunch of guys who are going to fight," Massey said. "I feel comfortable with putting them in any situation. My job, though, is to find which lineup works the best ... meshes well with each other."

Southern Wayne (2-2 overall) opened the season with back-to-back losses to 4-A Wilmington New Hanover and former ECC foe North Lenoir. The Saints pulled away in the latter innings against Spring Creek, and seized a rain-shortened victory over Greene Central.

Massey's team opens ECC 3-A/4-A play at home Friday against county rival Charles B. Aycock.

"We're not a power-hitting team with guys who can bang it off the wall, but that doesn't mean we can't put runs on the board," Massey said. "We need some table setters and some guys who can drive some people in. We're going to have to incorporate small ball and know what to do in certain situations."