Stewart Johnson
Although Carroll returns several players from its 2022 state championship roster, only senior infielders Ethan Mendoza and Ben Tryon saw substantial action, and Mendoza was out with injuries through early April.
Several of last year’s bench players and some newcomers have made the most of their opportunities, as the Dragons (20-14-2) are in second place in a competitive District 4-6A. As the season unfolds, the Dragons look poised to return to the postseason.
“We’ve got enough guys back that understand the culture, but then it’s another thing for them to go out there and build their own legacy,” head coach Larry Vucan says. “That’s the part that they’re doing right now.”
Tryon leads the team in average and RBI (.377, 20 RBI through 21 games), while junior catcher Cody Cashon (.321, 2 HR, 12 RBI in 17 games) is another offensive leader. Senior second baseman Nate Arterburn (.305, 14 RBI, team-high 23 runs scored and 18 stolen bases) was on JV last year, while senior infielder Eric Thiel (.294, 13 RBI) is a first-year starter. Tyler White (.259, 14 RBI) returns as a pitcher and infielder.
Tyler, along with his brother Jared, are the top pitchers this season. Jared (7-1, 0.75 ERA, 35 strikeouts in 46.2 innings) and Tyler (4-0, 1.24 ERA, 52 strikeouts in 39.2 innings) have kept opposing offenses in check.
“If we have a consistent approach and put the ball in play, I think it’s going to be tough to beat us,” Vucan said. “And that’s not just in district, I’m talking about even in the playoffs.”
As reported on May 18, 2023.