On paper, the Meadowdale baseball team should again be a strong contender in the Wesco 3A.

Mavericks head coach Bill Hummel returns 11 seniors from last year’s district playoff team with the rest of the roster filled with mostly juniors.

“A lot of them have significant varsity experience,” Hummel said. “Certainly the potential to accomplish a lot of things is there.”

But the veteran coach noted that potential doesn’t necessarily mean very much in a revamped Wesco 3A that should be tougher than ever. All three of Meadowdale’s District rivals – Edmonds-Woodway, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace – have advanced to the playoffs in recent years. The Warriors and Royals are dropping down from 4A to 3A.

“It’s going to be a good battle to get into the district tournament,” Hummel said. “There are going to be good baseball teams not going to the playoffs.”

Meadowdale brings back its No. 1 starter in senior Elliott Reece. A right-handed power thrower Reece really started to focus on his pitching the last few years.

“He’s really developed,” Hummel said.

Senior Garrett Walsh came on strong last season and pitched well enough to have some of the coaches wondering why he wasn’t used more often at the start of the year.

“He’ll have a more significant role on the mound this season,” Hummel said.

Reece and Walsh will be working with two veteran catchers – seniors Parker Coffey and Alex Thompson. When one is behind the plate, the other will be at first base.

“Both of them swing it well,” Hummel said.

Another strong offensive threat is senior outfielder Dakota Barlament, who brings speed to the basepaths.

“He hits line drives and balls in the alleys,” Hummel said. “He stole a lot of bases. He’s an aggressive baserunner.”

Meadowdale’s defense also should be strong with about half a dozen returning position players. Seniors Kenley Ackerman and Jacob Hunnewell anchor the infield. Senior Brett Schafer, the football team’s standout kicker, also is back in the outfield.

As has been the case in recent years, Hummel sees pitching and defense as the Mavericks’ strengths. Run production was an issue last season and it could be the same in 2015.

“The challenge is putting up runs,” Hummel said.

Meadowdale edged Kamiak 9-8 in Wednesday’s season opener and is scheduled host district rival Mountlake Terrace at 4 p.m., Friday, March 20 in both teams’ league opener.

– By David Pan