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Looking forward, not back

2007 playoff loss not a factor in how team will approach season

By Greg Ford
Sports Editor
gford@wylienews.com

A year ago, Plano East won District 9-5A, but then lost a first-round playoff series to Rockwall.

Instead of dwelling on that disappointment, though, head coach Travis Collins would rather focus on what his current group of Panthers must do in 2008.

“Each year has got to be treated differently,” he said. “We were disappointed last year, but it doesn’t change your mindset (with) what you have to do this year. (You need) pitching, good defense and timely hitting. It’s the same every year. No matter what level you’re at, everybody is looking for those three things.”

Plano East returns four starters in the field; shortstop and pitcher Jeff Emens, second baseman Justin Snider, third baseman Conner Zmolik and Logan Reneau, who’s being moved from catcher to the outfield. Designated hitter Tyler Wylie also returns.

Emens is expected to the No. 1 pitcher this season.

“We didn’t throw him much last year, because we just didn’t have a backup shortstop that we trusted. We do this year,” Collins said.

Mark Roberson, left-hander Jason Barrentine (a JV player in 2007) and Derek Bell also should get some mound time.
“Those four guys really have been outstanding for us so far,” Collins said.

Either Zmolik and Snider will play short when Emens pitches.
Sophomore Nick Bell likely will be the catcher, a position manned by Reneau the last two seasons.

“(Bell) played with us in our fall league and did a really good job,” Collins said. “He’s solid behind plated. He’s got things to learn there, but he handles the bat well. We’re not afraid to put him in the line up.”

Junior Adam Humes moves up from JV to take over first base.

“He’s very, very good defensively … He’s been hitting the ball well in the scrimmages, so he’s been impressive there as well,” the coach said.

Snider will be at second, while Emens will play short when he’s not on the mound. Zmolik is penciled in at third.
In left field, the Panthers plan to use Nathan Snodgrass, another JV player in 2007.

Center field is a question mark, where sophomore Alex Harris is competing with senior T.J. Bowe.

Reneau and Bell will share duties in right field.

East’s pitching and defense has looked good in the preseason scrimmages, Collins noted, adding that the Panthers have struggled at plate.

“That happens a lot early in the year. Pitching is always ahead of the hitting, but once you get that straightened out, you should be OK,” he said. “We’ve got some guys we know can swing the bat. We’ve just got to get more consistent.”

PESH’s non-district schedule begins today at the Lewisville Tournament. The Panthers will be guaranteed at least five games there, as well as at the Feb. 28-March 1 Arlington Martin Tournament.