SOUTH WAYNE — Despite the graduation of two-time First-Team All-Conference utility player Dempsey Schliem, Black Hawk returns a core of players that look to improve upon last year’s 2-18 record.

“Our strengths are leadership and experience,” head coach fourth-year head coach Mike Burke. “Our upperclassmen are great leaders who provide a positive example to our younger players. Most starters have multiple years of varsity experience heading into this season.”

Carter Baumgartner will be expected to lead the Warriors as an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection in 2022. He hit .320 and struck out 33 batters in 32 innings pitched. Fellow junior Matt Scott has been a two-year starter at catcher, and senior Dylan Haldiman plays third and pitches.

Right off the bat, Burke sees sophomore Jadeyn Pryce making varsity contributions on the base paths and mound.

“He has great speed and baserunning awareness,” Burke said. “His long frame will transition to pitching velocity and control.”

In order to improve upon its fourth-place finish in the Six River East, the Warriors will need to improve defensively — from defense to pitching.

“We need to cut out errors defensively and reduce walks allowed by our pitching staff,” Burke said.

Pecatonica and Barneveld finished one and two in conference last year, and Burke believes them to be favorites again this season.

“Both teams have well-established programs with long-tenured coaches,” Burke said. “Both of these teams play at a skill level that we are working to achieve.”