CDN Game of the Week: Mount Vernon Christian vs. Blaine
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Mount Vernon Christian record: 1-0
Blaine record: 0-0
Final prediction: Blaine 6-4
Mount Vernon Christian travels to the border for a nonconference matchup against Blaine. Both teams are coming off winning seasons and look to keep improving this year. The Hurricanes, who finished 16-9 overall last year, return a mixed roster after graduating a handful of players.
Blaine, which finished 12-10 overall last season, lost a few all-conference seniors and is looking for some players to fill their shoes. Both teams can utilize this early matchup as a chance to see who can fit in certain positions.
Mount Vernon Christian player to watch: Sophomore third baseman Bennett Davis
Davis had a .333 batting average, 18 hits and 14 RBIs last season, ranking top five on his team in those categories. The 5-foot-11 sophomore was an all-conference pick last year and should provide an offensive spark for the Hurricanes.
Blaine player to watch: Senior catcher Evan Yates
Yates returns for his final season after being named an all-conference honorable mention last year. The 5-foot-9 catcher had a .333 batting average, 21 hits and 16 RBIs last season. Although he did not hit any home runs last year, over half of his hits were for extra bases. He will also look to provide some momentum for the Borderites’ offense.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.