How Stanhope Elmore baseball brings experience, confidence into AHSAA playoffs
In his fourth season as the head coach of the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs, DK Shuman described this 2023 team as a special group of players. The 23-5 Mustangs finished the regular season as AHSAA 6A Area 5 champions and will face Chilton County (18-10) this weekend to begin state playoffs.
“This season has been a lot of fun of fun, We have a talented group that likes to be around each other and has a good feel for the game,” Shuman said. “We have played a pretty tough schedule and they have done everything that has been asked of them and more.”
On Shuman's arrival, his current seniors were freshmen, so the 2023 class is the first group he’s coached all the way through. Currently, the roster is filled with 10 seniors, four four-year starters, three three-year starters, and two underclassmen that will be four-year starters when it’s all said and done.
Last year the Mustangs advanced to the quarterfinals in the playoffs before falling to Hillcrest (Tuscaloosa). This year they look to bring home their first state title since 2006.
“The amount of experience on this year's team should help our guys with the nerves that go along with the playoff atmosphere,” Shuman said. “This group genuinely enjoys the competition so we don’t require much outside motivation. We’re ready.”
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Senior Colton Walls has been stellar for the Mustangs, playing three different positions in his four years on the team. The 6-foot-4 Troy commit has had an impressive 2023 season with a .512 batting average, four home runs, 35 RBIs and 55 strikeouts.
“Colton has been a centerpiece of our lineup and our pitching staff. He has been a versatile player for us that has been able to move around to different positions to allow us to get our best nine players on the field,” Shuman said.
In his freshman season, Walls started at first base and switched to third base in his sophomore and junior years. This year he’s been the team's primary catcher and Shuman says he has flourished well in that job.
“Colton has done a tremendous job defensively for us this year. He has been selfless in these transitions because he cares more about the team than his own personal accolades,” Shuman said.
The first round of the playoffs will begin Friday, April 21, with games at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Furlow Field.
Jerry Humphrey III is a sports writer for the Montgomery Advertiser who covers area high school sports, Auburn recruiting and Alabama State athletics. Follow him on Twitter @jerryhump3.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Stanhope Elmore Baseball is set and prepared or the playoffs
