Rochester Boys’ Basketball
By George Moltz

Finally out on the diamond after an eternity in the gym, the Rochester Rockets are looking forward to an exciting season in the Central Vermont baseball league.

Buoyed by the return of 10 letter-winners from last year’s team, the Rockets are hoping to build upon the experience gained during that season, when most of the boys got their first taste of varsity ball. With an excellent turnout of 18 players, there is more competition for playing time than in past years.

Yet the key to Rochester’s season will likely be traced to the pitchers’ mound. The team leaves the gym with seven pitchers fighting for innings, so the depth is there, but few have logged more than a couple of performances in high school games. If the pitchers can settle in and throw strikes, the Rockets should fare well. Juniors Taylor Fuller and John Champion will be among those first to toe the rubber for Rochester. Both had their moments, positive and negative, on the mound last spring, but return with stronger arms and better breaking balls. Returning seniors Jon Colton and Richard Gaboury will back them up out of the bullpen, as will newcomer Justin Brouillard. Another new senior on the roster, Enrique Murray, has an exceptional arm and will be a starter on the hill. Sophomore Jace Curtis is also very capable of throwing well, with his dazzling array of pitches.

Behind the plate Rochester is lucky to have four fine catchers. Junior Herman Manning has emerged as the probable starter, and Champion will also don the equipment regularly. They are backed up by sophomore Matt Brown, and quick freshman Cody Bowen. One of the positives of the long indoor season has been the opportunity for all these catchers to become familiar with all of those pitchers’ different tendencies.

First base will be manned by big senior Pat Crowley, with Fuller and Brouillard providing support. Second base belongs to senior Mark Poole, who offers excellent range in the field and a potent bat in the line-up. Murray will be at shortstop for Rochester when not on the mound. His strong arm is a nice asset there, and he offers solid leadership to the infield. Curtis, Fuller, and Gaboury will all back him up. Gaboury, Brouillard, and Champion are scrapping for time at the hot corner.

In the outfield, Colton has a lock on the centerfield job, and senior Scott Mitchell gives the Rockets a cannon arm from right field. Curtis and Fuller can play left, and Matt Brown plays a solid outfield as well. Freshmen Riley Brown, Ethan White, Dylan Pratt, and Tyler McIntyre are also in the mix. Another freshman, infielder Christian Thompson, is currently on the DL, and the team hopes to have him back by May.

Rochester is scheduled to open the season today (Thursday) at home, hosting Concord at 4 p.m. The Rockets then face the challenge of hosting MVL foe West Rutland in a double-header on Saturday at 11 a.m., fortunately on the home diamond.