In this edition we will take a closer look at the Spanish Springs Cougars.  The Cougars finished 5^th in the Northern Region and are anxious to erase their early exit in the postseason in 2018.  Coach Ortiz believes in the strength of their pitching staff and is optimistic about the 2019 campaign.  As we start to wrap up our preview series with just a handful of submissions left, we feature the Cougars of Spanish Springs.

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Team: Spanish Springs 

Nickname: Cougars

NIAA Classification: 4A

League: Northern Region

Head Coach: Matt Ortiz

2018 Overall Record: 17-12

2018 League Finish: 5th

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Bishop Manogue

2018 Postseason Finish: 1-2

Number of Returning Starters: 5

Number of Returning Pitchers: 4

Top Returning Players: ’19 SS/RHP Connor Culp; ’19 C/INF Nate Miller

College Commits: ’19 SS/RHP Connor Culp-UNLV; ’19 Trevor French-Mesa Community College

Top 2019 Players:  SS/RHP Connor Culp; INF Nate Miller; RHP Alex Van Dyne; RHP Trevor French

Other Players to Watch: ’21 INF/RHP Jace Avina

2019 Outlook: Spanish Springs returns five starters and most importantly at least two potential rotation starters.  UNLV commit, Connor Culp will surely fulfill one of those roles.  Culp is a hard-throwing right hander with the ability to run his fastball up into the upper 80, low 90 range.  He throws a slurvy breaking ball out of a ¾ slot with some deception.  As much as Culp will be depended on to shoulder a heavy load on the mound, he will be a staple in the lineup as well.  He will likely anchor the defense at shortstop when he is not on the mound and hit at the top of the lineup.  Fellow senior, Trevor French is a strike-throwing righty with capable off speed and should offer Coach Ortiz and staff another legitimate rotation option. French has committed to Mesa Community College. Potentially rounding out the rotation, might be Alex Van Dyne.  Van Dyne is a low to mid 80s right-hander with a solid feel for spin.  His breaking ball has good depth and can be a definite out pitch at the current level. Junior Colby Durski and sophomore, Jace Avina could see time on the mound.  Both are position players with the ability to throw consistent strikes.  The theme of the Cougars will be throwing strikes and minimizing opponents free-base opportunities.

Offensively, Coach Ortiz and the Cougars may have to work through some early season trial and error with their lineup.  The depth in their pitching staff may compel some movement when those who occupy positions take the mound.  One player who figures to be in the middle of the order somewhere will be physical first baseman, outfielder, Andrew Mayse.  ’19 Mayse has a strong durable body with strength in his barrel. Senior catcher, Tallon Vanetti has shown arm strength and is listed as a pitcher as well.  Van Dyne catches and pitches. French is a pitcher as well as an infielder. Senior infielder, Nate Miller will surely figure into the Cougar’s lineup plans.  One thing for certain, Coach Ortiz and his staff have a lot of options and will likely have to work through some them early, but by the end of the season could be ready to give some trouble to some of the Northern Region’s traditional powers.

UP NEXT: Sierra Lutheran