By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

The Shelby County Rockets completed their 2012 season with a 23-14 record, advancing out of the 30^th District tournament before losing in the 1^st round of the 8^th Region tournament to Henry County. The Rockets will be an experienced squad this spring, returning 10 players that started more than half of the games played last season.  Pitching will also be a strength as 10 pitchers who logged innings on the mound for the Rockets in 2012 return for Coach Bart Roettger. 

The Rockets offense will rely heavily on junior MIF and leadoff hitter Kipp Moore and senior 1B Kam Bruner.  Moore is the catalyst of the offense, hitting .408 last season with 49 runs scored and 36 stolen bases and is a 2-time all 8^th Region player.  Bruner returns plenty of pop in the middle of the Rockets lineup having hit .431 with 12 doubles, 3 HR’s, and 40 RBI last season and was selected to participate in the Jr East/West All-Star game.

Coach Roettger also expects big offensive contributions from senior catcher Kevin Veeley, who led the team in RBI’s as a sophomore, and sophomore INF/RHP Kyler Dugle, who hit over .300 last season as a freshman.  Also, look for sophomore Steven Standafer, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound INF, to provide some pop in the Rockets lineup as well. 

On the mound, senior Tyler Eades, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound RHP will be the go to guy for the Rockets as he looks to be 100 percent following an injury plagued junior campaign.  Junior LHP Dillon Boone returns his 3-1 record, and look for big innings from freshman LHP Riley Everson. 

With experience and good depth, look for Shelby County to be a contender for the 8^th region title this spring.