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Q & A with White Hall Head Coach Skip Carr

November 12, 2014

Coach Skip Carr, led White Hall High School a 5A State Championship last spring. I had the opportunity to discuss last year’s roster and run. Along with last year’s team we discussed some key issues facing the 2015 team as they attempt to win back-back championships.

PBR: State championships are a huge accomplishment, what was the biggest key to your team’s success last spring?

Carr: The kids never gave up! Despite close losses throughout the season they continued believing. When tournament time came our seniors really came through for us. That mixed in with the younger talent we had is what really took us to another level. All of that behind some extremely good pitching performances and a couple bounces our way, lead us to postseason success.�

PBR: Who were they key losses off last year’s roster?

Carr: Our biggest losses were up the middle with our shortstop, 2nd baseman and�Center fielder�all being seniors in 2014. Aaron Johnston made the game winning catch in the right center gap that sealed that state championship win for us. Justin Archer, at shortstop, came up with a big hit after big hit in the state tournament, along with providing us with solid defense all year. Jase Wilson was a 2 year starter at 2nd base for us and was the one who put down the squeeze bunt in the state championship game.

PBR: Did any 2014 graduates continue their playing careers if so where?

Carr: All of our 2014 graduates are currently enrolled in colleges all around the state. None of which are playing baseball, but all are pursuing degrees.

PBR: Have you had any 2015 graduates commit to play after high school? If so where?

Carr: Daniel Sprinkle is committed to Auburn to pitch.

PBR: Who are your unsigned/ uncommitted 2015 grads that are looking to continue their careers?

Carr: Kirk Baugh- OF
Antoine Luster- P/INF
Turner Sparks- C

PBR: What would you say will be the biggest strength of the 2015 team?

Carr: Pitching is definitely going to be a strong suit for us this year. Sprinkle is a one of a kind player that, as a coach, you don't get many of. So having a kid that can throw it as hard as he does gives us a chance. Behind him is Luster, who himself, can run it up there in the mid to upper 80s with some really good off-speed. Then we have junior Cade Canada, who as a sophomore gave us 5 strong innings against Watson Chapel in that semi-final round last year, really give us 3 guys that we feel gives us a really good chance against anyone.

PBR: What is the biggest area of concern for you and your coaching staff for this season?

Carr: Obviously defensively,having to replace the departing seniors from last year, is an area of concern for us.This is an area we will need to find answers for during the off-season. Also, offensively we struggled last year against good pitching. We have to be able to score runs and take some of the pressure off of our pitchers.

PBR: Who are the seniors you are looking to have a large impact on this season?

Carr: Last year, as juniors we relied heavily on Sprinkle, Baugh, Luster and Sparks. So as seniors now, we are looking for them to have a huge impact on how the outcome of this season turns out. We will be looking for them to provide great leadership for the rest of the team.

PBR: Who are some underclassmen people need to watch for this spring?

Carr: Juniors: Caleb Carr, Cade Canada, Brewer Owen and Bailey Smith are ones to watch for this spring. Carr was a starter in the outfield for us last year as a sophomore and provided us with stability at the top of the lineup, hitting .389. Cade Canada came up big for us last year on the mound and could potentially play a key role for us offensively this year. Brewer Owen was brought up last year as a sophomore but never could get going offensively. After a strong summer we look for him find his way this year and help anchor down the middle of our lineup. Bailey Smith is a kid that showed a lot of ability last year in JV, and could potentially be our answer up the middle.

PBR: Who are some teams to watch for this season as you try to repeat?

Carr: Anybody can beat anybody on any given day. That’s the beauty of baseball. So every team is a team to watch. Last year we made a run as a 4 seed, so anything is possible. We can’t afford to overlook anyone with the strength of baseball that 5A shows.

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