After 13 straight years of losing, South Mountain is looking forward to a fresh beginning when the Jaguars open their season at Maryvale Monday.

South Mountain, 9-13 last season, had its best record in 2010 when it finished 12-15.

Senior Erick Velazquez expects that to change in 2018. “We put a lot of work in and I feel like it’s just going to show up during the games and with that we will hopefully get some wins.”

This year's’ squad is filled with a mix of upper and lower level talent, some completely new to the game of baseball.

With a majority of the players returning, the the Jaguars are stacked with juniors and sophomores with only two seniors on the team..

Even the younger class of freshmen and sophomores are embracing   leadership roles.

“I hope that we can all push ourselves to be the greatest team that I know we can be,” said sophomore Leroy Xavier Palmer. “This year we have a lot of potential and I feel we can do way better than what we did last year.”

Coach Chris Whittaker 's only demand this season?

“I want them to compete and be consistent,” Whittaker said. “I have players that become young men that are going to be good citizens and work hard as well as represent the school in a positive manner.”