The Bees hope for their fourth consecutive trip to the state tournament.
Last season ended up becoming the earliest exit for the Bees since 2021. The Bees got swept by Signal Mountain in the Class AAA Sectional to end their season. Manager Wes Shanks said his team looks to bounce back and continue its good run.
“You’re only losing two seniors, however, it’s two very important pitching staff members and components to a very good ball club.” Shanks said. “It’s easy to stand around, but if our guys can stay mentally locked into a ball game every pitch, every at-bat, every inning and execute in small situations, that’s going to lead to some success.”
The Bees look for a return to the state championship since making back-to-back appearances in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. They won the championship in the 2022 season.
“[Last year,] we didn’t get to where we wanted to. We did not accomplish our goal.” Shanks said. “It’s got to start one game at a time, and here we go next week with four games so it’s going to be a fun early part of the season.”
Upperman returns eight seniors this year, five of whom have started in a state championship game.
“Overall, you want to get, state championship is where your big goal is.” Shanks said. “Our goals are to definitely win conference. Winning conference allows us to host district tournaments, and then from district tournament, winning the region tournament, hosting sectional, getting to state tournament, and then our eyes are on that gold ball.”
Upperman started their season 1-1 after defeating Monterey at home, then losing to Lebanon on the road. They will begin their first tournament Saturday in the Grand Slam Classic. Their opponents will end up being Clarksville Academy and Oakland.
“We’re really excited the season is here.” Shanks said.
