Off to State: Laney baseball going for 1st title since 2010

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — After finishing 7th in the Mideastern Conference standings each of the last two years, many did not think the Laney baseball team would earn a trip to the Class 4A championship.

But here they are.

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

The Bucs knocked off Corinth Holders on Saturday to reach state. It earned them a date with T.C. Roberson, the two-time defending champs that knocked off Ashley in last year’s finals.

Catcher Stephen Bollenbacher and company are ready for what’s to come.

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

“We’re going to prepare for them, but we’re going to prepare to play our game,” Bollenbacher said. “We’re not going to try and focus on them and what they’re going to do. They’re a team that’s going to get chirpy, and that’s fine. We’re a chirpy team. But we’re going to get ready to play our game because I think a lot of the games we’ve lost, we beat ourselves. And I think we’re going to try and not beat ourselves this week.”

It has been 15 years since the Bucs last won a state title.

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

Despite their struggles in recent seasons, shortstop Jack Holliman says they managed to figure it out and are now two wins away from winning it all.

“Throughout the years, we were inconsistent,” Holliman said. “This year, I feel like we proved we were consistent. We were the best team in the conference and one of the best teams in the state. We’ve been trying to bring this program back. Hasn’t been great since then. We’re trying to revive it and give it the best boost forward that we can.”

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

Pitcher T.J. Ziermann says teamwork has contributed to bolstering the program’s resume.

“I think just really working together and staying together,” Ziermann said. “Really building a friendship outside of baseball. Problem we’ve had in the past is we weren’t really friends in the past. I mean we were, but we didn’t hang out outside of baseball. But we really come together as a team and friendship. Just stayed and work together to make a good team.”

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

The Class 4A championship will take place at Burlington Athletic Stadium. Game one of the best-of-three series will be Friday at 8 p.m. Game two will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. Game three, if necessary, is scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m.

Click here for more information on the NCHSAA baseball tournament.