As Team Grizz completed the series sweep in The Heart of the Lion World Series over the Rougaroux last week, head coach Jay Artigues got a complete look at his team in game situations and how the newcomers are meshing with the returners as the fall comes to a halt.
“We’ve had a great fall,” said Artigues. “I got to evaluate the new guys coming in and how they mesh with the returners.”
Perhaps this year’s freshmen class has been the most impressive in the Artigues era as they were recognized by Baseball America’s Aaron Fitt as one of the best classes in the Lower Central Region.
“The top class in the Southland Conference belongs to Southeastern Louisiana, which brought in a deep, balanced class led by catcher Jameson Fisher, a gifted left-handed hitter whose defense needs to improve,” stated Fitt in a press release. “Infielder Gabe Woods, who started his collegiate career at Ole Miss, has a compact right-handed swing and a good feel for his barrel.”
Throughout the fall, Artigues has noticed something special about his newcomers and he expects them to be able to contribute right away. Freshman pitchers, Tate Scioneaux and Mason Klotz, are expected to see action on the mound while catcher Jameson Fisher, younger brother of former Lion Jacob Fisher, will see action behind the plate, at first base and in the designated hitter spot. Fisher was drafted out of high school by the Chicago Cubs and turned down the opportunity to pursue his education and play for the Lions.  
“This is probably the most talented group of freshman I’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Artigues. “It’s hard for freshman to step in and contribute like they have and this group has done a great job.”
Though his young players are highly talented, the Lions will have to rely on their veteran leadership down the stretch of the season to help propel the team to where they want to be come May.
“It’s good to have young players, but throughout a 56 game regular season you’re going to need some seniors to step up,” said Artigues. “When you’re meshing so many returners with new players it’s going to count on the leadership.”
That leadership will come from players like senior pitchers Jordan Hymel and Kaleb Manuel who combined for 81 strikeouts last season.
“Those guys have done a great job providing leadership,” said Artigues. “That’s invaluable, especially with having so many young arms.”
Artigues and the Lions will make their season debut on Feb. 15. at home in Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field versus UT-Martin in the first of a three game series.