Alabama High School Team Preview: Gulf Shores Dolphins
January 7, 2021
The 2021 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds throughout the state. That excitement may be at an all- time high entering this high school season as the 2020 high school baseball season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season during an offseason unlike any other and as always, there are some very talented players and teams across Alabama.
Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Montgomery at the AISA or AHSAA state championships but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Alabama. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews and by continuing our scheduled podcasts and releasing our preseason Top 10 in each AHSAA classification.
*Please note that all information is based on team preview questionnaires that were sent out and returned by the participating high school coaches.
High School: Gulf Shores High School
Classification: AHSAA 6A, Area 2
Positional Starters Returning: 6
Pitchers Returning: 5
Team Strengths: Pitching and defense. 5 players return that this will be their 3rd year to be starters on varsity.
Team Weaknesses: Offensive production
Top Returning Players:
2022 RHP/UTL Jud Keel
2021 CF Connor Roberts
2022 OF/LHP Jackson Achimon
Top 2022 Prospects:
2022 RHP/UTL Colby Franklin
Top 2023 and 2024 Prospects:
Outlook:
The Dolphins return a solid nucleus or positional players and proven pitchers in 2021 and will be looking to have a successful season after the 2020 season was unfortunately cut short. Junior SS Marc Stephens will enter his third year as the Dolphins starting SS and will hit in the 3 hole. He should be a major run producer as well as being a high level SS. Stephens has some D1 offers and will look to have a big year. Another 2022 grad that will be a key cog for the Dolphins is RHPUTL Thrasher Steed (6'3 210 lbs.). This will be his third year as a varsity starter, was an all state player last year as a pitcher. Steed has committed to UAB as a RHP. Another player returning for his third year as a starter is junior Jud Keel where he will see time on the mound and at 3B. He will hit in his customary 2 hole spot in the Dolphin lineup. Senior 1B/LHP Mattox Johnson is yet another third year starter that returns and will definetly see time at both spots. On the mound he is your typical lefty that may not blow you away with velocity but creates a ton of movement on his pitches. Coach Chris Jacks mentions that, "One of the best kids I have ever coached in 10 years, unbelievably high character kid." Another veteran and three year starter is senior CF Connor Roberts. He has been at the top of the Dolphins lineup every game since his sophomore and should be there again this year, as he is a good runner and is a threat on the base paths. Junior OF/LHP Jackson Achimon will also return for his third year as a starting outfielder and will see some time on the mound as well. Achimon is just a steady player that does a ton of things well. Junior RHP/UTL Colby Franklin is a versatile player who can play middle infield and outfield. On the mound sits in the low 80’s with an advanced curveball. Franklin is very aggressive at the plate and runs well. A sophomore to keep an eye on is catcher Dominic Maldet. He will be looking to make his debut on the varsity team this year as the starting cather. Maldet shows a strong arm behind the plate and offensively he has a big swing with a lot of power for a player his age. Needles to say, the Dolphins are looking for a successful season as a large group of returning varsity third year starters will lead the way.
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