TN HS Team Preview: Clinton Dragons
March 15, 2024
The 2024 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Tennessee.
Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Murfreesboro at The Spring Fling as they compete for a state championship, 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 Tennessee. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews and by continuing other pieces of content covering the Volunteer State.
Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our players of the week, updating the Power 25 and much more.
*Please note the information has been gathered from head coaches across the state, based on their replies to the questionnaire we distributed over this offseason.
High School: Clinton
Head Coach: Rob Stacy
Classification: AAA
District + Region Number: District 2 + Region 4
2023 Record (Finish): 19-17
No. of Returning Positional Starters: 8
No. of Returning Pitchers: 5
TOP RETURNING PLAYERS
- LHP/1B Isaiah Slaven LHP/1B (2024)
- LHP/CF Harrison Shelton (2024)
- 1B Garrett Lee (2024)
- C Jayce Mack (2024)
- RHP/MIF Garrett Davis (2024)
- 2B Braden Hensley (2024)
- RHP/OF Sam Raley (2025)
- RHP Dallas Beets (2025)
- MIF/RHP Aden Golden (2027)
- RHP Sam Duggins (2024)
TOP UNDERCLASSMEN
- 3B/RHP Will Brooks (2026)
- MIF/RHP Aden Golden (2027)
TEAM OUTLOOK
The Clinton Dragons are very confident in their squad this year as they look to improve on their 19-17 record in 2023. Head Coach Rob Stacey is looking to take his upperclassman heavy deep into the postseason in District 4/Region 2 play in which they took home a share of the regular season title. The Dragons may have their best team that they have had in some time and are led by a trio of heavily allocated committed seniors. LHP/1B and Mars Hill commit Isaiah Slaven looks to lead on both sides of the ball this season. The 2023 district 4 offensive player of the year looks to be a big producer on offense again this year, as well as running it up to 86 from the left side on the bump. ‘24 LHP/CF and Carson Newman commit Harrison Shelton looks to add onto a fantastic 2023 tour that saw him be named the district 4 pitcher of the year. The lefty has been up to 88 and looks to add another successful notch on his belt. Finishing off the trio is ‘24 first baseman and Milligan commit Garrett Lee looks to hold down the middle of the lineup with some quality power. The Dragons starting lineup consists of 6-7 Seniors. ‘24 Uncommitted C Jayce Mack is looking to have a breakout season after an offseason in which he really put his head down in the gym. A great leader on and off the field Mack hopes to gain some college traction during his senior season. Clintons senior core is finished out by Garret Davis and Branden Hensley and Sam Duggins. Davis looks to be a threat on the mound and the MIF. Hensley who just transferred in is looking to make an immediate impact with his new squad and is primed to do so. ‘24 RHP Sam Duggins is coming into the season looking to make some quality starts for the Dragons after previous seasons mainly working out of the pen. ‘25 Uncommitted RHP/OF Sam Raley is primed for a great year, currently switching to the outfield when not on the mound. The junior has been up to 88 mph on the bump as well with feel for offspeed. The Clinton squad is primed and ready for another great season as they look dangerous again. Expect the club to push for the regular season district title once again with a chance to host throughout the postseason.
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