I would have to agree. Hubbard is a streaky pitcher. He will have a great game or two, then in his next game he can't buy a strike. And as far as Samad goes, he had wins in two big district games for Conner last year and got ill in his last two starts ( which were both losses). If he comes back this year with a stronger arm he should be a great pitcher for the Cougars.
As I stated in an earlier thread, the 33rd district may have some of the toughest pitching around. Boone will have Deno, Laumann (sp?), Alford, and Teegarden. Ryle will have Donavan, Hempel, and Daisuke. And Conner will have Russell, Samad, West, and Hubbard.
The way Deno pitches kind of reminds me of Donavan from Ryle in the same aspect as neither are over powering. Seems like the 33rd will have some tough pitchers this year. Deno, Laumann, etc. from Boone, Daisuke, Hempel (sp?) and Donavan at Ryle, and Russel, Samad, Hubbard, and West at Conner. There will be some tough district match ups.
I saw Manual play against Conner last Friday. They are a physical team, but had difficulty stopping Conner's passing games a lot of the time. I see Lawrence having a big game passing, and Simpson having a big game on the ground.
SK 42 Manual 14
I would assume you are referring to Pugh and West? I have heard that both of them do plan on playing next year. I have also heard that Russel will be a starter next year. Some of his apperances were five or more innings. Conner will have a tough rotation next year, IMO.
I'm surprised not much has been said about Conner with the return of Russel, Hubbard, West, and Samad on the mound. They also return Pugh who hit near .450 last season. Plus Gill and Roberts returning in the infield and Liechty in the outfield. Seems to me they could be thrown in the mix.
But when this happened, Conner had in their second team.
I knew this would happen one the Cougars played a solid team. They need to have a schedule like they used to, playing Highlands and CovCath in the regular season. Playing tougher teams makes your team tougher, JMO.
Conner should also be solid with West, Hubbard, Russel, and Samad returning. Some solid pitching for next season. They also have Pugh returning who hit nearly .500 with 4 or 5 dingers.