High expectations are nothing new for the Cherokee baseball team and the Braves are off to another good start this season. After winning the 2A state title in 2007 they finished as the runner-up a year ago. They are off to a 5-0 start and top ranked in the Radio Iowa/Coaches poll.
Cherokee coach Scott Koch says they’ve worked hard to try and fulfill the high expectations, but have to replace five seniors. He says the experienced gained the past few years is a plus for his team, as they’ve been in big games and at the state tournament for several years.
Koch the strength of his team is pitching and the defense up the middle. Koch says the Braves will be tested by their schedule in the Lakes Conference, which he says is tough. They also will play in three weekend tournaments with a number of good teams. Koch says their reputation brings out a lot of team’s number one or two pitchers.