The Kamloops U-18 College Prep Riverdogs are in the mix for back-to-back Provincial titles as they prepare for a big weekend at home.
At 19-9, they sit tied with Langley Township for 2nd in the BC standings behind first place Cloverdale (20-3).
“The potential is there. We have a good core group of guys that came back with the success we had. They realize if we play our game, we can compete with anyone we’ve seen so far. The biggest trouble this group has had is between the ears a little bit,” said Coach Liam Rihela.
Last year’s team won in dramatic fashion beating Ridge Meadows in the final 3-2.
The Riverdogs have some key contributors this season led by veteran Grady Johnson, Ethan Harrison, Peyton Mackay, Phoenix Portras and Jaxon Warr among others.
“We get guys stepping up from the top to bottom of our lineup, and on the mound. We have a couple big weekends at home here coming up and another one on the road against (1st place) Cloverdale,” continued Rihela.
“Our goal is anyone who wants to play post-secondary, we do our best to find them a spot,” said Rihela.
First things first, the Riverdogs will battle it out for sole possession of 2nd place when they host Langley Saturday at McArthur Island (3pm, 5:30pm) and Sunday (10am, 12:30pm)
The Provincial tournament is set for early August and will feature eight teams.
