Senior will lead young Prep team this season

Spencer Morgan isn't the typical Augusta Prep athlete. Instead of soccer or basketball, his game is baseball.

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"I'm the only one who plays baseball year-round," he said.

In fact, Morgan said he's tossed around the idea of leaving for a more baseball-minded school more than once.

"Every year I think about it, to be honest with you," he said. "I'm satisfied at Prep. I like the freedom."

The Augusta Prep baseball team wouldn't be the same without Morgan. The senior shortstop was a monster on the Cavalier diamond last season. He hit better than .400 from the plate and stole 22 bases. He owns several school records, including the season slugging percentage, despite having a full year of competition left.

"Spencer Morgan had a phenomenal year last year," Augusta Prep baseball coach Dan King said. "He's an outstanding athlete - one of the best I've ever coached."

Instead of bailing out on the youngest and least accomplished baseball program in the county, Morgan has embraced it. When the team takes the field for its first game Thursday, Morgan will be heavily relied on to serve as the team leader.

"There's not really pressure, but a lot of responsibility," he said. "It's an enormous responsibility. I know what's expected of me is really high this year."

While what's expected of the Augusta Prep team might not be as much as other teams in the county, the expectations are high compared with past Cavalier seasons. King said the team has a record nine seniors this season. Morgan is one of five seniors who have played since their freshman year.

With an established nucleus of players, the Cavaliers are poised for not only improvement but also the school's first winning season.

"We definitely want an above .500 season," Morgan said. "We're going for better than 12 wins."