NATCHEZ — The Natchez High School baseball team stumbled its way to a 9-15 mark in 2015.

But with a plethora of talented players returning and a renewed dedication, there is plenty of optimism coming from the Bulldogs side.

“Last year was an adjustment for the kids,” said second-year coach Dan Smith. “They had been through a few coaches before I got here … It was a struggle, but they’ve been doing well.”

The Bulldogs will boast eight returning starters from last year’s squad, in addition to their top two pitchers — sophomore Chris Scott and Travez Lyles.

“I’m banking on those veterans to bring the young kids along,” Smith said.

After posting a 2.67 ERA in 2016, Lyles will again be asked to anchor the Natchez rotation, a duty the senior hurler is more than eager to accept.

“I’m ready to take on any challenge we face this year,” Lyles said. “I’m going to try to put (the team) on my back and let them ride me … We need to have a good season, because we have the right people around. We have the right coaches and the right players, and as long as we listen to what (the coaches) say, we should be good.”

Lyles said having the added benefit of eight senior starters should prove to be an advantage for the Bulldogs.

“I think we are one of the best group of seniors to come through (Natchez High),” Lyles said. “We have a good chemistry, and we have been playing together for a long time.”

One of those fellow seniors is catcher Quincy Henderson, who has served as the Bulldogs backstop since his seventh-grade season.

“The sky is the limit this year,” Henderson said. “We’re gelling together better than we ever have. We are coming as one, and we’re thinking as one. When you’re one solid foundation, the sky is the limit.”

Henderson said his role on the team is the same as always: to provide leadership and make the necessary in-game adjustments to allow his team to be successful.

“I’m the only player on the field that can see the entire field,” he said. “I have to make all the calls — I have to call all the pitches — then I have to tell (the fielders) where to go with the ball.”

Smith said this year’s Bulldog squad is not only filled with talent, but also has the necessary work ethic to go along with it.

“A lot of times I pass by the field, and they’ll be out here doing things on their own,” Smith said. “I get calls from people telling me they’re out here practicing. They’ve been buying into the system.”

Natchez will kick off its 2016 campaign Feb. 27 when it travels to play in the West Lincoln Classic.

“You wouldn’t believe how much talent we have on this team,” Lyles said. “If everybody puts it together, we can do some great things.”