By REED DESALVO

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — The Adams County Christian School baseball team will enter the 2016 campaign in hopes of reversing its misfortunes from recent seasons.

The Rebels are in search of securing their first playoff appearance in more than a decade.

Matthew Freeman has been handed the reins in attempting to turn the tide for the program, and the first-year coach said he has gone back to the basics with his squad.

“We have a lot of kids that haven’t played baseball in a while,” Freeman said. “We’re teaching the fundamentals, because if they’re not doing it the right way, then we’re not getting better.”

The Rebels will feature just eight upperclassmen on the roster this season, and Freeman said their willingness to buy-in would prove to pay major dividends.

“We’re trying to get the kids to trust us and get them to know that (the coaches) do know what we’re talking about,” he said.

Despite a lack of numbers from the upperclassmen, Freeman said the future of the program remains bright as it is littered with a wealth of talent at the junior varsity level.

“I have a really good core of young guys, from seventh through ninth graders,” Freeman said. “I need the seniors to mentor those guys and teach them the ropes and help build the future of the program.”

Cole Gatlin will be one of those upperclassmen Freeman will look to for leadership this spring..

“Cole is one of those kids that I don’t really have to coach as much,” Freeman said. “He’s going to do all the things the right way, and he knows how to play the game. He’ll spend countless hours by himself working out. He’s really good with the young kids and correcting them with a good attitude.”

Gatlin, who is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, will serve as the team’s designated hitter, and is slotted to hit in the middle of the Rebels lineup this season as a pivotal run-producer.

“I’m just going to hit and try to help everybody else out,” Gatlin said. “I’m a power hitter, and I’ll be able to (focus) on my hitting, since I don’t have to (worry about playing in the field).”

ACCS will open the season Feb. 22 when it hosts Madison-Ridgeland Academy.

“I’m just looking to see all the kids get out here and get involved, and try to get them to fall in love with the game of baseball again,” Freeman said. “We’re trying to get to get this program back to where it used to be.”