FERRIDAY — Lee Lancaster wears many hats for his team.

The junior right-hander serves as one of the top pitchers for Delta Charter School.

When Lancaster isn’t on the mound, he can be seen manning his shortstop post while always serving as the team’s leadoff batter and table setter.

Perhaps, however the most important hat Lancaster wears is that of one that can’t be measured.

“He’s kind of our leader,” Delta Charter coach Jarrett Hoffpauir said. “He’s our upperclassman that knows the game and how to to play the game the right way. We try to filter around him.”

With the 2016 season marking the first time Delta Charter has competed at the varsity level, Hoffpauir said a player such as Lancaster is pivotal to the growth of the program.

“He proved himself last year and the year before (at the junior varsity level),” Hoffpauir said. “He gets us going, and we can kind of build around him. It’s tough to build, but when you have guys like him, it makes it a little easier.”

Lancaster said the reason why he is more than willing to shoulder the burden is simple: his love for his teammates.

“I just tell myself, ‘I have to do this for them,’” Lancaster said. “If I do it for them, and I’m able to get everything started, then they’ll follow, and we’ll keep everything going.”

Lancaster and the Storm are off to a 3-5 start in their inaugural campaign at the varsity level.

“It’s exciting, but it’s a lot more challenging than (junior varsity),” Lancaster said. “The players are bigger and faster.”

While things have not quite gone to plan on the mound with a 7.35 ERA through 13.1 innings pitched, the junior remains productive at the plate with a .571 batting average to go along with seven doubles and nine runs scored. Lancaster also has four runs driven in and has swiped five bases.

“I try to pick everybody up, and bring everybody up so they can play well,” Lancaster said.

Hoffpauir said he has seen significant strides from his leadoff hitter this season, but noted there remain areas where he can develop and improve.

“He’s learning, and he’s getting there,” Hoffpauir said. “He doesn’t let adversity rattle him too much, and he’s come a long way. He’s grown and gotten better, and I expect big things out of him this year and next.

“I’m proud to have him, and I think he’s got some brighter days ahead of him.”