R.A. Long (2A)

Head coach: Mark Hulings (3rd season)

Last season: 7-5 in GSHL 2A (3rd), 12-10 overall; eliminated at districts

Returning starters: *Spencer Thorsen (sr., SS), Will Teigen (sr., C), Austin Beavers (sr., OF), Hunter Jones (jr., OF/INF)

Top newcomers: *Gunnar Blix (jr., INF/P), Brett Coons (so, 3B/P), Coby Rothwell (so., OF)

Staff ace: Gunnar Blix — The right-handed power pitcher arrives from Wahkiakum (3-5, 2.10 ERA, 68 Ks in 2014) just in time to replace departed seniors Tanner Ruffe and Jose Hinojosa.

Outlook: The Jacks have a go-to guy on the mound in Blix and a big bat to lean on in three-hole hitter Spencer Thorsen (.508 BA, 3 HRs). If the rest of a young roster can fill in the blanks, RAL should compete in an up-for-grabs GSHL 2A. “Inexperience at the varsity level will be a challenge,” Coach Hulings said. “With (six of the first seven) games on the road, this definitely will be a big test to see what the Jacks are made of.”