With 13 players returning from last year’s squad that went 20-6 and captured a Suburban West Conference championship, the Oakville Senior High School baseball team looks to improve on a 12-5 loss to Parkway South in the 2008 Missouri Class 4 sectional game.

“We’ve got 13 returning players, so we’ve got a lot of experience coming back,” Oakville head coach Rich Sturm said. “The weather’s been very cooperative, so we’re ready to see where we’re at right now.”

Senior center fielder Brandon Alexander returns to the starting lineup after leading Oakville last season with a .433 batting average that included 13 RBI.

“Brandon’s a five-tool player,” Sturm said. “He’s possibly the best center fielder that we’ve had at Oakville.”

Senior catcher Ryan Huck is another offensive threat who had a .427 batting average and 24 RBI last season. He was a finalist this spring for the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame’s Rising Star Award.

“Ryan was All-Conference and Second Team All-State last season as well as being nominated for the Rising Star Award,” Sturm said. “That’s a pretty good start when you’ve got a catcher like that coming back.”

Oakville’s best threat on the mound this season is senior Bubba Bradshaw, who was 6-1 last season with a 2.57 ERA.

“Bubba’s a pitcher who has pinpoint control,” Sturm said. “He’s going to have to be one of the leaders on this pitching staff.”

Senior Nick Schmiemeier is another starting pitcher who’ll be one of the keys to Oakville’s success this season. He went 5-4 last year with a 2.10 ERA and a team-leading 56 strikeouts.

“Nick’s got good velocity,” Sturm said. “When he’s in full control of his pitches, he can be a dominant pitcher.”

But one of the biggest successes last season on the mound for the Tigers was senior Bryan Doyle, who appeared in 15 games. Doyle racked up a 5-0 record and a 2.88 ERA, primarily in relief work,

“Bryan’s a real weapon to bring out of the bullpen,” Sturm said. “The more that you use him, the better he is.”

Anchoring first base for Oakville this season is senior Dan Chambliss, who batted .349 with 21 RBI last year.

“Dan put up some good numbers for us last year,” Sturm said. “He’s worked hard and has made some big improvements since last season.”

Senior shortstop Drew Stanton will help solidify the infield after batting .391 with 26 RBI.

“This is Drew’s third year on the varsity and he’s started at three different positions,” Sturm said. “He’s like our (Jose) Oquendo, the secret weapon.”

At third base is Brett Holloway, who held down a .299 batting average with 12 RBI and five stolen bases.

“Brett’s really caught my eye these last few weeks,” Sturm said. “He’s really been swinging the bat well.”

Right fielder Drew Levi and left fielder Tyler Mischel are the Tigers’ best long-ball threats. Both led Oakville with three home runs last season. Levi batted .329 last season with 14 RBI and five stolen bases.

“Drew’s got the best bat speed of anyone on the team,” Sturm said. “Everyone stops to watch him take batting practice.”

Mischel carried a .416 batting average during the 2008 season with 16 RBI.

“Tyler was going to be our left fielder, but they found some bone chips in his elbow, so he’s going to be our DH,” Sturm said. “He’ll also see time at first base when Chambliss is on the mound.”

Other seniors to keep an eye on are Matt Noblitt, Andy Knoll and Ben Smith.

The Tigers will travel to Chaminade to play the Red Devils at 4:15 p.m. Friday in the first round of the McCluer Tournament.