After many years of being a powerful threat in Class 5A baseball, the Taylorsville Warriors decided to let others have a chance at a state title last season. Up until 2009, the Warriors baseball program was one that you didn't want to come across during the season. In the last three out of four seasons, the Warriors dominated their region and took that dominance into the state tournaments.

Last season, however, Warriors took the quiet road. They had a nice but unspectacular 9-6 region record and a 13-13 overall mark. But even with a subpar year, they managed to make it to the third round of the state tournament and showed that, even in off years, they are a force to be reckoned with.

So as we enter the new season, the Warriors are greeted with a new addition to the team: head coach Jake Brown.

"Jake has brought back the old-style Taylorsville baseball," said Taylorsville athletic director, Ken Rasmussen. "We have a very young team this year and I am very impressed at how Jake has gotten these kids to work harder than what I have seen in the past."

As with many sports, with youth comes growing pains. Looking to the future is what the Warriors are doing now. What happened in the past, stays there. Even though the season has just started, the future is bright for these young players. Work now, and down the road, reap the benefits.

Hillcrest softball

After a disappointing last season, the Huskies are looking for redemption. After an 0-14 season last year, there is only one direction to go: up.

There are many girls on this Huskies team that are hoping to play at the collegiate level. But that talent has to coalesce into something better this season.

"We need to be the team we know we are," said coach John Flores. "Our team motto is, 'Together we are better,' and that is how we will play."

Together is a key component of this team. The girls spent a lot of time last summer playing softball together, joining summer leagues, conditioning and creating a better work ethic. No selfishness, backing each other up on the field, and sacrificing by diving for ball and getting that scratch or bruise. Think of it as a battle scar to show off how close of a crew you really are.

Most of these girls have been playing together since they were freshmen. They have molded together to create a family bond. Most of them have even played varsity since they were freshmen. The assistant coach, Jackie Peterson said that they are closer than ever now, and have gained a lot of experience since last year.

"Losing makes them stick together. They learn to not be individuals and work together," said Peterson.