As the 2012 season got under way, the Statesboro baseball squad knew it was going to need solid leadership from its upperclassmen.
    The Blue Devils struggled mightily in 2011, but seniors like Kendrick Thompson have risen to the challenge as SHS is off to a 6-4 start.
    “We just had to step it up,” Thompson said. “We have a lot of guys back from last year. We also have some good younger guys that we’re trying to help improve.”
    Thompson has done a great job of leading by example over the last week. Monday night, Thompson went 3-for-3 with two clutch RBIs against Southeast Bulloch. With the Devils clinging to a 9-6 lead late, Thompson was summoned to the pitchers mound, where he recorded the save.
    Tuesday, Thompson drove in three more runs on doubles in the first and second innings of a 12-2 win over Screven County.
    “I’m just seeing things really well,” Thompson said of his hot bat. “We’ve played well the last couple of games. We just need to keep it up.”
    Statesboro will try to keep its winning streak going Friday as it hosts Lakeside in Region 2-AAAA play.