The Shadow
Hunter DePriest.
That’s it. That’s the story.
Well, technically, it’s not, but it could be.
DePriest, a football, basketball, and baseball player for the Alleghany Mountaineers, has had about as good of a season on the diamond thus far that a player can have. He unofficially (sort of officially) holds the school record for triples in a season, has thrown a no-hitter on the pitcher’s mound and has led his teammates by example all season long.
However, none of it is surprising for the junior who has played since he was eight years old because DePriest spends his free time working on his hitting or doing throwing workouts. Occasionally, he will make time for his friends and family which are obviously very important to him as well.
DePriest is a true athlete. He loves each sport he plays in their own way and finds it hard to pick which one he likes the most, but he does love at least one thing the most about each of them.
“One of my favorite things about baseball is pitching. Since the beginning, I take pride in my pitching and what it’s become because it’s made me into the ballplayer I am today,” DePriest said.
“Football is probably being a wide receiver because it’s just a good feeling when you get a good block and see your running back go for a touchdown or catching a ball over someone for a touchdown. Basketball is probably dunking because of the dunk sessions with your teammates, and also getting the opportunity to get an in-game dunk,” he explained.
With it being baseball season currently, DePriest just loves the game and works at it in all aspects.
“I like pitching and hitting. I make pitching more of a priority and work at it more, but I do a lot of hitting work even after practice is over,” DePriest stated.
With not only his own talent but his teammates’ as well, there is a good chance that the top ranked team in Virginia 2A could run the table and put a new trophy in their case at some point this summer.
“I think the state championship is achievable, but it all starts in practice and staying locked on drills and getting the most out of everything we do,” DePriest said.
“Also playing as a team, and if we can do that, then I have no doubt that we can beat anybody we play,” he continued.
Each Alleghany player has raved about how their coaching staff truly works hard and sets great examples for the players, and DePriest was quick to confirm those words.
“The coaches do a lot for us, and I couldn’t thank them enough. They have definitely been one of the biggest helps through my career. They also have a plan ready before practice to have us work hard and get us ready for games, and they are even getting us ready for that next level,” DePriest said.
With unfinished business this year, DePriest wants to make sure he stays on the course he has laid out for himself in the classroom, and his team on the field.
“My main focus is to continue to keep my grades up and finish out this season strong and prepare for states,” he reiterated.
And with all that on his plate, it can be tough to look ahead to the future, but with what is happening with consolidating the schools next season, DePriest admittedly said it has crossed his mind.
“I’m looking forward to next year because I’ll be a senior. As far as the consolidation, I think it will make us better not only in baseball, but other sports as well,” he said.
Will that make him work harder?
“I will continue to work in the offseason on my pitching and hopefully be even better next year for my senior year of baseball,” DePriest finished.
