Gilbert Christian was undefeated and one win away from playing in the state championship last season. Coach Bob Hershey’s question for his team is how will they respond?

“There are always going to things you can’t control that happen in games,” Hershey said. “But it’s how you will respond to it, are we going to be like everyone else or are we going to stand for something?”

Gilbert Christian’s first game is on Friday at home against American Leadership Academy.

They only have three seniors on the roster, which is equal to the number of sophomores on the team.

“Obviously it’s going to be a different season,” senior Justin Carr said. “But were still looking forward to a good year.”

Gilbert Christian is focusing on bonding as a team and outworking its opponents.

“I think what separates us from most teams is that we started way earlier than most teams with our first practice in August,” Carr said. “We also just got back from a retreat which most teams don't do.”

Getting back to the semifinals is a tall task but not Gilbert Christian’s immediate goal.

“This year our goal is to become considerably more mature come may,” Hershey said. “We work a lot on mental toughness, we want our 17- to 18-year-old guys to be seen as men.”

The Knights focus on bettering themselves as teammates first and then dialing in on the talent aspect of the sport.

“We focus a lot on loving each other, having a real brotherhood and just doing the right thing,” Hershey said.

Winning is the ultimate barometer but Hershey does not stress statistics.

"We really want to be the team that when people see us play and how we act they admire us on and off the field,” Hershey said.

There is upside to having a young roster with the majority of players returning for another season.

“These younger guys still have one or two more years,” senior Taylor Mayfield said. “We want to make their season the best we can so they continue to do what they love.”

For Hershey, baseball comes second to school.

“A big thing these kids are learning from this program is that when they are in school they are in school,” Hershey said, “we don't want them distracted, but when they are on the baseball field they need to focus on only baseball.”