MOSES LAKE — Now in year two of its return, the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions are preparing for another season on the diamond.

“We had our first year last year after a hiatus of about five years,” Head Coach C.J. Cheatwood said. “They brought back the program and asked me to head it up.”

The Lions earned the No. 3 seed in the Central Washington 1B league tournament, something Cheatwood said exceeded the first-year expectations.

“We did pretty good,” Cheatwood said. “We finished, in league, 7-7 or 7-8. Had a really positive year, being the first year back and a small school and having quite a few players who had never really played baseball before or hadn’t played in a while. We kind of exceeded our expectations and won quite a few games.”

Four players graduated from last year’s roster, but the Lions have a solid core of five returning starters to the field this season.

“Especially with the returners, we’re hoping to build some steam with them,” Cheatwood said. “What they learned and hopefully can teach to the younger kids because we have quite a few younger kids. (Teach them) what we learned and the whole mindset of what we’re expecting the kids to continue on with this year, and hopefully go a little bit deeper in the playoffs.”

Those returning players will also help show younger players what it’s like to lead the team in future seasons.

“They went through it last year; they understand what the coaches, myself and the other coaches, are trying to bring forth on the team. Not only on a playing level but on a life level … it’s nice to have some leadership come back and help out with that.”

Throughout the early-season practices, Cheatwood said the attentiveness of the players during practices has been a standout.

“Their willingness to commit to what we’re trying to teach,” Cheatwood said of what had stood out about the team. “They go out there and they’re deadset on trying to accomplish the goal. They understand the goals, they’re good listeners. ... It’s healthy and good to see that.”

As the Lions progress through the early weeks of the regular season, Cheatwood said he hopes to see a sense of unity between the players on the field.

“I’m hoping to see some camaraderie, first of all,” Cheatwood said. “It’s always good when you have a team that’s willing to work together, not just on the field, but off the field too. It goes hand in hand, if they can gel off the field then it’ll be a lot easier when they’re on the field.”

Being a 1B school, many of the players have also spent time with one another during the fall and winter sports seasons through boys soccer and basketball.

“(MLCA/CCS) has a pretty good basketball program, and quite a few guys played basketball. They were able to have a pretty productive year, so with that, hopefully, carry over to the baseball field with the camaraderie and ability to communicate. Different sport, but same concept.”

Ian Bivona can be reached via email at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.