South Point's Lineberger named Gazette coach of the year

South Point didn't have many baseball players this season, but Jason Lineberger got the most of out of them.

Despite facing depth issues from the beginning, Lineberger led the Red Raiders to an early clinch of the Big South 3A/4A Conference title and picks up today's honor as Gazette coach of the year.

"This was one of the hardest working teams we've ever had and they were great to be around," Lineberger said. "It made it fun."

South Point went 11-1 in the Big South and won its first 10 league games to remove any drama from the title race. The Red Raiders finished 17-7 overall after a second-round 3A state playoff loss to North Buncombe.

The season began with uncertainty, however, as the Red Raiders lost pitcher Chris Harkey and outfielder Jacob Painter to injury. Spencer Wiles, another expected heavy contributor, missed much of the season with an injury of his own. As a result, South Point dressed out only 12 to 13 players each game - and young players at that. The roster included only two seniors that dressed out, one of whom started (catcher Lincoln Willis).

Lineberger said the team made up for a lack of player depth with a wealth of coaches. He added Scott Lee and Larry Harris to a staff that already included Rob Ratchford, Mickey Lineberger (Jason's dad and South Point's previous head coach) and Phil Cherry.

The Red Raiders won despite averaging a modest 4.9 runs per game.

"I thought we did a great job defensively all year and even though we didn't score a whole lot of runs, we found ways to win," Lineberger said. "That's just a tribute to our players and how well they executed."

Junior shortstop Ryan Huneycutt gave Lineberger his credit.

"There's no doubt he works us harder than any other coach in the state," Huneycutt said. "But he makes it where we have fun."

You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.