By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

The future is bright.

While it was a disappointing day for the Callaway Cavaliers, whose season ended with a 13-5 loss to Benedictine in the semifinals of the Class AA state playoffs, they could at least take some solace in knowing that the prospects for the 2019 season are promising.

Callaway loses four seniors, three of whom were starters, but everyone else will be coming back.

“We’ve got some good guys coming back, and some eighth-graders that will come in and help us, too,” Callaway head coach Dusty Hubbard said. “So I’m excited.”

Among the players coming back is sophomore Wesley Marchman, who established himself as a legitimate ace this season.

In round two of the playoffs, Marchman threw nine phenomenal innings in a 2-1 victory over Thomasville.

Also coming back are Walt Stewart, Dawson Wright and Austin Barber, who all pitched in the playoffs.

Among the position players, there will be a lot of returnees as well, including first baseman Braelin Mitchell, who hit three home runs in the playoffs.

Also coming back is shortstop Drake Wade, who was terrific from the leadoff position all season long.

Marchman, who played third base when he wasn’t pitching, will return, as will versatile infielder Bryce Kurian, who has played second base and third base.

Other key contributors who’ll be coming back include Trent Sheppard, Brooks Bledsoe, Jabari Smith, Destin Patrick and Austin Cardwell.

Hubbard’s hope is that next year’s team will have the same never-give-up mentality that this group had.

“The biggest thing is, if you can instill in them the will to win, that’s the biggest thing,” Hubbard said. “It’s tough to beat somebody that doesn’t quit.”