Comets prepare to defend state title

Jack Mendelsohn | The Chronicle

After finishing the 2024 season with a 28-6 overall record, winning the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) championship and claiming the Division I state title, Mason Comets Baseball is back. With a strong core of returning players and high expectations, the Comets are ready to defend their title and build on last season’s success. The team is counting on its younger, more experienced players to set the tone this season because many of last year’s players have graduated. New faces will also need to step up as the Comets look to blend veteran leadership with their new talent to stay at the top. As a returning player, junior Ben Hanley said he embraces the challenge of guiding the next wave of Comets. “Last year’s run was special, but we know it’s time to shift our focus to doing it again,” Hanley said. “As someone who got to be part of that experience, I want to help lead our team and show some of our younger guys what Mason Baseball is all about.” As the Comets look to defend their state title, they face the challenge of balancing leadership from seasoned veterans with fresh talent to maintain their championship-level status. Mason Baseball Head Coach Curt Bly believes the team has risen to this challenge so far. “I think we have guys who are embracing the opportunity to fill the shoes of the guys who graduated,” Bly said. “The group is definitely different, but these guys are definitely ready to step up not only on the field but also as leaders of our team.” Looking ahead, the Comets know that repeating their state championship will not be easy. With a target on their backs, Mason is focused on staying grounded and taking the season one game at a time. The players understand that last year’s success does not guarantee anything this spring, but with the right work ethic, they believe they have what it takes to make another deep run. Being the defending champion also means Mason will get every opponent’s best shot. Bly said he knows that their team will be challenged with the best high school players, but they are ready to embrace it. Bly said it is important for the team to stay focused and prepared for the challenges they will face this season. “I think that anytime someone will get an opportunity to play us, we’re going to get their best,” Bly said. “But you know, as a team, we have had this reputation for a while, and it’s something that we have sort of become accustomed to.” Part of maintaining their championship mindset goes beyond what happens on the field — it also requires building strong relationships and trust within the team. For Mason, creating that bond has become just as important as their daily preparation and hard work. One way the Comets have continued to strengthen their connection is through team book studies, a unique approach that helps players grow closer while developing leadership and trust. Senior Ben Brandon said that throughout his Mason baseball career, these book studies have played a key role in fostering a strong sense of unity and a winning mindset. “The book studies definitely give us a chance to reflect on us as a team,” Brandon said. “It’s about developing as individuals and as teammates, and this makes our team as a whole stronger both on and off the field.” Each season, the Comets have dedicated their book studies to a different theme, with this year’s focus being leadership. Given the loss of many key players from the class of 2024, the team felt that leadership was the most important lesson to emphasize this year. To guide their focus, they are studying the book Extreme Ownership, written by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, which emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility and leading by example. “After losing so many key players last year, I think leadership is something that we need to focus on more than ever,” Brandon said. “I feel like it has helped our whole team understand the importance of being a leader and taking accountability.” Ultimately, the Comet’s season is not just about defending their state title or their GMC title, it is about improving as a team, growing individually, and building connections with their teammates. “We know that every year is going to have its challenges,” Hanley said. “We aren’t just focused on all of the titles; it’s about growing as a team, and I think if we do that, the titles will follow.” Photo by Preena Mehta Junior pitcher Ben Hanley pitches in Mason’s home opener against Princeton on Wednesday, April 2. Comets prepare to defend state title