Q&A: Justin Evertz

The Class A Legion Baseball State Tournament MVP sits down with the Lake County Leader for an interview...

L: How did you feel about this season and about the Mission Valley Mariners' secondplace finish at the state tournament?

J: Overall, we had a pretty successful season. We started off pretty hot winning four of the five tournaments we were in. Then during the last two weeks coming into districts, we kind of went cold and didn't play like the team we knew we were capable of. But coming into state by not earning a spot, we knew we had something to prove and came to play with full intensity. At the time, we felt like we let ourselves down not winning it but after it was all over we came to realize the position we were in and how big of a task it was to get there. We were extremely proud of our accomplishment.

L: In the state tournament against Belgrade you threw a no-hitter. Did you know you were throwing a no-hitter? Did any of your teammates talk to you about it?

J: During the Belgrade game, I had no idea that I had thrown a no-hitter until 15 min. after the game when everyone was congratulating me. We learned earlier in the season not to even talk about a no-hitter during the game, because in a previous game someone said something about a kid having a no-hitter and next pitch, a ball was hit in the 3-4 hole for a single.

L: You're recovery time in between pitching starts improved greatly this year from the last. What work did you do?

J: In the off-season, I started to lift and run after school to strengthen and condition my body. Towards the end

of the season at tournament time, I would have my mom or Janet (Jake Young's mom) rub down my shoulder after I threw. But the biggest change was the amount I ran between starts. It really helped my arm recover 1-2 days faster than normal.

L: Along with playing baseball, you're also a standout tennis player. How did you feel about your senior year of tennis and do you think that got you ready for baseball season?

J: My senior year of tennis was a blast. It's a sport I play just because I love to play it. We had a very fun team and set of coaches this year that really supported me if I had games or practices on the same days. I believe it also was a pretty good way to keep my arm loose and in shape in the off-season.

L: Do you have a favorite memory from the season or anything like that, something you wont forget?

J: Well for me, I won't ever forget the nohitter that I threw in the state tournament, but when I look back on the season, I will always remember the game we had in Hamilton when we came out and won 18-4 and finished the nine-inning game in seven.

L: What are your future plans?

J: I am attending Montana State University-Billings to play baseball, which I am extremely excited for.