The NOC Mavs open the 2024 baseball season Friday as the Mavs host Iowa Lakes in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.

NOC Tonkawa, under new head coach Michael Keeran, finished last season with a 39-20 record.

Keeran said he is excited for the 2024 season.

"We've got a competitive bunch who won't shy away from anyone," Keeran said.  "This group has some tenacity to them and they never shy away from competition and that is important because we face a tough schedule this season."

Keeran said the strength of the '24 Mavs is their offense.

"I think the strength of our team is our offense," he said.  "Matt Stancliff was an honorable mention All-American.  Landen Johnson is a D1 commit, Ethan Rossi was at a D1 last year. All three of those players had huge falls. We still have some ongoing position battles on the offensive side but we have a lot of offensive potential."

Keeran's squad is a young group with just two returning starters in the field and one on the mound.

"It's a new looking group but they are hungry."

The schedule for the 2024 Mavs is a daunting one.

"Region 2 is one of the toughest in the country and our non-conference schedule with Iowa Lakes, Dallas Brookhaven both receiving votes in the pre-season poll and Pratt is a tough one.  It's challenging but our guys are not shying away from it."

The tentative lineup for the Mavs is catcher Blade Carver, first baseman Landen Johnson, second baseman Matt Stancliff, shortstop Elijah Laus, and third baseman Luke Shannahan.  The outfield is a combination of Ethan Rossi, Larry Edwards, Jr., Nakni Anna, and Ethan Starks.  The designated hitter will be Cade Boyer and Daniel Yardley.  Others in the mix include Ricky Requejo, Blayke Nunn, Jackson Somerville, and Carson Taylor.

On the mound, Caleb Lunnon, Brendon Carter, Logan Taylor, and Landon Flusche are in the starting rotation with Nakni Anna and David Brown set to be the closers.   Cale Schroeder, Liam Mckinney and Sean Hammett are also set to play important roles for the pitching staff.

Keeran replaces Ryan Bay who took a similar position at NOC Enid.