This season, the message is simple: no turning back.

The Homewood Flossmoor baseball team has had a solid season so far with a record of 11-9 as of May 4, according to MaxPreps. They started off the season on a five game winning streak including a nice win against Mt. Carmel. But, the team dealt with injuries to key players including senior starting pitcher Henry Humes, sophomore pitcher and first baseman Brock Hamilton and junior third baseman Ashton Jones which is a big reason as to why the team suffered a four game losing streak and has lost six of their last seven games, they are currently trying to get back on track and perform at the best they can.

As the season started, expectations were already high for this year’s team.

With a mix of returning talent, strong leadership and a renewed focus on mental toughness, the group believes it has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

“Our expectation is to win the conference,” head coach Marcus Rodgers said. “And to make a run for the state championship.”

That confidence doesn’t come from just talent alone. According to Rodgers, the biggest difference this season has been the team’s mentality.

“For us, it’s been our mindset,” Rodgers explained. “We have the roster to play with anybody, but in the past, we lacked that mental toughness. This year, we’re showing up, fighting, and we’re playing well.”

That mental edge is showing up across the roster, including in players stepping into bigger roles.

Hamilton made a major impact early in the season before his injury, helping the team offensively with a .400 BA and a 1.064 OPS and helping on the mound.

Although Hamilton has only 3 innings pitched, he’s given up no runs or hits and has struck out five of the ten batters he’s faced.

And his character may have something to do with his success on the mound.

“You don’t hear anyone say anything bad about him; everybody loves him,” Rodgers said. “That shows just how outstanding [Hamilton] is as a person.”

Another key contributor has been junior outfielder Jalen Webb, who earned his role through effort, consistency and pure hard work.

Rodgers stated, “I didn’t have him as a starter at first, but he just kept outworking everyone.” “He’s come up huge for us in big moments.”

Webb has set clear goals for himself while also staying focused on the bigger picture.

“Personally, I want to win the conference as a team and earn all-conference for myself,” Webb said. “I think I can improve my defense a little more, but offensively and on the bases, I feel good.

But his confidence doesn’t just come from skill and natural talent; it comes from preparation and training.

Webb said, “I stay confident by trusting my coaches and my training.” “I work really hard, so I know I’ve done enough to be confident and be the player I want to be.”

The team is also led by senior pitcher Humes, a Northwestern commit who has been a steady force on the mound.

Through his first several appearances, Humes has logged over 25 innings with a 2.48 ERA and 38 strikeouts, giving the team a reliable presence in big games.

This mindset is shared by teammate junior infielder Ashton Jones, who has also taken a big step forward this season.

“One of my personal goals is to hit .400 on the season, and right now I’m close to that, so I’m proud of myself for that,” Jones said. “As a team, we want to win more than 20 games and show how good we can be.”

Jones emphasized the importance of staying confident and prepared during tough stretches. “I stay confident by trusting the work I’ve put in,” he stated. “Even when things aren’t going my way, I know I’ll bounce back.”

That mindset also plays a role in how the team supports each other throughout the season.

“We communicate and hold each other accountable,” Jones expressed. “That way, when mistakes happen, we don’t fall apart, we stay together and keep pushing forward.”

Accountability has helped build strong chemistry, something both the coach and players see as a difference-maker.

“Our chemistry has been off the charts,” Rodgers explained. “These guys have known each other since they were little. They push each other, and they’re good teammates.”

The team has gone through many ups and downs this season and because of the downs, the team is hoping to have some younger players step up to the plate to fill those roles that the veterans can’t until those stars return.

Until then, Rodgers has only one thing to tell his talented group of athletes, “Burn the boats, we can’t retread, we can only go forward.”