The goals coach Jeff Plympton Jr. has set for his King Philip baseball team don’t line up with the program losing 12 seniors, many of whom were starters last year on a squad that finished 20-5 and ended its season in the Division 1 Final Four.

Rebuilding’ isn’t part of Plympton’s vocabulary.

“Our prime objective is to improve daily,’’ he said. “That will enable our new starters to be prepared for the playoffs. “We’ll also strive to win the Hockomock League’s Kelly-Rex Division championship and go as deep as possible in the state tourney.’’

A variety of team strengths no doubt provides Plympton with a dose of optimism.

“We’ve got depth (nine returnees and three starters),’’ he noted. “And, we’re athletic, skilled and versatile. As the season moves along, I think we’ll be able to include experience as a strength.’’

Plympton, who’s in his sixth year at the helm, has guided the Warriors into the playoffs in all five of his previous seasons, and in 2022 and 2023 his squads advanced to the state final where KP bowed to Milton on both occasions.

So far, after five games this year, the Warriors are 4-1 and Plympton is pleased that his squad has meshed so quickly. “Our team chemistry is good,’’ he said. “We’ve jelled nicely and our new players have adjusted well. A big plus has been our senior leadership.’’

The Warriors’ senior captains — catcher Leo Dowling and centerfielder Johnny Prater — represent another strength. Both are four-year veterans.

“Leo is an all-around captain, leading by example and being supportive and communicative,’’ Plympton said. “He calls a game effectively, knowing when to get a timeout to calm down a pitcher. He’s solid on defense, has a strong arm and is a capable line-drive hitter whose batting average after five games was .455.

“Johnny leads by example and also is supportive of his teammates. His defense is great. He’s got amazing speed and great range, which enables him to read the ball quickly and get a good jump. He’s one of the best centerfielders I’ve coached.’

Pitching has become a plus in the early going for the Warriors. Senior Jacoby Cady, junior Matty Labriola and senior Zach Gebhard form the starting rotation. 

“Jacoby throws a fastball, curve and change-up,’’ Plympton said. “A right-hander, he thrives as an off-speed pitcher. Last year he had two starts and in 15 innings he had a 2-1 record and an E.R.A of 1.34. After our first five games this season, he’s got a 2-1 record and an E.R.A of 2.10. He’s mentally tough and will join the Marine Corps after graduation.’’

Labriola, who’s 1-0, and Gebhard are competitive in the No. 2 and No. 3 slots.

“A right-hander, Matty has good velocity (85 mph) on his fastball,’’ Plympton offered. “He’s got good movement on his curve and also throws a change-up. Zach, who played quarterback in football, relies on a fastball and a knuckle-curve. His velocity is good and he’s mentally tough.’’ 

The Warriors’ infield is comprised of juniors Ryan Marrone (first base) and second baseman Collin Hasenfus; sophomore Cooper Sisti at shortstop; and Cady at third base when he’s not pitching. 

“Ryan is versatile,’’ Plympton noted. “He played shortstop when he was on the jayvees. A left-handed, line-drive hitter, he’s got a smooth swing and he’s also a smooth fielder who learns quickly. Collin is a high-energy player who’s like a sparkplug. A very capable fielder, he’s aggressive at the plate (batting .500 through five games.)

“Cooper is athletic and is our most versatile player, able to compete at any infield or outfield position. Aggressive at the plate, his speed is exceptional and he had a .400 batting average after five games. Cady makes key plays at third and is a quality fielder who’s got a capable arm.’’

Nick Broughton plays left field and can also pitch but a sore elbow has kept him out of the rotation. “Nick has good range, is fast and covers lots of ground,’’ Plympton said. “Nick will get healthy and help us on the mound later. Prater’s experience and speed give him good command of the outfield.’’

Senior Brady Herlin, a three-year veteran, is playing right field. “Brady has the most speed and the strongest arm of our outfielders,’’ Plympton said. “He’s very athletic, which enables him to get a good read on the trajectory of the ball. He’s improved as a line-drive hitter and his speed helps him to steal bases.’’

KP will continue to employ a ‘small-ball’ style on offense. “We’ve had success advancing runners,’’ Plympton said. “Whether it’s by bunting, stealing bases or relying on a hit-and-run approach. It’s a style that’s paid dividends in the past.’’

Plympton’s staff is a group he calls “dedicated and committed to success.’’ They include varsity assistants Tim Hartwell and his father, Jeff Plympton Sr., jayvee coach Jason Connelly, and freshman coach Sean Birch.

A native of Wrentham who played two varsity seasons of baseball at KP, the 32-year-old Plympton relies on a competitive philosophy that stresses reaching one’s potential and enjoying athletic competition.

“When those things occur, winning will be the by-product,’’ he emphasized. “And valuable life lessons can be learned in sports, like being prepared, working hard and overcoming adversity. Sports also help players set goals and become leaders and I want our athletes to respect others, respect the game and be role models.’’

Plympton, who was a criminal justice major at Plymouth State, has a master’s degree in education from Fitchburg State.

Another facet of Plympton’s philosophy is his A-C-E approach. “The letters stand for achieving in the classroom, competing 100 percent on the field and exceeding expectations on and off the field,’’ he said. 

The baseball program at KP has had coaches and players who built a winning tradition in the past. Plympton has been a key in maintaining the Warriors’ top-notch tradition and he intends to keep solidifying that asset. 

KP’s 2026 squad may be young and lack varsity experience, but don’t discount them. They’re well-coached and eager to learn. And, their 4-1 start is an indication that rebuilding will not define them.