WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The Laney Buccaneers are two wins away from their first baseball state championship since 2010.

Laney opens a best-of-three series Friday night at 8 p.m. against T. C. Roberson High School out of Asheville. The second game will be Saturday at 2 p.m. and the third game, if necessary, at 8 p.m. The two teams are facing off in Burlington.

After two straight losing seasons, the Buccaneers have already notched one of the best seasons in school history, winning 25 games, the Mideastern Conference and the 4A regional title. Players said they’re entering the series with the same underdog mentality they’ve had all year.

“People didn’t think really highly of us coming into the year, and people respect us now,” senior Jack Holliman said. “It would mean a lot to bring a ring back.”

Bucs’ players said they’re staying relaxed and not feeling the pressure of the moment.

“We’re capable of taking on anyone,” said senior TJ Ziermann. “I think we’re the best team in the state.”

Ziermann has been a pivotal part of Laney’s season, leading the team with a .444 batting average and a 1.08 ERA, according to MaxPreps.

He said a key difference between this year and past seasons has been team chemistry. Players have spent more time with each other outside of baseball, playing poker and hanging out by the pool, which has helped on the field.

“We are all like brothers,” sophomore Carston Wedemeyer. “We are all very, very close. And we are all very prepared for this moment.”

Laney will be the underdog in the series. The Rams have won back-to-back 4A state titles, but players are confident they’ll be able to compete.

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