Van Buren and the pitching staff keep Hanahan in the playoff picture

He has good reason to think ahead to next year when a dream is realized. But for now, Hanahan High School pitcher Malcolm Van Buren is grounded in the present as the Hawks make one final push toward a Region 8-AAA championship.

“I just take it one day at a time,” said Van Buren, who is signed, sealed but not yet delivered to North Carolina State. “I always focus on what is in front of me, right now. By doing that, I stay focused.”

One day, and it’s just a matter of when, Van Buren will be pitching in the elite ACC in front of television cameras and frenzied fans. The pressure will test the strongest man’s knees and soul.

“The way I see it, I will see some great talent,” Van Buren said. “Not only on other teams, but NC State as well. Once I get up there, I have to compete every day. I have to make some serious preparations. I will have to bring my A-Game every day.”

That’s what Van Buren has done every day this spring for the Hawks, who were 14-5, including 7-2 in Region 8-AAA heading into Wednesday’s game against Berkeley. The Stags were 8-1 entering the showdown, so the Hawks needed a win to grab a share of the region title.

Then, the playoffs loom.

Van Buren’s contribution has been six quality starts. He owns a 5-1 record and a 1.10 ERA. He’s pitched 31 innings and has recorded 47 strikeouts.

He was just as effective last spring as a junior when Van Buren posted a 4-1 record and a 2.38 ERA. He pitched 32 innings and allowed only 15 hits while striking out 46.

There have been occasions when coach Brian Mitchell might have worried a time or two about a senior being motivated and not distracted. That’s not the case with Van Buren. The stakes are high and the work ethic is strong.

"He’s such a grounded person,” Mitchell said of Van Buren, who also is a standout travel ball player in the summer. “He just goes about his business. He’s a team player and he does his part. He knows his role, and we’ve been successful because of that.”

Van Buren is part of a deep and talented pitching staff. Low ERAs are the norm. That’s why the Hawks have had success. Hitting is why they haven’t had more success.

“We have had some very good efforts from our pitchers,” Mitchell said. “Hitting is the problem. If we can scrape three runs across the plate, we have a chance.”

Van Buren has been strong all season. He wants his team to challenge for the Class AAA state championship when the playoffs commence April 28.

“For us as a team, the strength is pitching,” Van Buren said. “We have two or three other good starters and I have confidence in the relievers. We have some pitchers who like to come out there and take control of the game. We just have to hit the ball.”