It was apparent early on that an illustrious prep baseball career potentially awaited Brandon Moeller.Sparks of success his freshman year resulted in a varsity starting role as a sophomore, driven strongly by natural ability and a pure passion for the game.But just how good Moeller could be depended strongly upon how much time and effort he was willing to commit to the sport.Two years later, heading into his senior season, one glance at the quiet, blue-collar leader implies he has pushed himself to excel.Moeller made a decision to slim down, dropping about 20 pounds after he topped 200 pounds as a sophomore.“My freshman year I was kind of chubby,” acknowledged Moeller. “I noticed I wasn’t making as many plays as other guys. I figured I needed to get faster and more agile so I could make those plays.”The fruits of his labor have been noticeable both on the diamond and the basketball court, and Moeller’s coaches have taken notice.“He understands the importance of buying into the process,” said Coach Eric Burle. “His leadership is a product of his work ethic and the younger guys respect that.”With just a few months remaining in his high school career, Moeller is excited to start the final chapter.“I’m anxious to get rolling, coming off the finish we had last year,” said Moeller, referring to the Warriors’ second-place finishes in both the district championship and GAC Conference race.Moeller will split time on the mound with junior Ben Stephens as one of the Warriors’ top two pitchers. Last season he tossed just under 40 innings, sporting a 3.71 ERA. Moeller struck out 40 batters and walked 17.“On the mound I hope to win some more games than last year,” said Moeller, who went 4-4 as a junior.He is excited and also a little eager to play shortstop, a position which will be completely new for a kid who has played baseball since the age of eight.“This will be a new experience, so I’m hoping I can make the plays,” quipped Moeller.Burle says Moeller and Stephens will be a 1-A, 1-B package, alternating starts.“Brandon has got a good breaking pitch,” said Burle. “His curve ball is probably one of his stronger pitches.”Moeller has spent considerable time in the offseason fine-tuning his skill, playing for the Prospects select team over the summer.“My curve ball has gotten better in terms of accuracy,” said Moeller. “I can spot it better. My movement has always been there, but now I can throw it where I want. My change up is better too.”Moeller says little compares to the feeling of having control on the mind and hurling a strikeout. And for him, success at the plate has been frequent as well.Last season he batted .333 with 19 hits and a team-best 14 RBIs, as one of the Warriors’ strongest arms.“Offensively, he was kind of a surprise,” said Burle. “His offense is really what has come along. He doesn’t seem to be a guy who gets too high or too low.”Moeller has aspirations of playing at the next level, eyeing an education at Truman State. But he is yet to receive an offer from the baseball program.In the meantime, his focus is on helping Warrenton complete its resurgence and hang a district banner in the gym.“What we’ve been able to accomplish the past few years is cool, because sadly a lot of Warrenton teams are accustomed to losing, but my class has been able to gradually improve over the years,” said Moeller.BRANDON MOELLERDerrick Forsythe Photo.