For Will Stackhouse, it has been all about confidence.

The Northampton junior third baseman admittedly was a bit apprehensive when he was among a handful of sophomores who broke into the Konkrete Kids' starting lineup last season. Although he had a good season, Stackhouse knew he had to take a different mental approach for the next season.

This year, Stackhouse has shaken any anxiety and has been among the Kids' leading hitters and run producers all season. His contributions have been integral to the Kids' heightened presence in the East Penn Conference (EPC) this season.

After a pair of consecutive .500 seasons, Northampton has already clinched a district playoff spot and also have punched a ticket to the EPC playoffs. The Kids began the week with an overall 12-7 mark.

Stackhouse certainly has enjoyed the ride.

"Last year as a sophomore, we were all trying to fit in," recalled Stackhouse. "There was about four or five of us as well as some other younger guys. This year, we have been really focused.

"I can step into the batter's box knowing I can get a hit this year. Last year, I wasn't totally sure. I didn't expect to get a hit. It was a bit intimidating when I got some time my first year and then last year.

"But we are on a roll this year. We had a big winning streak and we have some great chemistry right now."

Stackhouse has been the Kids' number four hitter for the majority of the time this season, and has led the team in RBIs. He also consistently has kept his average above the .350 mark. Stackhouse also has started every game at third since last season. In addition, Stackhouse has thrown eight innings and has a 1-1 mark.

"He's a great kid who plays the game the right way every day," said Kids' manager Mick Sugra. "He's been very consistent and level-headed through the highs and lows for us offensively and defensively over the past two seasons.

"He is just a great young man and baseball player."

Stackhouse did dedicate himself to work on his hitting and fielding during the offseason.

"I wanted to work on my hitting and my swing," he said. "I worked on all of mechanics of hitting. I just didn't want to go through the motions. I really wanted to be more aggressive up there."

Stackhouse believed his team was fortunate to have use of a new, massive indoor batting cage in the schools' gym that has paid some dividends and helped the Kids avoid the late-winter weather that hampered other team's progress.

"Our pitchers were able to throw live batting practice and we had room," he said. The only problem was the fielding as you can't get a true hop. But we had the chance to experience the same effect of hitting outdoors.

"It also raised all of our confidence levels and helped get us to a good start."

With the Kids' raised identity this spring, Stackhouse expects this season to be an extended one.

"For us to be where we are right now has been a great accomplishment for all of us," he stated. "It would be disappointing if we are knocked out of the postseason early. We know we can go deep into the playoffs.

"I just want to go out there every day and do whatever I can to help this team win."

So far, Stackhouse has left little evidence of an argument to the contrary.