The Houston Tigers enjoyed a 14-9 season last year and tied for second place in the South Central Association Conference after a stretch of losing seasons. They now look forward to continued success thanks to their experience and senior leadership.
Area standout Tanner Cantrell, who is now playing at SBU, was a big part of the team’s success last season. The SCA Conference player of the year was a three-time all-stater who led the team in hitting last year with a .545 average. Kolby Walker, a second team All-SCA first baseman who hit .355, and Ty Wilkins, a strong defensive centerfielder who hit .276, will also be missed.
But head coach Brent Hall also returns many experienced players. “We’ve got our whole starting pitching staff back, so that’s a bonus, and probably our strongest suit,” he said. “We lost good hitters, so we will have to make up some spots in the middle of the lineup.”
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Senior Kyle Wilson, a second team All-Conference outfielder last season is, “on average, one of the best hitters back (.328 average) ,” said Hall. Fellow seniors Ross Wells, Stetson Welch, Ethan Kelley, Nathan Poynter, and Whitley Welch are back as well.
The seniors are also skilled in defense. Welch, a catcher, has started all four years, and his twin brother Stetson is a starting pitcher. “Stetson is one of our better pitchers and had the lowest ERA, 3.68, on the team last year,” said Coach Hall. “He pitched against our better opponents.”
Both Ethan Kelley and Nathan Poynter have experience pitching (4.23 and 4.33 ERAs) and playing shortstop, and Poynter may also be seen at third base along with Ross Wells. Matthew Knarr will play in the outfield at right or centerfield, and Tanner Carter looks to play first base.
The plethora of seniors will also be backed by some younger names. Trevor Motzkus, junior, will play at either center or right and will also join the pitching crew. Junior Tyler Burris will either be in the outfield or at second base. Sophomore Gavin Alston is competing to play at second base, and sophomore Josh Hurst could be at third.
The Tigers fell to conference rival Mountain View – Liberty last season in the first round of districts, and they expect to advance further this year.
“Overall, we have the chance to be at the top of our conference and district as well,” said Coach Hall. “I’ve been here a long time, and the kids have played for me before high school, so they know what to expect. We expect to be competitive and to compete for a championship.”
