The Willard Tigers let a fourth straight district title slip through their fingers last year with a loss to Waynesville in the Class 5 District 10 title game, 5-4.
They will open this season with a rematch of sorts, March 18 on Waynesville’s field.
The Tigers graduated two all-conference players—Blake Hobbs and Patrick Latham, who both play for SBU now.
They will rely on a pitching rotation of three seniors with solid experience.
Kyle Smith and Dalton Morrow have two years of experience in the mound rotation. Along with Derek Berry, they will provide depth and experience.
Head coach Scott McGee expects pitching to be the Tigers’ strength again this season.
“These guys will give us a chance every night out to compete,” said McGee. “Our pitching staff will carry the way for us, as it has several years. We should be very strong on the mound.”
Smith was 4-3 overall with a 2.96 ERA last season. He has signed with Fort Scott Community College.
Morrow, 2-2 with a 3.44 ERA, has signed with SBU. Berry will play for Three Rivers next year; he was 3-5 overall with a 3.28 ERA.
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Junior Ben Fugitt will serve as the team’s closer.
Going into his ninth year as the Tigers’ coach, McGee plans to work hard on offense. The Tigers finished last season with a 14-14 record.
“We returned the whole bottom half of last year’s lineup,” said McGee. “We have to be better offensively than we were a year ago; that’s where we really struggled.”
The Tigers’ hitting strength will be led by seniors Morrow, Jordan Stevens, and Hunter Whiteley.
Also working as catcher, Stevens hit .326 with 10 SB and 7 XBH, earning 1st team All-District honors.
“Jordan is a three-year starter with a very good arm,” said McGee. “He’s a left-handed hitter with power and speed.”
Morrow hit .320 with 17 RBI, and Whiteley batted .300 with 16 RBI. Morrow plays outfield and 1st base.
Shortstop Garyn Stewart (sr.) returns to the lineup; he has also signed with Three Rivers Community College. Ben Morris (jr.) played JV last year, but McGee plans to add him to the lineup this season.
“Ben hit so well he’ll have to be in the lineup this year and take someone’s spot,” said McGee. “Garyn really looks good offensively in early going. He’s one of the better offensive players in our area.”
Outfielder Tyler Piper and infielder Dakota Campbell (jr.) will put hits on the board for the Tigers.
“Piper should be a major contributor as returning starter and good defender,” said McGee. “Dakota is our best defensive player and had a good offensive season last summer.”
McGee knows the Tigers are ready for a standout season.
“This is a veteran group that really enjoys baseball,” said McGee. “They are not surprised by anything in the game now.”
