By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Head Coach: B.J. Curry
2015-16 Record – 17-10 W-L (2nd to Diamond in SRVC play with a 7-1 record) – Lost to McAuley Catholic in Class 2, District 12 semifinals
Top Players: Mason Moreland (INF/P), Bill Ashley (C/P), Hunter Hatfield (P/INF), Hunter Tindell (INF/P) Dallas Kleiboeker (OF), Donell Kleiboeker (INF), Devin Cox (OF/1B), Aric Zabala (OF/INF) and Gage Brown (OF)
A lot of programs under a first-year head coach, especially a team with zero seniors struggle to have a fruitful season.
The Pierce City Eagles flourished.
Under now second-year head coach B.J. Curry, they compiled a 17-10 overall record that came against higher classified schools, advancing to the district semifinals before the ride concluded in an elimination loss to McAuley Catholic in district play.
“There were a lot of unknowns coming into last season,” Curry said. “We had a new coaching staff and only three guys on the roster with any varsity experience. Our players did a great job of stepping in and performing on the field right away against a tough schedule.
“We did not finish the way we wanted, but overall we had a good year.”
With the new season, the Eagles return their entire varsity roster, including nine regulars and ten lettermen in all to the diamond this spring.
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Perhaps headlining this year’s returnees will be senior Mason Moreland. Moreland, an all-conference and all-district infielder, hit .338 collecting eight extra-base hits, 25 hits, 16 RBI, and 11 stolen bases last spring. On the mound, he put up a 3-3 record with two saves and a 2.49 ERA.
“Mason will be a four-year starter, and we will look to him to lead this group,” Curry said. “He had a very good year last year both on the mound and at the plate. We expect him to have a big senior year.”
Squatting behind the plate, junior Bill Ashley comes off a season in which he batted .294 with seven extra-base hits, including 20 hits and 19 driven in. Ashley also was 1-1 on the mound with a 2.10 ERA and is another all-conference honoree.
“Bill will be our primary catcher again this year,” Curry said. “He’s a good athlete with great bat speed. We expect him to hit in the middle of our order and anchor our defense.”
The two primary pitchers will once again be juniors, Hunter Hatfield and Hunter Tindell. Hatfield went 5-3 with a 0.67 ERA over 52 innings pitched last season while hitting .232 with nine RBIs at the dish. Tindell posted an 8-3 record with 3.95 ERA in addition to batting a team-high .392 with nine extra-base hits and 24 RBI.
“Hunter (Hatfield) had a great year on the mound for us last year,” Curry said. “He pitched in our biggest games. He also played the infield and hit at the top of our lineup. We expect him to pitch big innings for us again this year and anticipate him taking big strides at the plate as well.
“Hunter (Tindell) is poised to have a big impact both offensively and defensively on our team again. He hit in the middle of our lineup and led our team in most offensive categories. He also led the staff in innings pitched and wins on the mound. When not pitching, he plays a good first base for us.”
To round out the returning core, senior Devin Cox and juniors Dallas Kleiboeker, Donell Kleiboeker, Aric Zabala, Gage Brown, and Logan Kluck (OF).
Cox, an outfielder and first baseman, is a good athlete who is capable of being a plus defender at multiple positions. The former Kleiboeker has good instincts in both the outfield and on the bases. He’s expected to be a plus outfielder, who hits at the top of the lineup. The latter Kleiboeker is described as a solid baseball player, who plays the hot corner and will be expected to have a good year at the plate out of the six hole.
Zabala provided good defense in both right field and second base last year for Pierce City. Brown, who was limited due to recovering from ACL injury, has a solid glove with a good throwing arm from the outfield and Curry’s excited about what he can do fully healthy. Kluck, an unselfish, team first guy, helped the Eagles in their success last year. He will look to push for more playing time this spring.
As far as newcomers, Curry listed four freshmen: Aaron Garner, Gabe George, Jackson Kleiboeker, and Aiden Kleinman, who could all compete for varsity reps.
“Last year, we laid a solid foundation for our program,” Curry said. “This year, we’ll find out if we’re capable of building something meaningful on top of that foundation.”
Pierce City opens the season at home against Conway on Friday, Mar., 17.
