By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
After reaching the Class 1 Final Four in two of the last three seasons, the Hurley baseball program is hungry for more.
The Tigers finished the season 15-7, falling in the semifinal round to eventual champion Bell City.
The 3-1 loss, according to head coach Derek Wilson, has fueled the team’s offseason preparation.
“The 2017 season was a special season for our team,” Wilson said. “You always want to be one of those two teams in the final game and you want to come out on top. The loss has made our players more focused when working on their game and coming in to get extra work to prepare for the season.”
For Hurley to make another deep postseason run, it must first replace graduated senior Isaac Carlson who has moved on to play at Ecclesia College.
An all-state pitching selection, Carlson posted a 1.44 ERA last season for the Tigers with a 5-3 record. Carlson also hit .492 with 31 RBI.
“We will miss Isaac’s leadership and his willingness to play any position needed,” Wilson said. “He was our number one pitcher so that will hurt, but will allow another player to step up.”
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Hurley features a strong core of returning seniors, including Chase Simpson (P/SS), William Pope (P/C), Austin Jackson (1B/P), Justin Wilson (3B/P) and Kohlton Hicks (OF/P/1B). Juniors Wyatt Pope (OF/P) and Thomas Wilson (2B/P) will also make an impact in the Tiger lineup.
William Pope and Justin Wilson were all-state honorees in 2017, hitting .389 and .328, respectively.
“I look for William to be the backbone of our lineup and drive in many runs,” Coach Wilson said. “Justin is the type of player that every coach wants in their program. He’s a ‘Yes, Sir’ kind of player and will do anything he is asked.”
Simpson, an all-district selection, will lead the charge on the mound this season after posting a 5-4 record in 2017 with a 3.68 ERA. Simpson also hit .292 for the Tigers.
“I look for chase to get many extra-base hits for us this season and lead us on the mound,” Coach Wilson said. “He is the type of player that wants the ball in his hand.”
Hurley also features a host of newcomers to the varsity roster, including senior Adam Jackson (OF), junior Nehemiah Carlson (OF/IF), freshman Clayton Taylor (OF) and freshman Jayden Hicks (OF/IF).
WIth so many key components returning, the expectations are high for the Tigers.
“We are currently ranked pre-season No. 4 in state for Class 1,” Coach Wilson said. “I think we will finish at the top of our conference, but New Covenant will be in our way to achieve that. I also feel that we will compete for the top spot in our district. This team has won the last three districts and is hungry for more.”
To achieve its goals, Hurley will rely on experience and growth throughout the season.
“We have six seniors and two juniors that have seen plenty of game time,” Coach Wilson said. “They know what it takes to win and win the big games. The area we will look to improve on is our mental toughness. We can’t let the big run away inning affect us and need to be able to grind away and get back into the game.”
Hurley begins its pursuit of a fourth-straight district title March 16 at Norwood.
