By Greg Morse (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The East Newton Patriots baseball team looks to rebound after a 2-15 season last year. They will be led by new Head Coach Jordan Savage.
“This season will be one that could potentially be a turning point for our program. After last year’s disappointing season, it will be important for us to take a step forward and move past that. I believe we have the ability to do that and I think the boys are ready for that challenge,” said the first-year coach, previously of Gainesville High School.
The Patriots will bring back eight players from last year including senior and first-team all-district selection Brett Pendergraft and second-team all-conference junior Hunter Liveoak. The other returners include juniors Colten Leech and Zeke Chiles, and sophomores Kaden Cook, Ethan Brummett, Jake Anderson, and Jackson Adams.
“This season we are going to be very young, but we also have a lot of returning varsity experience and having that mix is one we are excited about,” said Savage, “I believe the overall depth we will have and the ability to mix and match our lineup on a day to day basis will give us and edge because it will force everyone to work harder and get better to ensure they take control of a varsity spot.”
Seven new players will join the Patriots on top of the strong group of returning players.. The newcomers are: senior Sebastian Stewart; juniors Jackson Schriever, Sam Stewart, and Jeremiah Stewart; sophomores Noah Brashers, Dakota McKee, and Josh Korn.
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The team will be relying on the presence of upperclassmen to provide leadership and guidance throughout the season. One player Savage said to keep an eye on is Senior Brett Pendergraft.
“He is an excellent outfielder with a high baseball IQ. Brett will give our lineup speed as well as a good amount of power at the plate. His ability to find gaps is one that is very intriguing and should be something to watch as the year gets going.”
Another point of emphasis the Patriots’ new head coach wants to make is defense. In fact, he’s less worried about the offensive side of the ball, which he says will be able to keep the team in games and believes it will the be defense that ultimately decides outcomes.
“Developing a smart, defensive minded team will be a very big point of emphasis this year. Knowing exactly where to go at all times and having the ability to make any play defensively will be crucial this season.”
Finally, Savage is well aware of the stacked Big 8 Conference his Patriots will be playing in this year as well as the new east and west divisions.
“This year we are looking right into the new age of the Big 8 which is going to be one of the toughest conferences, top to bottom, anywhere in the state. Having the East and West divisions will be interesting, and I think will make this conference race one to watch all year,” said Savage, “We are looking forward to the opportunity to play the underdog and be one that might surprise some people along the way.”
The Patriots will make their season debut on Mar. 15 against Cassville.
