By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Lincoln finished the 2018 campaign with a 24-5 record, falling in the state quarterfinal round to Skyline.
While the Cardinals narrowly missed out on a third-straight trip to the final four, longtime head coach Will Lynde has his sights set on another deep run.
“Of course, our biggest goal is getting back to the final four and getting an opportunity to play for a state championship,” Lynde said. “[It’s possible] as long as we stay healthy and with our experience over the last three seasons.”
The program says goodbye to a quintet of key senior graduates in Derek Stephens, Corbin Reece, Grant Eifert, Dominique Simmons, and Tyler Betts.
Despite the losses to graduation, Lincoln returns its biggest piece of the postseason puzzle in two-time junior all-state selection Jackson Beaman.
“Jackson Beaman brings back that leadership role that he established last season even as a sophomore,” Lynde said. “He hit over .500 last season with 40 some RBIs and 7 home runs. He will be the key to our season if he can stay healthy on the mound and in the field.”
The Cardinals also return Nate Hesse, Hayden Beaman, Tyler Betts, Evan Schwedler and Dustin Roark.
“I look for Tyler Betts to take a huge role in our defense with him behind the plate catching and also see time on the mound,” Lynde said. “Also look for to Nate Hesse and Hayden Beaman to take huge strides after seeing a lot of time last season in crucial situations. Evan Schwedler should also play a crucial role after seeing a lot of time as a utility player, and Dustin Roark will also see plenty of time at first base and eat up some innings pitching.”
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Newcomers to Lincoln’s varsity lineup include Caden Smallwood, Bo Williams, Landon Matthews and a host of freshmen, according to Lynde.
“Smallwood and Williams will see a lot of time on the mound,” Lynde said. “Smallwood will see most his time on the infield when Beaman is on the mound.”
Lynde believes his offense will have to carry the load early on in the season, as his pitching staff develops around Beaman.
“Our strength may be our offense,” Lynde said. “It is just going to depend on the lower part of our lineup and whether they can put the ball in play. Pitching will not be as deep as we have been the last three seasons with the loss of Eifert and Reese, but with Jackson Beaman, Tyler Betts and Caden Smallwood as the three main starters, we have three above-average pitching prospects.”
Lynde believes the culture around Lincoln has spread throughout its sports programs. Juniors and seniors within his program were around for the 2017 final four run and are eager for another opportunity.
“Our key goal is to get back to the final four and give ourselves a chance to play for a state championship,” Lynde said. “Our football team set the bar this past fall with a trip to the state championship game — that is our goal. Most of these kids were there on that cold rainy day in November and want to play in another state championship game.”
Lincoln opens its season March 16 with a double-header against Vienna and Waynesville.
