By John Miller (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Youth will be the theme of the Ash Grove Pirates this coming spring season. But just because the Pirates are young doesn’t mean they don’t have experience.
“Most of our returning starters played at the varsity level last season as sophomores, and they played well,” noted first year coach Berrah Brown. “We are going to rely on our athleticism and versatility this season. Most players won’t have a set position. We will be able to utilize our ability to play multiple positions to field a well-balanced defense, while being creative with the lineup. It’s a great position to be in as a coach – to have the option to shift players around have them be receptive to playing multiple positions.”
Last year, Ash Grove finished 10-7, including a 6-2 mark in the Southwest Conference. The Pirates season ended in the first round of districts to Greenfield.
Gone from last year are Draven Zeigler and Cody Byerly, who both graduated this past spring. Ziegler was a first-team all-district pick last year after going 2-1 on the mound with a 3.21 ERA and batted a whopping .596 at the plate with 14 doubles, two homers, 23 RBIs, and 28 total hits.
With them gone, the Pirates will need significant contributions from a group of newcomers that includes senior Cody Raney and juniors Dalton Carr, Deegan Vauter, and Ethan Gray.
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS
Raney batted .420 last year and was named First Team All-District for his play in the outfield. This year, he’ll split time behind the plate and in the outfield. Carr posted a .341 average last spring and was named Second Team All-District as an infielder. This year, he’ll take on an even larger role.
“Dalton is a hard-working player,” Brown said. He’s constantly working to improve all aspects of his game. He will be one of our ‘go to’ pitchers for big games this year. Deegan is very smooth on the infield and very smart and composed at the plate.”
Gray will play first base this season for the Pirates. He batted .342 with four doubles and four RBIs last spring. His length and athleticism will help make him an asset at first base.
Ash Grove will also need contributions this spring from a group of newcomers that includes sophomore Drew Sullins and freshmen Parker Crow, Brock Mooneyham, and Cameron Carr. Sullins should provide the team with depth behind the plate, while Crow, Mooneyham, and Carr should provide some versatility by playing multiple positions.
“Drew is level-headed and extremely coachable,” Brown said. “Parker brings speed and athleticism to the lineup. He’s a versatile player with a mind for the game. Brock is an all-around athlete. He’s one of those players that have solid mechanics, and he plays the game the right way. Cameron is a big lefty with a lot of power. He will be a good source of RBIs for us this spring.”
With so much young talent, it’s easy to see how the upcoming season could be a fun one for the Pirates.
“We have guys that want to work hard and get better,” Raney said. “There’s a lot of young talent this year, and they are passionate about the game. I think we have the chance to surprise a lot of people and win a lot of games this year.”
