By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
In 2019, the Houston Tigers won their first district championship in over a decade, topping the Mtn. Grove Panthers 15-5. They finished second in the SCA conference and ended their season in sectionals, closing with a 16-10 record. Brent Hall returns for year 23 of leading the Tigers.
“We have the majority of our team back and will add some players this year that can help us be even better,” said Hall.
Senior Sterling Jackson is a top starter in the rotation and will play first base and bat in the middle of the lineup. He earned all-conference honors as an infielder and all-district and all-state nods as DH/utility in his junior season. He had a .405 season average with 30 hits, 28 RBIs, 5 stolen bases, and a 2.21 ERA. Classmate Jacob Koch earned 7 wins with a 2.20 ERA and added 15 hits and 16 stolen bases. The all-conference and all-district pitcher is a strong athlete and defender and will also play middle infield.
Senior Connor Wilson is another athletic top starter and will play middle infield; he earned all-conference and all-district awards last season for his infield work. He also was effective at the plate and on the mound with 26 hits, 16 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, and a 2.64 ERA for 4 wins.
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Hunter Stilley is also a senior and will play outfield, where he has the most experience. “He runs well and is a great teammate who puts the team first,” said Hall. Robbie Mortenson, senior, looks to play in the outfield as well. Hall described him as “dependable, loyal, and a great teammate.” Devin Wallander is the final returning senior. The pop in his bat can help the Tigers drive in runs as he hits in the bottom of the lineup. He’ll also likely DH and cover the outfield.
Junior Alex Castleman knocked out a .375 average, 30 hits, 27 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases in his sophomore season. “Alex will be a main cog in the middle of our lineup,” said Hall, noting Castleman’s talent and versatility. He made the all-district and all-conference teams for DH/utility.
Cody Allen was named to the all-conference team as catcher last season, and the junior also had a .200 average. “Cody has a very good baseball mind and handles our pitchers very well,” said Coach Hall. “He bats at the top of our lineup.” Fellow junior Trevor Mitchell will add depth to the pitching rotation and will also help at third base, second base, and DH, batting in the bottom of the lineup.
Sophomore Wiley Sisco batted .290 as a freshman. He will play some outfield and backup catcher. His coach said he has “good speed and a knack for getting on base in various ways.”
The Tigers lost two to graduation: Braedin Groff, an all-conference versatile pitcher who added depth on the mound, at third base, and in the outfield, and Brecken Adey, who assisted at first base.
But three newcomers will try to help fill the void.
Case Jones, sophomore, will be a base runner competing for time in the outfield. Freshman Garyn Hall is a versatile and athletic player and can cover outfield, infield, and pitching. He will be considered for multiple positions. Ryan Wolfe, freshman, will be a backup catcher and will compete for outfield time. His speed will be an asset for the team.
While district competitors are still unknown, Hall said the well-rounded South Central Association is a conference “where anyone can beat anyone on a given day, so every conference game will be a dog fight.” The Tigers will seek a repeat district title and will aim deeper into the postseason.
“Our pitching and defense are our strengths,” said Coach Hall. “Good pitching and defense were our keys to winning last year and will need to be the same now…this should be a fun year for us.”
The Houston Tigers open their season in the Van Buren Wood Bat Tourney March 20.
