By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Following one of the school’s most successful seasons in any sport, the Hollister baseball team must find a way to replace a talented senior class who engineered their run to the Final Four.
With Landon Richards, Konner Hatfield, Colby Teaster and Cole Jones leading the way, the Tigers became just the fifth sports team in school history to reach the state semifinals — and the first baseball team to do so in 15 years — finishing in fourth place with a 25-7 record.
While each of them is now playing a sport in college, their presence will still be felt in Hollister this season. They helped establish an identity that will define the program for years to come.
“Those seniors showed our community that trusting each other and hard work were our keys to success,” Hollister coach Trent Oxenreider said. “They laid the foundation for how we want Hollister baseball players to be — hardworking, trusting, and loyal.”
Their contributions will be hard to replicate.
Richards went 7-3 with a team-best 1.77 earned run average and 102 strikeouts in addition to stellar numbers at the plate. Hatfield batted .500 and set a single-season state record with 12 triples, while Teaster ranked third on the team in innings pitched, strikeouts, RBI and runs scored.
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All three of them were all-state selections, while Jones was a three-year starter at catcher whose unrivaled command of the pitching staff earned him all-conference and all-district honors. The four players combined to record 154 hits and drive in 134 runs, scoring 122 of their own.
But the Tigers begin the season with six returners with significant varsity experience, as four sophomores and two juniors were in the starting lineup for last year’s third-place game.
Oxenreider will look to the returning players to fill the void left by the graduating seniors.
“Our expectations will not change,” the coach said. “We expect to trust our system, play hard and compete. We believe if we can do that, then it puts us in a place to be successful.”
Senior pitcher/infielder Clay Kemp and junior outfielder Blake Russell are poised for big years after collecting all-state honors last season.
Hollister’s top returning pitcher, Kemp went 9-2 with a 1.83 ERA and struck out 66 batters in 61.1 innings. He anchors an eight-man staff that boasts five players with varsity experience.
“He was a workhorse on the mound,” Oxenreider said. “He would have been our ace if he didn’t share time with Landon Richards last spring. He will be our ace and look for a huge year from him on the mound and offensively.”
Russell led the team with 19 stolen bases and his .360 average is tops among returning players.
“He will be locked into our leadoff spot,” Oxenreider said, adding Russell would transition to center field this spring. “His speed is his best attribute and can put pressure on the defense.”
Ronny Daniels is Hollister’s most experienced pitcher behind Kemp. The junior went 3-0 with a 1.75 ERA in 20 innings and primarily played the outfield when it wasn’t his turn in the rotation.
“We look for him to increase his time on the mound,” Oxenreider said. “He is a player we look to have a breakout season offensively.”
Junior Malachi Henry missed half of his sophomore season with arm issues, but returned in time to help Hollister record two key victories. He finished with an 0.84 ERA in just 8.1 innings pitched, but earned saves in Hollister’s district championship and state quarterfinal games.
“We look for him to log many innings on the mound and to be a leader on our infield,” Oxenreider said.
Sam Teaster became Hollister’s designated hitter in the middle of last season and batted .273, earning all-conference honors. Oxenreider said the junior would be a utility player this season.
“Look for him to be big in the middle of our lineup and find innings on the mound,” Oxenreider said. “He has become one of our team leaders and hardest worker since last spring.”
Senior Isaac Qualls will provide a veteran presence to the infield.
“He was a defensive player for us last spring and look for him to provide some offense this year,” Oxenreider said. “We look for him to have an all-conference type of year.”
Junior Ethan Wright became Hollister’s starting first baseman midway through last season because of his stellar defensive play. He could also see time at catcher this year.
Classmates Luke Calovich (utility), Ryland Franks (infielder/pitcher), Eathen Felts (outfielder) and Ayden Kimmel (outfielder) will also return and compete for playing time.
After hitting .237 as a freshman, Hunter W. Jones will play a more prominent role this spring.
“Hunter has upside to be a very good hitter for us,” Oxenreider said of the now-sophomore. “He will compete for time on our infield and will also log innings on the mound. He continues to work on his skills and with maturity we look for him to help us in the middle of our lineup.”
Fellow sophomore Isaac Bebee will split time at catcher.
“We look for him to continue to improve and become our leader behind the dish,” Oxenreider said.
After a March 11 jamboree at Forsyth against the Panthers and Reeds Spring, the Tigers begin the regular season with a March 19 doubleheader in Joplin. They will face the Eagles and Parkview.
Hollister’s home opener is scheduled for March 22 against Ava.
