By Kary Booher (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Talk about an interesting mix. On one hand, there’s a new coach. On the other, the roster has a healthy number of upperclassmen.
That could bode well for the Reeds Spring High School baseball team as the 2022 season gets under way.
“I think one of the most motivating things for us is a new start,” Reeds Spring coach Jason Reinsch said. “With a new head coach, there is always quite a bit of change, and I think the players are excited to begin a new journey with a new coaching staff. We also have a very junior/senior-heavy team, so we really want to make sure to capitalize on our opportunity to be successful with this group.”
The Wolves finished 8-13 after falling in the second round of the district tournament last season. Reinsch anticipates 15 players on the roster coming in.
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Pitching staff
The Wolves can turn to four starting pitchers in juniors Will Foster, Dayne Smith and Koby Essary, as well as senior left-hander Brandt Miller.
Relievers should be seniors Hunter Langston, Johnathan Foster and Blayne Blevins, with Langston a left-hander.
“Will has really come a long way on the mound for us and will be one of our top three arms this season,” Reinsch said.
But …
“As with almost every high school team, I think our biggest challenge will be pitching depth,” Reinsch said. “With the addition of games to the schedule this season, it will be imperative that some of our younger guys step up to give us quality innings.”
The lineup
Jonathan Foster likely will bat leadoff for the Wolves, who also could see some kind of combination of Blevins, Smith and Miller in the top half.
Blevins is a three-year starter and one of Reeds Spring’s top all-around players. A year ago, he was a second team selection to the All-Big 8 Conference and all-district teams. He has committed to play football at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kan.
Johnathan Foster recently committed to play baseball at North Arkansas Community College after transitioning last year to catcher.
Look for Smith at shortstop.
“He will be a huge part of our success this season,” Reinsch said. “He is projected to be our everyday shortstop, hit in the top of the lineup and be one of our top three arms.”
Miller also will play outfield and pitch.
“Brandt also will hit in the middle of the lineup and be relied upon to drive in runs,” Reinsch said of Miller, who has committed to play baseball at Evangel University.
Another factor could be Hunter Langston, who Reinsch said, “sees the value in investing in the younger guys in the program.”
Keep an eye as well on James Dardenne and Brandon Boyd.
“Both of these guys have had a winter offseason period and have worked extremely hard,” Reinsch said. “They will both be competing for time in the outfield this season.”
Evan Hefner is another newcomer.
Reinsch is a Republic High School graduate who played four seasons at College of the Ozarks. He later was an assistant and then a head coach at C of O.
He’ll be helped by assistants Jay Kaufman and Austin Kendrick. Kaufman played at Forsyth High School as well as Southwest Baptist and C of O, where he was a first team All-American by the National Christian College Athletics Association. Kendrick was a longtime assistant at Parkview High School.
Reeds Spring will be at the Forsyth jamboree on March 11, and hosts Forsyth on March 18 for the season-opener.
“I would like to think that our strengths will simply be playing strong, fundamental baseball,” Reinsch said. “We will emphasize throwing a ton of strikes, handling the baseball defensively and putting the ball in play. Basic fundamental baseball will be the name of the game for this group.”
