By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2021 turned out to be something special for Willard baseball.
Following a third-place finish in 2019, the Tigers (27-10) captured the school’s first-ever Class 5 state championship.
“We had an ‘out of nowhere’ outstanding season,” longtime head coach Scott McGee said. “We only had one player and one pitcher with experience, and both were in minor roles. Our guys just improved all of the time, and by May, we really felt like we were a true contender.”
The Tigers said farewell to graduated seniors Blake Hultgren (College of the Ozarks), Evan Gaunt (North Arkansas College), Gavin Burk, Elliott Friend (Westminster College – football), Grant Merryman (St. Louis Community College) and Dalen Stewart (Jefferson College).
Steward was an all-state honoree in 2021.
“Our leadership from our senior class, both verbally and by example, was the best we had in my time here,” McGee said. “Being able to pass that down to our next group is going to be vital. When everyone pulls in the same direction, high school sports are extremely fun, and we have had that the past few years.”
While replacing talented players is never easy, the cupboard is far from barren at Willard.
The Tigers return a pair of all-state selections in junior Cooper Hampton and senior Kade Biellier.
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Hampton, a first baseman, led the team in on-base percentage last season.
“Hampton had a .531 OBP and hit 8 doubles,” McGee said. “I think he will have more power this year. Ultimate competitor and does everything he can to help us win.”
Biellier, a right fielder signed to play at Drury University next year, has high expectations and even higher praise from McGee with respect to the upcoming season.
“Biellier had 17 extra base hits and 23 stolen bases,” McGee said. “He also scored 42 runs and had 39 RBI. Those all around statistics are extremely good for a junior, and he has looked even better this winter. I think he is the best player in southwest Missouri.”
Junior catcher Kyden McMain, sophomore shortstop Landon Moore, junior third baseman Owen Bushnell, left fielder Klayton Kiser and junior center fielder Kyle Beeman also return for Willard.
In addition, the Tigers also welcome a host of varsity newcomers to the roster, including transfer Cooper Wilken.
Wilken, a junior pitcher/infielder, is expected to make an immediate impact in the lineup.
“Cooper is our biggest newcomer,” McGee said. “He was the player of the year in the Polk County League and transferred in from Weaubleau. He had monster numbers there and will help us on the mound and on the infield. His maturity and intelligence will help him make a seamless transition.”
Sophomore outfielder Hayden Rakestraw, sophomore infielder Drew Quinlan, senior pitcher Gunner Wildermuth, senior pitcher Jared Miles, junior Chris Massey and sophomore Hayden Larson will also compete for varsity playing time.
With plenty of depth, talent and experience throughout the roster, McGee has his sights set on another postseason run for his program.
“We will be pretty tough this year,” McGee said. “Our talent level is better than a year ago, but guys have to buy into our system and have to play for one another. The group last year was so good at that, and I am not sure we can replace that part. We will be very talented on offense, our pitching staff has good stuff, but a lot of guys are unproven. By May 1, we could be as good as anyone in the state in any class.”
On the mound, Willard will have plenty of arms on the staff to log quality innings and keep the Tigers competitive.
“We really like our pitching depth,” McGee said. “Biellier/Wilken/Kiser/Miles have all had good moments at various points, just need one or two to emerge as ‘ace-level’ pitchers. We also have junior Chris Massey that has had a great winter. Gunner Wildermuth and Hayden Larson should compete for innings as well. We have good pieces for a pitching staff, but will need some improvements before May 1 to hold really good lineups to low numbers.”
At the plate, McGee expects Willard’s power numbers to improve as the team chases last season’s performance numbers.
“We are way better physically than we were a year ago,” McGee said. “Our strength numbers and power numbers are way better. Last year we were more of a ‘small ball’ team and this year we think our power is better. However, last year’s group played team offense so well…we will need this group to buy into being selfless and in doing what is necessary to keep the lineup rolling over.”
Following a March 12 jamboree at U.S. Ballpark, Willard opens its season March 18 at home against Class 4 state champion Kennett.
