By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Licking baseball enjoyed another successful season in 2022.
The Wildcats finished with a 17-5 record, falling to Hartville in the district championship.
While head coach Harv Antle’s program has continued to develop and improve over the years – reaching the district final in each of the past two seasons – Licking continues to pursue the elusive title.
“We made strides as a program but we fell short of a district championship. We have moved from a young team to an experienced group. It has been a generation (2003) since Licking has won a baseball district.”
A trio of seniors will lead the Wildcats charge in Malachi Antle, Cole Wallace and Keyton Rinne.
“These three players have started since their freshman year,” Coach Antle said. “They are vocal leaders, and they lead by example. Their work ethic is very good, and they possess the quality of servant leadership. Their mindset is doing whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Malachi Antle, a senior catcher, earned all-state honors as a sophomore.
“Malachi is advanced as a catch and throw guy and a middle of the order bat,” Coach Antle said. “He has signed to play next year at State Fair Community College in Sedalia.”
Wallace, a senior all-conference and all-district infielder/outfielder, hit .397 last season with a .551 on base percentage.
“Cole is a versatile defender and great leadoff man,” Antle said. “He scored 39 runs in 22 games last spring.”
Rinne, an all-conference senior infielder, hit .277 last season with a .407 on base percentage.
“Keyton is a solid defender up the middle and has really increased his range in the last year as his strength and athleticism improved,” Antle said.
The Wildcat roster features a second all-state selection in junior Rusty Buckner.
Buckner, a junior pitcher/first baseman, hit .427 last season with 3 home runs and 33 runs batted in.
“Rusty provides slug in the middle of our order,” Antle said. “And consistently delivers some of our highest exit velocities.”
Licking’s other returnees include junior first baseman/outfielder Silas Antle (.277 BA, .407 OBP), junior shortstop/outfielder Keyton Cook (.324 BA, 3 HR, 21 RBI), sophomore pitcher/third baseman Kannon Buckner (.448 BA) and junior outfielder/pitcher Austin Stephens.
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Both Silas Antle and Cook received all-conference honors last season, with Cook also tabbed as an all-district selection.
In addition to its returning core, Licking will also look to a host of newcomers to make an impact on the varsity roster this season.
Junior transfer Kellar Davis, junior Logan Gorman, junior Garrett Gorman, sophomore Kale Cook and freshman Karson Walker will all compete for varsity playing time.
With a wealth of pitching options on the roster, Antle feels Licking’s depth could provide a significant advantage heading into the season.
“Between last spring and this fall we have had 11 different pitchers log varsity innings,” Antle said. “Last year, we utilized an opener format with the bulk of our arms being sophomores. This year, the pitch limit will rise with their junior status. As a result, we may return to a more traditional look with a set rotation of starters.”
At the plate, Antle believes the Wildcats will be versatile and able to adapt to whatever in-game scenarios arise.
“Offensively I think we will present a balanced lineup,” Antle said. “We should have some contact guys to set the table, a little bit of occasional slug and some speed as well. Hopefully, we are versatile enough to sustain pressure regardless of what the situation calls for.”
With talent, experience and depth on the roster, Licking’s district aspirations are clear and present heading into the season.
“The elephant in the room for us is the district title,” Antle said. “None of these kids were even born the last time it resided in Licking. We have the ability, we just need to clear the mental hurdle it presents. Also, we have increased our schedule to include 32 games and we are playing some bigger schools in an effort to challenge ourselves and compete in tough situations.”
Licking opens its regular season March 20 in the Houston Tournament.
