By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Bolivar baseball went through a learning curve with only two players returning with varsity experience and a new coach in 2023.
The Liberators posted an 8-16 record, falling to Belton in the first round of district play. However in 2024, hopes are higher as Bolivar brings back five starters and eight lettermen.
Juniors Garretson Cook (first baseman/pitcher) and Kanton Fisher (third baseman/pitcher) return to lead the Liberators after all-conference sophomore campaigns. Cook hit .405 last season with 30 hits, 17 RBI and posted a 1-3 record with a 2.93 ERA on the bump, while Fisher batted .386 with 27 hits and nine driven in.
“Garretson is our top returning player,” second-year coach Darrin Ankrom said. “We are looking for him to produce big numbers in the middle of our lineup and be a leader on the mound. We are expecting big things from Kanton this year, especially on the mound. Kanton is a fierce competitor with a very live arm. When not on the mound, he will hold down third base and hit in the middle of our lineup.”
Senior Kanyon Degraffenreid (shortstop) and juniors Brant Sawyers (pitcher/designated hitter) and Remmer Carr (catcher) round out Bolivar’s returnees.
“Kanyon tore his labrum during the jamboree last year,” Ankrom said. “We did not get him back until a week before district. We are excited to have him back at shortstop and helping lead our team. Brant came on late for us last year and helped our lineup in the DH role. Remmer gained valuable experience as our everyday catcher last year. We are expecting him to take the next step in being the catcher that he is capable of being this year.”
The Liberators have a slew of newcomers expected to emerge on varsity this season. Those names include seniors Brodie Adams (infielder) and Kayden Huchteman (first baseman/pitcher), junior Ethan Thomason (pitcher), sophomore Remington Manes (center fielder) and freshman Wyatt Bliss (utility).
“Brodie saw varsity time on the infield last year,” Ankrom said. “He has worked extremely hard this off season and has a chance to begin the season in a starting role. Kayden has worked extremely hard this offseason and will have an opportunity to help us at first base and on the mound this spring. Ethan is a fierce competitor with a live arm. We are expecting big things from him on the mound.
“Remember the name. Remy will be our centerfielder and is as good as anyone in the area in center field. We are very excited to have him patrolling our outfield for the next three years. Wyatt has an extremely high baseball IQ for a freshman. He is very talented and has a good chance of finding his way on the field early in the season.”
It’s safe to say Ankrom is excited to start his second season at Bolivar.
“Our kids have been working extremely hard and have put themselves in the best position possible to compete,” the skipper said. “While our schedule has not gotten any easier, we hope to reap the benefits of starting so many young guys last year. We have a good core of junior and senior players. If our young guys can step up and fill in a few holes, we have a chance to be competitive every single night. The Ozark Conference schedule is a grind, but if we drop to Class 4 this year, we will be prepared for the postseason.”
The Liberators play in the Buffalo jamboree with Nevada on March 8. Bolivar opens the season in the Harrison Tournament on March 15-16.
