By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Jeff Richardson is the new leader of Mountain Grove baseball, but he’s no stranger to the game. Richardson has coached for 18 years, and for the previous 8 years, he served as pitching coach in Houston. Last year, he created and ran Houston’s new youth sports program, Tiger Development Academy.
Last year’s Panthers just missed the .500 mark with a 12-13 record and were co-champions in the SCA conference, advancing as far as the district title game.
“Last season’s team was heavy on seniors,” said Coach Richardson. “Five of the top six pitchers were seniors,” adding that two currently play collegiate baseball.
Mountain Grove returns three starters, starting with senior utility and pitcher Brayden Haughey. “Brayden is the only returning pitcher with significant innings,” said Richardson. “He will help lead the pitching staff as well as hit in the middle of the order.”
Senior Garrett Hutsell, first baseman and pitcher, was also a full-time starter. “He will be a middle of the order bat this season while playing first base,” said Richardson. “He will also contribute innings on the mound.”
Sam Peterson is the final returning senior starter. Serving as third baseman last year, he “will be a quality infielder this season while also seeing some innings on the mound,” said Coach Richardson. “He will also be an RBI producer in our lineup.”
Also returning is senior outfielder Destin Unger. “He will lead our outfield defense by patrolling centerfield,” said Richardson. “He will help make the offense run with his quality base running ability.”
Sophomore Trace Harker, infielder and pitcher, was injured for most of his freshman year. “We look for him to make a jump on the mound and to be a steady bat in the lineup this season,” said Richardson.
Newcomers to the field include Eli Golden, a 6’2” sophomore who “will run the show behind the plate,” per Richardson. “He’s a quality receiver and continues to improve at the plate.”
Senior Rusty Deaton has experience in the outfield and will compete for time as a corner outfielder or DH. “He’s put in a lot of work this off-season,” said Coach Richardson.
Taylor Garner is a sophomore utility. “Taylor has put in the work to become more explosive this off-season and it should show at the plate,” said Richardson. “He’s a strong kid that can drive the ball.”
Briar Parsons, a sophomore pitcher, outfielder, and first baseman in his freshman campaign, will fill multiple roles as a corner outfielder and first baseman and will fill relief innings.
Sophomore Kale Gardner has played outfield and second base. “He is an athletic player that will look to help in multiple roles,” said Coach Richardson. “At the plate, he has a chance to be a gap-to-gap guy.”
Brady Burnett is a sophomore utility player who will compete for time at multiple positions.
Freshman pitcher and infielder Skip Thompson “will be in the mix to fill innings this season as a freshman,” said Richardson.
Junior outfielders Wyatt Cantrell, Tanner Thornton, and Christian Stillwell will compete for time in the outfield, and junior Kaden Murphy could contribute in the infield.
“There will definitely be some growing pains early with not only a lot of new faces playing key roles, but also this being my first season as head coach,” said Richardson. “With a team full of guys that play multiple sports, I know they will be ready to compete right from day one. I’m grateful to have Christian Vonderheide coaching with me and the information he’s brought to our team.”
Coach Richardson said his team’s goal is to improve every day. “There are a lot of guys that are taking on new roles, so developing throughout the season is the top priority,” he said. “This group has been willing to be challenged and to listen to new ideas to get better. They always show up ready to learn and to see how good they can be.”
Mountain Grove will jamboree March 17 at West Plains with Ava, Gainesville, and West Plains. They host a home opener March 27 vs. Greenwood.
