By Amanda Perkins/For OzarksSportsZone.com
Following a 9-10 overall finish last season, the Mountain View-Birch Tree/Liberty Eagles beefed up their schedule with the addition of Doniphan, Gainesville, Plato, and Licking.
“These games should prepare us for the tough SCA action,” said Liberty coach Allen Hedden, entering his 15th season at the school. “When you have the reigning Class 3 state champions in your conference, you know you had better bring your ‘A’ game.”
Last year’s record didn’t tell the whole story of the Liberty Eagles. “I was proud of the way our team played,” said Hedden. “We were in several games where we were close to putting the game in the win column.” The team ended their district bid in the semifinals against the mighty Mountain Grove Panthers, with a 3-0 loss. Hedden said the Eagles competed hard and played the game the right way.
Cale Cornman was a four-year starter and catcher for the Eagles, as well as their ace for the past two seasons. The all-conference first team and all-district first team player will be missed, not only because of his 2.88 ERA, .447 average, 21 hits, and 10 RBIs last season, but also because of his leadership capabilities.
Corbin Dewick was a pitcher, catcher, and centerfielder, starting for three years. “He did an outstanding job behind the plate and allowed us to pitch Cale as much as we could,” said Hedden.
Zach Heilig also started for three years, playing outfield and second base, always working to improve. Dakota Millard earned an SCA honorable mention and had a .327 average last season. The four-year starting shortstop and number two pitcher was also a consistent hitter and clutch for the team his junior and senior seasons.
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The Eagles lose four big names, but also return a crop of athletes who know the game.
Devin Hedden is the lone senior back from last season, a two-year first baseman who has improved at the plate (.240). He has been working in the offseason and will also see the mound this year.
Koel Orchard, an SCA honorable mention junior shortstop, pitcher, and centerfielder, has been starting since his freshman year. The leadoff batter brings speed at the top of the lineup as well as a .254 average. He replaces Cornman as the commanding ace.
Riky Williams is one of the hardest workers on the team, per his coach. The junior joined the program last year and played centerfield, batting .235. Williams will take care of most of the catching and will also spend some time on the mound.
Caleb Clark, junior right fielder, was also a newcomer last year and landed in the outfield. He will now bat sixth or seventh in the lineup.
Tyler Dewick (.235) played at second and third and will move to left field, batting in the middle of the order to drive in runs.
Coltin Foster started last season, and the sophomore centerfielder and shortstop will be a utility player. He batted .236.
AJ Foster played second base as a sophomore and will be a good contact hitter for the Eagles.
New faces include senior Tyler Renshaw, who was sidelined his junior year with shoulder issues. He should add depth to the mound and will also DH and contribute at second. Sophomore Andrew Holden is skilled in off-speed pitches and has good movement on his fastball. He will bat in the middle of the lineup. Landen Cooley will be at second base and in the outfield, and his solid arm could lend itself to pitching.
Freshman Ethan Smith has great speed, can play multiple positions and will be added to the pitching staff. Devin Wallander, freshman, will pitch, play the outfield, and third base.
“I’m really looking forward to the season,” said Hedden. “This is a fun bunch to be around. They just love playing the game of baseball; you can tell by how they handle certain situations. They always give us one hundred percent and do so with a smile on their face.”
The Eagles travel to Norwood on March 21 for their season opener.
