By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Following a Class 3 state championship in 2023, Licking baseball continued its exceptional run of success with another trip to the final four last season.
The 25-5 Wildcats fell to West County in the third place game.
“We knew that we were still talented, and planned on trying to do one of the hardest things in sports, which is to repeat as champions,” new head coach Cole Roark said. “We fell short and ended up in fourth place.”
As Licking eyes a potential third-straight postseason run, Roark will need to field replacements for a talented class of graduates, inducing Silas Antle (St. Charles Community College), Rusty Buckner (Jefferson City Community College), Keaton Cook (St. Charles Community College), Kellar Davis (Missouri State-West Plains), Austin Stephens, Garrett Gorman and Logan Gorman.
“The 2023 Championship team helped to lay the groundwork for returning to a winning tradition for Licking, and we are going to try and keep that momentum going,” Roark said. “We will be very competitive at the district level, and many of our players have been in those moments, and know what it takes to win, so our goal is to make a deep run in the postseason.”
A quintet of returning Wildcats will lead the team this spring in senior third baseman Kannon Buckner, senior first baseman Kale Cook, senior pitcher and third baseman Jordan Ritz, senior second baseman Cole McCloy and junior shortstop Karson Walker.
“Kale Cook brings power to the lineup as a left-handed stick and hit .408 this fall,” Roark said. “Kannon Buckner is a veteran player who can play virtually anywhere and hit .433 this fall. Karson Walker brings athleticism to shortstop and the mound, and will pace the baserunning, after stealing 28 bases this fall. Cole McCloy also is a steady producer in the top part of the lineup and will bring his defensive and pitching ability to the club.”
Roark also expects a trio of varsity newcomers to compete for playing time this season in Jasper McCloy, Conway Adey and Jett Sullins.
“We have a blend of veterans and newcomers in the lineup, but nearly everyone has a different role after graduating seven seniors,” Roark said. “We look to put the ball in play with authority and avoid the strikeout. Our baserunning has been an impetus this fall, and we will need to remain aggressive to have success this spring.”
On the mound, Roark believes his team’s depth and versatility will play a big role heading into the season.
“Our staff had a great fall, and we have several players who contribute to innings on the mound,” Roark said. “We used ten arms at the varsity level this fall and feel confident at that position. As long as we keep the free bases down, we will compete from the mound with anyone at our class level.”
While Licking will be relatively young and inexperienced, Roark believes his group has simply been waiting for their respective turns.
“From the outside looking in, it is easy to say that our biggest challenge is overcoming our youth, but it is really an opportunity for several guys who have waited their turn to step into leadership roles and see what they can do in key moments,” Roark said.
Licking opens its season March 22 in the Stockton Tournament.
