By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Willow Springs had a rough start to the 2017 season, dropping a handful of heartbreakers to find themselves at 1-9 in April. But persistence paid off for the Bears and they finished fourth in the South Central Association with a 4-3 conference record, picking up their first SCA win since 2015 and winning 10 total on the season. The Bears now plan to use their experience and learned resilience to improve upon last year’s results.
“This season is one of those that I have been looking ahead to since I started coaching at Willow Springs,” said head coach Dustin Forrest. “We return everyone from a ten win season last year and added a couple seniors back from injury that weren’t with us last year. It is going to be nice to be one of the veteran teams on our schedule and in the conference.”
Dakota McDaniel is a big name returning to the roster. The senior has started four years and will contribute on the mound and in the middle infield. His slow start last year didn’t help his numbers, but he still hit .304, had 18 RBIs, and earned second team all-conference honors. The strong athlete will be a team leader.
Josh Rutledge is a solid glove for the Bears, and the senior stepped up his hitting last year as well, averaging .274. He will anchor the middle infield and help out on the mound.
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Senior Bryce Duddridge recorded a 3.62 ERA as the team’s ace and a .429 batting average last season and was named to the all-conference and all-district second teams. His ability to explode off the bat will also earn him a spot in the middle of the lineup. “Bryce had a big year for us at the plate and on the mound,” said Coach Forrest. “He led us in nearly every offensive category…I think if Bryce makes a few adjustments this year on the mound, he could be one of the best pitchers in the conference.”
Weston Willbanks will start his senior season at third base. “From day one to now, Weston is the most improved player on this team,” said Coach Forrest. He will be counted on in the top of the lineup.
Andy Davies has range in the outfield, speed, and leadership skills to boot. The senior centerfielder will also appear on the mound on occasion.
Trey Talbert, junior, has averaged over .400 in his career, hitting .413 last season. The honorable mention all-conference and all-district player will also contribute from the mound and handle the pitching staff behind the plate. Junior Grant Kelley leads the Bears in pitches seen per at bat, hit .244 last spring, and will return to corner outfield. Classmate Alex McNew moved to the outfield last year and has settled into a right field spot. He also improved at the plate, batting .262, and is expected to continue that progress. Cole Henley rounds out the junior class and will once again DH and battle for an outfield position.
Four newcomers to the varsity squad could be difference makers for Willow Springs. Caleb Wood, senior, was out with an ACL injury last year, but he will be seen at first base and will provide a spark in the middle of the lineup. Jon Baker, sophomore, will be in the race for a corner outfield spot, and classmate Brady Walton could contribute as a catcher. Carson Lowe is a sophomore transfer from Dora who is likely to pitch and will be a solid utility player for the Bears.
“I feel like if we come compete like I know we can, we will have a chance to be in every game on our schedule,” said Coach Forrest. “My main goal for us is to get better every day and to be playing our best baseball when conference and districts roll around. It’s time for us to get over that hump and I believe that this is the team that can do it and set the tone for teams to come.”
The Bears will join in the Sparta Baseball Classic before their home opener against Seymour on March 27.
