2023 Baseball Magazine Preview | Seite 103

The Corning Bobcats return several players from last season and are banking on the experience to improve on last season ’ s 6-13 record . Coach Kyle George says that experience is an obvious strength for his team , “ Our team strengths are the number of returners and experience . At least eight kids this year will have started at some time last year on the field or on the mound . We have got to field the ball and make plays . If we do that , we could surprise a lot of teams . If we field it , we will be a tough game for teams .” Eli Mason leads this group of returning Bobcats . The allconference selection led the team in batting average last season and will play centerfield this year . Designated hitter Landon Lucas will return to the lineup , and has a chance to lead Corning in several offensive categories . John Swint will be the day one starter on the mound for the Bobcats . Swint has good control of his fast ball and pitched in big games for Corning last year . When he is not on the mound , Swint will play middle infield to sure up the defense . Also , up the middle will be Jackson Davis at second base . Davis will bat in the heart of the lineup , and Coach George is predicting a big year for him . Junior Rodney Rapert will start at catcher for the third season in a row . The veteran catcher has a lot of experience and does a tremendous job blocking behind the plate . Fellow junior Izaiah Hollowell will man the hot corner , again . The third baseman will also pitch for Corning . Last season , Hollowell pitched several relief innings but will get the opportunity to start as well this year . Sophomore Seth Smith started as a freshman last year . Smith has a great bat and will help with pitching depth this season . Junior Cannon Cummings is another Bobcat that pitched a lot in relief last year but will look to get some starts this season . Reid McMasters is another sophomore looking to pitch some more innings this year after starting several JV games last year . The new look 3A-3 conference has some space available , and NEA Sports predicts that Corning will be one of the teams vying for a Regional Tournament berth .

The Piggott Mohawks battled to a 9-14 record in the 3A-3 last season , but Coach Sean Hearn hopes to improve and slide into a regional berth this season . Coach Hearn likes his team ’ s toughness and hustle , but worries about its pitching depth a little . With no returning starters on the mound , several Mohawks will have to step up this season . Michael Haywood returns to the infield and will look to be a factor on the mound as well as Aden Baggett . Baggett is a utility guy that will play several positions , and pitch some this season for Piggott . Shawn-Hudson Seagraves is an outfielder that will provide some innings on the bump too . A couple of new faces will hope to make an impact in the lineup . Will Lucas will be at third base and hope to provide a spark at the plate , while Lawson Tompkins will patrol the outfield for the Mohawks . The 3A-3 conference looks a little different this year with some of the mainstays still at the top . However , there seems to be a regional spot up for grabs if Piggott can find some pitching depth and generate some runs . NEA Sports predicts the Mohawks to be in a battle for that fourth regional tournament spot .