With a mix of upperclassmen returning and a talented crop of freshmen , the Newport Greyhounds are hoping for improvement on last year ’ s 8-17 record . Three seniors return to lead Coach Nathan McCarville ’ s Hounds . Andrei Rodrigues , C . J . Yung , and Jacob Osier all will play big roles at the plate for Newport . Rodigues will also spend some time on the mound , along with junior Reece Keiffner . Keiffner will also swing a left handed bat for the Greyhounds . Jack Sampson , Jake Keedy , and Ethan Norris lead a host of sophomores that should provide some offense at the plate . Norris and Sampson will be two of the featured arms after strong freshmen campaigns a year ago . Three freshmen are looking to help at the varsity level this season . Luke Reynolds , Jay Grady , and Davion Grady are all new faces that will make an impact . Reynolds is a true utility guy that has a good bat and a high baseball IQ . Jay Grady could develop as a power hitter playing one of the corner infield spots , while Davion Grady will play the other corner spot and add some pitching depth to the rotation . Coach McCarville says the keys to success for his team are no secret , “ We have to be able to do the little things right if we are going to win ! We will be prepared and ready to play each game ! Our keys to victory are pitching and playing good defense .” With a new look 3A-2 conference and fresh faces mixed in with some veterans , look for the Newport Greyhounds to be in the mix this season for one of the coveted regional tournament spots .
The Gosnell Lady Pirates have some unfinished business in 2023 . The Lady Pirates went undefeated in conference a year ago , claiming the 3A-3 regular season title . However , they fell in the district finals and lost in the first round of the regional tournament , finishing the season at 20-5 . Coach Denise Mchan believes that her team has the talent to have another stellar season and take those steps into the state tournament . “ We have the pitching , hitting , and defense . We are a young team , and you will see several freshmen on the field ,” Mchan said . “ However , most of the freshmen have seen more games than some of my upper class players . Even though we are young , we have the talent to do great things this season .” All-State pitcher Savana Gist returns to the circle for the Lady Pirates . Gist is a strong pitcher with great control and velocity . Last season , she struck out an astounding 236 of the 519 batters she faced . At the plate , Gist is a strong bat who recorded six doubles , a home run , and 24 RBIs . Anna Claire Smith also returns to the lineup where she had 24 singles and 18 RBIs last year . The speedster was also one of the team ' s top baserunners , swiping 15 bases . Lead off hitter , Mandy Scissell also returns for Gosnell . Scissell had a . 402 batting average last season and did an outstanding job getting on base to jumpstart the lineup . Coach Mchan is also looking forward to several talented freshmen to make a big impact this year . Brooklyn Moore , Cheyanne Trapp , and Natalie Moresco lead a strong freshman class . Moore will be a great asset on the infield , Trapp is a utility player that can help in multiple areas , and Moresco is a strong lefty that should help wherever she is needed . With the 3A-3 having somewhat a new look , it should look very familiar at the top , with Gosnell being one of the favorites again .
1204 Hwy . 367 N . Newport , AR 72112
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