Kersey Leads by Example for the Bobcats . Brad Davis Walnut Ridge baseball has a long , rich tradition in Lawrence County . The Bobcats are year in and year out , one of the favorites to win their conference and make a run in the state tournament . This year ’ s version of Bobcat Baseball is no different as Jason Belcher ’ s crew will be one of the top teams in the state in the 3A classification . With a lineup full of Division 1 commits and returning players , senior Bo Kersey will be one of the leaders on and off the field . Kersey has and will continue to be a major part of Walnut Ridge ’ s success in all three phases of the game . The senior will lead off and look to be the catalyst of a potent Bobcat lineup , showcase his speed and glove in centerfield , and be at the top of the pitching rotation . No matter where he is on the field , Kersey looks to draw on four years of playing experience to contribute in a big way .
Going into his last year of high school baseball , Bo Kersey knows his role as a leader is added to his list of contributions . “ Throughout my baseball career at Walnut Ridge High School , I have been so blessed and grateful to have had the best teammates and relationships with my coaches ,” he said . “ As a senior center fielder who has played that position for three years , I kind of like to think of the other outfielders who are all underclassman as my children . I always make sure that they are doing the right thing and that it ’ s okay to make a mistake . I like to stay positive and reassure them that I am always going to be backing them up . I was once in their shoes . My freshman year I was left field , while the other two outfielders were seniors . They taught me to have confidence in myself and to never be nervous . I ’ m happy to have carried that lesson with me .”
On the mound , Kersey battled through a shoulder injury last season that kept him from throwing as much as he or Coach Belcher would ’ ve liked . Coming into the 2024 season , he feels his shoulder is ready to go . “ My evolution as a pitcher is something that I , myself , am very proud of and always will be ,” he said . “ I know I ’ m not the fastest in the conference but I am super confident in my spin and my accuracy on the mound . Unfortunately , in April of 2023 , I got injured and found out my labrum was torn . I went through extensive physical therapy and fought with the pain . I eventually ended up tearing it completely in warm ups of the conference championship against Melbourne . I finished out the season and decided to take the summer off and come back in the fall . In the fall , I reinjured my shoulder making me unable to do anything preseason , but I am glad to be back and fully healed for my senior season .”
At the plate , the lead off man knows what his role is and looks to get on base anyway he can . “ When it comes to hitting , I really have no strategy when it really comes to it honestly ,” Kersey explained . “ As a leadoff hitter , I have one job and that is to get on base . Rather it be from a walk , a base hit , really anything . I bring speed to the plate and I have confidence .” Kersey thrived in that role last season with a . 350 on-base percentage , 20 walks , 16 RBIs , 14 stolen bases , and 23 runs scored .
Kersey credits his coaches and teammates for the success they have enjoyed together . “ Playing for Coach Belcher the past six years is six years I can never give back to him ,” he said . “ He has led me through so many moments of my life , and I will forever be grateful for him . I truly believe he is the best coach in the state and he has all of my respect . He knows how to crack a joke , but he also knows when to be serious . There ’ s been multiple times where I have been not at my highest but he has always been able to put a smile on my face . He brings endurance , energy , strength , and compassion to the game and to the team . His experience is something that we all on the team are grateful for .”
This year ’ s Walnut Ridge Bobcats have some high expectations coming into the season , and along with that , Bo Kersey has some individual goals he would love to accomplish . “ My individual goals this year for myself is to , of course , not reinjure my arm , but to also soak every last moment in . I will never have this opportunity again and I am going to cherish every moment . I am very excited to get back on the mound and take my team to state again ! Overall as a team , we have lots of goals . Our expectations are very high as we shoot for winning the conference and district tournament and of course making the state tournament . We are a very strong team this year , and I feel like we are stronger than last year .”
Once baseball is over , Kersey has some big goals for himself . “ Growing up , I have always wanted to become a doctor . I was always driven towards healthcare and found myself really falling in love with the hospital setting . My sister , who is four years older than me , is my role model . She is graduating in May with her BSN , and I could not be prouder of her . A lot of people chose healthcare because of the money unfortunately , but I genuinely believe that I was meant to help people feel better about