Jessica Hurst, P. T.- Brandi Hurst, P. T. 1401 East Moultrie Blytheville, AR 72315 Telephone: 870-762-5000 Fax: 870-762-6688
The Gosnell Pirates celebrated the end of 2024 with a dog pile as the 3A State Champions finishing 26-8. 2025 will present new challenges as the Pirates move up in classification to the 4A-3 conference. However, Coach Aaron Coots has several familiar faces back in the lineup and believes his squad is up to the challenge. Senior Connor Whitehead leads the way as a four year starter for Gosnell. Whitehead hit. 273 last year as the lead off man but will bat in the heart of the lineup this season. He will also move from second base to shortstop and could see time on the mound as well. Hunter Riggs returns after a season ending injury last Spring Break. Riggs was off to a blistering start at the plate hitting around. 500 through the first five games showing good power. Riggs will also be the ace of the Pirate pitching staff. Riggs has good movement and control and has added some velocity this season. Chase Perkins will follow in the second spot in the rotation. Last season, the lefty pitched in seven games, striking out 13 and only giving up 13 hits. Perkins is also a three year starter in the centerfield. He could see time in the leadoff spot as he hit. 306 last season. His speed in the outfield and on the basepaths is a plus. Chad Stewart is another three year starter at catcher for Gosnell. Stewart hit. 357 at the top of the lineup and has the ability to switch hit, and showcase some speed on the basepaths. Grant Glintborg returns to the outfield as well. The sophomore hit. 303 as a freshman and brings more speed and a good IQ to the game. Camden LaCotts will get some starts on the mound after serving a reliever role last season. LaCotts has worked on his off speed pitches and control, and could be reliable down the postseason stretch. Ashton Suthern is another pitcher who should eat up some innings. Suthern keeps opposing batters off balance with his array of junk pitches. He could get some starts and come in relief at any time. Transfers Jake Riggs should give Gosnell a quality bat in the DH spot, while AJ Rocha, Easton Dickson, and Vanterrues Lucas should step into bigger roles this season. Coach Coots likes what he has returning this season.“ Our overall keys to success for this team will be being able to play small ball and play solid defense,” he believes.“ If we can limit the errors and score runs by putting pressure on the other team then we will be successful in the season. I believe our strengths will be our pitching staff and lineup this year. Having returning starters that have the postseason success like these guys have had is always something to hang your hat on as a coach. I look forward to seeing how far we can make it this year.” The jump in classifications shouldn’ t affect the Gosnell Pirates too greatly. They are used to playing top competition each and every year. NEA Sports predicts the Pirates to be right in a familiar place, battling at the top of the 4A-3 with a chance to make another postseason run late in the year.
The Gosnell Lady Pirates are moving up to the 4A-3 conference after a successful run in the 3A-3. The Lady Pirates finished 17-6 last season claiming the 3A-3 district crown and making a run to the quarterfinals of the state tournament. Coach Denise McHan and her girls are preparing for a similar run at the 4A level and to do so, they will rely on a large core group of experienced players. At the top of the lineup is senior Anna Claire Smith. Smith hit. 346 with a. 424 on-base percentage last season. Cheyanna Tapp hit behind Smith recording a. 349 average to generate some baserunners for Sarah Thompson. Thompson led the team with a. 410 batting average and should be a mainstay at the three or four spot in the lineup. Natalie Moresco hit. 397 at the plate, while Leilah Prude has power and speed hitting. 354 last season. Aubrey Hill will showcase some power in the five or six hole, while Halle Griggs’ bat has steadily improved in the offseason. Hill will also pitch some for the Lady Pirates as she has in past seasons. Freshman Avery McHan will also be in the circle for Gosnell throwing 60 mph consistently. When she isn’ t pitching, McHan will play middle infield and showcase her power in the middle of the lineup. Charlee Gentry is another freshman that should make an immediate impact. Gentry is very quick and covers a lot of ground in the outfield. Coach McHan likes what she is seeing from her team.“ We are defensively sound and have great communication and bonding,” she said.“ We struggle a bit at the plate, but I have already seen improvements and plan to see a lot more before the season gets here.” Moving up classifications could provide some obstacles, but the Gosnell Lady Pirates should have the talent and the experience to be up for it. Look for the Gosnell Lady Pirates to make their presence known in the 4A early and often and be a tough out come postseason time in May.
Jessica Hurst, P. T.- Brandi Hurst, P. T. 1401 East Moultrie Blytheville, AR 72315 Telephone: 870-762-5000 Fax: 870-762-6688
2925 S. Caraway Rd. Jonesboro, AR 72401 870-932-0990