The Marked Tree Indians finished last season 12-10 falling in the first round of the regional tournament. This season, Coach Michael Wages looks to lead the Indians back to the regional tournament and take the next step into the state tournament. Coach Wages feels if his squad can stay healthy and do the basic things consistently, then they will have a chance to make some noise. All-State selection Tate Swink is back to lead Marked Tree. Swink led the Indians in batting average last year and was the ace of the pitching rotation. He has good velocity with a fastball in the mid-80s and will play shortstop when not on the mound. Peyton Willoughby will be at third and pitch in the rotation as well. Willoughby is a strike thrower with a two pitch mix. JJ Riser will utilize a four pitch mix to add depth to the bullpen and handle shortstop when Swink is on the mound. Parker Wray and Brayden Ivy will battle it out for a spot at second base, but both should be in the lineup, while Christian Revelle returns to first base. The team’ s homerun leader, Ryan Wages will return behind the plate to handle the Indian rotation, and Gavin Teague is back patrolling the outfield. Freshman PJ Powell will be leaned upon to play right away. Powell has the speed and strength to roam centerfield and could help pitch in some games. Marked Tree has a strong tradition on the diamond, and this season should be no different. NEA Sports predicts that the Marked Tree Indians will compete for the 1A-3 crown, return to the regional tournament, and make a deeper run in the postseason.
The Piggott Mohawks return a lot of players with good experience and could be a factor in the 2A-3 conference this season. Coach Billy Joe Seal will rely on a big group of seniors to provide leadership for the younger players in order to improve on last season and have a chance at the postseason. Seven key seniors will lead this Piggott squad including Kenyen Littrell, a big, strong kid that led the team in batting average last season. Littrell is a utility guy in the field and could pitch some while batting in the cleanup spot. Fellow senior William Lucas returns after leading the team in home runs and RBIs last year. Lucas will hit in the three hole and play the left side of the infield and pitch. On the mound, he throws strikes with good command helping him throw a no hitter last season. Classmate Cole James is a versatile player with a good glove. James has some pop in the heart of the order and will play first base and add some depth to the bullpen. Marcus Blascoe is another senior leader that showcases speed at the top of the lineup and in centerfield. Blascoe will look to spark the Mohawk offense in the leadoff spot. Senior Hayden James is a lefty that has natural movement on the mound. James battled injuries last season, but is healthy and ready for a big year on the bump. Classmate Kyler Raymer has potential to be the closer for Piggott. Raymer can come in and throw strikes to try to finish teams off. Junior Gunner Reeves should get a lot of innings this year. Reeves has a good curveball that could keep opposing hitters off balance. Senior Jesus Garcia missed last season with a knee injury, but is back and should start at catcher. Garcia has some speed and should be in the two hole for Piggott. Junior Levi Moore can play first base, throw some innings, and provide some pop at the plate. Coach Seal likes his guys chances in a new conference.“ We will be successful if we can play to our potential,” Coach Seals believes.“ Our team’ s strengths would be that a lot of our kids had experience last year and will be good leaders for the younger guys. No concerns from me. I know these kids will play hard and give it all they got. That’ s all coaches ask for.” NEA Sports predicts that the Piggott Mohawks could make a lot of noise as they play through the 2A-3 conference this season.