The Harrisburg Hornets enjoyed a 20-12 season last year and a trip to the 3A State Tournament. Coach Maddux Adams and the Hornets are hoping to rely on a group of experienced players to make another trip to the postseason. A trio of seniors will lead the way for Harrisburg. Eastin Gray, Max Tracy, and Axel Heeb will look to provide the leadership needed to guide the Hornets back to the state tournament. Gray is a shortstop that hits in the heart of the lineup and will throw some innings on the mound. He is the leader on the infield that could be the best player on the field any given night. Tracy will bat at the top of the lineup, patrol centerfield, and be a key piece in the pitching rotation. He is also a vocal leader for the team and everything Coach Adams wants in a player. Heeb is an All-Conference infielder who hits in the middle of the order and makes big plays routinely. He will also be counted on to eat up some innings in the bullpen. Junior Jax Mross is a dependable utility guy that can play any spot on the field. He has had big hits at the top of the lineup and will also pitch some for the Hornets. Sophomore Peyton Self had a fantastic freshman season, having big moments on the mound and at the plate. Self will do most of the catching and hit in the middle of the order. Kasen Harris is a returning senior that will play a corner infield position, and junior Braedyn Duffel will play up the middle. Fellow junior Graham Horner will be in the outfield for Harrisburg. Coach Adams and the Hornets have high hopes for this season.“ We finally were able to punch our ticket to state last year, and we cannot wait for the chance to prove we can do it again,” he said.“ We have a team full of experienced upperclassmen, who have played in many big moments in the past. Our biggest strength this year is our defense. We have a deep pitching rotation who can throw strikes and let our defense make plays. Our bats will be our biggest key to success this season. We have multiple players who are capable of getting big hits, but we need to ensure that those big hits produce runs by getting on base throughout our lineup.” The 3A-3 has a slightly new look to it with traditionally strong programs like Walnut Ridge, Newport, and Hoxie joining, but look for the Harrisburg Hornets to be right in the middle of the battle trying to earn that postseason spot again.
The Harrisburg Lady Hornets finished last season with a trip to the regional tournament and a 10-10 record. Coach Emma Shinn is hoping with 11 returners that her team can improve on that and take another step into the state tournament. All- State catcher Hannah Mross returns to lead the Lady Hornets along with third baseman Sofie Mooney and first baseman Chesney Henderson. This trip will make up the heart of the lineup for Coach Shinn and will look to drive in Camilla Spiegel and Addy Biggs who have speed at the top of the lineup. Senior Hawlee Morris returns to the circle for the Lady Hornets. Morris has multiple pitches and a consistent arm. Madisyn Brazile could come in relief for Morris when needed. Freshman Addison England is a newcomer with good speed and a good eye at the plate, new senior Lendsi Camp has a strong work ethic that is a great addition to the team. Coach Shinn likes what she has returning this season and lists what it will take for the Lady Hornets to have a successful season.“ Our success lies in maintaining consistency, both offensively and defensively,” she shared.“ We aim to use our individual strengths as athletes to become stronger as a team. Each player has a defined role, and by consistently fulfilling those responsibilities, I am confident that we will achieve our goals for the year.” The Harrisburg Lady Hornets managed to play their way into the regional tournament last season, and NEA Sports predicts that they will be in the mix in the 3A-3 with a chance to make it back to the postseason.
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