The Brookland Bearcats have unfinished business in 2026. Coach Josh Baker’ s Cats finished 26-11 last season and made it all the way to the state finals where Harding Academy outlasted the Bearcats in 14 innings in one of the most memorable games in the state’ s history. Brookland has the experience, arms, bats, and depth returning to make it back to the finals and complete the journey this time around. All-State senior Cooper Bode returns to lead the Cats. The South Arkansas Community College commit is a smooth left handed hitter with pop to all fields. Bode is the everyday center fielder and leadoff hitter where he hit. 419 last season with 31 RBI’ s. He can also provide some depth on the mound from the left side. Fellow senior Maddox Bradley returns to lead the pitching staff. The Crowley ' s Ridge College commit was a conference starter last year who can land multiple pitches in the zone for strikes. The lefty had 36 strikeouts in 32 innings last season with an ERA of 1.75. Brookland has no shortage of arms on the staff. Seniors Cooper Stallings and Elijah Snearly are two more experienced hurlers at Coach Baker’ s disposal. Stallings was a big arm out of the bullpen last season that got out of big time jams when called upon. In 45 innings, he struck out 38 with an ERA of 1.09. Snearly was big late in the season earning a win in relief in the state semifinals. He threw 4.2 innings in that marathon final adding to his 34 strikeouts in 29.2 innings. Sophomore Hudson Owens came out of the bullpen last season and is expected to pitch in big games this season, along with junior Finn Lincoln who also is expected to play a big role this season after pitching in nonconference games last season. Sophomore Caden Rodriguez got opportunities as both a starter and reliever as a freshman last season. He is expected to play a key piece on the mound and at the plate this season. Brookland will have plenty of pop in their lineup as well. Junior Tyler Rogan will handle the pitching staff behind the plate for the third straight season. The Walters State commit will hit in the middle of the lineup after hitting. 343 with 29 RBI’ s last season. Senior Eli Foster is a left handed stick with a high contact rate who hit. 325 with 18 RBI’ s. Foster will see time at first and in the outfield on defense. Junior Ethan Bales is a two year starter up the middle who is projected as the everyday shortstop with his tremendous speed, while sophomore Grif Silverthorn will hold down the left side with Bales at third and hit in the middle of the lineup after starting 32 games last season as a freshman. Senior Gabe Carter is a two year starter who was an All-conference selection last season. Carter can hit anywhere in the lineup and play multiple positions which makes him a valuable piece to the Bearcat roster. Classmates Ayden Rutherford and Mason Greer saw action last season and look to compete for bigger roles this season. Rutherford stepped up when given an opportunity last season, while Greer battled injuries that limited his season. Junior Blake Lane was another player who battled injuries last season that could make an immediate impact, while sophomore Reid Murray could be a contributor after seeing some action as a freshman and working hard in the offseason. Freshman Ryder Westmoreland is a big, physical hitter from both sides of the plate and shows flashes of elite stuff on the mound. Coach Baker is a big believer in what he has back.“ This team has the ability to make a deep run this year due to their returning experience, depth, arms, and ability to hit all types of pitching,” Coach said.“ The major key to success is to remain focused on the day to day preparation that it takes to be an elite level team, as well as understanding that everyone that they play is going to give them their best game after coming off of a state finals appearance last season.” The Bearcats should be heavy favorites in the 4A-3 conference and be on a shortlist of teams that could end the season in a dogpile.
After finishing 16 – 11 and falling in the first round of Regionals, the Brookland Lady Bearcats enter 2026 with experience, depth, and high expectations. Head Coach Matt Dillon returns a veteran core to Brookland High School that believes last season’ s early postseason exit can serve as fuel for a deeper run this spring. Few lineups in the region can match Brookland’ s returning production. Senior catcher Emery Booker headlines the group after batting. 418 with a. 581 OBP, 8 home runs, and 24 RBIs. Drawing 25 walks— many intentional— Booker was a focal point for opposing defenses and will again anchor the top of the lineup. Sophomore shortstop Amiyah Currie had a standout freshman campaign, hitting. 468 with a. 538 OBP and 29 RBIs while striking out just four times in 93 plate appearances. She remains a top-of-the-order threat and steady presence defensively. Sophomore Kennedy Brooks(. 360,. 434 OBP, 18 RBIs) brings energy and versatility, moving between the outfield and infield while sparking the offense. Senior Madilyn Conner(. 360, 3 HR, 21 RBIs) provides middle-of-the-order power, while junior Aspen Heckethorn(. 323, 13 RBIs, just 4 strikeouts in 77 PA) is a tough out who balances pitching and hitting responsibilities. Seniors Laken Carr and junior Ady Taylor add leadership and defensive reliability. Heckethorn was the workhorse in 2025, logging 139 innings with a 14 – 9 record and a 1.66 ERA. With mid-50s velocity and strong command of multiple pitches, she kept Brookland competitive in every outing. The pitching staff has expanded this year. Junior Andi Lowery and sophomore lefty Ashley Moody return healthy and ready to contribute, while freshmen Finley Lawless, Brooke Pulliam, and Kyleigh Combs add depth and different looks. Pulliam’ s plus speed and movement, along with Lawless’ left-handed presence, give Brookland versatility in the circle. Addie Nichols brings immediate speed and energy, while Lillie Thompson offers range in the outfield. Once healthy from labrum surgery, Lexi Hamlett is expected to provide another boost at third base. Brookland’ s strengths lie in its offensive depth and expanded pitching staff. With multiple returning starters and impactful freshmen, this roster has the tools to compete deep into postseason play. As Coach Dillon notes, the key will be coming together at the right time— and if the Lady Bearcats peak late, they have the talent to make a serious run in 2026.