The Manila Lady Lions enter the 2026 season hoping to build on last year’ s regional tournament appearance and take the next step toward a state tournament berth. Head coach Danny Helms returns seven players from last season’ s squad and believes experience up the middle will be a major strength for the team. Offensively, Manila will be led by an impressive middle infield combination. Jordan LaRose returns at second base after hitting. 542 last season with 26 hits, 12 RBIs, and 16 runs scored. Madison Tune anchors shortstop and hit. 491 with 28 hits while leading the team with 25 runs scored. Catcher Jessie Kroeger provides another reliable bat after hitting. 357 with 20 hits and 11 RBIs. First baseman Hayden Barajas returns after batting. 279 and scoring 11 runs. In the circle, senior Hadley Cohn returns after missing last season due to injury and is expected to lead the pitching staff. Her return should provide stability as the Lady Lions work to build consistency on the mound. The outfield also returns several contributors. Lexi Wyatt hit. 302 last season and brings defensive range, while Chloe Helms and Kaylynn Harvey provide speed and offensive spark. Harvey finished with a. 364 on-base percentage. Senior Madysen Deeds returns to the lineup after time away and should provide another experienced bat. Several freshmen, including Kaegan Hill, Miley Mullen, Kaylee Shepard, and Mattie Williams, add depth to the roster. For the Lady Lions, success will depend on playing aggressively both at the plate and on the base paths while limiting defensive mistakes.
The Manila Lions finished 14-7 last season and were one win away from the regional tournament. This season, Coach Jake Hutson and the Lions are looking to take that next step into the regional and possibly even further. Senior Isaac Moore was selected as All-State and Best Under the Sun last year, and has signed his letter of intent to play at John Wood Community College. Moore batted. 470, collected 31 hits, and 2 home runs and has improved his game in every category heading into the 2026 season. He will play 3rd base, shortstop, left and right field, and also pitch. Fellow seniors Hudson Harrison, Ryan DeSpain, and Kevin Crosskno also return a wealth of experience. Harrison batted. 407, collected 22 hits, 5 doubles, and 22 stolen bases. He has been a 4-year starter in center field and will be one of the team ' s leaders. DeSpain collected 15 hits, 4 extra base hits, with one of them being a homerun. He has made some adjustments to his swing, which has led to more power and a more consistent bat path. DeSpain looks to be one of the top offensive threats in the lineup and will play 2nd and 3rd base. Crosskno will move from right field to catcher this season. He is a hard out at the plate, drawing eight walks last season working deep into counts and has a good sense of the strike zone. He has also made changes to his swing, which have led to a more consistent bat path and harder contact. Sophomore Brady Cohn moves to shortstop after an impactful freshman season. Cohn batted. 333, collected 21 hits, 2 home runs, and 16 RBI ' s and has greatly improved his game in every aspect. The Lions should have good depth on the mound as well. Moore pitched 39 innings last season, striking out 46, and finished with a 3.05 ERA. He has worked to improve his mechanics which leads to more velocity and control with all of his pitches. Moore showcases a fastball, curveball, cutter, and changeup. He is capable of throwing all pitches for a strike and in any count and his fastball can reach 85 MPH. Cohn pitched 23.2 innings, leading to a 3-1 record. He struck out 33 batters and finished with a 2.07 ERA. Cohn throws a fastball, curveball, slider, and a changeup. He commands his fastball well and can reach 81-82 MPH, and his off-speed pitches play well off his fastball making him hard to time up and get consistent barrels. Sophomore Hutch Duclos pitched 11 innings, while only allowing 2 hits and 0 runs last season. Duclos is going to see more innings this year as he turns into a starter and one of the top relievers in the program. He throws all of his pitches for strikes and uses his breaking pitches to get hitters out front and hit the ball on the ground. Senior Zeke Donner pitched 9 innings only allowing 3 hits and striking out 18. Donner has a good arm side run to his fastball and mixes in a curveball and changeup. He will see an increase in innings this season serving as a starter and a reliever. Senior Carson Baltimore adds versatility and depth across the team. Baltimore plays second, third, and the outfield and is a plus fielder who will impact games with his defense this season. Junior Patrick Fisher will be the starting first baseman this season. Fisher is a solid defensive first baseman and also adds a good lefty bat for the middle of the order. Freshmen Gabe Gonzalez and Jamysen Deeds could play pivotal roles this season. Gonzalez will give a boost to the pitching rotation along with defensive depth, while Deeds can play multiple positions and has a solid bat as a freshman. Coach Hutson believes his team’ s success will be predicated on making routine plays and having the mentality to finish games.“ This team is very talented and is ready to take the next step from last year,” he added. The Manila Lions have the tools to make a run to regionals and beyond, but must navigate a balanced 3A-3 conference. With key pieces back and added depth, the Lions have a good shot at taking that next step.
The Nettleton Lady Raiders enter the 2026 season looking to build momentum after finishing 8 – 18 last year. Head coach Charla Barnes returns a solid group of experienced players who gained valuable varsity innings and will look to take the next step this spring. With several returning starters spread across the field, Nettleton hopes improved consistency and continued development will translate into stronger results. Offensively, the Lady Raiders return a core group that provides stability throughout the lineup. Kennedy Massey is one of the team’ s most important players and contributes both as a pitcher and as a hitter. Avery Sample returns to anchor the outfield in center field and brings athleticism and range defensively while also contributing near the top of the lineup. Jayla Smith provides strength at first base and adds run-producing potential in the middle of the order. Behind the plate, Arleth Huantes returns as the team’ s catcher and plays a key role in handling the pitching staff while contributing offensively. Kylie Deaton adds reliability at second base, and Aubrie Pool anchors the infield at shortstop with strong defensive instincts. In the circle, Kennedy Massey returns as the team’ s primary pitcher and will again carry a large portion of the workload. Her ability to throw strikes and manage opposing hitters will be an important factor in Nettleton’ s success this season. Several players are expected to step into larger roles as well. Karter Massey brings versatility as both a pitcher and outfielder, while McKenzi Luster adds speed and athleticism to the outfield. Jayden Cole strengthens the infield and could contribute at third base. For Nettleton, success will come from every player understanding her role, performing at a high level, and continuing to improve throughout the season.