The East Poinsett County Lady Warriors finished 21-8 last season falling in the first round of the 2A State Tournament. This season’ s version of Coach Brandon Powell’ s Lady Warriors has some key pieces back but will need to get some newer players some game experience. Kylee Henderson leads the way in the circle for EPC. Henderson went 17-7 last year, striking out 145 batters with a 1.575 ERA despite missing 10 games with an injury. She will also hit in the two hole with her ability to get on base and drive in runs. Riley Ashcraft leads the way at the plate. She hit for power and average smashing five homeruns with 33 RBI last year. Kelly Ashcraft is a presence at the dish as well collecting 42 hits with 34 RBI last season. Freshman Riley Barnes is one of those new faces that could make an impact. Barnes can help pitch and play shortstop. She will bat at the top of the lineup as she is athletic, skillful, and a good base runner.“ Team strengths will be pitching,” Coach Powell said.“ We have some power returning in the lineup, but the bottom of the lineup is unproven, so we need that part of the lineup to get on base.” The Lady Warriors have several players with postseason experience that should provide needed leadership. How far they go may depend on how fast the newcomers round into form. With strong pitching and strong hitting, the East Poinsett County Lady Warriors will compete in the 2A-3 conference and be a tough out come postseason time in May.
The East Poinsett County Warriors finished last season 11-12, but are hoping to continue to see improvement with several key players from last year returning. Coach Daniel Fitts will have experience on his side as every starter returns from last season’ s lineup. Eli Bragg, Cayden Kimbrell, Cayden Worsham, Jaden Brown, Jeb Holiman, and Austin Blagg all saw innings last year, and are back to create a deep pitching rotation. Laiden Rollins will handle the rotation behind the plate with the bulk of the catching duties. Alan Corbin will man first base, with Hayden Stone next to him at second base. Eli Blagg will play shortstop, while Brown and Dee Buchanan will roam the outfield. Holiman and Austin Blagg are freshmen that fill in spots in the field along with providing depth in the bullpen. Coach Fitts listed depth and experience as strengths for his team, and hopes that the pitching rotation will round into form by district tournament time. The East Poinsett County Warriors should continue to improve throughout the season and compete for a regional spot in the 2A-3 conference. If the pitching comes together, they could surprise some people in May.
The Hoxie Lady Mustangs enter the 2026 season hoping to build on last year’ s 14 – 9 record and regional tournament appearance.
With nine returning players who gained valuable experience last season, head coach Baylee Davis believes her team has the depth and leadership needed to compete for another postseason run. Offensively, the Lady Mustangs feature several experienced players throughout the lineup. Seniors Gracie Felton, Patricia Russell, and Dream Davis provide leadership for the team. Felton anchors the infield at shortstop, Russell contributes as the designated hitter, and Davis adds speed and athleticism in the outfield. In the circle, junior Jessica Easton will lead the pitching staff. Easton features strong velocity along with an effective changeup that helps keep hitters off balance. When not pitching, she can also contribute defensively at first base. Sophomore Madison Light provides another pitching option with excellent control and a quality changeup. Light will also serve in a utility role around the field, while fellow sophomore Brinley Owens adds additional depth to the pitching staff. Behind the plate, junior Sydney Nolin will handle the majority of the catching duties and help guide the pitching staff. Sophomores Diayla Davis and Natalie Brand round out a talented sophomore class, with Davis playing center field and Brand holding down third base. Freshmen Addy Felton and Avery Jones could make early contributions as well, with Felton adding speed to the outfield and Jones providing power to the lineup. With strong defense and a balanced lineup capable of producing runs from top to bottom, Hoxie looks poised to compete once again in the 3A-3 Conference.
The Hoxie Mustangs are looking to improve on last season’ s 6-14 record, and with a more experienced lineup, Coach Trevor Shaver could see his squad do just that.“ This team has great leadership in older players, and they want to get better,” he said.“ To improve even more, we need to continue to work on control from both sides of the plate. Also, we need to continue to limit the mistakes in the field.” Christian Nichols returns with a team leading. 297 batting average. Nichols could play in the infield or the outfield as well as appear on the mound where he consistently throws strikes. Hayden McIntire hit. 250 last season and will man first base. McIntire will also see some innings pitching where he has good velocity on his fastball. Shortstop Dalton Neely averaged. 231 at the plate last season. Neely has good control with his fastball and could eat up some innings for the Mustangs. Lefty Colby Bullard has a good mix of pitches from the left side. Bullard will roam the outfield as well and try to provide a spark at the plate where he hit. 229 and stole 11 bases. Jackson Stowers could add more depth to the rotation with a good, consistent fastball. Stowers shows good leadership and will play third base some for Hoxie. Some new faces could make an impact in the lineup. Dylann Barnhill shows great leadership and will have an opportunity to play the infield and pitch some. Dalen Barnhill will be able to contribute in the infield and on the base paths. Brayden Forehand is a power bat in the lineup and will handle the catching duties, while Drake Bohlman also has great power at the plate. Harper Fears has great fielding ability behind the plate. The 3A-3 could be tough to navigate, but look for the Hoxie Mustangs to show improvement this season and battle for a regional spot.