Q & A with Russellville Head Coach Matt Long

November 18, 2014

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

The Russellville Cyclones won the 6A state title last spring. Coach Matt Long did a great job leading that group through the always competitive 6A State Tournament. We had a chance to catch up and discuss some of the key losses off last year’s roster, some of the up and coming players in the program, and a few of the teams that may stand in their way as they try to defend their state championship,

PBR: State championships are a huge accomplishment, what was the biggest key to your team’s success last spring?

Long: We had good team chemistry, our team found a way to play loose (not lazy) and confident. Our pitching staff as a whole did a good job competing in the strike zone. I would say those were the two biggest keys for us.

PBR: Who were they key losses off last year’s roster?

Long: We lost several key players off last year’s team, both middle infielders Josh Underhill and Jacob Barker. Barker also pitched in our number three spot. Other losses include our catcher, Andrew Elam (catcher) and Austin Robinson who was big for us on the mound

PBR: Did any 2014 graduates continue their playing careers if so where?

Long: Jacob Barker-Seminole State
Josh Underhill- Arkansas Tech
Austin Robinson-Crowder

PBR: Have you had any 2015 graduates commit to play after high school? If so where?

Long: Mark Moyer-Central Arkansas

PBR: Who are your unsigned/ uncommitted 2015 grads that are looking to continue their careers?

Long: Garrett Freeman- Pitcher/OF, Chase Bicanovsky- OF

PBR: What would you say will be the biggest strength of the 2015 team?

Long: Our pitching staff will have good depth, and we have solid team speed consistently through the line up

PBR: What is the biggest area of concern for you and your coaching staff for this season?

Long: Replacing our experienced players we lost to graduation.

PBR: Who are some underclassmen people need to watch for this spring?

Long: Rance Ellis will take over behind the plate, Jacob Boles will play one of the middle infield positions and we look for Cole McKown to step up and play in the outfield. All three are 2016 graduates.

PBR? Is your team attending any tournaments out of state?

Long: The second week end in March we will play in the Texas High School tournament in Texarkana TX.

PBR: Who are some teams to watch for this season as you try to repeat?

Long: The 6A competition is always very competitive. I look for Benton, Jonesboro, and Sheridan to all be in the mix by the time state tournament comes around.

Q & A with Russellville Head Coach Matt Long

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