The Kansas high school season is nearing quickly, and we're here to cover it. Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2023 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, leading into a countdown through the official PBR Kansas Preseason Power 20 Rankings.

We’ve submitted a Preseason Questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.

 

Team: McPherson Bullpups
2022 Record: 23-2 4A State Champions
Classification: 4A
Head Coach: Heath Gerstner 
Years at the Helm: 8

OUTLOOK

The Bullpups will enter the 2023 season with their eyes on another 4A State Championship. They return 5 starters including their two top arms from 2022 in Jaret Myers and Hunter Alvord. Along with their two aces, Jaytin Gumm, Dawson Feil, newcomer Ian  Razak, and a handful of others should  give the Bullpups a chance to compete day in and day out on the mound. The 2022 team only had three seniors (all starters) and Jr. Tucker Pelnar who played every outfield position will not play baseball due to football injuries. Depth and securing the outfield are the few unknowns the McPherson will need to iron out to repeat as champs.

 

IMPACT PLAYERS

Hunter Alvord, SS/RHP, 2023, 6-foot-1, 210-pounds  (R/R) Committed to Cowley CC
Coaches Comments-Hunter may go down as the best ever to play baseball at McPherson HS and is one of the best SS in the state. He can really hit and match that with his athleticism gives him a shot to be instant impact guy. He is a 6.8 runner with consistent 95 mph exit velocities. He was a starting QB for the football team and a 4 year starter for the baseball team. He plays an excellent short stop but also pitches (82-85 mph FB) for the Bullpups.

Jaret Myers RHP, 2023 (R/R) 6-foot-1, 160-pounds
Coaches Comments- Jaret really came on as a pitcher in 2022 earning 1st team all state recognition. In 2022, he sat 78-82 mph but his best pitch was his change-up. He really attacks hitters and throws 65% strikes of all 3 pitches. He is still growing and maturing as an athlete and we believe he could be sitting 84 mph or above this spring with added weight. He really desires to pitch at the next level and understands the work ethic it takes to be successful.

Dawson Feil C, 2023, (R/R)  5-foot-9, 170-pounds
Coaches Comments- Dawson has been our varsity starting catcher since his sophomore year. Phenomenal blocking & receiving catcher and has intangibles you like. He needs to develop his arm and footwork a bit. At the plate, he hit 4 hole and led the entire state in RBI. He can really hit a breaking ball and stays true to his gap to gap approach. His brother is a stud football player at the NAIA level and think Dawson could do the same in baseball.

Jaytin Gumm 3B, C, 1B 2023, (L/R) 6-foot, 180-pounds
Coaches Comments- Jaytin is one of the most gifted players we have ever had in our program. He missed the 2022 season due to injury which will keep him under the radar, but he could truly blow up this spring. He started every game as as a sophomore and would have started every game as a freshman. He can drive the ball out of the yard and his athletic ability pops.

Cade Wedel UTIL 2023 (L/R) 6-foot-1, 170-pounds
Coaches Comments- Cade is going to be a player. His dad was a stand-out baseball player and Cade has developed great feel for the game. The ultimate utility guy. He can fly around the outfield, but can also come play on the infield if needed. He can bunt for a hit, but also shown the ability to drive the ball out of the yard as he had 2 home runs as a junior. His biggest strength is game-changing speed as he can run a home to first in sub 4.0. *We do have some good video on Cade if needed!

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ian Razak  LHP/1B (L/L) 6-foot2, 165-pounds
Currently a strike thrower in the upper 70s low 80s with arm side run, it is all about projection with Razak. The long framed lefty is should see his stuff tick up this spring with the addition of size and strength. 

Carter Allen  RHP/C (R/R) 6-foot, 180-pounds
Allen took an impressive round of BP at MOKAN Top Prospect Games barreling almost every ball with an exit velo up to 87. He is a versatile defender that could catch and play on the infielder this spring. 

Brock Richardson  INF (R/R) 6-Foot, 180-pounds
A solid athlete that moves well with juice in the bat. Posted an 89 mph BP Exit velo at the MOKAN Top Prospect Games. 

 

For more info on the Bullpups, make sure to follow them on twitter @bullpupbaseball

 

Make sure to follow @PBRKansas on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2023 season.

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