Prep Baseball Report

KSHSAA Team Preview: Turner


Andy Urban
Regional Supervisor

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: Turner Bears
League:
United Kansas Conference
2022 Record: 4-16
Classification: 5A
Head Coach: Jesse Smallwood
Years at the Helm: 2

OUTLOOK

Reliability in the infield is where Turner is going to find their success, as they are getting all of their starters back from 2022. The Bears are also getting a great incoming freshman class to help fill out their roster nicely.

One of the biggest question marks for the Bears is going to be who is going to step up on the mound. After losing over 50% of their innings to seniors from 2022, the Bears are left with some concerns in their rotation. 

 

IMPACT PLAYERS

Erickson George (SO, C/o 2025, SS/OF, 5'7, 145) - Erikson was named 2nd team all league inf his freshman year, batted .333avg with a .489 OBP switch hitter. Erikson on the bump also recorded his first no hitter last year. Erickson is fast, athletic, and makes routine plays in the hole, bight future ahead.

Wyatt Huyett (Sr. C/o 2023 C/1B, 5'11 250) - Wyatt is a solid lefty that provides power to move runners base to base. Wyatt caught 3/4th of our games and controlled the run game well. Wyatt also plays a solid first base that will give him more upside as he looks for a college role!

Mason Opitz (Sr. C/o 2023 3B 5'11 160) - Mason provided a lot of pop last year hitting .270 with a HR on the season. Mason was a lock down defense of guy who also moved over to SS when our SS pitched. Mason has been adding weight to his body that will help provide even more power in his senior year.

Nathan Ray (Sr. C/o 2023 2B/3B 6'0 185) Nathan is a great looking kid, has a college frame, quick on his feet, and started 19/20 games for us at second. Nathan saw the ball great last year at one point having over a .600 OBP, finished the year with a .515. Nathan will be a great college find, flying under the radar!

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

 

Hernan Mora (So. 5'10) - Hernan came to us in the middle of the season last year, only getting to play JV Hernan was over a .550 hitting with tons of upside! Hernan can play anywhere in the INF as well as a corner OF! Very excited to see him make a push for a roster spot.

Kale Baker - Kale a Lefty Sophomore (1B/P, 6'0 245) that has lots of upside, Kale pitched very well his Freshman year, adding to his arsenal this summer. Kale also plays a great first base that adds great power from the left side!

Bradley Ogden - Bradley is a UTIL (JR,6'1) that did not play last year. Bradley play his freshman year and was named 2nd Team UKC OF. Bradley will compete for a job, providing much needed pop to a lineup!

 

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

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