2015 Team Preview: Graves County HS
March 11, 2015
By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director
As we prepare for the upcoming 2015 high school season, we will be taking a preseason glimpse at programs from around the state.
Team: Graves County
Nickname: Eagles
District: 3
Region: 1
Head Coach: Andrew Ford
2014 Overall Record: 24-8
2014 District Record: 5-0
2014 Post-Season Finish: Lost in 1st round of Regional Tournament
TOP PLAYERS (Coach’s Comments)
Eamon Hannan (2015) - RHP, Shortstop, West Point Military Academy commit,Bats: R, Throws: R, Height: 6'4", Weight: 170, 2014 Stats: .337 avg., 13 RBI, 16 SB, 23 IP, 3-2, 2 saves, 1.48 ERA, 27 K's /. 2014 Junior East/West All-Star Game participant, 2014 All-District Team. Scouting Report - One of the best overall players in the western part of the state. Should see an increase in innings on the mound with his mid-to-upper 80s FB and nice breaking ball. Expects to hit in the top of the order and stand out defensively at shortstop. (Profile and Video on PBR site)
Austin Jones (2015) – Infield, Lincoln Trail College commit, Bats: R, Throws: R, Height: 6'1", Weight: 195. Scouting Report - Looks to see time at both corner positions on the infield and hit in the middle of the order. Looking to have a bounce back season for us at the plate. Gap-to-Gap, line drive hitter with pop. (Profile and Video on PBR site)
Tanner Smith (2015) - LHP, Outfield, 1B, Olney Central College committ, Bats: R, Throws: L, Height: 6'4", Weight: 205, 2014 Stats: .290 avg., 16 RBI, 10 SB, 36 IP, 1-3, 3 saves, 2.31 ERA. Scouting Report - Another top of the line-up hitter. Has been a regular near the top of the pitching rotation for the past 2 seasons, and will be asked to carry more of the load this season. LHP with tons of potential. Born leader. Attacks the strike zone. (Profile and Video on PBR site)
Christian Gough (2016) - C, Infield, P, Bats: R, Throws: R, Height: 6'5", Weight: 225, 2014 Stats: .295 avg, 11 RBI. 2014 East/West Sophomore Showcase participant. Scouting Report - One of two junior catchers on the team. Athletic for his size. Will also see time at the corner infield positions. Expected to have a breakout season this year at the plate.
Ryan Travis (2016) - C, Outfield, Bat: R, Throws: R, Height: 6'1", Weight: 205, 2014 Stats: .350 avg., 11, RBI. Scouting Report - Will see a lot of time behind the plate this year, but has the ability to play outfield. Hard to find someone who works harder to get in front of every pitch in the dirt. Surprised some people with his bat last season, and is expected to continue producing at the plate.
TOP UNDERCLASSMEN
Levi Nesler (2017) - 1B - Will see time at first base and designated hitter. Raw power at the plate. When everything is going right, may have some of the most power in the region.
Jordan Jones (2016) - Infield, Pitcher - Expected to slide into the rotation this year and eat up a lot of innings. Also has found a home at 2B. Strong, agile player whose best baseball is ahead of him.
Notable Losses
Justin Hayden - Pitcher, Infield, Rend Lake College commit, 2014 Region 1 Player of the Year, 2014 East/West All-Star Game participant, 2014 1st Team All-State, .380 avg, 16 RBI, 9-1, 1.81 ERA, 62 IP, 80 K's
Clayton Carrico - Pitcher, Outfield, Shawnee Community College commit, 4-2, 2.19 ERA, 37 IP, 43 K's
Peyton Puckett - Outfield, .374 avg,, 25 RBI
According to the Coach
Graves County High School baseball will be right back in the mix competing for a 3rd district and 1st region championship. Even though the Eagles lost three solid seniors, this year's senior leadership and experience serves as a strength. They will have to find some pitchers to make up for 115 innings on the mound that were lost with last year's senior class.
