5A East Season Preview

February 18, 2016

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

In 2015 the conference seeds came down to the final week of the season. I expect nothing less in 2016. Five teams will compete hard for the dour spots, while Forrest City, Blytheville and Paragould will compete hard, but may just be a little short to get in.

5A East

Pitching

Batesville: 2016 RHP Luke Davis led the Pioneers in innings pitched in 2015. The expectations are the same in 2016. He should receive some help from 2018 RJ Jeffery, a consistent performer from the sophomore class.

Greene County Tech: A deep rotation that looks to lead the Eagles to another Conference championship. 2016 RHP Ty Gordon, 2017 RHP Drew Mullins, and 2017 Chase Hutson will be the key to their success. Gordon has the makeup and stuff to match up with anyone 1 vs 1. Mullins and Hutson give depth that is hard to find.

Nettleton: A veteran staff with three seniors (Caleb Watson, Dayton Miller and Ryan Camp) competing for conference starting rolls this spring. They will receive help from 2017 Colton Barnes and 2018 PJ Hilson.

Valley View: A young group will look compete in a deep conference. Coach Allison has always had a competitive group at all phases of the game. Do not expect less from this group as they should keep them in the mix for a state tournament bid or with some breaks a conference title.

Wynn: 2016 LHP Robert Cavazous will anchor the Jackets staff. He is replacing 2015 RHP Robert Harrison who anchored the rotation and moved on to Christian Brothers University. He should lead a competitive group that will give them a chance to reach the state tournament.

Hitting

Batesville: 2016’s Zach Langston and Trent Swaim will be two players to watch for the Pioneers this spring. Langston is a very talented athlete that has an advanced feel for his barrel. Swaim attacks the baseball with average bat speed an uphill swing, he shows doubles power at times and should be a threat in the middle of the order.

Greene County Tech: 2016 MIF Luke Reddick and 2016 CIF Colby Boyd will be the core of their offensive unit. Others that will contribute would be 2017 MIF Preston Hart and 2017 OF Drew Mullins. This is an experienced group that has had success.

Nettleton: An athletic roster with 10 players running below a 6.6 in the 60, should be tough to deal if they buy into first year head Coach Brandon Eller’s philosophy. Key contributors should be OF Nick Hilson, MIF Dayton Milner, and CIFs Jordan Volner and Luke Sexton. A solid line up top to bottom.

Valley View: The Blazers have some experience to lean on bringing back a solid group of contributors from the 2015 season. 2016 MIF Reed Fischbacher will sit the table from the top of the order. The plus athlete gives them a stolen base threat. 2016 Christian Watson and 2016 Jacob Watson will look to add depth and leadership to this line up.

Wynn: Offensively look for the Jackets to compete 1-9. Coach Myers teams consistently have a solid approach and grind out at bats. This year will not be any different as they continue to build on the tradition of Wynn baseball.

Overall

It looks like Wynn may fall just shy of making the tournament. The four teams seem to have a distinct difference maker that I think will be them over the top.

Pick

I am picking Greene County Tech High School to win the 5A East. It will hinge on 2016 Ty Gordon getting healthy for the stretch run. He will nurse an elbow early in the season. Valley View and Nettleton will push athleticism and experience. Batesville will compete hard and Langston may have the ability to carry the Pioneers.