Season Preview Vilonia Eagles

College commitments

Cody Mitchell - Harding University

Zak Whitis - Harding University

Jordan Korzen - Three Rivers CC

Kory Wilson - Central Baptist College

Josh Albat - Arkansas State University

hitting:

Last season we were lead by Zak Whitis, Jordan Korzen, as well as, Caden Raeburn in a pinch hitting role, which eventually became the full time DH.

Zak Whitis leads all returners in HR’s, but Jordan Korzen, Josh Albat, and Caden Raeburn show strong promise for the 2018 season.

Defense: 

We will see newcomers to the field.  Newcomers Hunter Kelley (SR), Luke Berry (JR) look to provide defensive support in the infield, along with Reed Saddler (JR) in the outfield who had a strong showing in post season play last season.  Also Devin James (JR) who was injured during the 2017 season, provided strong innings behind the plate in the post-season along with returner Zak Whitis (SR).

SPEED

Speed provided stability in 2017, and we look for strong seasons on the bases from Hunter Kelley, Reed Sadler and Luke Berry who provide the most returning experiences, also looking for Kyle Vines, Sagan Lewis, and Triston Milligan to fill roles from a strong graduating class.

pitching:

We feel our pitching staff will be a strong asset this season, we return a starting staff of RHP Cody Mitchell, a Harding University signee as well as a strong leader on the mound in RHP Trey McNespey, who is also a college prospect.  We had a great 2017 from SR LHP Kory Wilson, but is out for the season with arm surgery, but has signed with CBC to continue his baseball career next season.  We expect strong quality innings from RHP Josh Albat (JR), RHP Cade McWilliams (SO), and LHP Drew Killough (SO), as well as the ability to get outs from RHP Denver Hinson (SR).  We also anticipate possible success from newcomer RHP Turner Holland (JR)

Coaches Thoughts: 

I expect our team to practice as HARD as they can day-in and day out, then play the game HARDER than they practiced.  My desire is that they are humbled by the game of baseball and play each day as if the prize at the end is the time they get to spend with each other.  If their desire is that, then they will desire to play the last game of the season.