Andy Urban  
Oklahoma State Director
Follow @PBR_Oklahoma 

In a desire to best cover high school baseball in the state, PBR Oklahoma will be on the road this winter stopping by the practices and gathering information from teams around the state, highlighting top performers and difference makers for each club. Today, PBR Oklahoma will take an in-deep look at the 2017 Cushing Tigers.

Team: Cushing
Nickname: Tigers
Class: 4A
 Head Coach: John Yates
Years as head coach at school: 4th
Conference:Tulsa 7
2016 Conference Finish: 5-5 (3rd)
2016 Overall Record: 21-15
2016 Post­ Season Finish: Lost in Regionals 
Preseason Ranking: Will be updated upon release 

Players to Watch
Dalton Hockett, INF (2017)
Shayne Kelly, C (2017)
Waylon Roe, RHP(2017)
Matt Yates, OF/LHP (2018)
Ryan Hood, LHP/OF (2018)
Colin Randall, RHP (2018)

Season Outlook
The 2016 Cushing Tigers fell short of their goal last season taking an early exit from the post season in regional play. This year they will return five starting position players from a year ago along with two arms that threw over 15 innings a piece for them a season ago. This club will rely on a few key seniors, some talented juniors, and look for their young players to make an impact immediately as they attempt to make a run to the state tournament this season.

On the mound, a trio of juniors will likely lead the way for the Tigers. Left-handers Matt Yates and Ryan Hood along with right-hander Colin Randall could fill the first three spots in the rotation. Senior Waylon Roe will throw big innings as well, giving the Tigers solid depth on the mound.

Yates, a first team all conference selection last year, and Hood will not only play a big role on the mound, but they will also be two of the best offensive weapons for Cushing as well.  Joining these two in the middle of the order will be returning starter and experienced senior Dalton Hockett. Along with these three, look for many young players to have a big impact on the success of the offense this season.

Defensively, the Tigers will be anchored behind the plate with one of their leaders, senior Shayne Kelly. Yates will again be a key piece of the puzzle as a high level defender in the outfield this time.  Hood will also have great value with the versatility to play in the outfield and first base. 

 High School coaches can request a 2017 team survey by emailing PBR Oklahoma State Director, Andy Urban, at [email protected].

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