Willard Lead Off Tournament Preview

The Willard Lead Off Tournament begins play this afternoon with Willard, Parkview, Logan-Rogersville, and Blue Springs South set to square off in round robin action. 

Host Willard is coming off an appearance in the Class 4 Final Four in 2012 and has a very sound team that won't put a lot of runs on the board, but will pitch and play defense. On the mound, look for Austin Reaves to hit his spots and mix his speeds keeping opposing hitters of balance. Justin Atchison, Keaton Pressley and Michael Pfeifer will lead the Willard offense and be the guys who dictate how many runs Willard scores. 

In the few games they have played, Parkview has shown ability to put runs on the board in bunches and could have the most potent offense of tournament participants. Landan Ruff is the leader of offense, while Andrew Kendrick and Brandon Beavers have done big damage at the plate in limited games played. Also watch out for Wayne Manier, Wyatt Gann, Jordan Hicks, and Tanner James.

Logan-Rogersville has shown a good balance of offense and pitching so far in the young season. On the mound, Rogersville has four arms capable of winning every game they start in Justus Boever, Josh King, Connor Pomering, and Jacob Schlesener. Offensively, Evan Gruener, Garrett Jernigan, Dayton Karr, and Tyler Chritton will produce, as well as King, Boever, and Schlesener.  Gruener and King are the power bats of the line up.

These will be the first games of the season for Blue Springs South. Reece Eddins is the ace of the Blue Springs South staff and will be a big component to the success of the Jaguars season. Colton Pogue, Dallas Herrmann, and Taylor Sprague are the names to watch for the Blue Springs South offense.