By Amanda Perkins
Brandon Shepherd returns for his second year leading the Crocker Lions in the competitive Frisco League. Replacing five of last year’s starters will be no easy task, but Shepherd thinks his team is up for it.
“Although we have lost several varsity starters from last year’s squad,” he said, “our outlook for this upcoming season remains positive. We still have some starters returning from last year’s team that are very talented baseball players. Nothing changes with our philosophy as a program and the goals we want to achieve. We want to work hard to be a competitive team and compete in every game we play.”
The Lions lost Ty Helms, all-conference and all-district first team pitcher (2.30 ERA), who now plays at Mineral Area Community College. Logan Wilson was also an all-conference and all-district first team player, with a .741 slugging percentage. He is now playing ball at Missouri S&T – Rolla. Seth Shoemaker (2.47 ERA), Austin Wilson, and Mason Boorom will also be missed.
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In the spring, the Lions ended their season in the semifinal round of the district tournament against Stoutland for a 19-6 finish. “We definitely fell short of where we wanted to be,” said Shepherd. The team went 6-7 in the fall season, but two of the wins were over current pre-season state-ranked teams and several losses were close and against solid teams. “We showed and proved that even with the deficit in our numbers for the fall, we were still able to compete,” said Coach Shepherd. “We expect this spring to be better for us with more players on the team.”
One of the top returning players is senior Blake Neuman, a first team all-conference and all-district player. He is reliable on the mound, talented behind the plate and with the bat and is also speedy. It will be tough to improve upon last season’s 1.48 ERA and .500 average, but that will be his aim.
Junior Adam Shockley earned first team all-conference and honorable mention all-district honors last spring with his 2.54 ERA and .486 average. “He is a five-tool type of player that is very strong both defensively and offensively,” said Coach Shepherd. His speed, range, and versatility will aid the Lions this season.
Nathaniel Combs is another versatile player who will play behind the plate and will aid in pitching as well (2.80 ERA last season). The junior infielder is expected to be a vital part of the lineup.
Other players are senior Cody Meyers (outfield); juniors Brian Fincher (infield), Jonathan Gray (outfield), and Ethyn Boorom (utility); sophomores Isaac George and Landin Henson (infielders), Tristan Sterling, Cory Frehse, and Koltan York (outfielders); and freshmen Christian Shoemaker (outfield) and Jeffery Franklin (infield).
“Our biggest strength will be having some solid pitching returning,” said Coach Shepherd. “It will be important for us to have a solid defense behind good pitching performances, and we are going to have to be able to provide run support. We really hope to accomplish a deep run into district play this year.”
The Lions host Osage on March 27 to open their season.
