2020 Spring Preview: Parkview Baseball

parkview-memphys-starks

By John Miller (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

The Parkview Vikings will get a fresh start this spring. Former Drury baseball standout and Parkview Viking player Bret Gallion takes over the reigns as head coach of the baseball program and is eager for the challenge.

“With this being my first year as head coach, I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish on the field,” Gallion said. “The main focus this year will be on character and effort, both on and off the field. On the field, this translates to maintaining composure and persevering through adversity, regardless of the obstacles placed in front of us. We will be focusing on the process throughout. Work hard in the classroom, during practice, and during games. This is a choice every player must make every day.”

Last year, the Vikings finished with a 3-24 record, including a 3-6 mark in Ozark Conference play. A 4-0 loss to Nixa in the opening round of Class 5 District 10 ended Parkview’s year.

Gone from last year are two players: catcher Evan Barnett and middle infielder Henry Smith.

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“Evan’s presence and leadership behind the plate will be missed,” Gallion said. “We will need someone to step up into that position. We also will need someone to fill the void left by Henry in the middle infield. His speed and athleticism were a staple of our defense and on the base paths last year.”

This spring, Parkview will lean on the play of senior Memphys Starks, who was a first-team all-conference pitcher and second-team all-conference infielder last year. Starks went 2-5 on the mound with a 3.69 ERA and batted .369 with eight doubles, one triple, one home run, and 16 RBIs.

“Memphys was a staple in our rotation last year, and we foresee him being our No. 1 again this year,” Gallion said. “We look for him to be a player leader on the team, both offensively and defensively.”

Zach Young, an honorable mention all-conference pitcher, also returns for his senior season and will be a force on the mound this spring for the Vikings. He went 0-4 last year with a 3.93 ERA and batted .200 at the plate.

“We’re looking for Zach to lead the team through his work ethic and contributions on both sides of the ball as an infielder and pitcher,” Gallion said.

Parkview also returns seniors Tanner Burnett, Brandon Wiles, and Spencer Clubb.

“We hope to use Burnett on the mound and as a hitting threat in the middle of the order,” Gallion said. “We also hope Brandon will contribute on both sides of the ball and take on a leadership role on the team. He’s a utility guy who will see time in the infield, outfield, and on the mound. Spencer has a solid work ethic and character. We hope to see him contribute in a leadership capacity on and off the field.”

The Vikings also bring back juniors Trenton Viviano and Zane Englind as well as sophomores Brayden Howell and Cabett Altis. Viviano went 0-1 with a 1.31 ERA last year. Englind batted .230, Howell batted .316, and Altis posted a .280 batting average last year.

“Trenton will see a lot of time on the infield and will also get some innings on the mound,” Gallion said. “Zane is a utility player that will help out on both sides of the ball. Brayden and Cabett both saw some varsity time last year and will contribute at the varsity level this year. We’re looking for Cabett to step up and fill our everyday catching role.”

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