By Derek Shore
Head Coach: Brandon Cobb
2015-16: 15-10 W-L (4-3 in Big 8 Conference play) – Lost to East Newton in the first round of Class 4, District 12 playoffs
Top Players: Gilbert Medina (3B/P), Troy Rose (SS/P), Gavin White (2B/P), Denny Wierman (1B/P), Sol Rainey (P/Utility), Liam Dougherty (C), Cole York (OF), Austin McClintock (P), and Dylan McCormack (Utility/P)
In recent years, the Cassville Wildcats have had a revolving door effect at head coach, especially after a first-round exit via East Newton in districts last spring in addition to losing five key players to graduation.
However, the Wildcats did put together their second straight winning season with an overall record of 15-10, holding their own in the uber-competitive Big 8 Conference last year.
Through all of the turnover, first-year head coach Brandon Cobb is up for the challenge.
“I would expect us to learn our roles on the team early in the season,” Cobb said. “Our goal is to be playing our best baseball towards the end of the season for the district tournament. We have a good group of guys that are willing to work hard. They’re prepared to play good, fundamental baseball and play aggressively. We have a mindset to play the game hard.”
From last year’s team, Cassville graduated six lettermen and five starters, including Noah Hadlow, Alex Dyer, Leigh Cox, and Chad Howerton, who all are currently playing baseball at State Fair Community College.
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Cobb, a baseball standout at Nixa and the University of Evangel with a stint as a graduate assistant, will rely on three returning seniors and six newcomers to fill the void.
Headlining the group, senior third baseman Gilbert Medina, who will also see time on the mound.
“I expect him to have a big impact defensively at third base and be a part of our rotation,” Cobb said. “I expect him to be a top of the order guy in the lineup as well.”
Playing primarily up the middle, senior Troy Rose will shore up the infield defense.
“He is a defensive specialist at shortstop, “his coach said. “He will have a huge impact for us defensively which is huge at shortstop. I expect him to help us on the mound and hit at the top of the lineup as well. ”
Senior Gavin White will play on the right side of the infield for the Wildcats, making an impact at the top of the lineup while playing some hot corner and contributing on the bump this spring.
Rounding out the senior core are Denny Wierman, Liam Dougherty, Cole York, and Austin McClintock.
Wierman is described as a “big bat, who is a middle of the order type hitter.” Cobb said he’ll drive in runs out of the first base position and could get some innings on the mound.
Doughtery is expected to supplant Cox at catcher after getting a taste of varsity action last spring.
“Liam is a player that I expect to handle our pitching staff,” Cobb said. “He got a taste of varsity last year starting a few games. I expect him to handle the transition well. He is very good defensively behind the plate and will handle our staff well.”
York is the type of player, who fits well in the outfield and having an on-base type offensive profile. Cobb said he’s a guy that moves runners and gives quality at-bats. He also sees McClintock as a “swingman,” who is comfortable doing either starting or relieving.
In addition, sophomores Sol Rainey and Dylan McCormack are also expected to contribute in varsity. Rainey, a 6-foot-4 right-handed pitcher, who transferred from Kickapoo, could be one of the top pitchers this upcoming season for Cassville with a fastball in the mid-70s range, including a mix of a 12-6 curveball and changeup. He will also hit in the middle of the order, playing many different positions in the field. McCormack will be the super-utility guy for the Wildcats.
“Some of our key matchups this season will be any of our Big 8 Conference games,” Cobb said. “There’s always a little more intensity when you’re playing the great teams in your own conference.”
Cassville’s season-opening contest against will be held as part of a doubleheader against Glendale and Carthage on Sat., Mar. 18. Subsequently, they’ll host their annual Cassville Classic starting Mon., Mar. 20.
