By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Strafford Indians have new names leading the way on the field and in the dugout this spring.
Strafford’s new head coach is Brett Bough, who is also the athletic director and assistant principal at the school. Bough was already on staff as an assistant coach and takes over for longtime Strafford skipper Shane Pierce.
Strafford enters 2023 with much of its lineup to be determined.
“With so many question marks going into the season, I believe it may take us a while to develop our identity,” Bough said. “I do believe that we have a prideful group of kids who will do what it takes to win.”
While this is Bough’s first season as a head coach, he has an extensive coaching background in baseball. Bough’s been an assistant coach for 19 years, including 11 at Strafford, with prior stops at Lebanon (two district titles) and St. Mary’s-Colgan in Kansas (two state titles).
Bough inherits a Strafford program that has posted nine straight winning seasons. In that span, Strafford has earned three district championships and a state-runner up finish.
The style for the Strafford “Dirtbags” won’t change all that much under Bough.
“We will continue doing what we have done at Strafford for the past 11 years,” Bough said. “Although inexperienced, the expectations haven’t changed. The kids will have high expectations for themselves as a team.”
The Indians return just two players from their everyday lineup from a year ago. Both are seniors and multi-sport athletes: Dekota Ames and Isaac Berg.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LINKS TO ALL OF OUR SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS
Ames, an infielder, was first team all-conference last season. He hit just shy of .300 with 15 RBIs in the leadoff spot. Expect Ames, who threw the third-most innings for Strafford last year, to have a bigger pitching role this spring.
“Dekota will be a leader for us,” Bough said. “He is a great competitor and he very much exemplifies what it means to be a Dirtbag.”
Berg started every game at first base last year in his first full season as a varsity starter. He earned all-conference honorable mention with a batting average of over .300 plus 12 RBIs.
“Isaac is a three-sport athlete and that experience has helped him become more of a vocal leader,” Bough said. “Isaac will be looked upon to drive in runs from the middle of our order.”
Several players are looking to earn full-time varsity roles.
Juniors Cody Fisher (IF/P) and Gabe Moore (P/UTL) made varsity contributions as reserves last season.
“Cody will look to add some pop in the middle of our batting order, while competing for playing time at third and at pitcher,” Bough said. “Gabe’s in line to throw more meaningful innings this year. He’s the type of kid who’s willing to play anywhere and can.”
Sophomore Conner Rogers saw spot-duty as backup catcher. He’s contending for the starting role this spring, but could also see time in the outfield and at second base.
Senior Isaac Davis is one of the team’s most improved players.
“Isaac has spent more time at the field and in the cage than anyone,” Bough said. “He will get to compete for time at second base. Isaac is a great teammate who always comes to practice with a great attitude.”
Four more sophomores will battle for varsity innings: Cooper Easley (IF/OF/P), Gage Bradley (OF), Prestin Ames (3B/P) and Brady Ripp (OF/P).
“Cooper should be one of our main arms this spring,” Bough said. “Gage is a baseball guy who loves coming to practice every day.”
A deep freshmen class will give Strafford options for the present and future. Crue Crawford (OF), Eli Clark (P), Tyler Hunt (UTL) and Landen Rhodes (UTL) highlight the rookie class.
Strafford finished 15-12 overall last season. The Indians reached the district championship game, where they lost to Fair Grove.
Strafford graduated six seniors from last year’s squad. Many of them were multi-year starters.
Evan Helton was Strafford’s ace pitcher.
“We always knew what we were going to get from him every time he stepped on the mound,” Bough said. “Evan had a big arm and he ate up a ton of innings for us.”
Lane Boswell guided Strafford’s pitching staff at catcher. Mason Denning (IF/P) was one of the team’s most versatile players.
“Lane’s presence behind the plate and in the middle of the lineup will be missed,” Bough said. “Mason was a great leader and someone who did whatever we asked.”
JD Hunt anchored Straffod’s outfield in center and led the Indians in hitting last year. Ben Peterson was a first-year starter while Blake Cowan (OF/P) became Strafford’s No. 2 pitcher by the end of the year.
Together, the group helped Strafford win 29 games and a district title over the last two seasons.
“All six seniors were such a great group of kids and were a great representation of student-athletes at Strafford,” Bough said. “Their attitude and dedication will be missed.”
Strafford begins the regular season March 17-18 at the Bolivar Tournament.
“We have a great group of baseball kids who will be willing to compete,” Bough said. “We will be excited for the opportunity to get better every day and try to peak at the end of the season.”
