By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
If there’s one phrase to describe Camdenton’s 2024 season outlook, it’s “next man up.”
Graduation and injuries have greatly altered Camdenton’s potential starting lineup.
But the new-look Lakers, who are coming off back-to-back 20-win seasons, are striving to maintain their winning standards.
“We are always looking to win more than we lose and keep the overall excitement for the game of baseball high in the lake area,” said Camdenton coach Bryce Durnin. “Expectations are still high. We have some talent in the middle grades.”
A pair of seniors will lead the way for the defending Ozark Conference champions.
Senior pitcher Spencer Mellencamp earned all-state honors a year ago, going 7-1 while pitching 50 innings. He hit .306 and can play outfield or infield.
“We were planning on playing him in the outfield more, but injuries to our infielders will have him playing anywhere now,” Durnin said. “Spencer was the leader of our football team. There’s no reason to think anything different about baseball.”
Senior Jackson Basham returns to center field and will be the team’s leadoff hitter. He’s expected to see more time on the mound as well.
Jackson, an all-conference selection, threw nearly 30 innings last season and hit .411 at the plate.
“A lot will be expected from Jackson,” Durnin said. “We’ll need him to find ways to get on base. Our offense will run through him.”
The Lakers finished 29-5 overall last season, reaching the 20-win mark for the second straight season. They won the Ozark Conference crown with a 9-1 mark in league play.
The Lakers lost to Glendale in the semifinal round of a strong district field.
Camdenton enters 2024 seeking its first district title in five years. To do so, Camdenton will have to replace an accomplished four-player senior class plus some injured stars.
All-state honoree Kam Durnin (Wichita State), Cole Hilton (Olive Harvey Community College) and Tobyn Dudley (Mission University) are continuing their baseball careers at the college level. Also gone is Jase Nichols.
“There is a lot to miss with that senior class,” Coach Durnin said.
Additionally, injuries have already hit Camdenton hard.
Senior utilityman Kade Durnin, the reigning Class 5 Player of the Year, will miss the season with an elbow injury (UCL).
Younger brother and fellow all-state selection, junior Karson Durnin (UTL), is out with an ACL tear he suffered late in Camdenton’s football season.
Sophomore Paxton Yowell, who could’ve been a starting infielder, will also miss the season with shoulder and knee injuries he suffered in basketball season.
“Those are big losses,” Coach Durnin said. “Our goal will be to keep this new group heading in the right direction. Identifying that core group has always been the strength of our coaching staff. We need to put them in positions to be successful.”
Senior first baseman Nick McNerney will take on a full-time starting role. Senior Zayne Fry (RF/RHP) returns in right field and will also pitch.
Junior Willard Demott will play one of the vacated infield spots.
“He’ll play every day. Exactly where, it depends on how the pieces are coming together,” Coach Durnin said.
Sophomore catcher Brayden Burns will elevate from backup to starter.
The rest of the lineup, and pitching staff, will be determined in preseason practices.
“At one point, we had our entire pitching staff returning from last season’s team,” Coach Durnin said. “Now with two of our pitchers injured, it will be a plug and play season as we find the right mix. Our strengths and weaknesses are to be determined.”
The Lakers start the regular season March 15 at Eldon. Their home opener is March 28 against Parkview.
