By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Logan-Rogersville baseball posted a third-straight 20-win season in 2023.
The Wildcats finished with a 24-6 record, falling to Springfield Catholic in the district final.
While Rogersville will no doubt have its sights set on yet another 20-win campaign, Ledl will first need to find replacements for a talented class of graduates, including all-state honorees Curry Sutherland and Brody McNeil.
Both players have moved on to play at Missouri State University.
“These young men were part of 74 wins in three years,” head coach Casey Ledl said. “Not too many groups have a run like that under incredible pressure. As in most years, we play Catholic twice and it’s usually a split. They got us in the end in a highly contested and absolutely awesome atmosphere in the district championship game.”
While losing all-state-caliber players to graduation is never easy, Rogersville is fortunate to have yet another one still on its roster in Ross Lawrence.
A senior pitcher and outfielder, Lawrence posted a 4-1 record on the mound with a 3.22 ERA. At the plate, he hit .342 with 18 RBI.
“Ross is a returning pitcher who has committed to Missouri State,” Ledl said “We are very excited to have his experience and success back to lead our staff. He will also be an everyday outfielder when he’s not on the mound.”
Classmates Jackson Rousey, Zane Hunter, Carter Hill, Cameron Nuckolls, Thessen Prenger and Chase Hampton also return for the Wildcats.
Rousey, an outfielder, hit .270 with 4 home runs and 25 RBI last season.
“Jackson was our DH most of the year,” Ledl said. “He had some hits for us down the stretch and we are leaning on him to anchor our lineup this year from an outfield spot. He has signed with Fort Scott CC.”
Hunter, a catcher, hit .333 with 4 RBI in 2023.
“Zane is one of the best defensive catchers in the area,” Ledl said. “He has caught part time due to some of the other players we have had in the program. Now it’s his time to shine in that position and we are excited for his opportunity. He has signed with Missouri State-West Plains.”
Hill, an infielder, hit .143 with 2 RBI as a junior.
“Carter had some pinch-hit spots, as well as DHing a few times,” Ledl said. “We are excited to see what he can do full time in an infield spot as a senior.”
Nuckolls, an infielder, missed his junior season due to injury.
“Cameron was injured last year but is fully healthy going into this year,” Ledl said. “He has massive power and could play on the infield or DH in our lineup.”
Prenger, an infielder, hit .185 last season with 4 RBI.
“Thessen was injured during the football season,” Ledl said. “We aren’t sure what his availability will be this spring but played a lot of innings in the middle infield last year. We are hoping to possibly get him back to strengthen our infield experience.”
Hampton, a pitcher, posted a 4-0 record last season with a 1.94 ERA.
“Chase came on last year as our No. 3 pitcher and put together some great starts and innings towards the end of the year,” Ledl said. “We are excited to have him back, and he makes our staff strong from that No. 2 spot.”
Juniors Charlie Greer, Brayden Kent, AJ Muney and Eli Craft also return for Rogersville.
Ledl also expects a host of varsity newcomers to compete for playing time, including Ethan Desanti, Shane Desanti, Teagan Trent, Vance Nally, Beau Watts, Cash Clark, Jackson Parent, Easton Hampton, Roman Menke, Jack Cole and Grayson Ritter.
“We are very excited about our returnees and have a very solid pitching staff, several key hitters returning, and an exciting group of young underclassmen ready to contribute,” Ledl said. “The future of our program is very strong for the next several years. This group is hungry to get back to the playoffs and hopefully do some damage at that level which has become our expectation year in and year out.”
While much of the roster will feature new players in new roles, expectations remain high for Rogersville.
“With three to four full time starters returning, we need to fill some new positions, but we have very high goals,” Ledl said. “Our kids know that every year the goal is to win the conference, win the district and go compete in the playoffs to try to win a championship. Our pitching depth will be a strength for us with several returning kids who can fill innings and a few returning from injuries. I also believe this lineup can really provide some pop.”
Following a March 9 home jamboree, Rogersville opens the season March 16 at Webb City.
