2024 Spring Preview: Mountain Grove Baseball

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By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

Mountain Grove baseball is coming off another highly successful season.

The Panthers went 24-9 in 2023, falling to eventual Class 4 state runner-up Springfield Catholic in the district semifinals. Mountain Grove will have big shoes to fill with the loss of Drew Vaughan to graduation.

Not only was Vaughan an all-state performer, but he was named South-Central Association Player of the Year last year.

The cupboard is far from bare, though. The Panthers return six starters, headlined by all-state senior Hoyt Matthews (catcher/pitcher). He hit .359 with nine home runs and 43 RBI last season.

“Hoyt spent most of the time as a catcher when he wasn’t pitching last year,” coach Shane Coffman said. “He hit fourth and hit for power. He pitched 50 innings for us and will be looked at as a key pitcher this year.”

Also returning are five all-conference selections in seniors Gatlin Keeling (third baseman), Brylon Mayberry (pitcher/second baseman), Carson Allen (first baseman) and Kaden Richardson (utility player) as well as junior Brayden Haughey (left fielder/pitcher).

Keeling posted a .395 batting average with 12 extra-base hits, 38 RBI and 17 stolen bases last season. Mayberry hit .306 with 24 thefts and 17 RBI, while Richardson batted .323 with 27 driven in.

Allen had a .294 average with 23 RBI. Haughey hit .216 with 21 RBI and 12 stolen bases.

“Gatlin has played third base for three years and has been a key hitter in the lineup,” Coffman said. “He has a good glove on the infield. He batted second and will be looked at to get on base a lot this season. Brylon was our ace on the mound logging 57 innings and played second base. He has good command and gives us a chance to win any game. Carson pitched 44 innings last season and is a big bat in our lineup. He is capable of playing many positions, but spends most of his time at first base thanks to his large frame.

“Kaden is a hard-working player that will catch, pitch and be a big bat in our lineup. He can also play key positions like third base. Brayden was a great left fielder last year. He has good speed. He has a strong arm and pitched several innings on JV. He will be looked at for some big innings at the varsity level. Brayden hits well and will be a threat on the base paths.”

Juniors Destin Unger (utility player) and Garrett Hutsell (designated hitter/first baseman/pitcher) round out the Panthers’ returning players. Unger can play second base, outfield, run on the bases and will look for a starting role this season, while Hutsell was a DH last year and has experience at first base. He is expected to log innings on the mound.

Coffman said Mountain Grove also features several freshmen that could compete for playing time on varsity.

“We have a strong senior class,” the coach added. “They are kids that will lead the program in all facets of the game. We expect to compete for the conference title. Our district has been very challenging, but we think we will compete again this year. Our pitching and defense with a small ball emphasis will be our keys to success this season.”

The Panthers open the season in the Houston Lead-Off Tourney on March 18-23.

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