SPRING OUTLOOK: Park Hill South Baseball

Park Hill South’s 13-13 record last season is deceptive for a team that went 10-2 on their way to a conference title. Even in the tough conference the Panthers play in, Coach Josh Walker couldn’t quite pin down the success they had in league play.

“We just played well when it came to conference time,” Walker said. “A lot of the teams we beat in conference were probably better than teams we lost to out of the conference. Hopefully our force has changed to where we do that against every team this year.”

Minus their top two pitchers, the Panthers return a good core of last year’s team including first baseman Alex Howe (.348 average, 12 RBI), infielder Nick Ferraro, third baseman Ty Elley, centerfielder Eddie Sola, catcher Avery Booth (.381 average, 24 hits), outfielder Luke Ravenscraft, and pitcher Luke Colvault (14 strikeouts, 3.71 ERA). As they approach the regular season, Park Hill South feels most comfortable about their defense.

“Our strength right now is our defense,” Walker said. “I’m somewhat impressed with our hitting, but defense is our strength.”

Joining the team this year is a pair of transfer students in Joel Burkhart and Michael Somerville, both of which could make an immediate impact playing in the infield or pitching. Planned contributions are also expected from pitcher Jordan Fitch (1.62 ERA, 11 strikeouts), outfielder Bryce Thompson, and outfielder Cody Shopper.

Defending their conference title won’t be an easy task in 2012 though as Fort Osage and Winnetonka feature strong programs that will contend. For Winnetonka, there will be the added motivation for redemption for last year’s crown.

“We won conference on their field last year, so I know they’re going to want to get us back,” Walker said.

Overall, Walker is comfortable with this year’s squad as he looks toward the start of the season and the balance it has at first glance.

“We’re a good mix of old and young right now, they impress me with how much they’re playing as a team right now,” Walker said. “We’ve got some good senior leadership and young talent right now.”

With a tough tournament trip scheduled to Bartlesville, Oklahoma for the opening week of the season, Park Hill South hopes to get off to a good start. One which they hope leads to some good momentum going forward.

“Getting off to a decent start,” Walker said. “If we do that, we can really get some stuff done.”