Tigers work to build on success

With several returning starters, a lot of talent and a good foundation from last year’s season, the Pangburn Tigers are ready to aim high in 2018. Coach Cody Whitworth has a lot of solid players filling the bench for this season. “I am looking for great things out of this group, but we really just want to improve on last season,” he said. “Last season, we got beat by the eventual state champion, Spring Hill, 7-6, in the first round of the state tournament. We would like to build on that and progress through the state tournament.” Two of Whitworth’s seniors have already committed to play on the college level and will be leaders on the field while they finish out their Pangburn career. Gavin Barnett plans to go to Henderson State in Arkadelphia next year, and Clayton Brewer is committed to Southern Virginia. “Gavin Barnett will most likely be my best power guy this season,” Whitworth said. “He is a leader on the team and hits the ball well.” Barnett will also be one of the many Pangburn pitchers this year. “Gavin Barnett will lead the way for us on the mound this season. He spots up well and has good command of his off-speed pitches,” Whitworth said. “Easton Reaper, Karson Drazkowski and Luke Rolland will all see significant time on the mound, and I trust all four of them about the same. We are deep as we have ever been on the mound.” Junior Tanner Evans will help the Tigers defensively as catcher. “He has a very good pop time behind the plate and will hold runners at bay,” Whitworth said. “The ability not to give up extra bases is big for any baseball team, and I feel like we have a guy behind the plate who can keep baserunners where they are. “I am fortunate to have several good arms in the outfield this year. Cameron Brock, center field, will have a great arm, as well as Chase Haire, left, and Luke Rolland, right. The combination of the three will be the best outfield arms I have had since I have been at Pangburn.”