Devil Dogs’ competitive mindset to propel them through season
Mike Lee, formerly a University of Central Arkansas baseball player and area director of scouting for the Kansas City Royals, is stepping into his first year as head coach for the Morrilton Devil Dogs. Lee will be assisted by Caleb Powers, Eric Robinson, Cade Sawyer and intern Thomas Walter.
Under the direction of former head coach Matt Long, the Devil Dogs had a 1712 overall record, a 9-3 conference record and made it to the second round of the 4A-4 State Tournament in 2023.
Lee said the Devil Dogs have a mixture of veteran and young players this season.
He listed returning starters as seniors Luke Carner, pitcher, third/first baseman and shortstop; Braylon Trezvant, center fielder; and Duncan Blakley, first baseman and designated hitter; juniors Caden Meeler, pitcher, second baseman and outfielder; and August Stobaugh, pitcher and third/second baseman; and sophomores Maddox Berry, shortstop; Griff Pruitt, catcher; and Dominick McCoy, pitcher and left fielder.
Lee said his expectation for the season is that the team fulfill its potential.
“We are practicing to transcend our program,” Lee said. “Our team chemistry has been outstanding. I am excited about our season.”
Lee said Carner is the best hitter for average, power hitter and pitcher on the team, while Berry is the best fielder, Trezvant has the best speed, and Meeler has the best arm.
“Maddox Berry has emerged as our best fielder,” he said. “Maddox has genuine trust in himself, and he also has instincts reading and fielding different hops at shortstop.”
The coach said Carner, senior relief pitcher Will Jackson and Blakley have been leading the team vocally and by example.
Lee said freshmen Braxton Harbin, a left-handed pitcher, and Champ McNabb, a right fielder, will also be assets to the team this season.
“[Harbin] is a very promising lefthanded pitcher, first baseman and hitter,” the coach said.
The team had a successful 2023 season, Lee said, and he is not making any major changes to the baseball program; however, he is looking to improve all aspects of the team.
The coach said he believes the Devil Dogs’ competitive mindset will be a
strength for them this season. He said there is not one particular opponent he believes will be a challenge but, instead, that all will be considered the toughest.
“Our toughest opponent will be our ‘next’ opponent,” Lee said. “I am looking forward to every game on our schedule.”
Lee said Carner has signed to play baseball at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Meeler has committed to UCA, Blakley has signed to play at Ecclesia College in Springdale, Trezvant has signed to play at Central Baptist College in Conway, and Jackson has signed with Three Rivers Community College in Malvern.
“We want to take the next step for our baseball program,” Lee said. “We are working to contend as state finalists, as well as state champions.”