NWA team enters Nationals as No. 1 seed

ROGERS — A local team likes its chances in the USSSA 16U National Championship Midwest, which begins today at Rogers Regional Sports Complex.

The NWA Hot Shots sport an in-class record of 18-8 and are 37-15 overall while “playing up” in several 18-under tournaments, such as when they finished third in the FayRo Classic in Fayetteville on June 20. They’re fourth nationally out of more than 1,700 16-and-under B teams with 1,175 ranking points, which leads the 28 teams in this week’s tourney.

“We’re the No. 1 seed, so we’re looking to go win it,” said Hot Shots coach Chris Enos. “We had a great summer and a great week of practice, but we are kind of limping into it.”

Enos said the team, which is comprised mostly of players from Rogers, Farmington and Prairie Grove, may be without shortstop Madison Vinson after the Prairie Grove junior suffered a leg injury in Friday’s practice.

“Madi’s one of our best defenders and has been swinging one of our hottest sticks,” Enos said. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed that she’ll be able to play.”

The Hot Shots also will be without Katharine McConnell and Carley Antwine who both are on family vacations. Third baseman Brandy Wallace also cannot play because the Farmington senior already has turned 17. To fill needs and the open roster spots, Enos dipped into the Hot Shots’ 14-under team for pitcher Bailey Ross and outfielder/middle infielder Journey Zito.

The most positive news is the return of pitcher Paige Devecsery, who’s coming off a knee injury. The Farmington sophomore right-hander solidifies a pitching staff that’s been carried the past month by Rogers Heritage’s Sarah Pollock and Farmington’s McKenzi Bogan.

“Sarah and Paige are our two aces and Bogan, who’s just going to be a ninth grader, is a strong pitcher with a great bat,” Enos said. “With Paige back, we should have the pitching to make a run in this thing.”

Farmington’s Madison Parrish has been the team’s top hitter and played error-free in center field, according to Enos. Because of the injuries, Parrish may have to switch to third base to help shore up the infield.

“She’s been outstanding and is a true five-tool player,” Enos said. “We need her in the outfield, but we may need her more at third if the girls filling in there can’t get it done. That’s our backup plan anyway.”

When the Hot Shots are not playing, Enos and assistants Marty Pollack and John Zito will spread out between the fields to scout mostly unfamiliar opposition. Only two other teams are from Arkansas — the Blu By U out of Alma and the NWA Legends, which features players from Bentonville, Gentry and Gravette. Other states represented are Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Pool play begins today in Rogers, but the venue switches on Friday to Bentonville’s Memorial Park. Bentonville High’s field also will be used during bracket play and is the site for Sunday’s championship game.