Panthers ready to make title run, coach says

The Benton Panthers are in a good position to make a state-tournament run in 2018 as seven position starters return. “I’m excited about what we have coming back,” head coach Mark Balisterri said. “Last year, we were young, still kinda young this year. This year, we have eight seniors. “It remains to be seen if all eight of them will be on the field at the same time. That is still kind of up in the air.” Benton lost 5-0 to Jonesboro in the semifinals of the state tournament last year. The Panthers gave up four runs in the first inning, but starter Yates Prickett settled down and only gave up one run and one hit for the rest of the game, Balisterri said. Prickett, a senior, threw 60 innings last year, winning five games. “With our pitching, we don’t have a guy who is going to dominate,” Balisterri said. “We’ve got five or six guys that I am confident enough to put on the mound to compete and give us a chance of winning.” Junior Peyton Pallette, who also plays third base, pitches as well, and Balisterri said if Pallette could get command of his pitches better, he could be one of the better pitchers. “[Junior] Jaden Woolbright is one of the hardest throwers that we’ve got,” the coach said. “Either one of those guys could go out there and throw for a few innings.” Junior left-hander Colin Morrow is expected to pitch some as well, but he tore his ACL during football season and probably won’t be back until April 1, Balisterri said. Morrow threw 30 innings as a sophomore. Benton will also have to find a way to replace Ross Carver, who graduated. Carver pitched 50 innings for the Panthers last year and is now at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. “We just got to have some guys step up,” Balisterri said. “[Senior] Drew Chilton is a competitor, and we will use him on the mound, too. “By the time the conference tournament comes around, we should be in good shape because then we would have been established. Right now, it is definitely up in the air.” Balisterri said Prickett has the most experience, but the goal this year is to use several players on the mound throughout the season. “We are not sticking to one guy,” the coach said. “We want low pitch counts and to have multiple outings from different pitchers. “That is the good thing that we are going to be able to do. We will see who rises to the top by the conference tournament.” Last year, Benton finished runner-up in the conference tournament, earning a bye in the first round of the state tournament. “We just didn’t hit the ball good enough to get over the edge,” Balisterri said. Offensively, Benton could be a much better ball club this year, thanks to big swinger and catcher Logan Easterling, who batted .366 last season. “He gained 14 pounds over the offseason, and it’s good weight,” the coach said. “Should help

him behind the plate as well, as his arm is stronger. He has a real pretty natural swing. “If he swings at good pitches, he’ll have a good year.” His twin brother, Caleb Easterling moves up from the junior varsity this year. “He has worked real hard and is swinging it well,” Balisterri said. “They both swing it left-handed, so that gives us a couple of lefties in the lineup and gives us some pop. “They are strong kids, and we are looking for them to do well this year.” Defensively, the Panthers return their entire infield, minus first base. “Anytime you have your shortstop, second baseman and third baseman come back, it is something any coach wants,” Balisterri said. “We will be pretty good defensively. “We should be a lot stronger than what we were last year.” Woolbright and senior Logan Black will compete for first base. “Jayden [Woolbright] has a lot of pop and has pretty much played third base his whole life,” Balisterri said. “He is a tall guy with a good glove, and he has a big bat. “He fits the mold at first a little better for us.” Black played a little bit at first for the Panthers last season. “He is totally focused in the game and a real heavy player,” Balisterri said. “He does a great job defensively and stretches as good as anybody in a while. “It is a nice thing to have. It will be nice to see those two battle it out.” The main goal for the Panthers this season is to make it to the state tournament. “We have to make sure we take care of business,” Balisterri said. “Ultimately, we want to win our last game.”