Panthers intend to wield experience for next step

The Magnet Cove Panthers will field four seniors and seven juniors on their squad. The team went 16-10-1 last year. They fell to Spring Hill 8-2 in the first round of the playoffs. Junior Justin McKim returns as the team’s top pitcher, coach Robert Webb said. This could give the Panthers an edge as the lefthander matures. Among the other returning starters are sophomore catcher Luke Upton, senior first baseman and pitcher Hudson Wade, senior second baseman and pitcher Hunter Dickey, sophomore shortstop and pitcher Javin Shirley,

senior third baseman and pitcher Trent Nitch, junior third baseman and pitcher J.T. Higdon and sophomore outfielder Brennen Koller. Shirley put up an impressive .390 batting average as a freshman last year. He could be a nightmare for opposing pitchers as he matures, the coach said. The team also gets speed from Koller. “Brennen Koller led in steals and plays center field, which would make him our fastest player,” Webb said. Even though Webb said there are no college prospects on the squad, he and the team still have their sights set on the state tournament. The Panthers’ two meetings with Poyen will be some of the year’s best for both teams, Webb said. Magnet Cove will travel to Poyen on March 26 for the first game and will play the Indians at home on April 13. The rivalry games are ones to watch because Webb said each meeting “is always a close ballgame.” If the young stars on the team can continue to grow, they should have a strong nucleus to build on, Webb said, and he believes their expectation is to compete in the state tournament.