Ross, Bobbitt commit to Henderson State baseball
TEXARKANA — Two local players recently committed to their new college coach this past week to play college baseball next year.
Texas High School senior Tanner Ross and New Boston High School senior Connor Bobbitt both committed to Coach Cody Hooten and the Henderson State Reddie baseball program this week.
While Ross and Bobbitt may have both committed to play for Coach Hooten, who is the Henderson State University head baseball coach, it was assistant coach Alan Hall who found a relationship with the two local standouts over the last three summers in the Sticks Baseball organization.
Hall, who is an assistant coach for the Sticks Baseball program in the summer when he is not working with the Reddies, has had the pleasure to coach both Ross and Bobbitt, as well other standout players from the Ark-la-tex during the summer. Coach Hooten’s son, Huston, was also a teammate of the two this summer.
“The NCAA rules allow for Coach Hall to coach players I believe within 90 or a 100 miles of their campus, said Chase Brewster, owner and operator of Sticks Baseball based in Texarkana, Arkansas. “Henderson is a prime location for this, as you can draw from Texarkana and even close to Cabot, Arkansas, to build a team to play together. This has allowed Coach Hall to be around so many players and to see them at their best and their worst, and how they respond to both.”
“Coach Hall has been such a bright spot to the Sticks program, and to the Texarkana area. Over the past couple years he has signed Cal Jones and Braylon Blair (Liberty-eylau), Ty Graft (Atlanta), Alex Kielbach (Ashdown), Drake Browning (Arkansas High), Blake Jennings, Ryan and Alex Galvan (Pleasant Grove), and several other local Texarkana players just by outworking everyone and building relationships.”
And Hall is thrilled to have them.
“We are excited to bring Connor and Tanner into the Reddie family. Both young men play the game the right way, and take care of their business in the classroom.,” Hall said. “This is a great start to the 2024 Reddie recruiting class.”
Tanner Ross is coming off a junior season that saw him make first team 15-5A first team all district on the mound. Ross has committed to the Reddies as a two way
player, where he will pitch and play in the infield. He was 6-3 on the mound last year for Texas High, with a 2.80 ERA. He struck out 59 batters in exactly 50 innings.
“I grew up playing with Coach Halter and Southern Athletics and Coach Brewster and Sticks Baseball, and now with Coach Mcclure at Texas High,” Ross said. “College Baseball has always been a dream of mine ever since I started playing. I am thankful for my family, coaches and teammates along the way that have helped me pursue my dream.”
Tanner is a true two way threat with a very high ceiling, according to Coach Hall. He is a physical athlete at 6’4, and moves well with tremendous mound presence and power potential at the plate. His projectability and IQ make for a bright future, the coach believes.
Connor Bobbitt is coming off a junior season that saw him make first team all-district for the third year in a row for the New Boston Lions baseball program. He has hit over .400 all three years for the Lions as well, and was also top 10 in the state in 3A for stolen bases his freshman year. He finished with three home runs this past season.
“I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to be a Reddie,” Bobbitt said. “I have always had a deep love for the game of baseball and dreamed of being a college baseball player. I am so thankful for my mom and dad for supporting me, and driving me around the country to create this opportunity, and to the rest of my family for always being by my side. Most importantly I want to give all glory to God because nothing is possible without him.”
“Connor Bobbit is always on time to hit and can defend at multiple positions,” Hall said. “He is a unique athlete who is capable of barreling the baseball all over and applying pressure with speed on the bases. His consistency really struck out all summer.”
It’s not uncommon for Brewster to see his players go to the next level these days, and it never gets old for him, either.
“Everyone at the Sticks are so proud of Connor and Tanner both,” Brewster said. “They have worked really hard, and really set a great example for other local athletes the past three years, so to see them get rewarded is awesome to see.
“I know that Coach Hooten and Coach Hall will take care of them, and they will both do great things in their program.”