Ridgeland is taking old-school approach into the new season
The Ridgeland Panthers qualified for the state playoffs in 2019, marking the second year in a row and the third time in the past four seasons that the Black-and-White have played in the postseason.
Longtime head coach Scott Harden said the team’s recent success can be credited to its focus on consistency.
“We’ve talked the past couple of years about being consistent,” he explained. “It’s all about quality. We talk every single day about making (that day) a quality one. The kids have honestly bought into our old-school way.
“We don’t want to change the things that we know that work. We can adapt to some of the newer styles and things, but one thing’s for certain, the game really hasn’t changed all that much, so we’re sticking to those values and it’s paying dividends for us.”
Harden will be depending upon the leadership and talents of six seniors, who are looking to break Ridgeland’s long drought and advance past the first round of the state playoffs for the first time since 1999.
Drew Meade is a returning starter who has played mostly at second base for the Panthers. However, he will likely play multiple positions this year, including pitcher. Dylan Fowler recently finished up the wrestling season on the mats. He will catch and play some at third base. Lane Johnson was primarily an outfielder last year, but will be making the transition to first base this season to take advantage of his height.
Terrance Roberts will slide over to command centerfield this year. Roberts was an All-Region pick last year and also earned up All-State honorable mention honors after batting .407 with 27 RBIs and 27 stolen bases. He recently made the decision to continue his baseball and football career at Reinhardt University in nearby Waleska, Ga.
Gabe Parris did not play last year due to an injury, but is returning to the lineup this season. He will see time in the middle of the infield and will be one of three new left-handed pitchers Ridgeland will be able to employ. The final senior is another promising left-handed pitcher, Matthew Weishaupt, who will be in his first year with the Panther program.
“I think it’s different for (the seniors) this season,” Harden said. “We had so many seniors last year and so many different leaders across the field that (this year’s seniors) are having to find their own way this season.”
The junior class will include lefthanded pitcher Robert Jent, third baseman/pitcher Chandler Goodwin and a pair of middle infielders in Nolan Hughley and Isaac Pitts.
Hughley will also see some innings on the mound. The class is rounded out by a trio of outfielders in Jordan McLin, Nate Davis and Brody Spurgeon. Spurgeon could also see time on the bump this spring.
Among the sophomores, Chris Maddeaux got some significant playing time at shortstop last year and will do so again this season, though he can also catch and pitch. Jacob Klein will log some innings at first base and will also do some throwing. Dyllan Curtis can play either of the corner infield spots and Brian Kendrick will add depth to the pitching staff. Rounding out the sophomore class will be first baseman/pitcher Gordon Casteel and catcher/third baseman Jacob Ross.
This year’s rookie class will include Hudson Couch, Alex Cope, Dakota Stone, Austyn Acuff, Dalton Fincher, Kayden Adams, Jacob Holder, Cooper Jones, Aiden McGill and Levi Millsaps, who are all looking for ways to contribute early.
Harden said throwing strikes on the mound will be key for his team, which will once again face stiff competition in Region 6-AAAA. He also believes his team’s overall maturity will ultimately be a strength.
“These are baseball guys,” he added. “We’re youthful, but we’re still a very mature bunch and that’s their mindset.”