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Bryant Hornets Look To Repeat in 2015

November 25, 2014

The Bryant Hornets have been on a solid run winning 3 of the past 5, 7A state championships since 2010. This 2015 team will try to do something that has not been done at Bryant, winning back to back championships. We had a chance to talk with Coach Kirk Bock and his staff, about this year, a little reflecting on last year and the obstacles of trying to repeat.

PBR: State championships are a huge accomplishment, what was the biggest key to your team’s success last spring? 

Coach Bock: Last year’s state championships success was due in large part to the leaderships our seniors had.  They showed up at 5:30am everyday with the intent to get better.  Along with that, the entire team bought into our offensive philosophy and understood that pitching and defense wins ball games.

PBR: Who were they key losses off last year’s roster?

Coach Bock: In some way, shape, or form all of our seniors from the 2014 class will be missed.  Each contributed at the positions they were at during the year.  The middle of the field takes a hit from the loss of (SS) Trevor Ezell, (2B) Korey Thompson, and (CF) Chase Tucker.  We will also miss the defense and intensity that Dalton Holt played with at 1st Base.  Harrison Dale, Justin Emmerling, and Devin Dupree will be missed for their leadership with the pitching staff and development of the young pitchers.

PBR: Did any 2014 graduates continue their playing careers if so where?

Coach Bock: Trevor Ezell will be playing at Southeast Missouri State University, Korey Thompson and Harrison Dale will be contributing to a very talented Arkansas Tech squad, Dalton Holt and Chase Tucker look to continue their success at the University of Arkansas-Monticello, and Justin Emmerling will attend Henderson State to play baseball this year.

PBR: Have you had any 2015 graduates commit to play after high school? If so where? 

Coach Bock: Blaine Knight, (State Tournament MVP) committed to the University of Arkansas, Drew Tipton is another highly regarded position player that will continue his career somewhere,  Jason Hastings, Blake Patterson, Brandan Warner, and Trey Breeding are a few others that will receive chances at the next level.

PBR: Who are your unsigned/ uncommitted 2015 grads that are looking to continue their careers?

Coach Bock: Brandan Warner,  Connor Tatum, Nick Kehrees, Weston Jones

PBR: What would you say will be the biggest strength of the 2015 team?

Coach Bock: The biggest strength of the team this coming season should be the pitching staff.  We return almost the entire staff from last year’s team.  Team defense and Offensive Approach should also be strength.

PBR: What is the biggest area of concern for you and your coaching staff for this season?

Coach Bock: Youth at key positions, depth, and physical strength.

PBR: Who are the seniors you are looking to have a large impact on this season?

Coach Bock: After a stellar junior campaign, Blaine Knight will be relied upon to improve off of last year.  Blake Patterson is a guy that we will rely upon both as a pitcher and offensively. Seniors Drew Tipton and Jason Hastings will need to continue improving on last year’s offense and defense success.  Brandan Warner will be looked upon to man 3rd base again and Trey Breeding will need to continue being a leader behind the plate.

PBR: Who are some underclassmen people need to watch for this spring?

Coach Bock: Evan Lee (LHP/OF), Jake East (SS), Logan Allen (OF), Alex Shurtleff (RHP), Dylan Hurt (RHP, INF, C) , Austin Kelly (RHP/OF)

PBR? Is your team attending any tournaments out of state?

Coach Bock: Midway Classic (Waco, TX), Tampa Bay Spring Training.

PBR:  Who are some teams to watch for this season as you try to repeat?

Coach Bock: Fayetteville, Conway, Catholic, Russellville, Benton

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